Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide automatic wireless configuration

The disclosure relates to consumer products, in particular to zones-oriented systems, products, features, services, and other items of multi-zone media playback systems, and some aspects thereof.

Advances in technology have made music content as well as other types of media, such as television content, movies, and interactive content, more accessible. For example, through online stores, Internet radio stations, music services, movie services, etc., in addition to traditional means of accessing traditional audio and video content, users can use both audio, video, audio and video content on the Internet. Can be accessed. Demand for music, video, and audio / video content inside and outside the home continues to grow.

The features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed technology will be better understood with reference to the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings.

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary system capable of implementing embodiments of the methods and devices disclosed herein.</figref><figref num="2A">Figure 2A shows a diagram of an exemplary zone player with built-in amplifier and speaker.</figref><figref num="2B">Figure 2B shows a diagram of an exemplary zone player with built-in amplifier and connected to an external speaker.</figref><figref num="2C">Figure 2C shows a diagram of an exemplary zone player connected to an A / V receiver and speakers.</figref><figref num="3">Figure 3 shows an exemplary controller diagram.</figref><figref num="4">Figure 4 shows an exemplary zone player internal function block diagram.</figref><figref num="5">Figure 5 shows an exemplary controller internal function block diagram.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 shows an example of a replay network containing one or more replay devices that communicate with an external system and remove and / or receive one or more build parameters.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 shows an internal functional block diagram of an exemplary zone player that receives location-based radio parameter information from an external source.</figref><figref num="8">Figure 8 shows an example of a system with multiple networks, including a cloud-based network and one or more playback networks.</figref><figref num="9">Figure 9 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method of determining the location of a device and establishing a location-based configuration for the device.</figref><figref num="10">Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of an example of a more specific method of determining regional settings and properly rebuilding the device.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 shows an example flow diagram of how to collect data, send it to a cloud server, and determine wireless network settings.</figref>

Further, although the drawings are intended to illustrate some exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings.

I. Overview The media presentation system includes a presentation device. The presentation device is, for example, a display and / or a speaker. The presentation device receives the content and uses the received content to generate one or more outputs. The presentation system can receive a signal indicating the content. Content can be received in multiple ways using different techniques and / or techniques. In some examples, the audio content, eg, the audio portion of music or audio / video content, is encoded on the carrier signal. Carrier signals are transmitted wirelessly from one or more sources to one or more wireless playback devices or speakers.

Examples of systems, methods, devices, and products disclosed herein automatically perform wireless construction of presentation or playback devices (eg, via a cloud-based server) to transmit and play audio. It makes it possible. The systems, methods, devices, and products disclosed herein are used advantageously to improve wireless construction and play media content (eg, audio and / or video) in a network environment. be able to.

As used herein, for purposes of illustration, the term "spectrum" or "radio spectrum" refers to a range of radio communication frequencies, and different spectra refer to a range of different radio frequencies. The different spectra may or may not overlap. The different spectra may or may not be contiguous (eg, with or without spectra between the spectra). In some of the examples disclosed herein, the term "spectrum" refers to a regulatory spectrum as defined by a regulatory body. Regulatory bodies include, for example, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. For example, the FCC allocates a "2.4GHz spectrum" (or spectrum band) and includes a frequency range of 2400MHz to 2500MHz for industrial, scientific and medical purposes. The FCC also allocates a "5GHz spectrum" (or spectrum band), including a frequency range of about 5.17GHz to about 5.835GHz, and excluding some bands within that range.

In the present specification, for purposes of illustration, the terms "channel", "audio channel", "control channel", and / or more generally, "wireless channel" are used to transmit information. Refers to different frequencies or different frequency subranges within one or more spectra. The channel may be a frequency band, a set of discontinuous frequencies and bands, a frequency hopping configuration, a time division multiplexing method, a code division multiplexing method, and / or other types of communication frequency ranges.

The wireless network system operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. These frequencies are the spectrum of industry, science, medicine (ISM) and are used for industrial or non-communication purposes. These frequencies are used, for example, in short range low power communications and / or computer systems and the like. For example, a wireless system operates according to one or more communication standards and / or communication protocols in one or more frequency bands (eg, 2.4GHz, 3.6GHz, 5GHz, etc.). For example, IEEE802.11 is a standard for wireless local area network communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band. Wireless network systems in such bands have buildable parameters. Constructable parameters help define the performance of the network and associated systems. Such parameters include, for example, radio channel selection, bit rate (or bit transmission rate), and encoding used, transmit power, and the like.

For example, the 2.4GHz frequency band is divided into 14 channels. Each channel is 5MHz wide and performs direct (DS) transmission. A device with a single transmitter / receiver can communicate on one of these channels at a time. If the device has multiple transmitters and receivers, the devices can communicate on multiple channels at the same time. A media playback system, such as a Sonoz playback system, includes a plurality of playback devices. Each playback device has one transmitter / receiver and must use the same radio channel throughout the system. In addition, some of these parameters are limited by regulatory requirements. Regulatory requirements vary depending on the geographical environment in which the radio equipment operates.

Currently, the system provides users with a mechanism to determine wireless network parameters based on simple rules of thumb and manually change those parameters. They are often done after the user has addressed a network problem or called customer support. The system view of the network allows the customer support engineer to manually rebuild the network parameters to resolve the issue.

However, in a wireless network, for example a mesh network, it is very difficult to determine the system parameters on the device itself and to adjust the parameters automatically. For example, there are some differences when choosing a wireless channel in the home. For example, it may be the best channel in one area of the house, but not the best channel in another area of the house. It may be the best channel at some time of the day, but not the best channel at another time of the day. Moreover, it is difficult for a zone player to change its channel and evaluate another channel while the zone player is running (eg, playing music). So, for example, a zone player must work properly "on channel", but the player must switch to another channel and evaluate another channel as well.

Some network access points use one or more automatic channel selection (ACS) algorithms to solve this unique channel selection problem. By implementing and using an automatic channel selection algorithm, the interface determines the channel construction to the user and radiation (eg, access point (AP), mesh, independent basic services set (IBSS) ad hoc network. , Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, etc.) can be started. Communication can be started in the operation mode. However, in this simple scenario, the network access points themselves determine that there is no mesh of access points that need to be switched simultaneously in the house.

