Embodiments disclosed herein include playback devices configured to operate in one or more playback configurations including configurations individual playback devices play back one or more corresponding channels of multichannel audio content. An audio parameter can be determined based on a distance between playback devices. In some examples, the audio parameter comprises a filter such as a low frequency filter that varies based on at least the distance between the playback devices. After the audio parameter is determined, the playback devices can play back audio content according to the determined audio parameter.
Disclosed herein are computing devices, including playback devices, that are configured to facilitate re-joining of playback and other devices to a bonded zone based on the specific context relating to how the playback and other devices previously left the bonded zone. The computing devices may determine that playback devices that had been previously bonded in the bonded zone are now capable of communicating with each other again. The computing devices may proceed to identify how and/or why the playback devices previously left the bonded zone. Based on how and/or why the playback devices previously left the bonded zone, the computing devices may determine whether one or more of the playback devices should re-join the bonded zone. For playback devices to be re-joined to the bonded zone, the computing devices may determine audio content to be played back by one or more playback devices of the bonded zone.
An example first playback device is configured to: while the first playback device is in a synchrony group with a second playback device, play back a first version of audio content in synchrony with the second playback device; in response to identifying that a quality of a connection between the second playback device and a network device is below a threshold criterion, cause the second playback device to play back a second version of the audio content in synchrony with the first version of the audio content playing back by the first playback device; and in response to detecting a change in the quality of the connection between the second playback device and the network device such that the quality of the connection meets the threshold criterion, cause the second playback device to play back the first version of the audio content in synchrony with the first playback device.
H04N 21/43 - Traitement de contenu ou données additionnelles, p.ex. démultiplexage de données additionnelles d'un flux vidéo numérique; Opérations élémentaires de client, p.ex. surveillance du réseau domestique ou synchronisation de l'horloge du décodeur; Intergiciel de client
H04N 21/2343 - Traitement de flux vidéo élémentaires, p.ex. raccordement de flux vidéo ou transformation de graphes de scènes MPEG-4 impliquant des opérations de reformatage de signaux vidéo pour la distribution ou la mise en conformité avec les requêtes des utilisateurs finaux ou les exigences des dispositifs des utilisateurs finaux
H04N 21/436 - Interfaçage d'un réseau de distribution local, p.ex. communication avec un autre STB ou à l'intérieur de la maison
H04N 21/4363 - Adaptation du flux vidéo à un réseau local spécifique, p.ex. un réseau IEEE 1394 ou Bluetooth®
H04N 21/4402 - Traitement de flux élémentaires vidéo, p.ex. raccordement d'un clip vidéo récupéré d'un stockage local avec un flux vidéo en entrée ou rendu de scènes selon des graphes de scène MPEG-4 impliquant des opérations de reformatage de signaux vidéo pour la redistribution domestique, le stockage ou l'affichage en temps réel
H04N 21/442 - Surveillance de procédés ou de ressources, p.ex. détection de la défaillance d'un dispositif d'enregistrement, surveillance de la bande passante sur la voie descendante, du nombre de visualisations d'un film, de l'espace de stockage disponible dans l
An example first playback device is configured to (i) obtain audio content from a cloud-based media service, the audio content encrypted according to a first encryption scheme, (ii) communicate with a cloud-based license service to obtain information for decrypting the audio content, (iii) use the obtained information to decrypt the audio content, (iv) re-encrypt the decrypted audio content in accordance with a second encryption scheme, (v) transmit the re-encrypted audio content to at least a second playback device that is grouped with the first playback device for synchronous audio playback, and (vi) play back the audio content in synchrony with playback of the audio content by the second playback device.
H04N 21/233 - Traitement de flux audio élémentaires
H04N 21/266 - Gestion de canal ou de contenu, p.ex. génération et gestion de clés et de messages de titres d'accès dans un système d'accès conditionnel, fusion d'un canal de monodiffusion de VOD dans un canal multidiffusion
H04N 21/439 - Traitement de flux audio élémentaires
An example computing device is configured to (i) establish a connection to a secure wireless network (ii) determine that one or more playback devices of a media playback system are not connected to the secure wireless network (iii) receive, via a graphical display, a user input indicating a request to update the one or more playback devices with network configuration parameters for the secure wireless network, (iv) retrieve, from storage, a list of the one or more playback devices, (v) receive an input indicating a first playback device to be updated from the list, (vi) establish an initial communication path with the first playback device, (vii) transmit a set of one or more messages to the first computing device collectively comprising the network configuration parameters for the secure wireless network, and (viii) receive an indication that the first computing device has established a connection to the secure wireless network.
Generative media content (e.g., generative audio) can be played back across multiple playback devices concurrently. A coordinator device can receive a multi-channel stream of media content, with at least some channels comprising generative media content. The coordinator device transmits each of the channels to a plurality of playback devices. A first playback device plays back a first subset of the channels according to first playback responsibilities and a second playback device plays back a second subset of the channels according to second playback responsibilities. The first and/or second playback responsibilities can be dynamically modified over time, for example in response to one or more input parameters.
H04N 21/43 - Traitement de contenu ou données additionnelles, p.ex. démultiplexage de données additionnelles d'un flux vidéo numérique; Opérations élémentaires de client, p.ex. surveillance du réseau domestique ou synchronisation de l'horloge du décodeur; Intergiciel de client
H04N 21/436 - Interfaçage d'un réseau de distribution local, p.ex. communication avec un autre STB ou à l'intérieur de la maison
Examples described herein involve networking in a media playback system. In one aspect, an access point may prevent two or more grouped playback devices from being steered to different networks. In another aspect, an access point may operate as a sleep proxy for a playback device. In a third aspect, an example system may include a fixture configured to receive a bulb. Example bulbs include sound bulbs with one or more audio transducers and access point bulbs, among other examples.
