Playback device configuration based on proximity detection

Reference of related application

0001This application claims the priority of US Patent Application No. 14 / 216,325 filed on March 17, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

0002The present application relates to consumer products, in particular to methods, systems, products, features, services, and other elements directed to media playback, and some aspects thereof.

0003In 2003, Sonoz Incorporated filed one of its first patent applications, "How to Synchronize Audio Playback Between Multiple Network Devices," and in 2005 sold a media playback system. Until the start, access and audition options for digital audio in the outloud settings were limited. The Sonos wireless HiFi system allows people to experience music from many sources via one or more network playback devices. Through software control applications installed on smartphones, tablets, or computers, people can play the music they want in any room equipped with a network playback device. You can also use a controller, for example, to stream different songs to each room with a playback device, group multiple rooms for synchronous playback, or synchronize in all rooms. You can also listen to the same song.

0004Given the growing interest in digital media to date, there is a need to further develop consumer-accessible technologies that can further enhance the listening experience.

0005The features, aspects, and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein are more comprehensible with reference to the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings.

0006<figref num="1">The figure which shows the structure of the exemplary media reproduction system which can be carried out in a certain embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">Diagram showing a functional block diagram of an exemplary playback device</figref><figref num="3">Diagram showing a functional block diagram of an exemplary control device</figref><figref num="4">Diagram showing an exemplary controller interface</figref><figref num="5">An exemplary flow diagram to illustrate playback settings based on obstacle proximity</figref><figref num="6">Diagram showing an example of arrangement of playback devices</figref><figref num="7">Diagram showing another arrangement example of the playback device</figref><figref num="8">The figure which shows the example of the frequency response of a reproduction device.</figref><figref num="9">Diagram showing an example of a controller interface including obstacle display</figref>

0007The drawings are intended to illustrate some exemplary embodiments, but it is understood that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings.

0008I. Overview The embodiments described herein include dynamically setting the playback device by the playback device itself based on detecting an obstacle in the vicinity of the playback device. In reality, playback devices are located in different locations in different places, such as homes and businesses. In many cases, other objects are intentionally or unintentionally placed on or around the playback device. For example, various household items such as picture frames and flower pots are placed near the playback device. In some situations it may simply be convenient to place a particular object close to the playback device, or in other situations the particular object may be used to hide the playback device. In other cases, the playback device is placed near a wall or inside an object such as a cabinet. In either case, the periphery of the playback device may act as an obstacle to the audio output of the playback device.

0009In some situations, when an obstacle, such as an object or wall, is in close proximity to the playback device, the obstacle can affect the audio output of the playback device. For example, an object placed in front of a speaker in a playback device can distort the audio output of the speaker. Such distortion can lead to some inconvenient consequences, such as impairing the user experience.

0010Therefore, according to some embodiments described herein, the playback device is dynamically configured to compensate for the presence of an obstacle when it detects that there is an obstacle in the immediate vicinity of the playback device. To. To dynamically respond to obstacles placed in close proximity to the playback device, the playback device can repeat the steps described herein as appropriate. For example, if an obstacle is placed near the speaker of the playback device, the device adjusts the playback settings based on the obstacle. When the obstacle is removed, the playback device dynamically adjusts to the original playback settings. Alternatively, if the second obstacle is placed close to another speaker, the playback device dynamically adjusts the playback settings based on both obstacles. When an obstacle approaches or moves away from the playback device, the playback device changes the playback settings accordingly.

0011In some embodiments, dynamic configuration by the playback device involves deactivating the speakers of the playback device. For example, a particular speaker in a playback device is deactivated when an obstacle is detected in close proximity to that speaker. In other embodiments, setting the playback device includes modifying the audio output of a particular speaker to assist in compensating for the presence of obstacles detected as being in close proximity to that speaker. As an example, the playback device adjusts the high frequency response of the audio output to compensate for the distortion in the high frequency range caused by obstacles with respect to the perceived frequency response of the playback device. In another embodiment, setting the playback device includes stopping the first speaker and changing the audio output of the second speaker. In one example, the first and second speakers are part of the same playback device. In another example, the first speaker is part of the first playback device and the second speaker is part of the second playback device.

0012Other examples and embodiments that compensate for the presence of obstacles are described in more detail below.

0013As described above, the present application includes dynamically setting the reproduction device based on detecting an obstacle in the vicinity of the reproduction device. In one aspect, a method is provided. The method includes the step of receiving nearby data, including the display of obstacles in close proximity to the playback device. The method includes detecting that the obstacle is within the threshold vicinity of the first speaker of the reproduction device based on the display of the obstacle in the vicinity of the reproduction device. The method includes setting the playback settings of the playback device based on the detection. The method includes playing audio content on a playback device according to the playback settings set.

0014In another aspect, a reproduction device is provided. The playback device includes a first speaker, a second speaker, a processor, data storage, and program logic. The program logic is stored in the data storage and can be executed by the processor. When the program logic is executed by the processor, the obstacle is the first speaker of the playback device based on the step of receiving nearby data, including the display of obstacles close to the playback device, the display of obstacles close to the playback device. The step of detecting that the data is within the threshold range of is executed. Here, the first speaker is configured to play a component having audio content. Based on this detection, the program logic can be executed to (i) deactivate the first speaker and (ii) perform the steps of playing at least some of the components of the audio content through the second speaker.

0015In yet another aspect, non-temporary computer readable memory is provided. The non-temporary computer-readable memory stores instructions that can be executed by the playback device, and when the instructions are executed, the playback device is made to perform a plurality of functions. Multiple features include the step of receiving proximity data, including the display of obstacles close to the playback device, the threshold neighborhood range of the obstacle being the first speaker of the playback device, based on the display of obstacles close to the playback device. This includes a step of detecting that the content is inside, a step of setting the playback setting of the playback device based on the detection, and a step of playing the audio content by the playback device according to the set playback setting.

0016It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure includes several other embodiments.

0017II. Example of operating environment FIG. 1 shows an exemplary configuration of a media playback system 100 that can be implemented or implemented in one or more embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the media playback system 100 is associated with an exemplary home environment having multiple rooms and spaces, such as a master bedroom, office, dining room, and living room. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the media playback system 100 includes playback devices 102-124, control devices 126 and 128, and a wired or wireless network router 130.