In addition to setting wireless network parameters and improving performance, wireless-based systems are challenged by regulatory requirements that vary by geographic region in which the system operates. For example, the United States is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. In addition, the United States has different regulatory requirements than Europe, Japan, and China. Europe follows the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). In addition, Japan and China each have their own regulatory requirements.

Regulatory requirements also affect wireless network parameters. For example, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies used for 802.11a / b / g / n have region-specific requirements. Region-specific requirements are the available channels (eg, frequency), the signal output power used, and the amount of time the channels can be occupied. Regulatory requirements comply with the laws of the region in which the product is used. However, many products rely on manually setting these parameters. Parameters are set in (1) within the region, or within the factory or local distribution center before delivery to the customer. In addition, the parameters are set by (2) asking the customer to select the operating area at the customer location, or by estimating the operating area by asking a series of questions at the customer location. In addition, parameter setting is performed using (3) at least common criteria in all regions. These methods are cumbersome, unnecessarily limit performance, and lead to customer abuse. For example, a system with factory-configured regional settings cannot easily be redistributed to different regions without rebuilding the settings. In many cases, you will need to open the product package, power on the system, log in to the system with specific administrator-level access, and change regional settings to rebuild the settings. In addition, if a unit is sold in its own country / region and then the customer moves the unit to a different country / region, the customer may behave in violation of the laws of that region. This can happen unintentionally if you are unfamiliar with local laws governing wireless transmission. In some countries, customers are not allowed to choose regional settings. This is to prevent customers from "operating the system" by choosing another region that is less regulated than the current region.

Certain embodiments solve some or all of the issues described above by automatically constructing wireless network parameters, for example using a cloud-based server. Certain embodiments can automatically determine location and / or collect network performance data without the need for user intervention. In certain embodiments, it is possible to interact with an external source to identify the location of the media playback device and / or determine appropriate parameters such as device and / or local wireless network construction.

Examples of systems, methods, devices, and products disclosed below include other components, firmware and / or software running on hardware, such systems, methods, devices, and /. Or note that the product is merely an example and should not be limited.

II. Example of operating environment With reference to the drawings, similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals in a plurality of drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a system 100 in which one or more embodiments disclosed herein are feasible or feasible.

As an example, the system 100 shows a home composed of a plurality of zones, and the home can be composed of only one zone. Each zone in the home may represent a different room or space, such as an office, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, family room, home theater room, utility or laundry room, and patio. When configured as such, a zone may contain multiple rooms. One or more zone players 102-124 are shown in each zone in the home. Zone players 102-124 are called playback devices, multimedia units, speakers, players, etc., and output audio, video, and / or audiovisual. The controller 130 controls the system 100. The controller 130 may be fixed to the zone, or the controller 130 may be a mobile body that can move around the zone. System 100 may include a plurality of controllers 130. System 100 represents the entire exemplary house audio system, but the techniques described herein are not limited to these specific locations and are similar to the entire house audio system 100 of FIG. It is not limited to a wide range of systems.

a. Zone player example 2A, 2B and 2C show examples of different types of zone players. For example, the zone players 200, 202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C can correspond to any of the zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1, respectively. In some embodiments, the audio may be played from only a single zone player, such as a full range player. In some embodiments, the audio may be played in a combination of two or more zone players, such as a plurality of full range players, or a combination of a full range player and a particular player. In some embodiments, the zone player 200-204 may also be referred to as a "smart speaker". The reason for this is that it has more processing power than audio playback, and is described in detail below.

FIG. 2A shows a zone player 200 including a sound generator 208 capable of playing a full range sound. Sound is obtained from audio signals. The audio signal can be received by the zone player 200 on a wired or wireless data network. The sound generator 208 includes one or more built-in amplifiers and one or more speakers. The built-in amplifier will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. Speakers or acoustic transducers can include, for example, tweeters, midrange drivers, low frequency drivers, and subwoofers. In some embodiments, the zone player 200 can be statically or dynamically configured to play stereo audio, monaural audio, or both. In some embodiments, the zone player 200 may be grouped with other zone players. When playing stereo audio, monaural audio, and / or surround audio, or when the audio content received by the zone player 200 is lower than the full range, the zone player 200 can also be configured to play a subset of the full range sound. ..

FIG. 2B shows a zone player 202 including a built-in amplifier that powers a separate speaker 210. The separated speakers can include, for example, any type of loudspeaker. The zone player 202 may be configured to power one, two, or more separate loudspeakers. The zone player 202 is configured to communicate audio signals (eg, right or left channel audio or a number of channels according to its configuration) through a wired path to the separated speakers 210.

FIG. 2C shows a zone player 204 that does not include a built-in amplifier but communicates an audio signal received over a data network to an audio (or audio / video) receiver 214 with a built-in amplifier.

Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one, some, or all zone players 102-124 can extract audio directly from the source. For example, the zone player may include a playlist of audio content to be played or a column of audio items (also referred to herein as a "playback column"). Each item in the playback column may contain a URI (URI) or some other identifier. The URI or identifier can point to a zone player for the audio source. The source may be found on the Internet (eg, in the cloud), locally from another device on the data network 128, controller 130 stored in the zone player itself, or communicates directly with the zone player. May be found in audio sources. In some embodiments, the zone player can play the audio itself. The zone player can also send audio to another device for playback. The zone player can also play audio in synchronization with the zone player itself and one or more additional zone players. In some embodiments, the zone player may play (or not play at all) the first audio content while transmitting different second audio content to another zone player for playback.

