Multi-channel pairing in media system
Abstract
Problem to be solved.To provide a technique for grouping, integrating, and pairing an individual playback device and a network compatible (player) in order to simulate a multi-channel listening environment. A computer device 110 can download audio sources, such as audio related to music or video, from the Internet or some other source, store the downloaded audio sources, and on the Internet or network 108. Can be shared locally with other devices. Either the computer device 110 or the zone players 102, 104 and 106 can be configured to receive streaming audio, the device 112 receives an analog audio source. Or configured to retrieve a digital audio source. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Term
11.1 yearsto projected expiry
Projected expiry 1 November 2037, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.
- Priority and filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
29 claims: 6 independent, 23 dependent
- 1マルチチャンネルリスニング環境にオーディオを提供する装置であって、 ネットワークとの通信を可能にするネットワークインターフェース、ここで前記ネットワークインターフェースは、前記ネットワーク上のオーディオデータを受信する、 複数のスピーカードライバ、 前記複数のスピーカードライバに電力を供給するアンプ、および 前記複数のスピーカードライバを通って出力される前記オーディオデータを処理し、第1のタイプのペアリングに応じて前記複数のスピーカードライバからの出力の第1のイコライゼーションを設定し、さらに第2のペアリングに応じて前記複数のスピーカードライバからの出力の第2のイコライゼーションを設定するプロセッサ、を備える、装置。
- 2前記第1のイコライゼーションは、前記第1のタイプのペアリングに基づいて出力を変更させる第1のタイプのパスフィルタの使用を含み、前記第2のイコライゼーションは、前記第2のタイプのペアリングに基づいて出力を変更させる第2のタイプのパスフィルタの使用を含み、前記第1のタイプのパスフィルタと前記第2のタイプのパスフィルタは、互いに異なる、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 3前記装置は、再生デバイスを備え、前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、他の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含まず、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、1つ以上の別の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含む、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 4前記装置は、再生デバイスを備え、前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、第2の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、複数の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含む、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 5前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介しての2つのチャンネルサウンドの再現を含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介しての前記2つのチャンネルサウンドの1つ以下のチャンネルの再現を含む、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 6前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介しての第1のオーディオチャンネルの再現を含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介しての第2のオーディオチャンネルの再現を含み、前記第1のオーディオチャンネルと前記第2のオーディオチャンネルは、互いに異なる、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 7前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、ステレオモードにおいて前記複数のスピーカードライバを介してのオーディオコンテンツの再現を含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、シアターモードにおいて前記複数のスピーカードライバを介しての前記オーディオコンテンツの再現を含む、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 8統合モードの場合、前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介してのオーディオコンテンツの再現を含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介しての前記オーディオコンテンツの再現を含む、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 9前記プロセッサは、前記オーディオデータを複数のオーディオチャンネルに分けるように設定され、分けられた少なくとも1つのオーディオチャンネルは、前記複数のスピーカードライバから出力され、分けられた少なくとも1つの別のオーディオチャンネルは、前記ネットワーク上の前記ネットワークデバイスによって送信される、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 10前記装置は、再生デバイスであり、前記ネットワークインターフェースは、ネットワーク上でコントローラからの信号を受信し、1つ以上の再生デバイスとペアにする、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 11前記装置は、再生デバイスであり、前記ネットワークインターフェースは、ネットワーク上でコントローラからの信号を受信し、再生デバイスを統合モードに設定する、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 12前記装置は、再生デバイスであって、前記再生デバイスが選択されれば、前記再生デバイスのチャンネルを選択するボタンを備える、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 13前記ネットワークは、ワイヤレスネットワークである、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 14前記プロセッサは、制御インターフェースコマンド、オーディオコンテンツの変化、時間、およびオーディオコンテンツのタイプの少なくとも1つを含むトリガーに応答して前記装置と第2の装置とを選んでペアにする、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 15前記プロセッサは、入ってくるオーディオデータを処理し、前記オーディオデータをオーディオチャンネルに分け、1つ以上の別の再生デバイスに提供し、それらの複数のオーディオチャンネルを同期して出力する、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 16前記プロセッサは、入ってくるオーディオデータを処理し、1つ以上のオーディオチャンネルに対応する1つ以上のオーディオトラックをローカルに保持し、そしてすべての入ってくるオーディオデータが再生デバイスによってローカルに保持されるまで、残りのオーディオトラックを少なくとも1つの他の再生デバイスに送信する、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 17前記プロセッサは、入ってくるオーディオデータを処理し、1つ以上のオーディオチャンネルに対応する1つ以上のオーディオトラックを保持し、少なくとも第2の装置によって処理される1つ以上の他のオーディオトラックを無視する、請求項1に記載の装置。
- 18マルチチャンネルリスニング環境にオーディオを提供する方法であって、 ネットワーク上のオーディオデータを受信するステップ、 複数のスピーカードライバを通って出力される前記オーディオデータを処理するステップ、および 第1のタイプのペアリングに応じて前記複数のスピーカードライバからの前記出力の第1のイコライゼーションを設定し、さらに第2のタイプのペアリングに応じて前記複数のスピーカードライバからの前記出力の第2のイコライゼーションを設定するステップ、を含む、方法。
- 19前記第1のイコライゼーションは、前記第1のタイプのペアリングに基づいて前記コンテンツを変更させる第1のパスフィルタを使用することを含み、前記第2のイコライゼーションは、前記第2のペアリングに基づいて前記コンテンツを変更させる第2のパスフィルタを使用することを含み、前記第1のパスフィルタと前記第2のパスフィルタは、互いに異なる、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 20前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、他の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含まず、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、1つ以上の別の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含む、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 21前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、第2の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、複数の再生デバイスとのペアリングを含む、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 22前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介して2つのチャンネルサウンドを再現することを含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介して前記2つのチャンネルサウンドの1つ以下のチャンネルを再現することを含む、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 23前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介して第1のオーディオチャンネルを再現することを含み、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介して第2のオーディオチャンネルを再現することを含み、前記第1のオーディオチャンネルと前記第2のオーディオチャンネルは異なる、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 24統合モードの場合、前記第1のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介して前記オーディオコンテンツを再現し、前記第2のタイプのペアリングは、前記複数のスピーカードライバを介して前記オーディオコンテンツを再現することを含む、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 25前記処理するステップと前記設定するステップとは、前記オーディオデータを複数のオーディオチャンネルに分けることを含み、分けられた少なくとも1つのオーディオチャンネルは、前記複数のスピーカードライバから出力され、分けられた少なくとも1つの別のオーディオチャンネルは、前記ネットワーク上の前記ネットワークインターフェースによって送信される、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 26前記複数のスピーカードライバから出力される前記オーディオデータのチャンネルを選択するコントローラに前記ネットワーク上で信号を送信することをさらに含む、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 27前記処理するステップは、制御インターフェースコマンド、オーディオコンテンツの変化、時間、およびオーディオコンテンツのタイプの少なくとも1つを含むトリガーに応答して前記装置と第2の装置とを選んでペアにする、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 28前記処理するステップは、入ってきたデータを処理することをさらに含み、1つ以上のオーディオチャンネルに対応する1つ以上のオーディオトラックをローカルに保持し、すべての入ってくるオーディオトラックが再生デバイスによってローカルに保持されるまで、残りのオーディオトラックを少なくとも1つの他の再生デバイスに送信する、請求項18に記載の方法。
- 29前記処理するステップは、入ってくるオーディオデータを処理し、1つ以上のオーディオチャンネルに対応する1つ以上のオーディオトラックを保持し、少なくとも第2の装置によって処理される1つ以上の他のオーディオトラックを無視する、請求項18に記載の方法。
Independent claims29
172 paragraphs, as filed
0001The techniques described herein are directed to techniques for use in the field of consumer electronics. In particular, in certain embodiments, it is directed to pairing multi-channel media systems.
0002Music is widely a part of our daily lives. And thanks to technological advances, music content is now more accessible than ever. The same can be said for other types of media such as television and movies, as well as other audio and video content. In fact, users can now access content on the Internet through online stores, Internet radio stations, online music services, online movie services, etc., in addition to the traditional means of accessing audio and video content. ..
0003The demand for such audio and video content continues to grow exponentially. Given the high demand over the years, the technology used to access and play such content is improving as well. Nonetheless, the technologies used to access and play content can be significantly improved or developed in ways that the market and end users cannot anticipate.
0004The embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, various devices, systems, methods, and computer program products. This section is intended to summarize some aspects of a particular embodiment. Similar to this section, the abstract or the title of this description may be simplified or omitted to avoid obscuring the purpose, summary, and title of this section. Such simplifications or omissions do not limit the scope of the various inventions described herein.
0005In summary, the embodiments described herein provide techniques for grouping, integrating, and pairing individual playback devices to create or enhance a multi-channel listening environment. In particular, embodiments herein can be paired with two or more playback devices, thereby realizing or enhancing multi-channel audio. In such embodiments, it may also be used to create stereo sound, or other audio environment suitable for audio content encoded on more than one channel, such as certain televisions, movies, and music. Good.