H04W 84/12 - Réseaux locaux sans fil [WLAN Wireless Local Area Network]
H04L 65/612 - Diffusion en flux de paquets multimédias pour la prise en charge des services de diffusion par flux unidirectionnel, p.ex. radio sur Internet pour monodiffusion [unicast]
G10L 15/22 - Procédures utilisées pendant le processus de reconnaissance de la parole, p.ex. dialogue homme-machine
Examples described herein relate to management of concurrent audio streams from different sources. Portable playback devices, such as wearable wireless headphones and earbuds, as well as portable battery-powered speakers, may include multiple network interfaces for connection to different types of networks, such as an 802.11-compatible network interface for connection to wireless local area networks (e.g., Wi-Fi® networks) and an 802.15-compatible network interface for connection to a mobile device via a personal area network (Bluetooth®). Via such connections, the playback devices may receive two or more concurrent streams. By managing these streams according to playback policies, the portable playback devices may play the user's intended audio without necessarily requiring user input to explicitly select among the concurrent streams.
H04W 88/06 - Dispositifs terminaux adapté au fonctionnement dans des réseaux multiples, p.ex. terminaux multi-mode
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
A playback device is configured to (i) transmit, via at least one wireless network interface and indication that the playback device is available for setup, (ii) establish a direct communication path with a computing device configured to operate on a secure wireless network, (iii) provide, outside the direct communication path, authentication information to the computing device, (iv) verify, via the direct communication path, the authentication information with the computing device, (v) after verifying the authentication information via the direct communication path, receive, from the computing device over the direct communication path, network configuration parameters for connecting to the secure wireless network, (vi) use the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure wireless network, and (vii) transition from communicating with the computing device over the direct communication path to communicating with the computing device over the secure wireless network.
H04N 21/43 - Traitement de contenu ou données additionnelles, p.ex. démultiplexage de données additionnelles d'un flux vidéo numérique; Opérations élémentaires de client, p.ex. surveillance du réseau domestique ou synchronisation de l'horloge du décodeur; Intergiciel de client
H04N 21/432 - Opération de récupération de contenu d'un support de stockage local, p.ex. disque dur
H04N 21/436 - Interfaçage d'un réseau de distribution local, p.ex. communication avec un autre STB ou à l'intérieur de la maison
H04N 21/4363 - Adaptation du flux vidéo à un réseau local spécifique, p.ex. un réseau IEEE 1394 ou Bluetooth®
Earphone positioning and retention mechanisms are disclosed. One earphone described includes a speaker driver, a flexible eartip comprising a first oval shaped contact surface at an opening forming a hole through the eartip, the first oval shaped contact surface configured to contact an outer surface of a user's ear canal when worn, a body portion comprising a second contact surface configured to position behind an anti-tragus portion of the user's ear, and, a retaining member formed of a compliant material, comprising a third contact surface configured to conform to a cymba conch portion of the user's ear, where the body portion and the retaining member are shaped in a way that the second contact surface contacts the anti-tragus portion and the third contact surface contacts the cymba conch portion at the same time, when the first contact surface is already in contact with the outer surface of the ear canal.
Disclosed herein are devices (e.g., audio playback devices) configured to transmit and/or receive wireless power. Wireless power can be transferred using mid-range or long-range techniques, such as electromagnetic radiation (e.g., lasers, microwaves) or electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, capacitive coupling). Device performance and/or power transmission may be modified dynamically based on wireless power levels, user behavior, the behavior of other devices, device grouping, or other parameters.
H04N 21/43 - Traitement de contenu ou données additionnelles, p.ex. démultiplexage de données additionnelles d'un flux vidéo numérique; Opérations élémentaires de client, p.ex. surveillance du réseau domestique ou synchronisation de l'horloge du décodeur; Intergiciel de client
H02J 50/00 - Circuits ou systèmes pour l'alimentation ou la distribution sans fil d'énergie électrique
H02J 50/60 - Circuits ou systèmes pour l'alimentation ou la distribution sans fil d'énergie électrique sensibles à la présence d’objets étrangers, p.ex. détection d'êtres vivants
H04R 1/00 - HAUT-PARLEURS, MICROPHONES, TÊTES DE LECTURE POUR TOURNE-DISQUES OU TRANSDUCTEURS ACOUSTIQUES ÉLECTROMÉCANIQUES ANALOGUES; APPAREILS POUR SOURDS; SYSTÈMES D'ANNONCE EN PUBLIC - Détails des transducteurs
12.
SMART NETWORKING TECHNIQUES FOR PORTABLE PLAYBACK DEVICES
In one aspect, a playback device is configured to: (i) after receiving an indication that the presence of one or more first wireless networks is detected, transition from a second power state to a first power state; (ii) update, while in the first power state, a state variable from a first value indicating that a connection via at least one of one or more second wireless networks should be established to a second value indicating that a connection via at least one of the one or more first wireless networks should be established; and (iii) after updating the state variable, enter the second power state.