For illustration purposes, Zone Players currently available for sale by Sonoz Incorporated in Santa Barbara, California, called "PLAY: 5," "PLAY: 3," "CONNECT: AMP," "CONNECT," and "SUB." There is. Any other past, present, and / or future zone player may be implemented and used in addition or alternative to the zone players of the embodiments disclosed herein. Further, it is understood that the zone player is not limited to the particular example shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C or the Sonoz products offered. For example, the zone player may consist of wired headphones or wireless headphones. In yet another example, the zone player may include a soundbar for television. In yet another example, the zone player can include a docking station for Apple's iPod or similar devices and can interact with them.

b. Controller example FIG. 3 shows an example of the wireless controller 300 in the docking station 302. For illustration purposes, the controller 300 is compatible with the control device 130 of FIG. If the docking station 302 is provided, the docking station 302 may be used to charge the battery of the controller 300. In some embodiments, the controller 300 comprises a touch screen 304 that allows the user to interact with the controller 300 by touching the touch screen 304. For example, a user can retrieve and navigate a playlist of audio content, control the behavior of one or more zone players, and control the entire system configuration 100. In certain embodiments, any number of controllers can be used to control system configuration 100. In some embodiments, the number of controllers that can control the system configuration 100 can be limited. The controller may be wireless, such as the wireless controller 300, or may be wired to the data network 128.

In some embodiments, if multiple controllers are used in System 100, each controller may be tuned to display common content or all to show the changes that have occurred from one controller. Controller may be updated dynamically. Adjustments can be made, for example, by periodically requesting state variables directly or indirectly from one or more zone players by a controller. State variables may provide information about the system 100, such as the current zone group configuration, what is playing in one or more zones, the volume level, and other items of interest. You may. State variables may be optionally, or often programmed, passed over the data network 128 between zone players (and controllers, if desired).

In addition, any network-enabled mobile device, such as an application running on an IPHONE®, IPAD®, ANDROID®-enabled phone, or any other smartphone or network-enabled device, It can be used as a controller by connecting to data network 128. Applications running on laptops or desktop personal computers (PCs) or MAC are also used as Controller 130. Such a controller may be connected to system 100 through an interface with a data network 128, zone player, wireless router, or may be connected to system 100 using some other configured connection path. .. Examples of controllers provided by Sonos Incorporated in Santa Barbara, California are "Controller 200", "SONOS® Control", "SONOS® Controller for IPHONE®", "SONOS (Registered Trademarks)". Registered trademark) Controller Includes "for IPAD (registered trademark)", "SONOS (registered trademark) Controller for ANDROID (registered trademark)", "SONOS (registered trademark) Controller for MAC or PC".

c. Data connection example Zone players 102 to 124 of FIG. 1 are directly or indirectly connected as a data network, for example, to the data network 128. The controller 130 may be directly or indirectly connected to the data network 128, or may be individually connected to the zone player. The data network 128 is shown as an octagon in the figure to stand out from the other components shown. Although data networks 128 are shown in one place, it is understood that such networks extend into and around system 100. In particular, the data network 128 can be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both a wired network and a wireless network. In some embodiments, one or more of the zone players 102-124 are wirelessly connected to the data network 128 based on a proprietary mesh network. In some embodiments, one or more of the zone players 102-124 are wirelessly connected to the data network 128 using a non-mesh topology. In some embodiments, one or more of the zone players 102-124 are connected via a wire to data network 128 using Ethernet® or similar technology. In addition to connecting one or more zone players 102-124 to the data network 128, the data network 128 is also accessible to wide area networks such as the Internet.

In some embodiments, the data network 128 may be formed by connecting some or some other connected device of zone players 102-124 to a broadband router. Other zone players 102-124 can then be added to the data network 128 by wire or wirelessly. For example, a zone player (eg, one of zone players 102-124) is added to system configuration 100 (or performs some other action) by simply pressing a button provided on the zone player. Allows connection to data network 128. Broadband routers can connect to Internet service providers (ISPs), for example. Broadband routers can be used to form another data network within system configuration 100 that can be used for other applications (eg web surfing). Data network 128 can also be used if it is so programmed. In one example, the second network may implement the Sonoznet protocol developed by Sonoz Incorporated in Santa Barbara. Sonoznet represents a secure, AES-encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless mesh network. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the data network 128 is the same network as a network used for other purposes in the home, such as a conventional wired or wireless network.

d. Zone configuration example A particular zone can include one or more zone players. For example, the family room of FIG. 1 is shown to contain two zone players 106 and 108, while the kitchen is shown to have one zone player 102. In another example, the home theater room has an additional zone player that plays audio from audio sources of 5.1 or higher channels (eg, movies encoded in 5.1 or higher audio channels). In some embodiments, one may place the zone player in a room or space and assign the zone player to a new zone or to an existing zone via controller 130. As such, zones may be formed, combined with other zones, removed, or given a specific name (eg, "kitchen"). It may also be programmed in controller 130 to do so if desired. Further, in some embodiments, the zone configuration may be dynamically modified even after being configured using controller 130 or some other mechanism.

In some embodiments, if the zone contains two or more zone players, eg, two zone players 106 and 108 in a family room, the two zone players 106 and 108 synchronize the same audio source. It can be configured to play. The two zone players 106 and 108 can also be paired to play two different sounds, for example the left and right channels. In other words, the stereo effect of a sound may be reproduced or enhanced through two zone players 106 and 108, one for the left sound and the other for the right sound. In some embodiments, a pair of zone players (also referred to as "combined zone players") can also play audio in synchronization with other zone players in the same zone or different zones.

In some embodiments, two or more zone players can be acoustically integrated to form a single integrated zone player. An integrated zone player (consisting of several different devices) is a non-integrated zone player or a paired zone because the integrated zone player plays sound through additional speaker drivers. Sound processing and reproduction can be configured differently than with players. The integrated zone player can also be paired with a single zone player or other integrated zone player. Each playback device of the integrated playback device is preferably set to integrated mode.

According to some embodiments, the user can continue to group, integrate, pair, etc. the zone players to complete the desired configuration. The grouping, integration, and pairing operations are preferably performed through a control interface, eg, using controller 130, and speaker wires, eg, individual, distant speakers, to create different configurations. It is done without physically connecting and reconnecting. As such, the particular embodiments described herein can provide a more flexible and dynamic platform and provide sound reproduction to the end user.

e. Audio source example In some embodiments, each zone can be played from the same audio source as the audio source in another zone. Each zone can also be played from a different audio source. For example, someone can listen to jazz music through Zone Player 124 while grilling on the patio. Also, someone can listen to classical music through Zone Player 102 while preparing a meal in the kitchen. In addition, while someone is in the office, the same jazz music that is being played through the zone player 124 on the patio can be heard through the zone player 110. In some embodiments, the jazz music played through the zone players 110 and 124 is played synchronously. Synchronizing playback between multiple zones allows the user to move between multiple zones while listening to the audio uninterrupted (or nearly uninterrupted). In addition, the zones can be set to "party mode" and all connected zones can play audio in sync.