0006For example, the apparatus according to the embodiment includes a network interface, a plurality of speaker drivers, an amplifier, and a processor. The network interface receives audio data on the network. The amplifier powers multiple speaker drivers. The processor processes the output audio data through multiple speaker drivers. The processor sets the first equalization of the output from the speaker driver according to the first type of pairing, and further sets the second equalization of the output from the speaker driver according to the second type of pairing. To do.
0007In another example, the method according to an embodiment includes receiving audio data on a network and processing the output audio data through multiple speaker drivers. The method is to set the first equalization of the output from the speaker driver according to the first type of pairing, and the second equalization of the output from multiple speaker drivers according to the second type of pairing. Including setting.
0008One of the objects, features, and advantages of the present invention is to realize or enhance a multi-channel listening environment. Many other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent by reviewing their detailed description of embodiments below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
0009These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the techniques described herein will be better understood by those skilled in the art in the following description, the appended claims, and the techniques relating to the accompanying drawings. ..
0010<figref num="1">FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration in which a particular embodiment can be implemented.</figref><figref num="2A">FIG. 2A shows an exemplary functional block diagram of a player according to a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="2B">FIG. 2B shows an example of a controller that can be used to remotely control one or more players of FIG. 2A.</figref><figref num="2C">FIG. 2C shows an example of a controller that can be used to remotely control one or more players in FIG. 2A.</figref><figref num="2D">FIG. 2D is an example of a functional block diagram inside the controller according to a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="3A">Figure 3A provides a diagram of zone scene settings.</figref><figref num="3B">Figure 3B shows that users define multiple groups that are collected at the same time.</figref><figref num="4">Figure 4 shows an example of a user interface that can be displayed on the controller or the computer in Figure 1.</figref><figref num="5A">Figure 5A shows an example of a user interface that allows the user to form a scene.</figref><figref num="5B">Figure 5B shows another example of a user interface that allows the user to form a scene.</figref><figref num="5C">Figure 5C shows an example of a user interface that allows users to adjust the volume level of zone players in a zone scene individually or collectively.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 shows a flowchart or process that provides a player theme or zone scene for multiple players, with one or more players placed in the zone.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration in which the audio source is played by the two players according to the embodiment.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 shows an example of a pairing configuration among a plurality of players according to the embodiment.</figref><figref num="9">Figure 9 shows a flow chart or process for grouping multiple audio products, simulating a multi-channel listening environment by synchronizing and playing different soundtracks.</figref><figref num="10A">FIG. 10A shows an example of a snapshot of the controller used in a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="10B">FIG. 10B shows an example of a snapshot of the controller used in a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="10C">Figure 10C shows an example of a snapshot of the controller used in a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="10D">Figure 10D shows an example of a snapshot of the controller used in a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="10E">Figure 10E shows an example of a snapshot of the controller used in a particular embodiment.</figref><figref num="10F">FIG. 10F shows an example of a snapshot of the controller used in a particular embodiment.</figref>
0011Further, although the drawings are intended to illustrate a particular embodiment, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. I. Overview
0012The embodiments described herein relate to multi-channel pairing in a media system. Embodiments are particularly useful for pairing two or more playback devices together to create or enhance multi-channel audio reproduction, such as stereo, surround sound, or some other multi-channel environment. .. The embodiments will also find usefulness in the context of any system for which multi-channel pairing is desired.
0013In the embodiment, two playback devices capable of outputting a plurality of independent audio channels are selected and paired. After such pairing, one playback device is configured to output a first subset of multiple audio channels, and the other playback device outputs a second subset of multiple audio channels. Is set. The first and second subsets are different from each other. For example, each playback device is set to operate in two channel modes or stereo modes before being paired (eg, each playback device plays in both right and left channel audio). After pairing, one playback device is reconfigured to output the first channel (eg, right channel audio, not left channel audio), and the other playback device is the first. It is reset to output a second channel that is different from the channel (for example, left channel audio, not right channel audio).
0014In another embodiment, three or more playback devices capable of outputting a plurality of audio channels independent of another playback device in the collection are selected and paired. After such pairing, each of the playback devices is set to output different audio channels from the collection. This embodiment is particularly useful for setting the type of television or cinema. Certain playback devices out of multiple playback devices are set to output in two channels or stereo mode at once (for example, when playing a song), and after pairing, the front right channel, front Output as center channel, front left channel, rear right channel, rear left channel, subwoofer channel, etc. (for example, when watching TV or a movie, or when listening to music containing more than two channels) Set,
0015In another embodiment, one of the paired playback devices, for example, processes the data for an audio item and divides the data into respective channels displaying a single soundtrack. The playback device transmits the divided channels to each of the other playback devices. The playback device synchronizes and plays back those characteristic channels to create a multi-channel listening environment. Alternatively, each of the paired playback devices processes the data of the audio item, or part of the data, to play them alone or one or more channels designed for each playback device.
0016In another embodiment, two or more playback devices can be grouped into a single or integrated playback device, and the integrated playback device is paired with one or more playback devices. Can be done. For example, two playback devices may be grouped into a first integrated playback device, and two other playback devices may be grouped into a second integrated playback device. The first and second integrated playback devices may be paired, for example. In certain embodiments, each playback device of the integrated playback device can be switched to integrated mode to change the equalization of one or more speaker drivers for any particular playback device. In addition, one or more other playback devices may be added to the integrated playback device.
0017In certain embodiments, the playback device is configured to output an audio channel and is paired with one or more other playback devices. In that way, the playback device is reconfigured to output a different audio channel. For example, the playback device may output the right channel in stereo mode, but after being paired with one or more other playback devices, it is reconfigured to output the rear, right channel in theater mode. May be good. The playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.
0018In certain embodiments, the playback device is configured to output multiple audio channels and is paired with one or more other playback devices. As such, the playback device is configured to output a subset of multiple audio channels associated with one or more other playback devices. For example, a playback device may be set to output in 2-channel or stereo mode, but it may also be set to output right or left channels after being paired with one or more playback devices. Good. The playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.
0019In certain embodiments, the playback device comprises a network interface, one or more speaker devices, an amplifier, and a processor. The network interface receives audio data on the network. The amplifier powers the speaker driver. The processor processes the audio data output through the speaker driver. The processor sets the first equalization of the output from the speaker driver according to the first type of pairing, and further sets the second equalization of the output from the speaker driver according to the second type of pairing. To do. The playback device can operate in either unpaired mode, paired mode, integrated mode, or group mode.
0020In certain embodiments, the controller is specifically configured to pair two or more playback devices, creating a multi-channel audio environment. That is, through the controller, the user can select which playback device to pair with. Once programmed, the playback device can operate in pair mode, for example, until released. In some embodiments, the controller is wirelessly connected to one or more playback devices. In other embodiments, the controller is wired to one or more playback devices.
0021According to certain embodiments, the pairing behavior of two or more playback devices is triggered based on a command from the user via a control interface (eg, a manual command creates a pair) or responds to an event. Triggered (for example, an automatic command creates a pair). Sample events detect changes in audio content (for example, audio content has two channel content, which means it has three or more channel content, and vice versa), specific Period detection, detection of certain types of entertainment (eg, detecting whether a user is watching TV or listening to music), or any other programmed to create a pair with a playback device. Includes events. Event detection may be done, for example, by a controller, one of the playback devices, or some other device.
0022According to certain embodiments, in an attempt to optimize multi-channel pairing, the playback device settings change the equalization of the playback device by varying the equalization of one or more particular speaker drivers. It may include either optimizing synchronization between a pair of devices. Examples of varying equalization are described further below.
0023These embodiments and some other embodiments are described more below. In addition, detailed descriptions primarily relate to exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logical blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble the behavior of networked data processing devices. Presented. These process descriptions and expressions are commonly used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the content of their work to others. A number of specific details are described to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the present invention can be carried out without certain particular details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiment.
0024References herein to "embodiments" mean that certain features, structures, or properties described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various parts of the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and is not a separate or alternative embodiment excluding other embodiments from each other. The embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments, expressly and implicitly, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. II. Environmental example
0025With reference to the figures, similar numbers in it can represent similar parts through several figures. FIG. 1 shows an example of configuration 100 in which a particular embodiment can be implemented. Configuration 100 can represent, but is not limited to, a residential, home, part of a business building, or a complex with multiple zones. A large number of multimedia players in three examples 102, 104, and 106 are shown as audio devices. Each of the audio devices may be installed or provided in one particular area or zone and is therefore referred to herein as a zone player.
0026As used herein, unless otherwise stated, one audio source or multiple audio sources may be in digital form and may be transmitted or streamed over a data network. To facilitate understanding of the illustrated environment in Figure 1, configuration 100 is assumed to represent a home. However, it is understood that this technique is not limited to that environment of the application. Returning to FIG. 1, one or two zone players 102 and 104 may be placed in the bedroom, and zone players 106 may be placed or placed in the living room. Zone players 102, 104, and 106 are directly or indirectly connected to network 108. In addition, computer device 110 is shown to be connected over network 108. In fact, any other device such as a home gateway device, storage device, or MP3 player can connect to network 108 as well.