An example involves detecting, during a time period by a receiving device, an audio signal comprising a superposition of a plurality of audio signals transmitted by a plurality of respective playback devices. The example further comprises determining a time-frequency representation of the audio signal and obtaining data associating playback devices with respective reference audio signals, each reference audio signal having a predefined time-frequency representation. The example further comprises, based on the time-frequency representation of the audio signal and the data, determining that the audio signal comprises a superposition of a first audio signal transmitted by a first playback device and a second audio signal transmitted by a second playback device.
An example headphone device includes a first earpiece and a second earpiece, each earpiece including a respective antenna at least partially disposed within the earpiece. The headphone device includes a headbow adjustably connecting the first earpiece and the second earpiece, where the first earpiece and second earpiece are each extendable from the headbow, which includes an inner cavity. A cable assembly including a cable extends between the first earpiece and the second earpiece. The cable assembly is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material and is positioned within the inner cavity of the headbow in a resting position such that the cable assembly is extendable within the inner cavity of the headbow from the resting position when one or both of the first and second earpieces are extended from the headbow.
An example method includes maintaining (i) a scheduled playlist of media items for playback by one or more playback devices, (ii) a current playback position within the scheduled playlist, and (iii) a priority media item having a playback length. The method also includes receiving, from a playback device, a request to play back the scheduled playlist and, based on the received request, transmitting the priority media item to the playback device for playback beginning at a first time. The method also includes determining a next media item from the scheduled playlist based on the current playback position within the scheduled playlist at a second time that follows the first time by at least the playback length of the priority media item and, beginning with the next media item, transmitting one or more media items from the scheduled playlist to the playback device for playback after the priority media item.
G06F 15/16 - Associations de plusieurs calculateurs numériques comportant chacun au moins une unité arithmétique, une unité programme et un registre, p.ex. pour le traitement simultané de plusieurs programmes
16.
TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING THE POWER EFFICIENCY OF A PLAYBACK DEVICE
A playback device including a processor that executes program instructions such that the playback device is configured to receive first audio data representing audio content, generate and output second audio data based on the first audio data, and at least in part while generating and outputting the second audio data, generate and output a control signal associated with the second audio data to vary a supply voltage for an audio amplifier. The playback device also includes a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) that varies the supply voltage for the audio amplifier based on the control signal. The playback device also includes an amplifier circuitry comprising the audio amplifier powered by the supply voltage from the SMPS. The amplifier circuitry is configured to receive the second audio data and generate an analog audio signal to drive a speaker based on the second audio data.
H03F 1/02 - Modifications des amplificateurs pour augmenter leur rendement, p.ex. étages classe A à pente glissante, utilisation d'une oscillation auxiliaire
H04N 21/00 - Distribution sélective de contenu, p.ex. télévision interactive ou vidéo à la demande [VOD]
H03F 3/183 - Amplificateurs à basse fréquence, p.ex. préamplificateurs à fréquence musicale comportant uniquement des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs
As noted above, example techniques relate to offline voice control. A local voice input engine may process voice inputs locally when processing voice inputs via a cloud-based voice assistant service is not possible. Some techniques involve local (on-device) voice-assisted set-up of a cloud-based voice assistant service. Further example techniques involve local voice-assisted troubleshooting the cloud-based voice assistant service. Other techniques relate to interactions between local and cloud-based processing of voice inputs on a device that supports both local and cloud-based processing.
A method of playing back audio content with improved immersiveness can include receiving, at a playback device, audio input including vertical content having a high-frequency portion and a low-frequency portion. The playback device can face along a first sound axis and comprise an up-firing transducer configured to direct sound along a second sound axis that is vertically angled with respect to the primary sound axis and a side-firing transducer or array configured to direct sound along a third axis that is horizontally angled with respect to the first sound axis. The low-frequency portion of the vertical content can be played back via the side-firing transducer or array, while the high-frequency portion of the vertical content can be played back via the up-firing transducer.
H04R 3/12 - Circuits pour transducteurs pour distribuer des signaux à plusieurs haut-parleurs
H04R 5/02 - Dispositions spatiales ou structurelles de haut-parleurs
H04S 5/00 - Systèmes pseudo-stéréophoniques, p.ex. dans lesquels les signaux d'un canal supplémentaire sont dérivés du signal monophonique par déphasage, retardement ou réverbération
H04S 7/00 - Dispositions pour l'indication; Dispositions pour la commande, p.ex. pour la commande de l'équilibrage
19.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLAYBACK DEVICE MANAGEMENT
Systems and methods for managing playback devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for modifying a system that includes several devices. The method includes steps for measuring a first signal pattern for wireless signals between the several devices, measuring a second signal pattern for the wireless signals after measuring the first signal pattern between the several devices, determining an updated state of the system based on a difference between the second signal pattern and the first signal pattern, and modifying state variables of one or more devices of the playback system based on the determined updated state.
A method for a playback system comprising a plurality of playback devices is provided. The method comprises modifying one or more state variables of one or more playback devices of the playback system to indicate an updated state based on a difference between: received information indicative of a first signal pattern for wireless signals between the plurality of playback devices; and received information indicative of a second signal pattern for wireless signals between the plurality of playback devices. The state variables can be based on estimated positions of a set of one or more individuals in a space between the plurality of playback devices. A non-transitory machine- readable medium containing processor instructions for managing a playback system is also provided, as well as a playback device.
21.