0018In addition, a description of the different components of the exemplary media playback system 100 and how the different components work to provide the user with a media experience is provided in the sections below. Although the description herein generally refers to the media playback system 100, the techniques described herein are not limited to the home environment applications shown in FIG. For example, the techniques described herein include environments where multi-zone audio is desired, such as commercial environments such as restaurants, malls, or airports, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses or vehicles. It is useful in environments such as vehicles, ships, or boards and airplanes.

0019An exemplary zone player FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary playback device 200 that constitutes one or more of the playback devices 102-124 of the media playback system 100 of FIG. The playback device 200 may include a processor 202, a software component 204, a memory 206, an audio processing component 208, an audio amplifier 210, a speaker 212, a network interface 214 and a proximity sensor 220. Network interface 214 includes wireless interface 216 and wired interface 218. In some cases, the playback device 200 does not include the speaker 212, but may include a speaker interface for connecting the playback device 200 to an external speaker. In other cases, the playback device 200 does not include the speaker 212 or the audio amplifier 210, but may include an audio interface for connecting the playback device 200 to an external audio amplifier or audiovisual receiver.

0020In one example, processor 202 may be a clock-driven computer component configured to process input data based on instructions stored in memory 206. The memory 206 may be a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium configured to store instructions that can be executed by the processor 202. For example, memory 206 may be data storage that can load one or more of the software components 204 that can be executed by processor 202 to perform certain functions. In some examples, the function may include the step of the playback device 200 reading audio data from an audio source or another playback device. In another example, the function may include the step of the playback device 200 transmitting audio data to another device or playback device on the network. In yet another example, the function may include pairing the playback device 200 with one or more playback devices to create a multi-channel audio environment.

0021One function includes a step in which the playback device 200 synchronizes the playback of audio content with one or more other playback devices. While synchronizing the playback, it is preferable that the listener is unaware of the delay between the playback of the audio content by the playback device 200 and the playback by one or more other playback devices. US Pat. No. 8,234,395, entitled "Systems and Methods for Synchronizing Operations Between Multiple Independent Clock Digital Data Processing Devices," is incorporated herein by reference, which may synchronize audio playback between playback devices. It provides a more detailed example as described.

0022Further, the memory 206 may be configured to store data. The data may be stored in, for example, a playback device 200 such as a playback device 200, an audio source accessible by the playback device 200, or a playback device 200 (or other playback) that is part of one or more zones and / or zone groups. It is associated with a play queue, which can be associated with the device). The data may be updated periodically and stored as one or more state variables indicating the state of the playback device 200. The memory 206 may also contain data associated with the state of other devices in the media system, allowing one or more devices to share the most recent data associated with the system from time to time. Can have. Other embodiments are also possible.

0023The audio processing component 208 may include one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio processing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and the like. In certain embodiments, the audio processing component 208 may be a subcomponent of processor 202. In certain embodiments, the audio content may be processed and / or intentionally modified by the audio processing component 208 to generate an audio signal. The generated audio signal is transmitted to the audio amplifier 210, amplified, and reproduced through the speaker 212. In particular, the audio amplifier 210 may include a device configured to amplify the audio signal to a level capable of driving one or more speakers 212. The speaker 212 may include a complete speaker system including an independent transducer (eg, a "driver") or a housing containing one or more drivers. Some drivers provided on the speaker 212 may include, for example, a subwoofer (eg, for low frequencies), a middle range driver (eg, for intermediate frequencies), and / or a tweeter (for high frequencies). In some cases, each converter of one or more speakers 212 may be driven by the corresponding individual audio amplifiers of the audio amplifier 210. In addition to generating an analog signal to be played on the playback device 200, the audio processing component 208 processes the audio content and sends the audio content for playback by one or more other playback devices.

0024Audio content processed and / or played by the playback device 200 is received via an external source, such as an audio line-in input connection (eg, an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audio line-in connection) or network interface 214. May be good.

0025Network interface 214 may be configured to allow data flow between the playback device 200 and one or more other devices on the data network. In this way, the playback device 200 is a data network from one or more other playback devices communicating with the playback device, a network device within a local area network, or an audio content source on a wide area network, such as the Internet. It may be configured to receive audio content via. In one example, audio content and other signals transmitted and received by the playback device 200 may be transmitted in the form of digital packets containing source addresses based on Internet Protocol (IP) and destination addresses based on IP. In such a case, the network interface 214 can appropriately receive and process the data addressed to the reproduction device 200 by the reproduction device 200 by analyzing the digital packet data.

0026As shown, the network interface 214 may include a wireless interface 216 and a wired interface 218. The wireless interface 216 provides network interface functionality for the playback device 200 and is wireless, including communication protocols such as the wireless standards IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11, 4G mobile communication standards, and more. Wireless communication with other devices (eg, other playback devices, speakers, receivers, network devices, control devices in the data network associated with the playback device 200) based on any of the standards) Good. The wired interface 218 provides a network interface function for the playback device 200, and may communicate via a wired connection with another device based on a communication protocol (eg, IEEE 802.3). Although the network interface 214 shown in FIG. 2 includes both the wireless interface 216 and the wired interface 218, the network interface 214 may, in certain embodiments, include only the wireless interface or only the wired interface. Good.

0027In some embodiments, the reproduction device 200 includes one or more proximity sensors 220. Generally, the proximity sensor 220 is configured to generate a signal indicating the presence of an object within a predetermined range. In some embodiments, the signal indicating the presence of an object may be processed into digital neighborhood data. For example, when the signal indicating the existence of an object is an analog signal, it may be converted into digital neighborhood data using an analog / digital converter. The proximity sensor 220 may be further configured to generate data indicating the absolute distance, relative distance, and / or approximate distance of the object from the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 220 may include any of (i) a microphone, (ii) a capacitive sensor, (iii) an infrared (IR) sensor, and (iv) a camera. Proximity sensors may be configured to perform additional functions in addition to those explicitly discussed herein.

0028In one example, the playback device 200 and other playback devices may be paired to play two separate audio components of audio content. For example, the playback device 200 may be configured to play the left channel audio component, while other playback devices may be configured to play the right channel audio component. This can generate or enhance the stereo effect of the audio content. The paired playback device (also referred to as a "combined playback device") may further play audio content in synchronization with another playback device.