There are many sources of audio content played by Zone Players 102-124. In some embodiments, the music of the zone player itself may be accessed and the music may be played. In some embodiments, music from a personal library stored on a computer or network attached storage (NAS) may be accessed and played over the data network 128. In some embodiments, Internet radio stations, programs, and podcasts can be accessed via data network 128. Music services or cloud services that allow users to play and / or download music and audio content can be accessed via the data network 128. In addition, music may be obtained from a conventional source, such as a turntable or CD player, by connecting to a zone player via a line-in connection. Audio content can also be accessed as a different protocol, for example, using Apple's AIRPLAY® wireless technology. Audio content received from one or more sources can be shared between zone players 102-124 via the data network 128 and / or controller 130. The sources of audio content described above are referred to herein as network-based audio information sources. However, network-based audio information is not limited to them.

In some embodiments, the illustrated home theater zone players 116, 118, 120 are connected to an audio information source such as a television 132. In some examples, the television 132 is used as the audio source for the home theater zone players 116, 118, 120, while in other examples the audio information from the television 132 is the zone within the audio system 100. Can be shared with any of players 102-124.

III. Zone player With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary block diagram of the Zone Player 400 according to the embodiment is shown. The zone player 400 of FIG. 4 includes a network interface 402, a processor 408, a memory 410, an audio processing component 412, one or more modules 414, an audio amplifier 416, and a speaker unit 418. The speaker unit 418 is connected to the audio amplifier 416. FIG. 2A illustrates an example of such a zone player. Other types of zone players may not include a speaker unit 418 (eg, shown in FIG. 2B) or an audio amplifier 416 (eg, shown in FIG. 2C). In addition, Zone Player 400 is intended to be integrated into another component. For example, the zone player 400 can be configured as part of a television, lighting, or some other device for indoor or outdoor use.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 allows data flow between the zone player 400 and other devices on data network 128. In some embodiments, in addition to obtaining audio from another zone player or device on the data network 128, the zone player 400 can access the audio directly from the audio source. Examples of the audio source include an audio source on a wide area network, an audio source on a local network, and the like. Further, in some embodiments, network interface 402 handles the address portion of each packet and receives a packet that should go to the zone player 400 so that each packet reaches the correct destination. Therefore, in certain embodiments, each packet contains an IP-based destination address as well as an IP-based source address.

In some embodiments, the network interface 402 may include one or both of the wireless interface 404 and the wired interface 406. The radio interface 402, also referred to as a radio frequency (RF) interface, provides the zone player 400 with network interface functionality. This allows the Zone Player 400 to use other devices (eg, other Zone Players, Speakers) according to the communication protocol (including, for example, any wireless standard IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15.1). , Receivers, components associated with data network 128, etc.) and communicate wirelessly. The wireless interface 404 may include one or more wireless devices. The zone player 400 includes one or more antennas 420 to receive the radio signal, provide the radio signal to the radio interface 404, and transmit the radio signal. The wired interface 406 provides a network interface function to the zone player 400. As a result, the zone player 400 communicates with other devices by wire according to a communication protocol (for example, IEEE802.3). In some embodiments, the zone player comprises both interfaces 404 and 406. In some embodiments, the zone player 400 includes only the wireless interface 404 or only the wired interface 406.

In some embodiments, processor 408 is a clock-driven electronic device that is configured to process input data according to instructions stored in computer memory 410. The memory 410 is a data storage that can contain one or more software modules 414 and can be executed by a computer processor 408 to perform a specific task. In the illustrated embodiment, memory 410 is a tangible computer-readable recording medium that stores instructions that can be executed by processor 408. In some embodiments, the task is that the zone player 400 obtains audio data from another zone player or device on the network (eg, using a URL or some other identifier). It may be that. In some embodiments, the task may be for the zone player 400 to send audio data to another zone player, or to send audio data to a device on the network. In some embodiments, the task may be to synchronize the audio playback of the zone player 400 with one or more added zone players. In some embodiments, the task may be to pair the zone player 400 with one or more zone players to create a multi-channel audio environment. Additional or alternative tasks can be performed via one or more software modules 414 and processor 408.

The audio processing component 412 can include one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors, and the like. In some embodiments, the audio processing component 412 may be part of processor 408. In some embodiments, the audio retrieved via the network interface 402 is processed and / or intentionally modified by the audio processing component 412. In addition, the audio processing component 412 can generate analog audio signals. The processed analog audio signal is provided to the audio amplifier 416 and played back through the speaker 418. In addition, the audio processing component 412 includes a circuit that processes an analog signal or a digital signal as an input, and can be reproduced from the zone player 400. The audio processing component 412 can also be sent to another zone player on the network. The audio processing component 412 can also be played and sent to another device on the network. Examples of inputs include line-in connections (eg, auto-detecting 3.5 mm audio line-in connections).

The audio amplifier 416 is a device that amplifies an audio signal to a level that can drive one or more speakers 418. One or more loudspeakers 418 can include a complete loudspeaker system that includes individual transducers (eg, "drivers") or enclosures that include one or more drivers. Specific drivers may be, for example, subwoofers (eg, for low frequencies), midrange drivers (eg, for medium frequencies), and tweeters (eg, for high frequencies). The housing can be, for example, sealed or transplanted. Each transducer may be driven by its own individual amplifier.