0027The network 108 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both. In one example, all devices, including zone players 102, 104, and 106, are connected to network 108 by wireless means based on industrial standards such as IEEE 802.11. In yet another example, all devices, including zone players 102, 104, and 106, are part of a local area network that communicates with a wide area network (eg, the Internet). In yet another example, all devices, including zone players 102, 104, 106 and controller 142, form an ad hoc network, eg, Family Identification: The Karai family is specifically named, eg, a family such as the Smith family. Distinguished from neighborhood settings similar to identification.
0028Many devices on network 108 are configured to download and store audio sources. For example, computer device 110 can download audio sources such as audio related to music or video from the internet (eg, "cloud") or some other source, store the downloaded audio sources, and the internet or Can be shared locally with other devices on network 108. Either the computer device 110 or the zone players 102, 104 and 106 can be configured to receive streaming audio. As shown as a stereo system, device 112 is configured to receive an analog audio source (eg, from broadcasting) or extract a digital audio source (eg, from a compact disc). You can also convert analog audio sources to digital audio sources. According to certain embodiments, various audio sources may be shared between devices on network 108.
0029Two or more zone players (eg, any two or more zone players 102, 104, and 106) may be grouped together to form a new zone group. Zone players and some combinations of existing zone groups may be grouped together. In one example, adding one zone player to another zone player or an existing zone group creates a new zone group.
0030In certain embodiments, there are two or more zone players in an environment (eg, the living room of a home). Instead of grouping these zone players and playing the same audio source in sync, these two zone players may be configured to play two different sounds on the left and right channels. In other words, the stereo effect of the sound is reproduced or enhanced through these two zone players, one left sound and the other right sound. Similarly, for 3-channel (or 2.1 sound effects) sound, three such zone players may be reconfigured to have three speakers, with the left and right speakers and subwoofer forming a stereo sound. More details on the reconfiguration of the zone player and the operation of these audio products are given below. A similar configuration with more than three channels (eg, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 channels, etc.) may be applied. For example, configurations that use two or more channels are useful in television and cinema type settings, which allow video content, such as television and movie formats, to be played with audio content that includes more than one channel. In addition, certain music may be similarly encoded in two or more channel sounds.
0031In certain embodiments, two or more zone players may be integrated to form a single integrated zone player. The integrated zone player may be further paired with a single zone player or yet another integrated zone player. The integrated zone player may include one or more individual playback devices. Each of the integrated playback devices is preferably set to integrated mode.
0032According to some embodiments, either grouping, integrating, and pairing can continue to be performed until the desired configuration is complete. Grouping, integration, and pairing operations are preferably performed through a control interface, rather than physically connecting and reconnecting speaker wires to, for example, individual separate speakers to create different configurations. In such cases, the particular embodiments described herein provide a more flexible and dynamic platform capable of providing acoustic reproduction to the end user.
0033It is understood that the techniques described herein are not limited to that environment of the application. For example, zones and zone players, embodiments described herein, include cars, personal watercraft, airplanes, amphitheaters, outdoors, along the streets of villages or cities, as well as homes, offices, gyms, schools. , Hospitals, hotels, cinemas, shopping malls, shops, casinos, museums, theme parks, or any other place where audio content is played. Thus, of course, the embodiments described herein may be used in connection with any system or application for which multi-channel pairing is desired. III. Example of playback device
0034Referring to FIG. 2A, an exemplary functional block diagram of the Zone Player 200 according to the embodiment is shown. The zone player 200 includes a network interface 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, an audio processing circuit 210, a module 212, and optionally an internal or external audio amplifier 214, and any speaker unit connected to the audio amplifier 214. Includes 218. The network interface 202 enables data flow between the data network (ie, data network 108 in FIG. 1) and the zone player 200, generally enforces special rules (ie, protocols), and allows data to flow to each other. connect. One of the common protocols used on the Internet is TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). In general, network interface 202 manages the compression of audio sources or files into smaller packets, which packets are sent or received over the data network and expanded to the original source or file. Further, the network interface 202 treats the address portion of each packet so that each packet reaches the correct destination or intercepts the packet destined for the zone player 200. Therefore, in certain embodiments, each packet contains an IP-based destination address as well as an IP-based source address.
0035The network interface 202 may include one or both of the wireless interface 216 and the wired interface 217. The wireless interface 216, also called the RF interface, provides network interface functionality by the wireless means of the zone player 200 and provides communication protocols (eg, wireless standards IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15.1). Communicate with other devices depending on. Wired interface 217 provides network interface functionality by wire means (eg, Ethernet® cable). In one embodiment, the zone player includes both interfaces 216 and 217, and the other zone player includes only an RF or wired interface. Therefore, these other zone players communicate with other devices on the network or read the audio source through the zone player. Processor 204 is configured to control the operation of other components with the zone player 200. Memory 206 can load one or more software modules that can be executed by processor 204 to accomplish the desired task. According to one embodiment, for example, when a software module that implements the embodiments described herein is executed, processor 204 refers to a saved zone group setting that characterizes a zone group created by the user. Then, depending on the software module, the zone player 200 reads the audio source from another zone player or device on the network, synchronizes the players in the zone group, and plays the audio source as desired. According to another embodiment, the software module that implements the embodiments described herein creates a pair with two or more zone players to create the desired multi-channel audio environment.
0036According to one embodiment, the memory 206 is used to store one or more stored zone configuration files and can be read for modification at any time. Generally, the saved zone group configuration file is sent to the controller (eg, control device 140 or 142 in Figure 1, computer, portable device, or television) when the user interacts with the control device. Zone group settings provide an interactive user interface and various operations or controls of the zone player can be performed.
0037In certain embodiments, the audio processing circuit 210 is like a circuit of an audio reproduction device, such as one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing, audio enhancements or digital signal processors. including. During operation, when read through network interface 202, the audio source is processed by the audio processing circuit 210 to produce an analog audio signal. The processed analog audio signal is then transmitted to the audio amplifier 214 and played back on the speaker. Further, the audio processing circuit 210 may include a circuit necessary to process an analog signal as an input, and the circuit generates a digital signal for sharing with other devices on the network.
0038Depending on the correct implementation, Module 212 may be run as a combination of hardware and software. In one embodiment, module 212 is used to store the scene. Audio amplifier 214 is an analog circuit that supplies the provided analog audio signal to drive one or more speakers in general.
0039It is understood that the zone player 200 is an example of a playback device. Examples of playback devices include those zone players commercially sold by Sonos Incorporated in Santa Barbara, California. They currently include Zone Player 90, Zone Player 120, and Sonoz S5. The zone player 90 is an example of a zone player without a built-in amplifier, while the zone player 120 is an example of a zone player with a built-in amplifier. The S5 is an example of a zone player with built-in amplifier and speakers. In particular, the S5 is a five drive speaker system that includes two tweeters, two midrange drivers, and one subwoofer. When playing audio content via the S5, the audio data on the left of the track is sent by the tweeter on the left and the midrange driver on the left, and the audio data on the right of the track is sent by the tweeter on the right and the midrange driver on the right. , And the monaural bus is transmitted from the subwoofer. In addition, both midrange drivers and both tweeters have the same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is, they are transmitted at the same frequency only from both different channels of audio. The S5 is an example of a zone player with speakers, but a zone player with speakers is not limited to one with a specific number of speakers (eg, five speakers like the S5), but rather one. It is understood that more than one speaker can be included. In addition, the zone player may be part of another device, which can serve a different main purpose than audio. IV. Controller example
0040With reference to FIG. 2B, an example of a controller 240 that may correspond to the control device 140 or 142 of FIG. 1 is shown. Controller 240 can be used to enable control of multimedia applications, automation, and other complex ones. In particular, controller 240 controls the operation of one or more zone players (eg, zone player 200) through the selection of multiple audio sources available on the network and the RF interface corresponding to wireless interface 216 in Figure 2A. It is set to allow you to. According to one embodiment, the wireless means is based on an industrial standard (eg, infrared, wireless communication, wireless standards IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15.1). If a particular audio source is played on the zone player 200, the image associated with the audio source, if any, may be transmitted from the zone player 200 to the display on the controller 240. In one embodiment, the controller 240 is used to synchronize the audio playback of one or more zone players by grouping the zone players within a group. In another embodiment, controller 240 is used to control the volume of each zone player within a zone group individually or together.
0041In one embodiment, the controller 240 is used to create a pairing with two or more playback devices, creating or enhancing a multi-channel listening environment. For example, controller 240 may be used to select and pair two or more playback devices. In addition, controller 240 may be used to turn pairing on or off. The controller 240 may be used to integrate the playback device and further set a particular playback device to integrated mode. Therefore, in some embodiments, the controller 240 provides a flexible mechanism for configuring a dynamic multi-channel audio environment. In some examples, pairing creates a multi-channel listening environment. In some examples, pairing improves the multi-channel listening environment by increasing the distance between devices. For example, two individual playback devices that are spaced apart from each other can provide the listener with multiple channel separations rather than audio from a single device.
0042The user interface of the controller 240 is a screen 242 (eg LCD screen) and a set of function buttons such as: "Zone" button 244, "Back" button 246, "Music" button 248, scroll wheel 250, " Includes a set of "ok" buttons 252, a set of transport control buttons 254, a set of mute buttons 256, a volume up / down button 264, and a set of soft buttons 266 corresponding to the label 268 displayed on the screen 242.