0029In another example, the playback device 200 may be acoustically integrated with one or more other playback devices to form a single integrated playback device (integrated playback device). The integrated playback device can be configured to process and reproduce sound differently than a non-integrated playback device or a paired playback device. This is because the integrated playback device can add speakers to play audio content. For example, if the playback device 200 is designed to play low frequency range audio content (eg, a subwoofer), the playback device 200 is designed to play full frequency range audio content. It may be integrated with the device. In this case, the full frequency range playback device may be configured to play only the mid-high frequency components of the audio content when integrated with the low frequency playback device 200. On the other hand, the low frequency range playback device 200 plays low frequency components of audio content. Further, the integrated playback device may be paired with a single playback device or even another integrated playback device.

0030As an example, Sonos Incorporated currently plays with "PLAY: 1", "PLAY: 3", "PLAY: 5", "PLAYBAR", "CONNECT: AMP", "CONNECT", and "SUB". We sell and offer devices. Any other past, present, and / or future reproduction device may be additionally or optionally implemented and used in the reproduction device of the examples disclosed herein. Further, it is understood that the reproduction device is not limited to the particular example shown in FIG. 2 or the Sonoz products provided. For example, the playback device may include wired or wireless headphones. In another example, the playback device may include or interact with a docking station for a personal mobile media playback device. In yet another example, the playback device may be integrated with another device or component, such as a television, luminaire, or some other device for indoor or outdoor use.

0031b. Illustrative playback zone configuration Returning to the media playback system of FIG. 1, the environment has one or more playback zones, each playback zone containing one or more playback devices. The media reproduction system 100 is formed of one or more reproduction zones, and one or more zones may be added or deleted later to form an exemplary configuration shown in FIG. Each zone may be given a name based on a different room or space, such as an office, bathroom, master bedroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, and / or balcony. In some cases, a single regeneration zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In other cases, a single room or space may include multiple regeneration zones.

0032As shown in Figure 1, each of the balcony, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, office, and bedroom zones has one playback device, while each of the living room and master bedroom zones has multiple playback devices. Has. The living room zone has playback devices 104, 106, 108, and 110 as separate playback devices, one or more combined playback devices, one or more integrated playback devices, or any of these. In any combination of these, the audio content may be configured to be played back in synchronization. Similarly, in the case of the master bedroom, playback devices 122 and 124 may be configured to play audio content synchronously as separate playback devices, combined playback devices, or integrated playback devices. ..

0033In one example, one or more playback zones in the environment of FIG. 1 are playing different audio content. For example, the user can listen to hip-hop music played by the playback device 102 while grilling in the balcony zone. Meanwhile, another user can listen to classical music played by playback device 114 while preparing a meal in the kitchen zone. In another example, the playback zone may play the same audio content in sync with another playback zone. For example, if the user is in the office zone, the office zone playback device 118 may play the same music that is being played on the balcony playback device 102. In such cases, the playback devices 102 and 118 are playing the rock music synchronously so that the user can seamlessly (or at least at least) play the audio content out-loud as they move between different playback zones. You can enjoy it almost seamlessly). Synchronization between playback zones may be performed in the same manner as synchronization between playback devices as described in US Pat. No. 8,234,395 above.

0034As described above, the zone configuration of the media playback system 100 may be changed dynamically, and in certain embodiments, the media playback system 100 supports a plurality of configurations. For example, if the user physically moves one or more playback devices to or out of the zone, the media playback system 100 may be reconfigured to accommodate the changes. For example, if the user physically moves the playback device 102 from the balcony zone to the office zone, the office zone may include both the playback device 118 and the playback device 102. If desired, the playback devices 102 may be paired, grouped into office zones, and / or renamed via control devices, such as control devices 126 and 128. On the other hand, when one or more playback devices are moved to a certain area in a home environment in which a playback zone has not yet been set, a new playback zone may be formed in that area.

0035Further, the different playback zones of the media playback system 100 may be dynamically combined into zone groups or divided into separate playback zones. For example, by combining the dining room zone and the kitchen zone 114 into a zone group for a dinner party, the playback devices 112 and 114 can play audio content in synchronization. On the other hand, if one user wants to watch TV while another user wants to listen to music in the living room space, the living room zone is the TV zone containing the playback device 104 and the listening zone containing the playback devices 106, 108 and 110. And may be divided into.

0036c. Illustrative control device FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the control devices 126 and 128 of the media playback system 100 and an exemplary control device 300 that constitutes one or both of them. As shown, the control device 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, a network interface 306, and a user interface 308. In one example, the control device 300 may be a control device dedicated to the media playback system 100. In another example, the control device 300 is a network device on which the media playback system controller application software is installed, such as an iPhone®, iPad®, or any other smartphone, tablet or network device (eg). , PC or network computer such as Mac®).

0037Processor 302 may be configured to perform functions related to enabling user access, control, and configuration of the media playback system 100. The memory 304 may be configured to store instructions that can be executed by the processor 302 and perform those functions. The memory 304 may also be configured to store the media playback system controller application software and other data associated with the media playback system 100 and the user.

0038In one example, the network interface 306 is an industrial standard (eg, infrared, wireless, wired standard such as IEEE802.3, wireless standard such as IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ac, 4G communication, 4G communication. It may be based on standards, etc.). In network interface 306, the control device 300 may provide a means for communicating with other devices in the media playback system 100. In some examples, data and information (eg, state variables) may be communicated between the control device 300 and other devices via network interface 306. For example, the configuration of playback zones and zone groups in the media playback system 100 may be received by the control device 300 from the playback device or another network device, or by the control device 300 via network interface 306. It may be transmitted to a playback device or a network device. In some cases, the other network device may be another control device.

0039Playback device control commands such as volume control and audio playback control may be communicated from the control device 300 to the playback device via network interface 306. As described above, the configuration of the media playback system 100 can be changed by the user using the control device 300. Configuration changes include adding one or more playback devices to a zone, removing one or more playback devices from a zone, adding one or more zones to a zone group, one or more. Zones may include removing a zone from a zone group, forming a combined player or integrated player, dividing the combined player or integrated player into one or more playback devices, and the like. As described above, the control device 300 may be referred to as a controller, and the control device 300 may be a dedicated controller in which the media playback system controller application software is installed, or a network device.