Currently, as a zone player known as a commercially available example, there is PLAY: 5 equipped with a built-in amplifier and a speaker. PLAY: 5 can extract audio directly from sources such as the Internet or local networks. In particular, PLAY: 5 is a 5 amp, 5 driver speaker system, which includes 2 tweeters, 2 midrange drivers and 1 woofer. When playing audio content through PLAY: 5, the audio data on the left side of the track comes from the tweeter on the left side and the midrange driver on the left side. The audio data on the right side of the track comes from the tweeter on the right and the midrange driver on the right. Also, the monaural bass is sent from the subwoofer. In addition, both midrange drivers and both tweeters may have the same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is, both of them are transmitted from different audio channels at the same frequency. PLAY: 5 can play audio, downloaded music, analog audio inputs, televisions, DVDs, etc. from internet radio stations or online music and video services.

IV. Controller With reference to FIG. 5, an exemplary block diagram of the controller 500 that is compatible with the control device 130 of FIG. 1 is shown. Controller 500 can be used to enable control, automation and other things for multimedia applications in the system. In particular, the controller 500 allows the selection of multiple audio sources available on the network and one or more zone players via a wireless or wired network interface 508 (eg, the zone player of FIG. 1). It can be configured to allow control of 102-124). According to one embodiment, wireless communication is based on a standard (eg, an infrared, wireless device, or wireless standard including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n or 802.11). In addition, if certain audio is being accessed via controller 500, or if certain audio is being played via a zone player, then the image (eg, album art) or other data will be audio and / Or associated with an audio source and transmitted to the controller 500 for display by some zone player or other electronic device.

The controller 500 is provided with a screen 502 and an input interface 514. This allows the user to interact with the controller 500, for example, to navigate playlists of many multimedia items and control the behavior of one or more zone players. The screen 502 on the controller 500 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The screen 502 communicates with the screen driver 504 controlled by the microcontroller (eg, processor) 506 and receives commands. Memory 510 can load one or more application modules 512. In some embodiments, the application module 512 is configured to group a plurality of selected zone players into zone groups, synchronize the zone players, and play audio. In some embodiments, the application module 512 is configured to control the audio sound (eg, volume) of a zone player within a zone group. During operation, when the microcontroller 506 executes one or more of the application modules 512, the screen driver 504 generates a control signal to drive the screen 502 and displays the application on a particular user interface.

The controller 500 includes a network interface 508 capable of communicating with the zone player by wire or wirelessly. In some embodiments, commands such as volume control and audio playback synchronization are transmitted via network interface 508. In some embodiments, the stored zone group configuration is transferred between the zone player and the controller via network interface 508. Controller 500 can control one or more zone players, such as zone players 102-124 of FIG. Multiple controllers can be used for a particular system. Each controller can share common information with another controller. Alternatively, when the zone player stores configuration data (for example, a state variable), common information can be retrieved from the zone player. In addition, the controller can be integrated into the zone player.

Other network-enabled devices include, for example, IPHONE®, IPAD® or any other smartphone or network-enabled device (eg, a networked computer such as a PC or MAC®). It should be noted that it can also be used as a controller for interacting with or controlling zone players in a particular environment. In some embodiments, the software application or update can be downloaded onto a network-enabled device to perform the functions described herein.

In certain embodiments, the user can create a zone group (also referred to as a combined zone) containing at least two zone players from controller 500. The zone players in the zone group play the audio in a synchronized way, and all the zone players in the zone group play the same audio source, there is no audition delay, or the sound is uninterrupted (listening). A list of the same audio sources can be played in a way that synchronizes with little delay or almost no interruptions in the sound. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the user increases the audio volume of the group from the controller 500, the signal or data that increases the audio volume of the group is transmitted to one of the zone players and the other in the group. Increase the volume of the zone player together.

The user groups the zone players into zone groups by activating the "Link Zones" ("Link Zones") or "Add Zones" ("Add Zones") soft buttons through the controller 500. It can also be ungrouped by the user by activating the "Unlink Zones" ("Unlink Zones") or "Drop Zones" ("Drop Zones") button. For example, one mechanism for "joining" zone players together to play audio is to link multiple zone players to form a group.

In one embodiment, the user may link only any number of zone players out of six zone players, for example by starting with a single zone and then manually linking each zone to that zone. it can.

In certain embodiments, the zones can be dynamically linked together using commands to create a zone scene or theme (after first creating the zone scene). For example, the "Morning" zone scene command can link bedroom, office, and kitchen zones together in one action. Without this single command, the user would have to manually link each zone individually. A single command may include mouse clicks, double mouse clicks, button presses, gestures, or any number of other programmed actions. You can also program other types of zone scenes.

In certain embodiments, the zone scene can be triggered on the basis of time (eg, the alarm clock function). For example, the zone scene can be set to apply at 8:00 am. The system can automatically link to the appropriate zone and can be configured to play specific music. Any particular zone can trigger a state "on" or "off" based on time, but for example, a zone scene is one in which any zone linked to the scene has predefined audio (eg,). , Favorite songs, a predefined playlists) that can be played at specific times and / or for specific periods of time. Scheduled music playback failed for some reason (eg, playlist is empty, no connection to share, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) failure, no internet connection to internet radio station, etc. ), You can program the backup buzzer to sound.

V. Example of construction system and construction method Certain embodiments can automatically build a media playback device (eg, Zone Player 400) with build parameters for the local wireless network. For example, automatic construction of network parameters may be possible by using a cloud-based server and / or other setwork server.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the playback network 605. The replay network 605 includes one or more replay devices (eg, zone player 400) 611-612 that communicate with the external system 620 and reads and reads one or more build parameters (eg, by pushing and / or pulling). / Or receive. One or more build parameters relate to network connectivity, operations, grouping (eg, zone group configuration), content playback, and so on. For example, the external system 620 may be a cloud-based server or other network-attached server device and / or may include. The external server 620 may interact with local devices 611, 612 to provide regional (or geographical) construction information, communication channel selection, and the like. For example, the external server 620 and the local playback devices 611 and 612 may exchange parameter information without user operation. For example, playback devices 611, 612 can use the information to build operational network parameters on network 605.

In one example, the automatic construction of radio parameters for local devices 611, 612 can be easily done based on the regional location without user intervention. The regional location is determined using inputs such as, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS receiver), a cloud server, or a device on another local network. Wireless network parameters are provided by a cloud server (eg, external system 620) or by another device on the local network, eg, based on location information. For example, radio parameters can also be stored locally on devices in each region. Once the region is determined, the appropriate settings will be applied.