0043Screen 242 displays various screen menus according to the user's choice. In one embodiment, the "Zone" button 244 activates a zone management screen, the "Zone Menu", which is described in more detail below. The "back" button 246 may behave differently depending on the current screen. In one embodiment, the "back" button triggers the current screen display to return to the previous screen. In another embodiment, the "back" button denies the user's misselection. The "Music" button 248 activates the music menu and allows you to add an audio source (eg song) selection to the music queue of the zone player you want to play.
0044The scroll wheel 250 is used to select an item in the list that is always displayed on screen 242. If there are too many items in the list to fit on one screen, scroll indicators such as scroll bars or scroll arrows will appear next to the list. When the scroll indicator is displayed, the user may select the displayed item or turn the scroll wheel 250 to display a hidden item in the list. The "OK" button 252 is used to confirm the user selection on screen 242.
0045There are three transport buttons 254, which are used to control the effects of the currently playing song. For example, the functions of the transport button include playing / pausing a song, fast-forwarding / rewinding, going to the track of the next song, or going back to the previous track. According to one embodiment, pressing one of the volume control buttons, for example the mute button 262 or the volume up / down button 264, activates the volume panel. In addition, there are three soft buttons 266, which can be activated according to label 268 on screen 242. It is understood that in a multi-zone system, there may be multiple audio sources, each played on one or more zone players. The music transport features described herein should be selectively applied to one of the sources if the one corresponding to one of the zone players or zone groups is selected.
0046FIG. 2C shows an example of a controller 260 that may correspond to the control device 140 or 142 of FIG. The controller 260 includes a touch screen that allows users to navigate playlists of many items that interact with the controller and control the behavior of one or more players, for example. In one embodiment, as further shown in FIGS. 10A-10F, the user may interact with the controller to create a multi-channel audio environment, such as creating a stereo pair, or removing a stereo pair. It may be used to separate the audio environment. Other network-enabled mobile devices, such as the iPhone®, iPad®, any other smartphone or network-enabled device, may be used as controllers to interact with multiple zone players in the environment. Or control (for example, a network computer such as a PC or Mac may be used as the controller). According to one embodiment, the application may be downloaded to a network-enabled device. Such applications can implement most of the features described above on the controller 240 using an in-device navigation mechanism or touch screen. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the flexibility of the application and the portability to new types of specific portable devices subject to the detailed description herein.
0047FIG. 2D shows an example internal functional block diagram of the controller 240 in FIG. 2B, an example controller 270 that may accommodate a computer device, smartphone, or any other communication device. The screen 272 of the controller 270 may be a liquid crystal display screen. The screen 272 communicates with the screen driver 274 controlled by the microcontroller (eg, processor) 276 to issue commands. Memory 282 may load one or more application modules 284 that can be executed by microcontroller 276 with or without user input via user interface 278 to accomplish the desired task. In one embodiment, the application module is configured to allow selected zone players to be grouped into zone groups and to synchronize the zone players to one audio source. In another embodiment, the application module is configured to control the audio source (eg, volume) of the zone player in the zone group together. When the microcontroller 276 runs one or more of the application modules 284 during operation, the screen driver 274 generates a control signal to drive the screen 272, which is described below accordingly. Many display application-specific user interfaces.
0048The controller 270 includes a network interface 280 called an RF interface 280, which allows wireless communication with the zone player via its corresponding RF interface. In one embodiment, commands such as volume control or audio playback synchronization are sent via the RF interface. In another embodiment, the saved zone group settings are transmitted between the zone player and the controller via the RF interface. Controller 270 may control one or more zone players, such as 102, 104, and 106 in FIG. Nonetheless, there may be multiple controllers in each preferred zone (eg, a room or a room close to each other) and may be configured to control any one or all of the zone players.
0049In one embodiment, the user creates a zone group containing at least two zone players from a controller 240 that sends a signal or data to one of the zone players. The signal received by one zone player is synchronized with the other zone players in the group so that all zone players are connected on the network, and in such a timely way of synchronization, within the group. All zone players play the same audio source or a list of the same audio sources, and no (or almost no) skips or skips are heard. Similarly, if the user increases the audio volume from the controller, the signal or data that increases the audio volume of the group is sent to one of the zone players, along with the other zone players in the group to the same volume. Enlarge.
0050According to one embodiment, the application module is loaded into memory 282 for zone group management. When a given key (eg, "zone" button 244) is activated on controller 240, the application module runs on microcontroller 276. The input interface 278, which is connected to and controlled by the microcontroller 272, receives input from the user. The "zone menu" is displayed on screen 272. Users can group zone players into zone groups by activating the "Link Zones" or "Additional Zones" soft buttons, or by activating the "Unlink Zones" or "Drop Zones" buttons. May start to be ungrouped. The details of the operation of the zone group are further described below.
0051As mentioned above, the input interface 278 includes a screen graphical user interface as well as a plurality of function buttons. It should be pointed out that the controller 240 in FIG. 2B is not the only control device that can implement the embodiments. Other devices (eg, computer devices, handheld devices) that provide equivalent control functionality may be configured to carry out the present invention. In the above description, unless otherwise stated, it is clear that a key or button is commonly referred to as a physical button or soft button, allowing the user to enter commands or data.
0052One mechanism of zone players that are "connected" together for music playback links multiple zone players together to form a group. To link multiple zone players together, the user may manually link each zone player or room to each other. For example, there is a multi-zone system that includes the following zones: bathroom The bedroom Study dining room family room Entrance
0053If the user wants to link 5 out of 6 zone players that use the current mechanism, the user may start with a single zone and then manually link each zone to that zone. This mechanism can take a considerable amount of time. According to one embodiment, sets of zones can be dynamically linked together using commands. Using what is referred to herein as a theme or zone scene, a zone is set to a particular scene (eg, morning, afternoon, or garden) and the given zone grouping and attribute settings for grouping are automatic. Can be achieved.
0054For example, the "Morning" zone scene / configuration command would link the bedroom, study and dining room together in one action. Without this single command, the user would have to manually link each zone individually. Figure 3A provides an example of a single zone scene, the left column shows the start of zone grouping-all zones are separated, and the right column is named after "Morning". The results of zone grouping are shown to create a group of three zones.
0055Further expanding this idea, the zone scene can be set to create multiple linked zones. For example, the scene creates groups of three separate zones, the downstairs zones are linked together, the upstairs zones are linked together within their own group, and the outer zones (in this case, the patio) Move into its own group.
0056In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the user defines multiple groups to be gathered at the same time. For example, an "evening scene" is desired to link the following zones: -Group 1 Bedroom Study Dining room -Group 2 Garage Garden Here, the bathroom, family room, and entrance should be separated from any group if they are part of a group before the zone scene is called.
0057A feature of a particular embodiment is that the zone does not need to be separated before calling the zone scene. In one embodiment, when called, a command is provided to link to all zones in one step. The command is in the form of a zone scene. After linking to the appropriate zone, the zone scene command can apply the following attributes: Set the volume level in each zone (each zone has a different volume) Mute / unmute the zone Select and play specific music in the zone Set the music playback mode (shuffle, repeat, shuffle-repeat) Set music playback equalization for each zone (for example, bass and treble)
0058A further extension of this embodiment is to trigger a zone scene command as an alarm clock function. For example, the zone scene is set to apply at 8:00 am. It can be set to automatically link to the appropriate zone, play a particular piece of music, and stop after a predetermined period of time. A single zone may be assigned to the alarm, but the scene setting as an alarm clock has several linked zones in the scene pre-defined audio (eg, favorite song, predefined play). List) provides synchronized alarms that can be played at a specific time or for a specific period of time. If for some reason the scheduled music fails to play (eg empty playlist, no connection to share, UPnP failure, no internet connection on internet radio station), the backup buzzer will sound. .. This buzzer is a sound file stored in the zone player.
0059FIG. 4 shows an example of a user interface 400 that may be displayed on the controller 142 or computer 110 of FIG. Interface 400 displays a list of user-configurable items to make the scene work at specific times. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the list of items includes "alarm", "time", "zone", "music", "frequency", and "alarm length". "Alarm" can be set to on or off. When "Alarm" is set to on, "Time" is the specific time for setting the alarm to off. "Zone" indicates that the zone player is set to play the specified audio at a specific time. "Music" displays what is being played at a particular time. "Frequency" allows the user to define the frequency of alarms. "Alarm length" defines how long the audio will play. It should be noted that the user interface 400 is provided herein to indicate some of the features associated with setting alarms. Depending on the exact implementation, other features such as time zone for display, daylight saving time adjustment, time synchronization, and time / date format may also be provided.
0060In one embodiment, each zone in the scene may be set to a different alarm. For example, the "morning" scene includes three zone players, a bedroom, a study, and a dining room, respectively. After selecting a scene, the user may set alarms for the scene as a whole. As a result, each of the zone players will be activated at a specific time.