0040The user interface 308 of the control device 300 may be configured to allow user access and control of the media playback system 100 by providing a controller interface such as the controller interface 400 shown in FIG. .. The controller interface 400 includes a playback control area 410, a playback zone area 420, a playback status area 430, a playback queue area 440, and an audio content source area 450. The illustrated user interface 400 is merely an example of a user interface provided with a network device (and / or control devices 126 and 128 of FIG. 1) such as the control device 300 of FIG. It is accessed to control a media playback system such as System 100. Alternatively, various formats, styles, and interactive sequences may be implemented in one or more network devices with other user interfaces to provide similar control access to the media playback system.

0041Playback control area 410 may include selectable icons (eg, by touch or cursor). This icon allows playback devices in the selected playback zone or zone group to play or stop, fast forward, rewind, then skip, skip forward, shuffle mode on / off, repeat mode on / off, cross. Turns fade mode on / off. The playback control area 410 may include another selectable icon. Other selectable icons may change other settings such as equalization settings, playback volume, etc.

0042The playback zone region 420 may include a display of playback zones within the media playback system 100. In certain embodiments, the graphic display of the playback zone may be selectable. Playback zones within the media playback system can be managed or configured by moving additional selectable icons. Other management or configuration can be performed, for example, creating joined zones, creating zone groups, splitting zone groups, and renaming zone groups.

0043For example, as illustrated, a "group" icon may be provided for each of the graphic displays in the playback zone. The "Group" icon in the graphic display of a zone may be selectable so that one or more zones in the media playback system can be selected and grouped with the zone. Once grouped, the playback devices in a zone and the grouped zones are configured to play audio content in sync with the playback devices in the zone. Similarly, the "group" icon may be provided within the graphic display of the zone group. In this case, the "Group" icon can be selected to give the option to deselect one or more zones in the zone group in order to remove one or more zones in the zone group from the zone group. There may be. Other interactions for grouping and ungrouping zones are possible and can be performed via a user interface such as user interface 400. The display of the reproduction zone in the reproduction zone area 420 may be dynamically updated when the reproduction zone or zone group configuration is changed.

0044The playback status area 430 provides a graphic display of the currently played audio content, the previously played audio content, or the next audio content scheduled to be played within the selected playback zone or zone group. It may be included. The selectable playback zones or playback groups may be visually distinguished on the user interface, eg, within the playback zone area 420 and / or the playback status area 430. The graphic display contains other relevant information that is useful to the user when controlling the track title, artist name, album name, album year, track length, and media playback system through the user interface 400. May be good.

0045The play queue area 440 may include a graphic display of audio content in the play queue associated with the selected play zone or zone group. In certain embodiments, each playback zone or zone group may be associated with a playback queue that contains information corresponding to zero or more audio items played by the playback zone or playback group. For example, each audio item in a play queue contains a URI (URI), a URL (URL), or another identifier that can be used by a play zone or playback device in a zone group. You may. These allow audio items to be found and / or retrieved from a local audio content source or a network audio content source and played by a playback device.

0046In some examples, playlists may be added to the play queue. In this case, information corresponding to each audio item in the playlist may be added to the play queue. In another example, the audio items in the play queue may be saved as playlists. Yet another example is when the playback device continues to play streaming audio content, eg, an internet radio that plays continuously unless stopped, rather than an audio item that does not play continuously due to having a playback time. The replay queue may be empty or "unused" but filled. In another embodiment, the play queue can contain internet radio and / or other streaming audio content items and is "unused" when the play zone or zone group is playing those items. Can be done. Other examples are possible.

0047When a replay zone or zone group is "grouped" or "ungrouped", the replay queue associated with the affected replay zone or zone group may be cleared or reassociated. You may. For example, if the first replay zone containing the first replay queue is grouped with the second replay zone containing the second replay queue, the formed zone group may have an associated replay queue. .. The associated play queue is initially empty, contains audio items from the first play queue (for example, if a second play zone is added to the first play zone), or (for example, the first play). If a zone is added to the second play zone), it can contain audio items in the second play queue, or it can combine audio items from both the first play queue and the second play queue. If the formed zone group is then ungrouped, the ungrouped first replay zone may be associated again with the previous first replay queue or with an empty new replay queue. Alternatively, it may be associated with a new play queue that contains audio items from the play queue that were associated with the zone group before it was ungrouped. Similarly, the ungrouped second play zone may be associated again with the previous second play queue, with an empty new play queue, or before the zone group is ungrouped. May be associated with a new play queue that contains audio items from the play queue that were associated with the zone group.

0048Returning to the user interface 400 in Figure 4, the graphic display of the audio content in the play queue area 440 shows the track title, artist name, track length, and other relevant information associated with the audio content in the play queue. It may be included. In one example, the graphic display of audio content can be moved by selecting additional selectable icons. This makes it possible to manage and / or manipulate the audio content displayed in the play queue and / or the play queue. For example, the displayed audio content may be removed from the play queue, moved to a different position in the play queue, played immediately, or played after the currently playing audio content. May be selected for, or other actions may be performed. The playback queue associated with a playback zone or zone group is the memory of one or more playback devices within the playback zone or zone group, the memory of playback devices that are not in the playback zone or zone group, and / or other designations. It may be stored in the memory of the device.

0049The audio content source area 450 may include a graphic display of selectable audio content sources. In this audio content source, the audio content may be retrieved and played by the selected playback zone or zone group. A description of audio content sources can be found in the following sections.

0050d. Illustrative audio content sources As previously illustrated, one or more playback devices within a zone or zone group can play audio content over multiple available audio content (eg, based on the corresponding URI or URL of the audio content). It may be configured to be retrieved from the source. In some examples, audio content may be retrieved by the playback device directly from the corresponding audio content source (eg, line-in connection). In another example, the audio content may be provided to a playback device on the network via one or more other playback or network devices.

0051An exemplary audio content source may include the memory of one or more playback devices in the media playback system. Media playback systems include, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, a local music library on one or more network devices (eg, a control device, a network-enabled personal computer, or network-attached storage (NAS)). A streaming audio service that provides audio content over the Internet (eg, the cloud), or an audio source that is connected to a media playback system via a line-in input connection on a playback device or network device, or any other possible system. You may.