In the example of FIG. 6, the wireless network is defined as a plurality of different network devices, such as multimedia devices (eg, zone players, wireless compatible televisions, etc.), wireless portable devices (eg, IPOD®, IPHONE®). , IPAD®, etc.), access points, and network bridges. This wireless network may be a mesh network, an access point network, or the like.

In the example of FIG. 6, wireless network parameters can be automatically constructed in a mesh network using a cloud server without user intervention. Wireless networks include multiple different network devices, such as multimedia devices (eg, zone players, wireless TVs, etc.), wireless mobile devices (eg, IPOD®, IPHONE®, IPAD®). ) Etc.), access points, and network bridges. Network data is collected by playback devices 611, 612 and periodically sent to the cloud server for analysis. Wireless network parameters can be constructed via a cloud server. The cloud server includes wireless channels, bit rates, transmission power, and the like. For example, the wireless topology may be rebuilt via a cloud server.

In certain embodiments, the root of the spanning tree may be reassigned by the cloud server for networks that use the spanning tree protocol.

In certain embodiments, it is possible to build wireless network parameters using cloud servers as well as remote and manual operations.

FIG. 7 shows an internal functional block diagram of an exemplary zone player 700. The zone player 700 receives location-based radio parameter information from an external source. For example, the zone player 700 of FIG. 7 may be used to implement any of the zone players 102-124 of FIG. In some embodiments, the zone player 700 is used to implement one of the home theater zone players 116, 118, 120, while the soundbar may be included. As used herein, a "soundbar" is referred to as a single playback device. A single playback device includes a speaker array. The speaker array is configured to play video audio, while it is normally configured to play audio. In some examples, the soundbar may simulate or partially simulate a surround sound environment.

As in the example of the zone player 400 of FIG. 4, the zone player 700 of FIG. 7 includes a processor 408, a memory 410, an audio processing component 412, a module 414, an audio amplifier 416, a speaker 418, and one or more antennas 420. .. Details of these components have already been described above. The number of components may be increased or decreased depending on the desired configuration. The zone player 700 of FIG. 7 includes a network interface 702. The network interface 702 includes a radio interface 404 and communicates over a designated radio spectrum (eg, 2.4 GHz spectrum, 5 GHz spectrum, etc.). The network interface 702 also includes a wired interface 406. Details of the wireless interface 404 and the wired interface 406 have already been described above. The zone player 700 may communicate simultaneously via some interfaces 404, 406, or all interfaces 404, 406, or may communicate substantially simultaneously.

Each of the interfaces 404 and 406 of FIG. 7 may have a unique identifier, such as a unique media access control (MAC) address. Therefore, each of the interfaces 404 and 406 may be dealt with individually. The zone player 700 may also communicate simultaneously using some or all interfaces 404, 406, if desired.

Further, the zone player 700 of FIG. 7 includes a control interface 706 and an audio interface 708. The control interface 706 transmits and / or receives control information (eg, construction information) via one or both of interfaces 404, 406. For example, control interface 706 may communicate construction information to one or more other zone players. The control interface 706 may communicate construction information to one or more other zone players via interfaces 404, 406. In some examples, control interface 706 receives build information (eg, radio channel selection, bit rate, encoding, transmit power, location, etc.) from other zone players via interfaces 404, 406. For example, an example of control interface 706 provides control information (eg, channel probe, location query, bit rate information, encoding information, etc.) to another zone player, network (eg, cloud-based) server, etc., and interfaces 404, 406. Communicate additionally or alternatives via.

The audio interface 708 of FIG. 7 transmits and / or receives audio information via interfaces 404, 406. For example, audio interface 708 may receive digital audio information from an internet source. The audio interface 708 may receive digital audio information from a local network source (eg, a computer over a local area network, or a computer over a LAN). The audio interface 708 brings digital audio information as another home theater component, such as TVs, cable boxes, optical media players (DVDs, Blu-ray® discs, etc.), digital media players, video game consoles, and / Alternatively, it may be received from any other type of audio source. In addition, the audio interface 708 sends the received audio information to one or more zones (eg, via a line output connection such as RCA or optical output, or through a mesh network through interface 404 and / or interface 406). Send to the player. One or more zone players include a reference zone player. In some examples, the audio interface 708 transmits audio information. The audio information is based on the control information provided by control interface 706.

To control which channels are used, network interface 702 includes a channel selector 704. The example of channel selector 704 selects a channel in the spectrum (eg 2.4GHz, 5GHz, etc.). The wireless interface 404 transmits and / or receives information over the selected channel. In some embodiments, the channel is selected by a different device (eg, another zone player, an external device such as a cloud-based server, etc.). The channel selector 704 obtains channel information via interfaces 404 and 406.

In some examples, if the currently selected channel is no longer suitable for playing media content (eg, audio), another better channel is available. For example, the channel selector 704 may select a new channel and provide channel information to control interface 706. The channel selector 704 causes the wireless interface 404 to change the newly selected channel. The audio interface 708 may continue to transmit audio information on the newly selected channel. In some examples, the new channel information may be sent to another connected zone player and back to a cloud-based server or the like.

In the example of operation, the control interface 706 first communicates with an external device via interfaces 404, 406 (eg, at startup, when adding a zone player to the zone player network, etc.). The control interface 706 transmits control information. The control interface 706 is the default channel or<u style="single">Finally got to know</u>Request updates of control information via channels and / or via other radio settings. For example, examples of control information include at least the selected channel and the identifier of the zone player 700 (eg, distinguishing the zone player 700 from any other zone player that may be on the same network). After transmitting the control information (in some embodiments, after receiving an acknowledgment from an external device), the control interface 706 may provide feedback via interfaces 404, 406, eg, updated control information. You may receive it. Where appropriate, the control interface 706 can update the parameters of the zone player 700 or make other changes based on the update information received from the external device, for example via the channel selector 704. be able to.