MOOD DETECTION AND/OR INFLUENCE VIA AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES
In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving a first signal indicative of a current emotional state of a user, receiving a second signal corresponding to a desired emotional state of the user, and based on the first and second signals, generating a playlist of media content including a first item and an nth item. The first signal can be received from a wearable sensor. Generating the playlist can comprise selecting items of media content, and arranging the media content in a sequential order such that the playlist transitions from the first item toward the nth item. The method can further comprise playing back, via a playback device, at least the first item of the media content, and while playing back the first item, receiving a third signal indicative of an updated emotional state of the user.
G06F 16/635 - Filtrage basé sur des données supplémentaires, p.ex. sur des profils d'utilisateurs ou de groupes
H04N 21/258 - Gestion de données liées aux clients ou aux utilisateurs finaux, p.ex. gestion des capacités des clients, préférences ou données démographiques des utilisateurs, traitement des multiples préférences des utilisateurs finaux pour générer des données co
H04N 21/262 - Ordonnancement de la distribution de contenus ou de données additionnelles, p.ex. envoi de données additionnelles en dehors des périodes de pointe, mise à jour de modules de logiciel, calcul de la fréquence de transmission de carrousel, retardement d
G06F 16/638 - Présentation des résultats des requêtes
22.
SYNCHRONIZING PLAYBACK OF AUDIO INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM OTHER NETWORKS
Disclosed herein are playback devices, groups of playback devices, and methods of operating playback devices and groupings thereof to cause the playback devices in a group of playback devices communicating over a first network to play audio content received via second network.
H04N 21/414 - Plate-formes spécialisées de client, p.ex. récepteur au sein d'une voiture ou intégré dans un appareil mobile
H04N 21/43 - Traitement de contenu ou données additionnelles, p.ex. démultiplexage de données additionnelles d'un flux vidéo numérique; Opérations élémentaires de client, p.ex. surveillance du réseau domestique ou synchronisation de l'horloge du décodeur; Intergiciel de client
H04N 21/436 - Interfaçage d'un réseau de distribution local, p.ex. communication avec un autre STB ou à l'intérieur de la maison
H04N 21/4363 - Adaptation du flux vidéo à un réseau local spécifique, p.ex. un réseau IEEE 1394 ou Bluetooth®
H04N 21/438 - Interfaçage de la voie descendante du réseau de transmission provenant d'un serveur, p.ex. récupération de paquets MPEG d'un réseau IP
H04N 21/439 - Traitement de flux audio élémentaires
H04N 21/442 - Surveillance de procédés ou de ressources, p.ex. détection de la défaillance d'un dispositif d'enregistrement, surveillance de la bande passante sur la voie descendante, du nombre de visualisations d'un film, de l'espace de stockage disponible dans l
H04N 21/462 - Gestion de contenu ou de données additionnelles, p.ex. création d'un guide de programmes électronique maître à partir de données reçues par Internet et d'une tête de réseau ou contrôle de la complexité d'un flux vidéo en dimensionnant la résolution o
A playback device includes programming for connecting to a first wireless local area network (WLAN) and storing a first set of network configuration parameters including an identifier of the first WLAN and a first security parameter for the first WLAN. The functions also include disconnecting from the first WLAN, receiving a second set of network configuration parameters including an identifier of a second WLAN and a second security parameter for the second WLAN, and storing the second set of network configuration parameters. The functions also include reconnecting to the first WLAN using the stored first set of network configuration parameters and, after reconnecting to the first WLAN, transmitting, absent user request, the second set of network configuration parameters to at least one other playback device that is connected to the first WLAN for storage on the at least one other playback device that is connected to the first WLAN.
H04N 21/436 - Interfaçage d'un réseau de distribution local, p.ex. communication avec un autre STB ou à l'intérieur de la maison
H04N 21/4363 - Adaptation du flux vidéo à un réseau local spécifique, p.ex. un réseau IEEE 1394 ou Bluetooth®
H04N 21/442 - Surveillance de procédés ou de ressources, p.ex. détection de la défaillance d'un dispositif d'enregistrement, surveillance de la bande passante sur la voie descendante, du nombre de visualisations d'un film, de l'espace de stockage disponible dans l
H04N 21/45 - Opérations de gestion réalisées par le client pour faciliter la réception de contenu ou l'interaction avec le contenu, ou pour l'administration des données liées à l'utilisateur final ou au dispositif client lui-même, p.ex. apprentissage des préféren
H04N 21/658 - Transmission du client vers le serveur
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
24.
POWER MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTED AUDIO PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR PLAYBACK DEVICES
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to power management techniques for reducing the power consumption of playback devices. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure related to distributed processing techniques for processing audio across two or more processors. The disclosure relates to a playback device (500) comprising a plurality of processing components (504) including one or more first processors (524) and one or more second processors (526) that have a different construction than the one or more first processors (524), and the playback device is adapted to: receive audio information that comprises at least first audio content; generate, using the one or more second processors (526), first metadata associated with the first audio content; communicate, using the one or more second processors (526), the first audio content and the first metadata to the one or more first processors (524); and play back, using the one or more first processors (524), the first audio content based on the first metadata.