0052In certain embodiments, the audio content source may be periodically added to or removed from a media playback system, such as the media playback system 100 of FIG. In some examples, audio items may be indexed each time one or more audio content sources are added, removed, or updated. Indexing audio items may include scanning identifiable audio items in all folders / directories shared on the network. Here, the network is accessible by a playback device within the media playback system. Indexing audio items also includes creating or updating an audio content database that contains metadata (eg, title, artist, album, track length, etc.) and other relevant information. Good. Other relevant information may include, for example, a URI or URL for finding each identifiable audio item. Other examples for managing and maintaining audio content sources are possible.

0053The above description of playback devices, control devices, playback zone configurations, and media content sources provides only a few exemplary operating environments in which the functions and methods described below can be implemented. The present invention is applicable to other operating environments and configurations of media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not expressly described herein, and to implement its functions and methods. Are suitable.

0054III. Illustrative method As mentioned above, the embodiments described herein include dynamically configuring the playback device based on detecting a barrier in the vicinity of the playback device.

0055Method 500 shown in FIG. 5 is a method that can be performed in an operating environment including, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, one or more of the playback devices 200 of FIG. 2, and one or more of the control devices 300 of FIG. An embodiment is shown. Method 500 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions such that it is composed of one or more of blocks 502-510. Although the blocks are shown in order, these blocks may occur in parallel and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, depending on the desired content, the blocks may be reduced, increased and divided, and / or removed.

0056In addition, the flowchart shows examples of feasible functions and operations of this embodiment with respect to Method 500 and other processes and methods disclosed herein. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of program code that stores one or more instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a particular logical function or step in the process. .. The program code may be stored on any type of computer-readable recording medium, such as a storage device, including a disk or hard drive. Computer-readable recording media include non-temporary computer-readable recording media, such as register memory, processor cache, and computer-readable media that store data for short periods of time, such as random access memory (RAM). It may be. Computer-readable media can be stored for long periods of time, such as non-temporary media such as read-only memory (ROM), optical discs, magnetic disks, and compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM). It may include a secondary storage device or a permanent storage device. The computer-readable medium may be any other volatile storage system or non-volatile storage system. A computer-readable medium may be considered, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, i.e., a tangible storage device. Also, in Method 500 and other processes and methods disclosed herein, each block of FIG. 5 may indicate a circuit, which circuit is wired to perform certain logical functions in the process. ing.

0057Receiving nearby data, including indications of obstacles near the playback device At block 502, the playback device receives proximity data, including indications of obstacles in close proximity to the playback device. In some embodiments, the neighborhood data is received from a sensor inside the playback device. In other embodiments, the neighborhood data is received from one or more external sensors connected to the playback device. Other configurations are possible.

0058Any object that is physically in close proximity to the playback device can act as an obstacle. For example, various household items such as picture frames and potted plants can act as obstacles. Alternatively, if the regeneration device is placed adjacent to the wall, the wall may act as an obstacle. Similarly, when the playback device is placed inside the cabinet, one or more sides of the cabinet may act as obstacles.

0059FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an exemplary arrangement of the reproduction device 600 in the cabinet 620. When viewed from above, the cabinet 620 is closed on the top, left and right sides and open on the bottom. The underside of the cabinet 620 can be considered the front of the cabinet when viewed from the side. Further, as shown, the front of the playback device 620 faces the front of the cabinet.

0060The playback device 600 includes speakers 602, 604, 606, 608. Speakers 604 and 606 are configured to output sound toward the front of the cabinet 620. The speakers 602 and 608 are configured to output sound toward the left and right of the playback device. Such a omnidirectional speaker configuration has the potential advantage of increasing the sound field of the playback device and / or increasing the stereo effect of the playback device's audio output compared to conventional configurations. Has.

0061In addition, as shown, the sides of the cabinet are in physical proximity to the playback device 600. Specifically, the left wall 622 of the cabinet 620 is physically close to the left side of the playback device 600 where the speaker 602 is located. Similarly, the right wall 624 of the cabinet 620 is physically close to the right side of the playback device 600 where the speaker 608 is located.

0062In the above configuration, when the playback device 600 is operating, the left wall 622 and the right wall 624 each act as obstacles to the audio output from the playback device 600. As a result, the walls of the cabinet 620, including at least the left wall 622 and the right wall 624, can affect the audio output from the speakers 602, 608.

0063FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another arrangement example of the playback device 700 on the shelf 710. When viewed from above, the shelf 710 is closed on the upper side (back side), but open on the left side, right side, and lower side. The underside of the shelf 710 can be seen as the front of the cabinet as marked when viewed from the side. The front of the playback device 720 faces the front of the cabinet as shown. Playback devices include speakers 702, 704. Speakers 702 and 704 are configured to output sound toward the front of the shelf 710.

0064In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 7, the obstacle 720 is located in front of the playback device 700, as shown. Obstacle 720 can be considered to be in close proximity to (close to) the playback device 700. In this configuration, the obstacle 720 can affect the audio output from the playback device 700. In particular, the audio output from speaker 704 is affected by obstacle 720.

0065Obstacles do not necessarily have to physically and / or completely block and / or prevent audio output from the playback device, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some situations, the obstacle may absorb part of the audio output of the playback device or may reflect the audio output. In either case, obstacles can have some effect on the audio output of the playback device, such as muffling, distorting, or otherwise affecting the audio output.

0066The indication of barrier in the neighborhood data may be any suitable data indicating the presence of an obstacle in the vicinity of the playback device. For example, the display of an obstacle may be specific data indicating the presence of an obstacle or a specific change in the data, depending on the type of proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the neighborhood data directly indicates the presence of an obstacle. For example, a proximity sensor identifies the presence of an obstacle and sends message-formatted data indicating the obstacle to the playback device. In other embodiments, the presence of obstacles is inferred from nearby data. Data from capacitive sensors show, for example, an increase in capacitance that can infer the presence of obstacles. Alternatively, the data from the microphone may indicate an increase in the reflected sound picked up by the microphone.