Continuing the example, if the selected channel is no longer appropriate (eg, too much interference, long latency, zone player moved, etc.), the control interface 706 will have an available external device (eg, connect). You may request updates from another zone player, cloud-based server, etc.). In certain embodiments, the channel selector 704 selects a different channel and sends control information to other zone players on the same local network that identify the newly selected channel.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a system 800 containing multiple networks. Multiple networks include cloud-based networks and one or more local playback networks. For example, system 800 includes a cloud or other network 805. The cloud or other network 805 connects to multiple local networks (eg, LANs) and / or external systems for communication and data exchange. System 800 includes local networks 810, 820. For example, each local network 810, 820 includes a plurality of media playback devices 811-813, 821-823 and controllers 814, 824-825. For example, local media content 816, 826 is stored via local area networks 810, 820 and provided for playback.

The system 800 of FIG. 8 may additionally include a playback device 831. Playback device 831 is not associated with the local network. In addition, system 800 includes one or more external systems. One or more external systems include media content 840, remote cloud server 850, remote applications, content providers, and the like.

For example, one or more playback devices 811-813, 821-823, 831 and / or controllers 814, 824-825 provide network and / or other build information (eg, wireless mesh network build parameters) to the cloud 805. Can be taken out through. For example, a cloud server 850, other network devices, global positioning devices, etc. can provide location-based construction information (eg, communication channels, geographic areas, etc.) to network devices. Further, for example, media content (eg, audio, video, etc.) can be shared within the system 800. The automatic determination and automatic construction will be described in detail below.

In certain embodiments, the wireless network (eg, networks 805, 810, 820) can be a plurality of network devices, such as a media playback device (eg, a zone player, a wireless speaker, a wireless capable television, etc.), a wireless portable device (eg, a wireless portable device). For example, a portable music player such as IPOD (registered trademark), a smartphone such as IPOHONE (registered trademark), a tablet computer such as IPAD (registered trademark), etc.), an access point, a bridge, and the like can be included. In certain embodiments, the wireless network may be a mesh network, an access point network, or the like.

1. Example of regional construction A particular embodiment automatically determines the location while using the device and builds regional parameters for the playback device in the playback system. In these embodiments, no human operation is required by the user, and no region-specific construction settings are required at the sales agent of the factory.

The location of the device (eg, PLAY: 5 or PLAY: 3) is determined by a sensor, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) built into the playback device. For example, if the device has such a feature, the regional settings are automatically set when the device boots and determines its location. For example, the playback device may connect to GPS satellites and / or nearby ground fault relays (eg, cellular towers) and determine their location.

Alternatively, for example, if the device does not have a global positioning function but is connected to a network such as the Internet, the location may be determined remotely by a cloud-based service. In cloud-based services, it is possible to determine the geographic location (eg country) of a unit operating based on an IP address. For example, the playback device may communicate with a computer on which the user is running playback controller software to obtain location-based configuration information.

In certain embodiments, if the playback device is added to an existing network, the device may inherit regional settings from other products already in use on that network. For example, the playback device interacts with the bridge or other playback device to access the local playback network. In this way, when joining the network (and / or immediately after joining the network), it is possible to receive regional setting information in addition to other network construction.

Once the location is determined, in some embodiments, regional settings are automatically built on the device. That is, for example, the device does not need to be built based on its current geographic area by manual interaction of the user. In some embodiments, all regional settings (or, for example, the most common regions, or a subset of some other regions) can also be stored locally in non-volatile memory on the device. Or it can be stored in another similar device, or it can be stored in a local server connected to a wireless network.

In some embodiments, for example, the device can retrieve settings from a cloud-based service based on region. Cloud-based services work to ensure that your home devices have the same regional settings, and if necessary or desired, these settings will take time in accordance with changes in regulatory legislation, environment, etc. It can also be updated.

Figure 9 shows a flow diagram of an example of Method 900 that determines the location of a device and creates a location-based configuration for the device. At block 910, the device connects to an available network. For example, a zone player connects to a home wireless network. The device may connect to the network using the default settings. The default settings are updated once the device establishes a secure connection with other devices on the network.

At block 920, the device receives the location-based configuration. For example, the playback device receives the geographic area where the network is located. The device starts adjusting in order while connected to the network, and enables content playback and the like. In block 930, the received / retrieved settings are applied to the device. For example, the device may be built from default settings that are applied at power up. The default settings are based on the received regional settings. For example, the device may be rebuilt based on the regions that have changed since the last build. In block 940, the device behaves according to the updated settings. For example, the device may communicate with the content provider, other playback device, controller, etc. to receive content and / or playback row information for playback.

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of an example of the more specific method 1000. Method 1000 determines regional settings and reconstructs zone players appropriately. At block 1010, the zone player connects to the available wireless network using default settings (eg, factory defaults). For example, the zone player may exchange connection information (eg, security parameters) with a device already on the network and connect to the network.

In block 1020, the zone player identifies the geographic area in which the zone player is operating. For example, using GPS, information from another device on the network, an internet connection, etc., the zone player identifies the geographic area where the zone player is located. At block 1030, the setting of the identified area is determined. For example, regional parameters may include radio spectrum, radio channels, bit rates, encodings, transmit power, security mechanisms, and the like.

Block 1040 compares the regional settings with the zone player's default settings to determine if the zone player's network settings have changed. If yes, proceed to block 1050 and the zone player's network settings will be rebuilt based on the determined regional settings. Next, block 1060 allows playback and control of content on the network via a zone player.

2. Example of channel selection In a particular embodiment, the problem of channel selection in a mesh network can be solved, for example, in the following ways. The method is to collect data such as currently operating channels, other possible wireless channels, music dropout rates, packet error rates, and so on. Then, the collected data is uploaded to, for example, a cloud-based server and / or another network server on a regular basis and / or based on a trigger. In certain embodiments, the data can be stored and retrieved. The cloud-based server can run various algorithms or heuristics to direct the zone player in the house and initiate a channel change for the house. Therefore, in certain embodiments, processing on the zone player is limited to, for example, data collection, data upload, and channel change execution. Other processing and analysis takes place on the cloud / network server. In certain embodiments, algorithms / heuristics are evaluated in addition to and / or instead of channel selection, and various parameters such as bit rate, transmit power, network topology, etc. can be adjusted.