0061Figure 5A shows a user interface 500 that allows the user to form a scene. The left panel shows the zones that can be used at home. The right panel shows the zones that have been selected and grouped as part of this scene. Depending on the exact implementation of the user interface, add / remove buttons may be provided to move zones between panels, or zones may be dragged along the panel.
0062Figure 5B shows another user interface 520 that allows the user to form a scene. The user interface 520, which may be displayed on the controller or computer device, indicates the available zones in the system. Checkboxes are provided next to each of the zones so that the user can check the zones associated with the scene.
0063Figure 5C shows a user interface 510 that allows users to adjust the volume level of zone players in a zone scene individually or collectively. As shown in user interface 510, the "Volume ..." button (slider, shown in other possible forms) affects the volume of the zone player to which the user is associated when the zone scene is invoked. be able to. In one embodiment, when scenes are recalled, zone players can be configured to maintain whatever volume they currently have. In addition, the user can decide whether to unmute or mute the volume when the scene is recalled. V. Provide examples of player themes or zone scenes
0064FIG. 6 shows a flowchart or process 600 that provides a player theme or zone scene for multiple players, where one or more players are located within a zone. Process 600 is shown according to one embodiment of the invention and may be performed in a module located in memory 282 of FIG. 2C.
0065Process 600 is started when the user decides to continue the zone scene at 602. Process 600 then moves to 604, where the user can decide which zone player to associate with the scene. For example, there are 10 players at home, and the scene is named after "Morning". The user may be given an interface to select 4 out of 10 players associated with the scene. At 606, the scene is saved. The scene can be saved to any of the members in the scene. In the example of FIG. 1, the scene may be stored in one of the zone players or displayed on the controller 142. During operation, the data associated with the scene contains multiple parameters. In one embodiment, the parameters include, but are not limited to, associated player and playlist identifiers (eg, IP addresses). The parameters may include the volume / tone settings associated with the scene. The user may go back to 602 and set another scene to his liking.
0066Given the saved scene, the user can activate the scene at any time, or set a timer on the 610 to activate the scene. Process 600 can continue if the saved scene is activated at 610. At 612, when activating the saved scene, process 600 checks the state of the player associated with the scene. The state of a player means that each of the players must be in a responsive state in a synchronized manner. In one embodiment, player interconnections are checked to ensure that if there are such controllers in the scene, the players communicate between themselves and / or with the controllers.
0067Assume that all players associated with the scene are in good condition. At 614, the command is executed with parameters (eg, associated playlists and volumes). In one embodiment, data including parameters is transmitted from a member (eg, a controller) to other members in the scene to synchronize the player with the behavior set in the scene. The behavior allows all players to play songs on the same or different volumes, or play pre-saved files. VI. Example of multi-channel environment
0068FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration in which an audio source is played by two players 702 and 704 according to an exemplary embodiment. These two players 702 and 704 may be located in and around one location (eg, a hall, room, or nearby room) or may be designated to play two soundtracks each. Good. For example, an audio source may have left and right sound channels or tracks (eg, stereo sound). If, instead of grouping players 702 and 704 and playing the audio sources together in sync, if each player 702 and 704 plays the same audio content at about the same time, pair players 702 and 704 to play the audio source. Different sounds can be played in sync. As a result of pairing, stereo sound effects can be simulated or enhanced through two players 702 and 704, for example, for one player or no player.
0069In certain embodiments, each player of players 702 and 704 has a network interface, such as one or more speaker drivers (eg, if the player can play in stereo mode without pairing), as shown in Figure 2A, etc. In this example, it includes two or more speakers), an amplifier, and a processor. The network interface receives audio data on the network. One or more amplifiers power the speaker driver. The processor processes the audio source so that it is output through the speaker driver. The processor sets the first equalization of the output from the speaker driver according to the first type of pairing, and further sets the second equalization of the output from the speaker according to the second type of pairing. You may.
0070In one embodiment, the two players 702 and 704 are configured to output multiple audio channels that are independent of each other. For example, the respective players 702 and 704 may be configured to output audio content in independent stereo. After pairing, one playback device (eg, player 702) is set to output a first subset of multiple audio channels, and the other playback device (eg, player 704) has multiple audios. Set to output a second subset of channels. The first and second subsets are different from each other. In this example, after pairing players 702 and 704, player 702 can play the right channel and player 704 can play the left channel. In another example, player 702 can play the center channel in addition to the right channel (eg, TV or theater mode), and player 704 can play the center channel in addition to the left channel. In a later example, the first and second subsets differ in that player 702 is playing channel right + center and player 704 is playing channel left + center. In yet another embodiment, after pairing, the player 702 plays all channels except for certain bus frequencies that can be played through the player 704 by using the player 704 as a subwoofer. be able to.
0071In another embodiment, a collection of three or more playback devices (eg, players 702, 704 and one or more different players) will output multiple independent audio channels of another playback device in the collection. Each is set. After pairing, each of the playback devices is usually set to output different audio channels from the collection. This embodiment is set so that a particular playback device out of a plurality of playback devices outputs at once (for example, when playing a song) in two channels or stereo mode, and after pairing, front. Especially when set to output on the right channel, front center channel, front left channel, rear right channel, rear left channel, etc. (for example, when watching a movie or cinema), especially in the TV or cinema settings. It is useful.
0072In another embodiment, one of the paired playback devices (eg, player 702 or player 704) processes the data of the audio item, eg, substantially divides the data into channels, each of which is single. Represents a soundtrack and is played on one of the playback devices, then creates or enhances a multi-channel listening environment. In another embodiment, both playback devices (eg, players 702 and 704) may receive and process data for audio items, and each playback device outputs only the audio content specified for each player. You may. For example, player 702 may only play the left channel but receive both left and right channel audio, while player 704 may only play the right channel but left and right channel audio. May be received.
0073In another embodiment, two or more playback devices (eg, player 702 or 704) are grouped into a single or integrated playback device and integrated playback devices (eg, integrated player 702 + 704). ) May be paired with one or more playback devices. For example, two playback devices may be grouped into a first integrated playback device, and two other playback devices may be grouped into a second integrated playback device. The first and second integrated playback devices may then be paired to create or enhance a multi-channel listening environment.
0074In certain embodiments, a playback device (either player 702 or 704) that is set to output an audio channel is paired with one or more other playback devices that the playback device previously set. Is set to output an audio channel different from. For example, the playback device may be set to output the right channel in stereo mode, even after being paired with one or more other playback devices, and output the rear, right channel in theater mode. May be set to. The playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.
0075In certain embodiments, a playback device configured to output multiple audio channels (eg, either player 702 or 704) is paired with one or more other playback devices so that the playback device Set to output a subset of multiple audio channels associated with one or more other playback devices. For example, a playback device may be set to output in two channels or stereo mode, but one or more other playback devices after pairing may output the right or left channel. It may be set. The playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.
0076According to certain embodiments, the pairing behavior of two or more playback devices is based on commands from the user (eg, manual commands) through the control interface, or on events (eg, automatic commands). Triggered in response. For example, a controller can be used by a user to create or unpair with two or more playback devices. In another example, pairing is triggered by the audio content itself, a signal received from the source device, or some other predetermined event, for example, when an event is detected by the controller or playback device. Rings may occur. In addition, another device may be programmed to detect the event and provide a pairing signal to the controller and / or playback device.
0077In addition, from a no-pairing (unpaired or unpaired) setting to a pairing setting, or from one type of pairing (eg, pairing used in stereo or theater mode types) to a different type. It is understood that the transition to pairing (eg, another pairing used in stereo mode or theater mode types) is all the various types of "pairing" that can occur with a particular embodiment. Will be done. Further, unpairing with a plurality of playback devices may be, for example, from pairing to no pairing, or from the first type of pairing to the previous type of pairing.
0078In the first example, the first type of pairing may include "no pairing" with another playback device, and the second type of pairing with one or more other playback devices. May include pairing. In the second example, the first type of pairing may include pairing with a second playback device, and the second type of pairing may include pairing with multiple playback devices. You may be. In a third example, the first type of pairing may include reproducing two-channel sound through the speaker driver, and the second type of pairing may involve reproducing the two-channel sound through the speaker driver. It has to reproduce only one of the sounds. In a fourth example, the first type of pairing may comprise reproducing the first audio channel through the speaker driver, and the second type of pairing may include the second type of pairing through the speaker driver. It may include reproducing two audio channels. In a fifth example, the first type of pairing may include reproducing the audio content via the speaker driver in stereo mode, and the second type of pairing may include reproducing the audio content via the speaker driver in stereo mode. May include reproducing audio content. In the sixth example, in the case of integrated mode, the first type of pairing may include reproducing the audio content through the speaker driver, and the second type of pairing may include reproducing the audio content through the speaker driver. It may be provided to reproduce the audio content via. It is understood that various changes or modifications can be made to the embodiments described above with the achievement of some or all of the advantages of the techniques described herein.
0079According to certain embodiments, the playback device settings change the equalization of the playback device by changing the equalization of one or more particular speaker drivers, synchronizing with a paired device. Includes either optimization. Changing the equalization of a playback device can be done by turning one or more specific speaker drivers on or off (or effective muting), changing the channel output of one or more speaker drivers, and one. Any of the above-mentioned changing the frequency response of the specific speaker driver, changing the amplifier gain of any specific speaker driver, and changing the amplifier gain of the playback device as a whole may be included.