0067In some embodiments, the neighborhood data is part of a data stream formed by a neighborhood sensor that periodically monitors its environment for the presence of an object. In such an embodiment, the neighborhood sensor generates neighborhood data continuously, periodically, or intermittently. In another embodiment, the neighborhood sensor generates neighborhood data in response to an event such as adding a new playback device to the media playback system. Such data collection can help the playback device dynamically respond to the presence of obstacles.

0068For example, one or more proximity sensors may include one or more of (i) a microphone, (ii) a capacitive sensor, (iii) an infrared (IR) sensor, and (iv) a camera. Other types of proximity sensors are also possible.

0069As an example, infrared sensors include LEDs and photodetectors. When the infrared sensor is operating, the LED emits an infrared beam. When the infrared beam reaches the object, part of the beam is reflected back back to the photodetector. The infrared sensor can generate data from the reflected beam indicating the distance from the object that reflected the infrared beam. To reduce the noise caused by other infrared sources, LEDs may be configured to emit an infrared beam at a particular frequency. In that case, the photodetector is configured to detect infrared light of a particular frequency. Certain infrared sensors may be rated in a particular range. Beyond the rated range, the reflected infrared beam becomes too weak for the photodetector to capture with acceptable accuracy.

0070Returning to FIG. 6, the reproduction device 600 includes infrared proximity sensors 610 and 612. The proximity sensors 610 and 612 are configured to generate data indicating the physical distance of an object within the range of each sensor. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the reproduction device 600 receives proximity data from each of the proximity sensors 610 and 612. For example, the reproduction device 600 receives the neighborhood data including the display of the left wall 622 from the neighborhood sensor 610 and the neighborhood data including the display of the right wall 624 from the neighborhood sensor 612.

0071In some embodiments, the one or more proximity sensors include two or more types of proximity sensors. By providing two or more types of sensors, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of an object and / or promote the detection of an object of a different material. For example, an infrared sensor has high detection accuracy for a specific material such as plastic or wood, while an induction sensor has high detection accuracy for other materials such as metal.

0072In one embodiment, receiving nearby data, including the display of obstacles in close proximity to the playback device, includes outputting an audio signal (such as a pulse) from one or more speakers of the playback device. At this time, the playback device receives data indicating the reflected audio signal corresponding to the output audio signal from one or more microphones. The playback device then uses the received reflected audio signal to determine if an obstacle is in close proximity to the playback device.

0073For example, the playback device outputs an audio pulse. When the playback device is indoors, audio pulses are reflected from the walls of the room and objects in the room. If the obstacle is in close proximity to the playback device, the reflection of the audio pulse indicates the presence of the obstacle. When at least a part of the reflected audio pulse (reflected audio pulse) enters one or more microphones, it is captured as data indicating the reflected audio pulse. The data indicating the reflected audio pulses from one or more microphones may be neighborhood data. Alternatively, the data showing the reflected audio pulses from one or more microphones undergoes additional processing to become neighborhood data. For example, a Laplace transform may be performed on data showing reflected audio pulses from one or more microphones to determine the frequency response. The frequency response of the audio playback device can be used to infer the presence of obstacles. For example, a distorted frequency response over a high frequency range indicates the presence of obstacles.

0074Returning to FIG. 7, the playback device 700 includes a microphone 706. The speaker 704 outputs an audio signal. Part of the audio signal is reflected from the obstacle 720. The microphone 706 captures at least a portion of the reflected audio signal and converts it into nearby data. The playback device 700 then receives near data indicating the reflected audio signal from the microphone 706.

0075b. Detects that there is an obstacle within the threshold range of the first speaker of the playback device based on the display of obstacles near the playback device. At block 504, the playback device detects that the obstacle is within the threshold proximity of the first speaker of the playback device, based on the display of the obstacle in the vicinity of the playback device.

0076The threshold neighborhood range may be a condition indicating that the obstacle is sufficiently close to the first speaker so as to affect the audio output of the first speaker. The threshold neighborhood range may be established based on one or more different characteristics of the playback device, such as speaker type and / or playback volume. The threshold neighborhood range may be predetermined or may be configurable. In one embodiment, the threshold neighborhood range indicates the physical distance from the playback device.

0077Returning to FIG. 6, the reproduction device 600 detects whether the left wall 622 is within the threshold vicinity range of the speaker 602. The detection may be based on the display of proximity data from the proximity sensor 610 in which the left wall 622 is in close proximity. In one example, the threshold neighborhood range may be predetermined to 10 cm. In this case, the playback device detects whether the left wall 622 is within 10 cm of the speaker 608. The playback device 600 also detects whether the right wall 624 is in close proximity to the speaker 608. The proximity sensor usually measures the distance from the proximity sensor to the object. Therefore, in another configuration example, the proximity sensor is placed near the speaker so that the distance from the proximity sensor to the speaker approximates the distance from the speaker to the obstacle. FIG. 6 shows a speaker 608 and a proximity sensor 612 in this type of configuration.

0078The reproduction device includes a data storage device such as the memory 206 of FIG. 2, and can include data indicating the frequency response of the reproduction device stored therein. The playback device is configured to extract the frequency response from the data storage device as needed.

0079The frequency response may be an approximation of the ideal frequency response of the playback device. The frequency response is, for example, the frequency response of the playback device in open space. Alternatively, the frequency response is a typical frequency response for a particular type of reproduction device manufactured by the manufacturer.

0080In another embodiment, the reproduction device is configured to determine the frequency response of the reproduction device. For example, as described above, the playback device outputs an audio signal and receives return data indicating the audio signal. The playback device determines the frequency response of the playback device based on the received data indicating the audio signal. The determined frequency response is stored in the data storage device.

0081Determining the frequency response may be an aspect of the setup procedure. For example, during the setup procedure, the user of the playback device is instructed to position the playback device in a particular position so that the playback device can determine the frequency response. Certain locations include the case where the playback device is placed on a surface where there are no nearby objects that could significantly affect the audio output. With such an arrangement, it can be approximated to the frequency response of the reproduction device in open space.

0082In some embodiments, each speaker of the reproduction device has its own frequency response. In one embodiment, the frequency response of each speaker is stored in a data storage device. In another embodiment, the frequency response of each speaker is determined by the playback device. Other examples are possible.