G06F 1/3293 - Gestion de l’alimentation, c. à d. passage en mode d’économie d’énergie amorcé par événements Économie d’énergie caractérisée par l'action entreprise par transfert vers un processeur plus économe en énergie, p.ex. vers un sous-processeur
G06F 1/12 - Synchronisation des différents signaux d'horloge
G06F 13/12 - Commande par programme pour dispositifs périphériques utilisant des matériels indépendants du processeur central, p.ex. canal ou processeur périphérique
G06F 15/16 - Associations de plusieurs calculateurs numériques comportant chacun au moins une unité arithmétique, une unité programme et un registre, p.ex. pour le traitement simultané de plusieurs programmes
Disclosed herein are example techniques to facilitate calibrating a portable playback device. An example implementation involves determining that a playback device is to perform an equalization calibration of the playback device, such as when the playback device has been moved, and initiating the equalization calibration. Initiating the equalization calibration involves (i) outputting audio content, (ii) capturing audio data representing reflections of die audio content within an area in which the playback device is located, (iii) determining an acoustic response of the area in which the playback device is located, (iv) selecting a stored acoustic response from the acoustic response database that is most similar to the determined acoustic response of the area in which the playback device is located, and (v) applying to the audio content, via the playback device, a set of stored audio calibration settings associated with the selected stored acoustic area response.
In one aspect, a playback device includes a voice assistant service (VAS) wake-word engine and a command keyword engine. The playback device detects, via the command keyword engine, a first command keyword, and determines whether one or more playback conditions corresponding to the first command keyword are satisfied. Based on (a) detecting the first command keyword and (b) determining that the one or more playback conditions corresponding to the first command keyword are satisfied, the playback device performs a first playback command corresponding to the first command keyword. When the playback device detects, via the wake-word engine, a wake-word in voice input, the playback device streams sound data corresponding to at least a portion of the voice input to one or more remote servers associated with the VAS.
Systems and methods for detecting and configuring passive speakers within a playback system using a graphical user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of for detecting and configuration passive speakers in a playback system using a mobile device includes deriving speaker identification data concerning one or more passive speakers connected to an audio device in a playback system based upon at least an electrical signal sent to and returned from the one or more passive speakers, where the electrical signal is sent by the audio device including an audio stage comprising one or more amplifiers, and where the speaker identification data comprises information identifying a type of speaker, and displaying a graphical user interface screen on a mobile device based upon the identified type of speaker, where the displayed information and selectable options are dependent upon the identified type of speaker.
Systems and methods for distributed voice processing are disclosed herein. In one example, the method includes detecting sound via a microphone array of a first playback device and analyzing, via a first wake-word engine of the first playback device, the detected sound. The first playback device may transmit data associated with the detected sound to a second playback device over a local area network. A second wake-word engine of the second playback device may analyze the transmitted data associated with the detected sound. The method may further include identifying that the detected sound contains either a first wake word or a second wake word based on the analysis via the first and second wake-word engines, respectively. Based on the identification, sound data corresponding to the detected sound may be transmitted over a wide area network to a remote computing device associated with a particular voice assistant service.
29.
DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTED VOICE PROCESSING
Systems and methods for distributed voice processing are disclosed herein. In one example, the method includes detecting sound via a microphone array of a first playback device and analyzing, via a first wake-word engine of the first playback device, the detected sound. The first playback device may transmit data associated with the detected sound to a second playback device over a local area network. A second wake-word engine of the second playback device may analyze the transmitted data associated with the detected sound. The method may further include identifying that the detected sound contains either a first wake word or a second wake word based on the analysis via the first and second wake-word engines, respectively. Based on the identification, sound data corresponding to the detected sound may be transmitted over a wide area network to a remote computing device associated with a particular voice assistant service.
According to at least one aspect, power management techniques are disclosed that may reduce the power consumption of devices, such as those devices in media playback systems, without introducing a noticeable lag between a user issuing a command and the device processing the command. In some embodiments, the device may put to sleep (including turn off) electronic components that are only used for specific commands. In these embodiments, the devices may identify periods where the specific commands are likely to be invoked and, in response to identifying such a period, wake-up the electronic components. As a result, the power consumption of the device may be substantially reduced because various electronic components may be put to sleep instead of remaining idle in an awake state.
Systems and methods for optimizing network microphone devices using noise classification are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device (NMD) detect sound. The sound data is analyzed to detect a trigger event such as a wake word. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a lookback buffer of the NMD. After detecting the trigger event, the metadata is analyzed to classify noise in the sound data. Based on the classified noise, at least one performance parameter of the NMD is modified.
G10L 15/20 - Techniques de reconnaissance de la parole spécialement adaptées de par leur robustesse contre les perturbations environnantes, p.ex. en milieu bruyant ou reconnaissance de la parole émise dans une situation de stress
Systems and methods for managing multiple voice assistants are disclosed. Audio input is received via one or more microphones of a playback device. A first activation word is detected in the audio input via the playback device. After detecting the first activation word, the playback device transmits a voice utterance of the audio input to a first voice assistant service (VAS). The playback device receives, from the first VAS, first content to be played back via the playback device. The playback device also receives, from a second VAS, second content to be played back via the playback device. The playback device plays back the first content while suppressing the second content. Such suppression can include delaying or canceling playback of the second content.
Example techniques involve selection of playback devices within a media playback system for outputting a media stream based on user input. An example implementation involves a controller causing a plurality of first representations of at least some of a plurality of playback devices to be displayed on a first portion of a display. The controller causes a plurality of second representations of at least some of one or more groups playback devices to be displayed on a second portion of the display, each group having at least two associated playback devices of the plurality of playback devices. The controller receives an input indicative of a particular group of the one or more groups and adjusts a selected status of the particular group. The controller also determines which playback devices are associated with the particular group, and adjusts a selected status of the playback devices that associated with the particular group.