0080In certain embodiments, changing the equalization of the playback device (eg, changing the equalization of one or more speaker drivers of the playback device) can affect frequency-dependent parameters. Examples may include frequency intensity adjustments, phase adjustments, and time delay adjustments in audio data. In addition, certain equalizations attenuate high, medium, or low frequencies, for example, allowing other frequencies to pass unfiltered (or substantially unfiltered). Type of pass filter can be used. The filters may be of different types or in different order (eg, first-order filters, second-order filters, third-order filters, fourth-order filters, etc.). For example, the first equalization of the playback device may include using a first type of pass filter that modifies the output based on the first type of pairing, and the second equalization of the playback device may include. It may include using a second type of pass filter that modifies the output based on the second type of pairing. In this example, the first and second types of pass filters have one or different properties and / or behaviors that alter the equalization and sound behavior of the device.
0081For illustrative purposes, if two S5 devices are paired to create a stereo pair, for example, one S5 device may be set as "left" and the other S5 device may be set as "right". You may. In one embodiment, the user may decide which is left or right. In this setting, for example, left and right audio data may be sent to both S5 devices, but the track's left audio data is played from the S5 device set as left, and the track's right audio data is , Played from the S5 device set as right. In addition, the equalization of each S5 device is modified to reduce or eliminate certain structural or destructive interference. For example, one tweeter on each S5 device may be switched off or nearly muted. In certain embodiments, the crossover frequency for each driver may be further changed from the previous setting so that two or more drivers do not necessarily output exactly the same audio data and are otherwise structured. Target and / or destructive interference may occur. In certain embodiments, the amplifier gain adjusts the playback device as a particular speaker driver and / or as a whole.
0082In operation, according to certain embodiments, controller 706 (eg, controller 142 in FIG. 1 or 240 in FIG. 2B or portable device) is used to initiate operation. Through the user interface, controller 706 causes player 702 to read the audio source if the audio source is on network 708 (eg, internet or local area network). Similarly, controller 706 may also establish a communication session with player 702 to send the requested audio source to a designated device (eg, another network device). In some cases, either one or both of players 702 and 704 can access data indicating the audio source.
0083In certain embodiments, the player 702 module is activated and processes data. According to one embodiment, it is divided into right and left soundtracks. One soundtrack is kept locally in one player, and other soundtracks are pushed or uploaded to other devices (eg, via ad hoc networks). If the right and left soundtracks play at the same time, or at about the same time, you get a stereo sound effect.
0084In another embodiment, some tracks are divided into, for example, television or theater modes. For example, the track may be divided into a center channel, a right front channel, a left front channel, a left front channel, a right rear channel, a left rear channel, and the like. Therefore, one or more soundtracks may be kept locally in one player, and other soundtracks are pushed or uploaded to other devices.
0085In yet another embodiment, one player may process the data while the rest of the data is being transmitted to another player, or may hold one or more tracks locally. The receiving player may then process the data, keep one or more tracks locally, or send some remaining data to another player. This process, or the like, may continue until all tracks are held locally by the corresponding player's device.
0086In yet another embodiment, each player may receive and process data and play only the channel or channels designated for the player.
0087In certain embodiments, it is important to maintain good synchronization, as multi-channel audio content was originally intended, especially when pairing two or more independently clocked playback devices. Will be played back. According to embodiments, the message may be initiated from one device to another activated device and an acknowledgment may be sent back. You can measure the time delay of data sent from one device to another when receiving an acknowledgment. Time delays are taken into account when synchronizing two players to play two separate soundtracks. In certain embodiments, when it takes 15 milliseconds or more to send a packet (eg, a packet relating to the SNTP protocol) to a playback device and receive a response, the timing contained within the packet, such as clock information. The information is discarded. If the packet is sent and received within 15 milliseconds, then the information from the packet is then used to coordinate playback, as needed.
0088Further details on synchronizing the behavior of two or more independently clocked players, filed April 1, 2004 by the same application, "Operation between multiple independent clocked digital data processing devices. Provided in US Application No. 10 / 816,217, which is incorporated by reference herein, entitled "Systems and Methods for Synchronizing."
0089FIG. 8 shows an example of a configuration of pairing with a plurality of players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 in a theater-like environment according to an embodiment. Player 802 may act as the front left channel, player 804 may act as the center channel, player 806 may act as the front right channel, and player 808 may act as the subwoofer. The player 810 may operate as the rear and right channels, and the player 812 may operate as the rear and right channels. In this example, players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 are wirelessly connected on network 815 to receive and transmit data on the wireless network, at the wall or through other power sources (eg, batteries). Power can be obtained from the power outlet. Players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 may be wired if so configured in another embodiment. Controller 814 may be a network-enabled device, including, for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, or television.
0090In one embodiment, a designated player, such as player 804, receives multi-channel audio content from source 816. Source 816 may include audio and / or video content downloaded or streamed from the Internet, DVD or Blu-ray Disc, or from some other source of audio and / or video content. Player 804 divides into multi-channel audio and sends each audio channel to its playback owner. For example, if a particular audio channel is designated for front and rear speakers, the content will wirelessly go from player 804 to player 802 and so on. Players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 play audio content in sync to create a multi-channel listening environment. Further, if the source 816 provides the video content along with the audio content, the audio content is preferably played in synchronization with the video content.
0091In another embodiment, each player of players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 can be divided into one or more unique channels for playback. That is, all audio content, or a portion thereof, is transmitted to each player (eg, from source 816 or another playback device), and the player itself acquires its own data for playback.
0092In addition, players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 may be reconfigured as described above and operate in many different settings. For example, players 802 and 806 may be paired to operate in stereo mode, while other players may be kept in sleep mode or switched off (player 808 is so desired and configured). If so, it is acting as a subwoofer and may remain in any particular setting). In another example, players 802 and 810 are integrated to output left channel audio, while players 806 and 812 are integrated to output right channel audio. In yet another example, some of the players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 are integrated into a single player and paired with another playback device, for example in the next room. In a further example, players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 are grouped and not paired if the audio content is music (eg, for movie content). These are just a few examples of settings. Many other settings are possible using the teachings described herein.
0093Figure 9 shows a flow chart or process 900 for grouping multiple audio products, synchronizing and playing separate soundtracks to simulate a multi-channel listening environment. Process 900 is shown according to a particular embodiment and may be performed in a module located in memory 282 of FIG. 2D. To enable the description of Process 900, the listening environment for stereo sound on the left and right channels is described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description can be applied to other forms of multi-channel listening environments as well (eg, 3, 5, 7 channel environments).
0094Generally, there are multiple players controlled by one or more controllers, and these players are placed in various positions. For example, there are five players in a house, three of which are placed in three rooms each, while two players are placed in a larger room. Therefore, these two players would be candidates to be paired to simulate a stereo listening environment, rather than simply playing audio synchronized from both in a grouped manner. In another example, there are four players in a large space and adjacent space, two pairs of players can be paired to simulate a stereo listening environment, and two players in one integrated pair are in groups. Can be grouped to play one (left) soundtrack, while the other two in the other integrated pair can be grouped to play one (right) soundtrack.
0095In either case, it is determined whether two groups of players or two players are paired at 902. If the players are not paired, process 900 will not be activated. It is assumed that two players from the group of players controlled by the controller are selected in 902 and paired. Process 900 proceeds.
0096At 904, the user may decide which player plays which soundtrack. Depending on the position of the user or listener with respect to the selected player, player or unit A is selected to play the left soundtrack, and another player or unit B is selected to play the right soundtrack. In another embodiment, the player itself (or controller) is configured to play which unit plays the right channel, and which unit plays the left channel, without any input from the user. It may be automatically determined whether or not it is.
0097According to one embodiment, the time delay in transmitting data between the two units A and B is measured at 906. This time delay can allow sound to be synchronized between the two units, with one unit receiving the processed soundtrack from the other. The user may continue to operate the controller and select a title (eg, an item from an audio source or playlist) at 910 to play on the two units.
0098Once the title is decided at 912, the title data is accessed. Depending on where the data is located, the controller may be configured for one of the two units to retrieve or stream the data. In one embodiment, the controller or unit A initiates a request to a remote network device that provides or stores data. Assuming the authentication procedure is completed successfully, the remote device will start uploading data to Unit A. Similarly, if the data is stored locally in Unit A, the data can be accessed locally without making the same request from the network. The processing module becomes active in unit A, processes the data, and effectively splits the data into two streams on the soundtrack at 914 so that the data is received or accessed in unit A. In another embodiment, each unit receives and processes the data and substantially separates the data into streams played by each unit.
0099At 916, one of the streams is uploaded from unit A to unit B via a local network (eg, an ad hoc network formed by all players controlled by the controller). To deliver the stream, the two units are each set to play the stream, reproducing the sound of a single soundtrack at 918, respectively. At the same time, during synchronization, the two units create a stereo sound listening environment.