0083FIG. 8 shows a plot of the exemplary frequency response of the reproduction device 700 of FIG. The frequency response 802 is an exemplary frequency response of the speaker 704, which was determined when the playback device 700 was placed in an open space with no obstacles nearby. Frequency response 804 is an exemplary frequency response of speaker 702 arranged in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the frequency response 804 is adjacent to the frequency response 802.

0084As further shown in FIG. 8, frequency response 806 is an exemplary frequency response of the speaker 704 located in FIG. As shown in the plot, the frequency response 806 is distorted at higher frequencies. This distortion is caused by the obstacle 720. Typically, when an obstacle affects the audio output of a playback device, the high frequency range is more susceptible to the obstacle than the low frequency range. This is because low frequency sounds are generally easier to propagate through materials than high frequency sounds and are less susceptible to obstacles.

0085Detecting an obstacle in the near-threshold range may include a frequency response. The reproduction device determines the frequency response of the system including the reproduction device and obstacles (and possibly other objects in the vicinity of the reproduction device). After determining the frequency response of the system, the reproduction device determines whether the difference between the frequency response of the reproduction device and the frequency response of the system is greater than the first distortion threshold.

0086The difference between the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system can take different forms. For example, the difference in frequency response may be the difference in percentage display from the frequency response of the system. In such embodiments, the first strain threshold may be a particular percentage, such as 5%. Alternatively, the difference between the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system may be an absolute difference. For example, the difference in frequency response may be the absolute difference between the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system at any frequency (or frequency range). Alternatively, the difference in frequency response may be the total distortion averaged over the frequency spectrum. Other examples are possible.

0087In some examples, obstacles are described as affecting the frequency response of the playback device for illustration and illustration, but it is noted that the frequency response of the playback device may not change due to the obstacle. The vendor understands. Instead, the introduction of obstacles affects the frequency response perceived by the listener. In other words, when the playback device itself defines the system, obstacles do not change the frequency response of the system. However, if the obstacle is considered part of the system, the frequency response of the playing device and the system containing the obstacle will be different from the frequency response of the system containing only the playing device.

0088In some embodiments, detecting that the obstacle is within the threshold neighborhood of the first speaker of the playback device involves determining that the obstacle meets the gating condition. Is done. For example, the reproduction device determines that the obstacle is within the threshold vicinity of the first speaker of the reproduction device for a time interval such as 30 seconds, thereby satisfying the gate state. Alternatively, the gating condition may be based on user input. By using the gating condition, it is possible to prevent the reproduction setting of the reproduction device from being adjusted excessively or undesirably due to a temporary obstacle. For example, when a person moves in front of a speaker and thereby acts as an obstacle, the gating condition can provide a delay time before the playback settings of the playback device are set. If a person moves away from the speaker during the delay time, it no longer acts as an obstacle.

0089c. Setting the playback settings of the playback device In block 506, the reproduction device sets the reproduction setting of the reproduction device based on the detection that it is within the threshold value neighborhood range of the first speaker of the reproduction device. Setting the playback settings includes various actions such as deactivating the speakers of the playback device and adjusting the components of the audio content played by the playback device.

0090Setting the playback settings of the playback device may include deactivating the first speaker of the playback device. At this time, the playback device stops the first speaker. Alternatively, the playback device sends a command to deactivate the first speaker. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the speaker 704 can be regarded as the first speaker. Based on the detection that the obstacle 720 is within the threshold range of the speaker 704, the playback device 700 stops the speaker 704.

0091The first speaker of the playback device is configured to play the components of the audio content. In one embodiment, the components of the audio content may be in a particular frequency range. For example, the first speaker may be a subwoofer and the component may be in the low frequency range of the audio content. Alternatively, the first speaker may be a tweeter and the component may be in the high frequency range of the audio content. In another embodiment, the audio content is multi-channel audio, such as stereo recording. For example, in the case of stereo recording, the audio content component may be the right channel component or the left channel component of the stereo recording.

0092After deactivating the first speaker, the playback device causes the second speaker of the playback device to play the component of the audio content. For example, referring to FIG. 7, if a playback device deactivates a speaker 704 that is configured to play a particular component of audio content, the playback device may cause the speaker 702 to play that particular component. it can. If the second speaker of the playback device plays a component after the condition of deactivating the first speaker, there is a short overlap in which the second speaker plays the component before the first speaker is actually deactivated. It may take some time.

0093In some embodiments, the first speaker has a first output direction and the second speaker has a second output direction that is different from the first output direction. For example, in FIG. 6, the output direction of the speaker 602 is on the left side of the reproduction device 600, and the output direction of the speaker 604 is in front of the reproduction device 600. In such an embodiment, playing the audio content component to the second speaker includes changing the audio content component at least based on the second output direction. For example, if the playback device causes the speaker 604 to play a component of audio content, the playback device increases the volume of that component. Alternatively, the playback device modifies one or more frequency components of the component. In another alternative, the playback device plays different components of the audio content. Modifying the components helps offset changes in the overall playback characteristics of the audio content on the playback device 600 when the speaker 602 is deactivated.

0094Setting the playback settings for a playback device involves adjusting the components of the audio content based on the received neighborhood data. For example, when a playback device is playing audio content at a certain volume level, the playback device adjusts the components of the audio content to a particular volume. The playback device can change the volume adjustment amount based on the received proximity data. For example, if the neighborhood data indicates that a particular obstacle is relatively close to the playback device (or its speakers), the playback device indicates that the obstacle is relatively far from the playback device. Change the volume with a larger adjustment amount than in the case. Alternatively, the playback device modifies one or more frequency components in the component. For example, if the neighborhood data indicates that a particular obstacle is relatively close to the playback device (or its speakers), the playback device adjusts for both high and mid frequencies. In contrast, if the neighborhood data indicates that the obstacle is relatively far from the playback device, the playback device adjusts the high frequencies. Other options are possible.

0095Adjusting the components of the audio content based on the received neighborhood data may include adjusting one or more frequency components in the components of the audio content. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the frequency response 806 of the speaker 704 is distorted at a higher frequency by the obstacle 720. The audio component reproduced by the speaker 704 may be adjusted based on distortion at higher frequencies. Adjusting one or more frequency components may include filtering one or more frequency components. For example, a low frequency filter can be applied to the components of the audio played by the speaker 704 to reduce the distortion caused by the obstacle 720.