The use of cloud-based servers increases the processing power and memory of individual playback devices as a whole, and determines channel selection, etc. by executing algorithms and / or evaluating heuristics. The algorithms and heuristics can be placed on the cloud server, for example, without rolling out new firmware on the zone player. For example, the test can be limited to a small number of homes to evaluate the algorithm. The algorithm can roll out gradually, for example, limiting the number of houses rolled out at one time.

Certain embodiments provide access to raw test data (for data located only in the zone player's memory). A cloud server can be used, for example, to provide sufficient storage space and keep a history of channel usage from home to home (if desired). In this case, the user can evaluate the previous decision over a long period of time to help determine the effect.

Alternatively, customer support can remotely construct network parameters such as channel selection, in which case similar processing as described above may be performed. However, instead of auto-building the network system, for example, customer support can handle building the device manually via a remote location.

In certain embodiments, cloud servers can be used to automatically build wireless network parameters within a mesh network without user intervention. For example, network data is collected by a playback device (eg, a zone player) and periodically sent to a cloud server for analysis. The wireless network parameters may be constructed via a cloud server. Radio network parameters include radio channels, bit rates, transmit power, and so on. In certain embodiments, the wireless network topology may be reconstructed via a cloud server.

In certain embodiments, the network construction can include spanning tree protocol. The spanning tree protocol is called the network protocol. This network protocol builds the network to avoid bridge loops. Avoiding bridge loops is usually done by 1) specifying the root node, 2) calculating the minimum cost route from another node to that root node, and 3) disabling the other route. .. Reproduction devices, such as zone players 400, 700, may advantageously use the spanning tree protocol to communicate with satellite zone players and / or other zone players in the mesh network. By using the Spanning Tree Protocol, low-latency audio delivery is possible by determining the shortest path between points and reducing (eg, avoiding) unnecessary hops of low-latency audio data between zone players. I have to. An example of spanning tree protocol construction may be a spanning tree protocol table (eg, stored in memory 410). The Spanning Tree Protocol table contains ports and / or devices to which zone players 400, 700 are connected. For example, the Spanning Tree Protocol table can be reconstructed when more zone players are added and the location of the zone player changes and / or when the configuration of the zone player changes. In networks that use Spanning Tree Protocol, the spanning tree root may be reassigned by the cloud server.

FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of an example of method 1100 that collects data, sends it to a cloud server, and determines wireless network settings. At block 1110, data is collected. For example, one or more zone players on the network can collect network data (eg, network construction parameters, network activity, network conditions, etc.).

At block 1120, the collected data is sent to the cloud server. For example, the zone player may send the collected data to the cloud server on a regular and / or on demand basis (eg, based on requests, triggers, detection of changes in network data, etc.). For example, in response to data collected from a zone player, the cloud server analyzes the data according to one or more rules, thresholds, algorithms, heuristics, preferences, and so on. Based on the analysis, the cloud server selects or determines the wireless network settings for the zone player.

At block 1130, the wireless network settings are received from the cloud server. For example, a cloud server can send selected wireless network settings to one or more zone players on the requesting local network. At block 1140, a decision is made as to whether the network settings should be changed. For example, the zone player may determine if the received settings differ from the existing settings on the zone player. If yes, proceed to block 1150 and the network settings will be rebuilt. The process is then repeated, for example, with the data collected in block 1110.

VI. Conclusion As mentioned above, systems and methods have been proposed for providing wireless playback content over a local wireless network while adapting to regional and / or other network constraints. Certain embodiments provide the construction of media playback devices for playback over a local wireless network, automating location determination. Local radio networks are based on at least some of the geobuilding information (eg, radio channels, bit rates, transmit power, encoding, etc.). In certain embodiments, the collection of network information is automated by a media playback device for transmission to an external source (eg, another playback device, cloud-based server, etc.). The external source sequentially provides the network construction information to the media playback device.

Certain embodiments include the step of automatically determining the geographic location of a networked playback device without user intervention. Examples of methods include building network parameters on the playback device for wireless connection and communication to the network by the playback device, based on the construction information associated with the determined geographic area. The method includes a step of enabling communication by the playback device over the network.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises collecting data related to the radio performance of the local radio network by means of a playback device. Here, a playback device is connected to the local wireless network. The method comprises sending a first message to a network server by a playback device without user intervention. The first message contains data related to the radio performance of the local radio network. The method includes the step of receiving a second message from the network server on the playback device. The network server contains wireless network parameters for playback devices on the local wireless network. The method includes the step of initiating the rebuilding of the local radio network by the playback device based on the received radio network parameters.

In certain embodiments, the media playback device includes a control interface and the media playback device receives and processes network construction information for the local network from an external source. The control interface receives and processes the network construction from an external source without requiring user interaction. The media playback device includes a wireless interface and communicates with the local network based on at least a portion of the network construction information. The media playback device, including speakers, outputs audio based on audio information received over the local network.

As used herein, various exemplary systems, methods, devices, and products disclose, among other components, firmware and / or software that runs on hardware. However, such examples are merely examples and should not be considered limiting. For example, some or all of these firmware components, hardware components, and / or software components, exclusively to hardware, exclusively to software, exclusively to firmware, or any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. It is intended that it can be embodied in. Accordingly, the exemplary system, method, apparatus,Andhas been described the beauty / or products, examples provided are those systems, methods, apparatus, and not the only way to implement / or product ..

Further, the reference to "embodiments" herein means that the particular features, structures, or properties described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Although the term is used in various places herein, it does not all refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment except for other embodiments. Thus, it is understood that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments by those skilled in the art, both explicitly and implicitly.

This specification is broadly described with respect to exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logical blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations, which are the operations of data processing devices that are directly or indirectly connected to the network. Is similar to. These processing descriptions and expressions are generally used by those skilled in the art and can convey the content of their work to other skilled in the art most efficiently. Much specific content is provided to understand this disclosure. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented without specific, specific details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the embodiments described above.

When any of the appended claims is read to simply cover implementation in software and / or firmware, one or more of the elements in at least one example are referred to herein as software and / or firmware. It is clearly defined to include tangible media for storage, such as memory, DVDs, CDs, Blu-ray® and the like.