0100It should be noted that if noticeable, the delay time may be incorporated into unit A, delaying stream consumption up to the delay time and synchronizing with unit B. Alternatively, an unselected player may be used to process the streaming data for the title, set to supply two streams to a pair of players, and otherwise experienced by unit B. Make the delay time uniform.
0101Figure 10A-10F shows an example of a screenshot of a controller for creating a stereo pair according to a particular embodiment. Screenshots are from a computer device used as a controller (eg, tablet computer, laptop, or desktop). Those skilled in the art understand that Figure 10A-10F may be readily modified for use in portable devices with network capabilities, such as the iPhone or iTouch or other smartphones or other network-enabled devices. it can. In addition, the controller may exist as part of the player or be directly / indirectly connected to the player, so such screenshots may be modified accordingly-such. The controller has no network function and the player has a network connection.
0102FIG. 10A shows a graphic interface 1000 that can be displayed on the controller if the user wishes to create a stereo pair with two players in the stream. It is understood that the system may include more than one player. If a stereo pair is desired, then any two players in the system (players that can integrate one or both) may be paired, as described for the example in Figure 10A-10F. However, if pairing of two or more players is desired, for example, to create an environment in which it is possible to play two or more channel audio data, the graphics interface 1000 may be another option or multiple options. May include. For example, options may include "Create Movie Surround Sound Pairing", "Create Music Surround Sound Pairing", or "Create Dolby Pro Logic Pairing". A language of arbitrary description may be used to properly indicate to the user the type of pairing in which it can be created. When choosing an option, the configuration wizard on the controller can help the user configure the system properly, and multi-channel discrete audio may be effectively implemented by the system.
0103Returning to Figure 10A, Interface 1000 allows the user to initiate a stereo pair with a zone player named "ZPS5-Black". In certain embodiments, the system recognizes that the ZPS5-Black is part of a particular zone (eg, kitchen, family room, bedroom, etc.). The system may pair ZPS5-Black with other players in the same zone only, or the system may pair ZPS5-Black with other players in different zones (eg adjacent zones). May be paired. Pairing players in different zones can be especially useful if the open space is divided into two or more zones (eg, the open space includes a kitchen and a family room).
0104In addition, the system may be programmed to pair players from different zones to create different zones and reflect the players in pairing mode (eg, a single kitchen-family room for a pairing period). Zones may be created from kitchen zones and family zones during non-paired operating periods). In such embodiments, the user may be able to switch between zones or dynamically create new zones.
0105In certain embodiments, the screenshot of FIG. 10B can be displayed if other similar players can be paired. If the user wants to continue creating the pair, the user can select "OK". If not, the user can select "Cancel". In another embodiment, different players (eg, non-S5 players) are paired together. That is, if the players are designed to be paired, different types of players will be paired. To accommodate different player types, the equalization of one or more players is adjusted according to the situation, compensating for the number and size of speaker drivers used by one player against other players. May be good. In yet another embodiment, a list of players in the system (not shown) may be displayed, allowing the user to select two or more players to create a stereo pair. The list of players may be automatically determined by the system, for example, based on settings with a home, a particular position of a player in a room, or with other players in a room.
0106Returning to Figure 10C, in this example, the user selects a zone player named "ZPS5-White" that is paired with "ZPS5-Black" and creates a stereo pair. If so, the user can select "OK" to proceed with the pairing. If not, the user can select "Cancel". In certain embodiments, ZPS5-White may be in the same zone as ZPS5-Black. In other embodiments, ZPS5-White may be in a different zone than ZPS5-Black.
0107If you select OK in Figure 10C, a screenshot similar to Figure 10D will be displayed to the user, thereby instructing the user to mute button (or some other specification) on the stereo pair "LEFT" player. You may press the button). In addition, the player's lights may be flashing to further indicate that each of the players may have left channel pairing. When selecting the left player, if so desired, Figure 10E may be displayed to inform the user that the pair was created with the name of the pair. To be responsive, the system plays left-channel audio from the user-specified player and automatically plays right-channel audio from other players. Figure 10F provides an example screenshot that allows the user to split the stereo pair if they so desire.
0108In another embodiment, creating a stereo pair may be an option for a particular zone or number of zones (eg, zone homes). For example, there may be an option to create a "stereo pair", for example, when selecting , the configuration wizard will tell the user on any speaker that the user wants to be the left speaker in the zone, part of the zone, or all of the zones. May be activated by requesting to press the flashing mute button (or some other specified button). In one embodiment, blinking occurs on all the same speaker types. In another embodiment, blinking occurs with all speaker types that can be paired. After selecting the left speaker, the wizard screen asks the user to do the same for the right speaker. Preferably, only the speakers that can be paired as the right speaker are flashing to properly narrow the user's choice.
0109Further, in one embodiment, screen displays are provided to show the user all players in the system and how they are grouped and named, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. If Figure 3A is modified after the stereo pair is complete, the nickname of the stereo pair on Display 1040 will be highlighted and further shown in Figure 3A.
0110Similar graphics interfaces may be used to create pairs in an environment with more than one channel. For example, in a home theater environment, the system creates two or more separate pairs by creating a pairing by allowing the user to select a player that is supposed to act as front right, center, front left, rear right and rear left. Players may be listed. Subwoofers can also be added to the list and incorporated into multi-channel pairing by the user.
0111As an example, similar to the description of the various embodiments above in connection with creating a stereo pair, the system may blink the indicator light on all associated players, and the configuration wizard will allow all speakers to flash. You can also ask the user to select "front left", then "front right", then "front center", then "rear left", then "rear right", etc. until they are in the right pair. Good. Preferably, only the speakers that can be paired as the next speaker are blinking, appropriately narrowing the user's choices. VII. Conclusion
0112The system components, elements, and / or functions described above can be implemented, for example, in hardware, firmware, and / or in various forms as a set of software instructions, alone or in combination. Certain embodiments are instructions that reside on computer-readable media such as memory, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and / or EPROMs for execution on processing devices such as controllers and / or playback devices. May be provided as a set of.
0113Various inventions have been described in sufficient detail with some specificity. The embodiments of the present disclosure are made for purposes of illustration only, and many changes in the modification and combination of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claims. Although the embodiments described herein may appear to include some restrictions on the presentation of units of information, the embodiments far exceed such embodiments in terms of form or arrangement. Applicable and can be understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the embodiments described above.
0114For example, the following shows only a few combinations of many devices, methods, and systems, based on the descriptions provided above. It is understood that these are provided for non-limiting exemplary purposes and that more combinations may be described and claimed herein.
01151. A device that provides audio for a multi-channel listening environment. A network interface that allows communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network. Multiple speaker drivers, An amplifier that supplies power to the plurality of speaker drivers, and It processes the audio data output through the plurality of speaker drivers, sets the first equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers according to the first type of pairing, and further sets the second pair. A processor that sets a second equalization of the output from the multiple speaker drivers according to the ring, A device that comprises.
01162. The first equalization involves the use of a first type of pass filter that modifies the output based on the first type of pairing, the second equalization of the second type of pairing. The device according to 1, wherein the first type of pass filter and the second type of pass filter are different from each other, including the use of a second type of pass filter that modifies the output based on a ring.
01173. The device comprises a playback device, the first type of pairing does not include pairing with another playback device, the second type of pairing is one or more other playbacks. One device, including pairing with the device.
01184. The device comprises a playback device, the first type of pairing includes pairing with a second playback device, and the second type of pairing is pairing with a plurality of playback devices. One device, including a ring.
01195. The first type of pairing includes the reproduction of two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes the reproduction of the two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers. The device according to 1, which includes the reproduction of one or less channels of two channel sounds.
01206. The first type of pairing includes the reproduction of the first audio channel through the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes the reproduction of the first audio channel through the plurality of speaker drivers. The device according to 1, wherein the first audio channel and the second audio channel are different from each other, including reproduction of the second audio channel.
01217. The first type of pairing involves the reproduction of audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers in stereo mode, and the second type of pairing involves the plurality of speaker drivers in theater mode. The device according to 1, wherein the reproduction of the audio content is included through.
01228. In the integrated mode, the first type of pairing includes reproduction of audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes the reproduction of audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers. The device according to 1, wherein the reproduction of the audio content is included.
01239. The processor is set to divide the audio data into a plurality of audio channels, and the divided at least one audio channel is output from the plurality of speaker drivers, and the divided at least one other audio channel. The device according to 1, wherein is transmitted by the network device on the network.
012410. The device is a playback device, the network interface is one device that receives a signal from a controller on the network and pairs one or more playback devices.
012511. The device is a playback device, and the network interface receives a signal from a controller on the network and sets the playback device to integrated mode.
012612. The device is a playback device, and if the playback device is selected, the device is provided with a button for selecting a channel of the playback device.
012713. The network is a wireless network, one device.
012814. A way to provide audio for a multi-channel listening environment Steps to receive audio data on the network, Steps to process the audio data output through multiple speaker drivers, and The first equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers is set according to the first type of pairing, and the first equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers is further according to the second type of pairing. Steps to set 2 equalizations, Including methods.
012915. The first equalization comprises using a first pass filter that modifies the content based on the first type of pairing, the second equalization to the second pairing. 14 methods, wherein the first pass filter and the second pass filter are different from each other, including the use of a second pass filter that modifies the content based on.