Playback devices, groups of playback devices, and methods of operating playback devices, and groupings thereof are provided, to cause the playback devices in a group of playback devices to play audio content together in synchrony, based on playback timing and clock timing, where the audio content, playback timing and the clock timing for use with playing the audio content according to the clock timing, are provided by different playback devices in the group of playback devices.
G11B 27/10 - Indexation; Adressage; Minutage ou synchronisation; Mesure de l'avancement d'une bande
H04N 21/43 - Traitement de contenu ou données additionnelles, p.ex. démultiplexage de données additionnelles d'un flux vidéo numérique; Opérations élémentaires de client, p.ex. surveillance du réseau domestique ou synchronisation de l'horloge du décodeur; Intergiciel de client
Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.
Systems and methods for maintaining knowledge of a network address (e.g., a MAC address) for a playback device while changing power states are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for maintaining knowledge of the network identity of a playback device while changing power states includes determining that a playback device is entering a sleep state, sending state information from the playback device to a central data repository over a network responsive to the determination that the playback device is entering sleep state, where state information includes a MAC address, receiving the state information about the playback device at a waking device from the central data repository, waking the playback device periodically at predetermined time intervals while in sleep state to listen for messages addressed to the MAC address, and receiving a wake-up message at the playback device from the waking device and responding by changing from sleep to active state.
Systems and methods for media playback via a media playback system include capturing sound data via a network microphone device and identifying a candidate wake word in the sound data. Based on identification of the candidate wake word in the sound data, the system selects a first wake-word engine from a plurality of wake-word engines. Via the first wake-word engine, the system analyzes the sound data to detect a confirmed wake word, and, in response to detecting the confirmed wake word, transmits a voice utterance of the sound data to one or more remote computing devices associated with a voice assistant service.
Systems and methods include receiving input data representing a selection of a plurality of playback devices, the mobile device configured to communicate with the plurality of playback devices and a plurality of network-enabled devices on a local area network. The plurality of network-enabled devices comprises one or more non-media-playback smart devices configured to send alert notifications to the plurality of playback devices via the local area network, the plurality of playback devices being configured to synchronously play back the alert notifications. The systems and method also include receiving input data representing a selection of a Do-Not-Disturb (DND) time period, and responsive to receiving the input data representing the selection of playback devices and the DND time period, sending an instruction to the selected plurality of playback devices that causes the selected plurality of playback devices to enter a DND mode for the duration of the selected DND time period.
Systems and methods for a playback device outputting an audio alert from a network- enabled device include (i) while the playback device is playing back audio content, receiving an alert communication from the network-enabled device, the alert communication including (a) an audio notification identifier that identifies an audio notification and (b) a priority identifier that identifies a priority level of the audio notification; (ii) responsive to receiving the alert communication, adding the audio notification to a notification queue at a particular queue position, where the particular queue position of the audio notification in the notification queue is based on the priority level of the audio notification relative to other audio content in the notification queue; (iii) adjusting playback of the audio content for playing back the audio notification; and (iv) the playback device playing back the audio notification.
Systems and methods for suppressing noise and detecting voice input in a multi- channel audio signal captured by a plurality of microphones include (i) capturing a first audio signal via a first microphone and a second audio signal via a second microphone, wherein the first and second audio signals respectively comprises first and second noise content from a noise source; (ii) identifying the first noise content in the first audio signal; (iii) using the identified first noise content to determine an estimated noise content captured by the plurality of microphones; (iv) using the estimated noise content to suppress the first and second noise content in the first and second audio signals; (v) combining the suppressed first and second audio signals into a third audio signal; and (vi) determining that the third audio signal includes a voice input comprising a wake word.
Example systems and techniques disclosed herein facilitate interoperability between different media playback systems referred to herein as a virtual line-in (VLI) media playback system and a native playback system. When a VLI session is created by a VLI sender, a first native playback device can join a VLI group as a VLI receiver. As a VLI receiver, the first native playback device receives audio content and playback commands from the VLI sender to facilitate synchronous playback with other VLI receivers. At the same time, this native playback device can concurrently operate as a native domain group coordinator of a native domain synchrony group. As the native domain group coordinator, the native playback device translates VLI domain audio, control, and timing signals into the native domain and distributes such signals to native domain group members. Thus, the native domain group members can synchronize their playback with the VLI group.
H04W 4/18 - Conversion de format ou de contenu d'informations, p.ex. adaptation, par le réseau, des informations reçues ou transmises pour une distribution sans fil aux utilisateurs ou aux terminaux
Example systems and techniques disclosed herein facilitate interoperability between different media playback systems referred to herein as a virtual line-in (VLI) media playback system and a native playback system. When a VLI session is created by a VLI sender, a first native playback device can join a VLI group as a VLI receiver. As a VLI receiver, the first native playback device receives audio content and playback commands from the VLI sender to facilitate synchronous playback with other VLI receivers. At the same time, this native playback device can concurrently operate as a native domain group coordinator of a native domain synchrony group. As the native domain group coordinator, the native playback device translates VLI domain audio, control, and timing signals into the native domain and distributes such signals to native domain group members. In this way, the native domain group members can synchronize their playback with the VLI group.
A playback device comprises an electroacoustic transducer; an acoustic waveguide in fluid communication with the transducer; and a housing delimiting an opening of the waveguide, the opening extending around an axis passing through the transducer. The opening may have a radial distance from the axis that varies with an azimuthal angle about the axis. An acoustic path length within the waveguide, between the transducer and the opening, is substantially constant and independent of azimuthal angle about the axis.
