METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTIONAL SOUND
Different embodiments of methods and apparatus to produce audio output signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic speaker outputting ultrasonic signals can be transformed into first audio output signals, which are directional. A non-ultrasonic speaker can output second audio output signals. The embodiment can be configured to output the first audio output signals or the second audio output signals in a vehicle. Another embodiment can be configured to output the first and the second audio output signals together. Yet another embodiment can be configured to be personalized to hearing characteristics of a user, or to depend on sound level of an environment of the user. One embodiment can include a directional speaker attached to a vehicle, with its output steerable towards a user in the vehicle.
1 . A portable electronic apparatus for a portable electronic device, the portable electronic apparatus comprising:
a directional speaker that provides ultrasonic audio signals in at least a particular direction; and
a controller operatively connected to at least the directional speaker, the controller operating to supply signals to the directional speaker so that the directional speaker is configured to output the ultrasonic audio signals,
wherein the ultrasonic audio signals from the directional speaker are configured to result in audio sound in the particular direction, for at least a user of the portable electronic device,
wherein the portable electronic apparatus is configured to be removably connected to the portable electronic device, and
wherein while the portable electronic apparatus is connected to the portable electronic device and in use, the portable electronic apparatus remains portable and able to be handheld.
2 . A portable electronic apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic audio signals has a carrier frequency of 40 Khz.
3 . A portable electronic apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic apparatus is configured to be removably connected to the portable electronic device, which is a portable music player.
4 . A portable electronic apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic apparatus is configured to be removably connected to the portable electronic device, which is operable as a wireless communication device.
5 . A portable electronic apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the directional speaker is configured to provide the ultrasonic audio signals in at least the particular direction via at least a reflection from a surface.