0096In some embodiments, the reproduction device operates according to a second strain threshold that corresponds to a strain higher than the first strain threshold. In such an embodiment, the reproduction device is reproduced by the first speaker based on the received neighborhood data when the frequency response of the reproduction device is distorted beyond the first distortion threshold by an obstacle. Adjust the components of the audio content. As mentioned above, adjusting the components of the audio content may include adjusting the volume or adjusting the frequency components, and other examples are possible.

0097Further, if the frequency response of the reproduction device is distorted beyond the second distortion threshold by an obstacle, the reproduction device can deactivate the first speaker. In such a configuration, the actions performed by the playback device due to the presence of distortion caused by obstacles are stepwise. Above the first distortion threshold, the playback device adjusts the audio content. When the distortion increases above the second distortion threshold, the playback device shuts down the first speaker. Other examples of stepwise responses are possible.

0098In some embodiments, the playback device (and first speaker) is part of a playback system that includes a second playback device (including a second speaker). Based on the detection that an obstacle is close to the first speaker of the playback device, the playback device sets the playback settings for at least one additional playback device. For example, after deactivating the first speaker, the playback device sends a message to the second playback device to play at least some of the components of the audio content that should be played by the first speaker.

0099The playback device may be a component of a media playback system such as the media playback system 100 of FIG. The media playback system can include a playback device and a controller. The playback device can send a display of obstacles in close proximity to the playback device to the controller of the media playback system. For example, the controller may be the control device 300 of FIG. In some embodiments, the playback device can transmit an indication in response to setting the playback settings of the playback device. The playback device can transmit an obstacle display via a network interface such as network interface 214 in FIG.

0100The controller can display an obstacle display on the controller's interface. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary controller interface 900. Similar to the exemplary controller interface 400 of FIG. 4, the controller interface 900 includes a playback control region 910, a playback zone region 920, a playback state region 930, a playback queue region 940, and an audio content source region 950. The controller interface 900 also includes an obstacle display representation 960. In one embodiment, expression 960 is selectable. When selected, controller interface 900 displays information about obstacles. In one embodiment, the information about the obstacle includes at least the display of a particular speaker affected by the obstacle.

0101The controller can display an expression indicating the playback setting. For example, the representation of a playback setting indicates that a particular speaker is inactive. The controller may also display a control interface for the user to decide to accept or reject the playback setting. In addition, the controller can also display a display that allows the user to set the playback device to dynamically adjust the playback settings.

0102The playback device can output a warning sound based on the detection that the obstacle is in the vicinity of the threshold value. The warning sound may be configured so that the user of the playback device can hear the warning sound and recognize that an obstacle may be affecting the audio output of the playback device. For example, the beep may be a single beep or a series of beeps. Alternatively, the alarm sound may be a pre-recorded voice to notify the alarm. Other examples are possible. If an obstacle affects a particular speaker of the playback device, the playback device can output a warning sound from the particular speaker affected by the obstacle.

0103d. How to play audio content on the playback device according to the playback settings At block 508, the playback device plays the audio content according to the playback settings. For example, if the playback setting of the playback device is set to deactivate the first speaker of the playback device, the playback device plays the audio content while the first speaker is stopped. Alternatively, as another example, when the audio content component is adjusted in the playback setting of the playback device, the playback device plays the audio content with the audio content component adjusted.

0104The audio content may be any audio content, among other options, such as the exemplary audio content described above in connection with an exemplary playback device and / or an exemplary audio content source. As described above, the audio content may be a multi-channel audio recording such as a stereo recording.

0105IV. Conclusion This specification discloses various exemplary systems, methods, devices, products, etc., which include firmware and / or software running on hardware, among other components. It is understood that such examples are merely examples and should not be considered limiting. For example, some or all of these firmwares, hardware, and / or aspects or components of the software, exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any hardware, software, and / or firmware. It is intended that the combination can be carried out. Therefore, those examples provided are not the only way to implement their systems, methods, equipment, and / or products.

0106As described above, the present application includes dynamically setting the reproduction device based on the detection of an obstacle in the vicinity of the reproduction device. In one aspect, a method is provided. The method includes the step of receiving nearby data, including the display of obstacles in close proximity to the playback device. The method includes detecting that the obstacle is within the threshold vicinity of the first speaker of the reproduction device based on the display of the obstacle in the vicinity of the reproduction device. The method includes setting the playback settings of the playback device based on the detection. The method includes playing audio content on a playback device according to the playback settings set.

0107In another aspect, a reproduction device is provided. The playback device includes a first speaker, a second speaker, a processor, data storage, and program logic. The program logic is stored in the data storage and can be executed by the processor. When the program logic is executed by the processor, the obstacle is the first speaker of the playback device based on the step of receiving nearby data, including the display of obstacles close to the playback device, the display of obstacles close to the playback device. The step of detecting that the data is within the threshold range of is executed. Here, the first speaker is configured to play a component having audio content. Based on the detection, the program logic can be executed to (i) deactivate the first speaker and (ii) perform the step of playing the component of the audio content by the second speaker.

0108In yet another aspect, non-temporary computer readable memory is provided. The non-temporary computer-readable memory stores instructions that can be executed by the playback device, and when the instructions are executed, the playback device is made to perform a plurality of functions. Multiple features include the step of receiving proximity data, including the display of obstacles close to the playback device, the threshold neighborhood range of the obstacle being the first speaker of the playback device, based on the display of obstacles close to the playback device. This includes a step of detecting that the content is inside, a step of setting the playback setting of the playback device based on the detection, and a step of playing the audio content by the playback device according to the set playback setting.

0109Further, "embodiment" herein indicates that the particular features, structures, or properties described in connection with the embodiment 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. As such, it is understood that the embodiments described herein can be explicitly and implicitly combined with other embodiments by one of ordinary skill in the art.

0110This specification is broadly described with respect to exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logical blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations, which are the behavior of data processing devices that are directly or indirectly connected to the network. Is similar to. These processing descriptions and expressions are commonly used by those skilled in the art and can most efficiently convey the content of their work to other skilled in the art. 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 disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the embodiments described above.

0111When 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 non-temporary storage media for storing firmware, such as memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray® and the like.