013016. The first type of pairing does not include pairing with other playback devices, the second type of pairing includes pairing with one or more other playback devices, 14 the method of.
013117. The first type of pairing includes pairing with a second playback device, and the second type of pairing includes pairing with a plurality of playback devices, 14 methods.
013218. The first type of pairing comprises reproducing two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing comprises reproducing the two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers. Two channel 14 ways, including reproducing one or less channels of sound.
013319. The first type of pairing involves reproducing the first audio channel through the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing involves reproducing the first audio channel through the plurality of speaker drivers. 14 methods, comprising reproducing a second audio channel, wherein the first audio channel and the second audio channel are different.
013420. In the integrated mode, the first type of pairing reproduces the audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing reproduces the audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers. 14 ways, including reproducing audio content.
013521. The processor is set to divide the audio data into a plurality of audio channels, and the divided at least one audio channel is output from the plurality of speaker drivers, and the divided at least one other audio channel. Is transmitted by said network device on said network, 14 methods.
013622. 14 methods further comprising transmitting a signal over the network to a controller that selects a channel of the audio data output from the plurality of speaker drivers.
013723. A system for providing multi-channel audio playback, A collection of at least three playback devices, each configured to output multiple audio channels independently, each playback device contains a network interface, speaker driver, and amplifier, and In at least one of the collection of playback devices, a processor that selects and pairs the at least three playback devices, each of the at least three playback devices is of the at least three playback devices after pairing. Set to output different audio channels from other devices, The system.
013824. Twenty-three systems in which the at least three playback devices are synchronized and output their respective audio channels.
013925. The processor is housed in one of the at least three playback devices, which processes incoming audio data, divides the audio data into audio channels, and other of at least three playback devices. Provided to, 23 systems that output in sync with their respective audio channels.
014026. The processor processes incoming data, holds one or more audio tracks locally for one or more audio channels, and keeps all incoming audio tracks locally by the playback device. Twenty-five systems that send the remaining audio tracks to at least three playback devices and another.
014127. The selective pairing is triggered based on a command through the controller interface, 23 systems.
014228. The selective pairing is triggered in response to an event, 23 systems.
014329. 28 systems, the event comprising at least one of the audio content changes, times, and types of audio content associated with the plurality of audio channels.
014430. The processor modifies the equalization of at least three playback devices by changing the equalization of one or more specific speaker drivers and adjusting the synchronization with the paired playback devices. system.
014531. The equalization is a first type of equalization, a second type that uses a first type of pass filter that modifies the first said output of the at least three playback devices based on the first type of pairing. A second equalization using a second type of pass filter that modifies the second said output of the at least three playback devices based on the pairing of the at least three, said at least three based on the third type of pairing. 30 systems, including a third equalization, which uses a third type of pass filter that modifies the third output of the playback device.
014632. The first type of pairing includes a reproduction of the first audio channel, the second type of pairing includes a reproduction of the second audio channel, and the third type of pairing. The ring is a 31-system system that includes a reproduction of a third audio channel from the plurality of audio channels.
014733. The equalization is based on at least one of unpaired mode, paired mode, integrated mode, and group mode for selective pairing of the at least three playback devices, 30 systems.
014834. At least two of the collection of at least three playback devices are grouped into an integrated playback device, and the integrated playback device can be paired with one or more other playback devices. 23 systems.
014935. A method for providing multi-channel audio playback, Steps to receive audio data containing multiple audio channels in a collection of at least three playback devices, A step of selecting and pairing using a processor housed in at least one of the collection of playback devices, wherein the at least three playback devices are such that each of the at least three playback devices has at least three playbacks. Set to output different audio channels from others on the device, Including methods.
015036. Thirty-five methods, wherein the at least three playback devices synchronize and output their respective audio channels.
015137. The processor is housed in at least one of three playback devices, which processes the incoming audio data, divides the audio data into audio channels, and puts it in the other of at least three playback devices. 35 ways provided and output in sync with their respective audio channels.
015238. The processor processes incoming audio data, keeps one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels locally, and keeps all incoming audio data locally by the playback device. 37 ways to send the remaining audio track to others of the at least three playback devices, until done.
015339. The selective pairing is triggered based on a command through the controller interface, 35 methods.
015440. 35 methods in which the selective pairing is triggered in response to an event.
015541. The event contains 39 ways, including changes in audio content.
015642. It further includes changing the equalization of one or more specific speaker drivers, and changing the equalization of at least three playback devices by adjusting the synchronization with the paired playback device. , 35 ways.
015743. The equalization is a first type of equalization, a second type that uses a first type of pass filter that modifies the first said output of the at least three playback devices based on the first type of pairing. A second equalization using a second type of pass filter that modifies the second said output of the at least three playback devices based on the pairing of the at least three, said at least three based on the third type of pairing. 42 methods, including a third equalization, which uses a third type of pass filter, which modifies the third output of the playback device.
015844. The first type of pairing comprises reproducing the first audio channel, the second type of pairing comprises reproducing the second audio channel, and said third. Type of pairing involves 43 methods, including reproducing a third audio channel from the plurality of audio channels.
015945. The equalization is based on at least one of unpaired mode, paired mode, integrated mode, and group mode for selective pairing of the at least three playback devices, 42 methods.
016046. The integrated playback device can be paired with one or more other playback devices, including grouping at least two of the collection of at least three playback devices into an integrated playback device. There are 35 ways.
016147. A device for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment. A network interface that allows communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network. Multiple speaker drivers, An amplifier that supplies power to the plurality of speaker drivers, and A processor that processes the audio data output via the plurality of speaker drivers, wherein the processor responds to a first pairing between the device and at least the second device. A processor, which applies a first equalization of the output from, and ignores parts of the audio data that do not correspond to the first equalization. A device that comprises.
016248. The first equalization uses the first filter to select the first number of one or more audio channels from the audio data output through the device and from the audio data. 47 devices that independently process the output from the second device, ignoring the remaining one or more channels.
016349. The processor selects and pairs the device and the second device in response to a trigger, 47 devices.
016450. The trigger is 49 devices, including at least one of control interface commands, audio content changes, time, and audio content types.
016551. A device for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment. A network interface that allows communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network. Multiple speaker drivers, An amplifier that supplies power to the plurality of speaker drivers, and The audio data output via the plurality of speaker drivers is processed, and based on an external trigger, the first equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers is set according to the first pairing. Further, a processor that sets a second equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers according to the second pairing. A device that comprises.
016652. The trigger is 51 devices that include at least one of a control interface command, audio content change, time, and audio content type.
016753. A device with multiple playback devices grouped into an integrated playback device.
016854. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein at least one equalization of the plurality of playback devices is modified as a result of the integration.
016955. The device of claim 53, wherein the integrated playback device is further paired with one or more playback devices.
017056. The device of claim 53, wherein the plurality of playback devices are grouped wirelessly with each other.
017157. A network interface for enabling communication with a network, wherein the network interface is an amplifier that powers at least one speaker driver, said at least one speaker driver, that receives audio data on the network. And a processor in which a single channel of the two or more channel audio data processes the two or more channel audio data and is output via the at least one speaker driver. A device in which the remaining channels of channel audio data are transmitted via the network interface output through a plurality of playback devices.
017258. A method that involves wirelessly pairing more than one playback device.
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| JP2007288405A | Cites | Japan | Y | Search report | 2-14 |
| US2008291863A1 | Cites | United States of America | Y | Search report | 1-14 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| JP2018074591AThis record | Japan | A | |
| JP6797097B2 | Japan | B2 |
25 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61A61 | A61 | |
| Certificate of patent or registration of utility modelJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150R150 | R150 | |
| Trial/appeal decision takenAppealJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C03C03 | C03 | |
| Notification sentJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C3012C30A | C30A | |
| Notice of termination of proceedingsJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C23C23 | C23 | |
| Record of communicationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C302C302 | C302 | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Notice of designation (change) of administrative judgeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C22C22 | C22 | |
| Notice of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C13C13 | C13 | |
| Notice of designation (change) of administrative judgeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C22C22 | C22 | |
| Notice of termination of reconsideration by examiners before appeal proceedingsAppealJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C211C211 | C211 | |
| Re-examination (zenchi) completed and case transferred to appeal boardAppealJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A912A912 | A912 | |
| Transfer to examiner for re-examination before appeal (zenchi)AppealJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A911A911 | A911 | |
| Notice of transfer of a case for reconsideration by examiners before appeal proceedingsAppealJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C21C21 | C21 | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Trial request (containing other claim documents, opposition documents)OppositionJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: C60C60 | C60 | |
| Decision of refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A02A02 | A02 | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written request for application examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621A621 | A621 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2018074591
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2018074591
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP2018074591
- Application
- 211958
- Application, DOCDB
- 2017211958
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20170211958
Titles2
- Japanese
- メディアシステムにおけるマルチチャンネルペアリング
- English
- Multi-channel pairing in media systems
Classification
- IPC, 2
- H04S7 00
- H04R3 00