H04R 1/36 - Dispositions pour obtenir la fréquence désirée ou les caractéristiques directionnelles pour obtenir la caractéristique directionnelle désirée uniquement en utilisant un seul transducteur avec des moyens réfléchissant, diffractant, dirigeant ou guidant des sons en utilisant une seule ouverture de dimensions non supérieures à la longueur d'onde la plus courte
H04R 1/28 - Supports de transducteurs ou enceintes conçus pour réponse de fréquence spécifique; Enceintes de transducteurs modifiées au moyen d'impédances mécaniques ou acoustiques, p.ex. résonateur, moyen d'amortissement
Example techniques involve invoking voice assistance for a media playback system. In some embodiments, media playback system is configured to (i) capture a voice input via at least one microphone device, (ii) detect inclusion of one or more of the commands within the voice input, (iii) determine that the one or more commands meets corresponding command criteria associated with the one or more commands within the set of command information, and (iv) in response to the determination, select a first voice assistant service (VAS) and (a) forego selection of a second VAS, (b) send the voice input to first VAS, and (c) after sending the voice input, receiving a response to the voice input from the first VAS.
Example techniques involve determining a direction of a NMD. An example implementation includes a playback device receiving data representing audio content for playback by the playback device. Before the audio content is played back by the playback device, the playback device detects, in the audio content, one or more wake words for one or more voice services. The playback device causes one or more networked microphone devices to disable its respective wake response to the detected one or more wake words during playback of the audio content by the playback device and plays back the audio content via one or more speakers. When enabled, the wake response of a given networked microphone device to a particular wake word causes the given networked microphone device to listen, via a microphone, for a voice command following the particular wake word.
When enabled, the wake response of a given networked microphone device to a particular wake word causes the given networked microphone device to listen, via a microphone, for a voice command following the particular wake word. Before audio content is played back by a playback device, the playback device detects in the audio content one or more wake words for one or more voice services. The playback device causes one or more networked microphone devices to disable their respective wake response to the detected one or more wake words during the playback of the audio content by the playback device before playing back the audio content via one or more speakers.
Systems and methods disclosed herein include, while a microphone of a first networked microphone device is enabled, determining whether a first reference device is in a specific state, and in response to determining that the first reference device is in the specific state, disabling the microphone of the first networked microphone device. Some embodiments further include, while the microphone of the first networked microphone device is enabled, receiving a command to disable the microphone of the first networked microphone device via one of the microphone of the networked microphone device or a network interface of the networked microphone device, and in response to receiving the command to disable the microphone of the networked microphone device via one of the microphone of the networked microphone device or the network interface of the networked microphone device, disabling the microphone of the networked microphone device.
Systems and methods disclosed herein include, while a microphone of a first networked microphone device is enabled, determining whether a first reference device is in a specific state, and in response to determining that the first reference device is in the specific state, disabling the microphone of the first networked microphone device. Some embodiments further include, while the microphone of the first networked microphone device is enabled, receiving a command to disable the microphone of the first networked microphone device via one of the microphone of the networked microphone device or a network interface of the networked microphone device, and in response to receiving the command to disable the microphone of the networked microphone device via one of the microphone of the networked microphone device or the network interface of the networked microphone device, disabling the microphone of the networked microphone device.
H04L 65/1059 - Fonctionnalités du terminal de l'utilisateur final spécialement adaptées à la communication en temps réel
H04L 65/1096 - Fonctions supplémentaires, p.ex. renvoi d'appel ou mise en attente d'appel
G08B 13/189 - Déclenchement influencé par la chaleur, la lumière, ou les radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte; Déclenchement par introduction de sources de chaleur, de lumière, ou de radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte utilisant des systèmes détecteurs de radiations passifs
G08B 29/00 - Vérification ou contrôle des systèmes de signalisation ou d'alarme; Prévention ou correction d'erreurs de fonctionnement, p.ex. empêchant le déclenchement non autorisé
A first message may be received comprising a voice command received by a microphone device associated with a media playback system, where the media playback system comprises one or more zones each comprising one or more playback devices. An audio response zone may be selected from the one or more zones to play an audio response to the voice command. At least one playback device of the one or more playback devices of the selected zone may play the audio response.
CA 03015496 2018-08-22 (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization 1111111101111011101010111110101111101110101110111011111111110111111101111011111 1 International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2017/147081 Al 31 August 2017 (31.08.2017) WIPO I PCT (51) International Patent Classification: 15/098,718 14 April 2016 (14.04.2016) US HO4R 3/00 (2006.01) HO4R 3/12 (2006.01) 15/098,805 14 April 2016 (14.04.2016) US G11B 27/00 (2006.01) 15/131,776 18 April 2016 (18.04.2016) US 15/223,218 29 July 2016 (29.07.2016) US (21) International Application Number: PCT/U52017/018739 (71) Applicant: SONOS, INC. [US/US]; 614 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, California 93101 (US). (22) International Filing Date: 21 February 2017 (21.02.2017) (72) Inventors: JARVIS, Simon; 614 Chapala St., Santa Bar- bara, California 93101 (US). MILLINGTON, Nicholas (25) Filing Language: Enghsh A.J.; 614 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, California 93101 (26) Publication Language: English (US). CORBIN, Keith; 614 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, California 93101 (US). PLAGGE, Mark; 614 Chapala St., (30) Priority Data: Santa Barbara, California 93101 (US). KADRI, Romi; 614 62/298,418 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US Chapala St., Santa Barbara, California 93101 (US). 62/298,425 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US BUTTS, Christopher; 614 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, 62/298,350 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US California 93101 (US). CHEN, Yean-Nian Willy; 614 62/298,388 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US Chapala St., Santa Barbara, California 93101 (US). 62/298,410 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US 62/298,433 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US (74) Agent: PATEL, Neilesh; Lee Sullivan Shea & Smith LLP, 62/298,439 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US 224 N Desplaines St., Suite 250, Chicago, Illinois 60661 62/298,393 22 Febmary 2016 (22.02.2016) US (US). 62/312,350 23 March 2016 (23.03.2016) US [Continued on next page] = (54) Title: VOICE CONTROL OF A MEDIA PLAYBACK SYSTEM (57) Abstract: A voice input comprising a command word, one or more media variable instances, and one or more zone variable instances is received. A media RECEIVE INDICATION playback system command corresponding to the command word is determined. Media content corresponding to the one or more media variable instances is identi- = OF DIRECTION OF A fied. The media playback system may execute the media playback system com- VOICE INPUT mand on the media content based on the one or more zone variable instances. RECEIVED BY NETWORK MICROPHONE DEVICE 1102 ADJUST DIRECTIONALITY OF AUDIO CONTENT PLAYED BY THE PLAYBACK DEVICE 1104 cc _____________________ FIGURE 11 CA 03015496 2018-08-22 WO 2017/147081 Al lll lll 1111111111111111111110111111111111111111111111111111111111111111# OEN (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, KH, KN, KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, GN, GQ, GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, Published: US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW. ¨ with international search report (Art. 21(3))
A playback device, a system, computer readable medium and a method for playing back multimedia content are provided. The playback device comprising a processor and data storage comprising program instructions. The program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the playback device to implement a method comprising receiving an instruction to play back the multimedia content beginning at a particular play position within the multimedia content corresponding to when a set of inputs for transferring playback of the multimedia was detected.
An example multimedia playback device is connected to a network that is configured to not provide an indicator of existence absent a command from the multimedia playback device. The example playback device is to initiate a connection phase for a device to connect to the hidden network based on a user action at the playback device. The example playback device is to reveal a network access point in a connection phase and authenticate the wireless device with the audio network for limited connectivity to the network during the connection phase. The example playback device is to disconnect the wireless device from the audio network and accept a connection of the wireless device to the audio network in an operational phase, the connection enabled using information provided to the wireless device during the connection phase and without the limited connectivity provided in the connection phase.
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
H04L 9/32 - Dispositions pour les communications secrètes ou protégées; Protocoles réseaux de sécurité comprenant des moyens pour vérifier l'identité ou l'autorisation d'un utilisateur du système
H04L 12/16 - Dispositions pour la fourniture de services particuliers aux abonnés
A method comprises: detecting a first input comprising an identification of a playback device; detecting a second input comprising an identification of an item on a controller, wherein multimedia content associated with the item is retrievable from a content provider; detecting a trigger, wherein the trigger is not the first input or the second input; and sending, in response to detecting the trigger, information regarding the multimedia content from the controller to the playback device, wherein the information comprises an identification of the multimedia content for playback by the playback device, and wherein the information causes (a) the playback device to retrieve, independent of the controller, the multimedia content from the content provider and (b) playback of the retrieved multimedia content.
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate connection to a multimedia playback network are disclosed. An example method provides content to a local playback network. The example method includes identifying multimedia content from a content provider. The example method includes passing information regarding the multimedia content to a local playback system including one or more multimedia playback devices in response to a trigger. The example method includes facilitating play of the multimedia content via a local playback network associated with the local playback system.
H04N 21/2387 - Traitement de flux en réponse à une requête de reproduction par un utilisateur final, p.ex. pour la lecture à vitesse variable ("trick play")
H04N 21/439 - Traitement de flux audio élémentaires
H04N 21/472 - Interface pour utilisateurs finaux pour la requête de contenu, de données additionnelles ou de services; Interface pour utilisateurs finaux pour l'interaction avec le contenu, p.ex. pour la réservation de contenu ou la mise en place de rappels, pour la requête de notification d'événement ou pour la transformation de contenus affichés
H04N 21/482 - Interface pour utilisateurs finaux pour la sélection de programmes
H04N 21/6587 - Paramètres de contrôle, p.ex. commande de lecture à vitesse variable ("trick play") ou sélection d’un point de vue
A method comprises: detecting a first input comprising an identification of a playback device; detecting a second input comprising an identification of an item on a controller, wherein multimedia content associated with the item is retrievable from a content provider; detecting a trigger, wherein the trigger is not the first input or the second input; and sending, in response to detecting the trigger, information regarding the multimedia content from the controller to the playback device, wherein the information comprises an identification of the multimedia content for playback by the playback device, and wherein the information causes (a) the playback device to retrieve, independent of the controller, the multimedia content from the content provider and (b) playback of the retrieved multimedia content.
H04N 21/658 - Transmission du client vers le serveur
H04H 60/82 - Dispositions caractérisées par des systèmes de transmission autres que ceux utilisés pour la radiodiffusion, p.ex. Internet caractérisées par le système de transmission lui-même le système de transmission étant Internet
H04W 4/00 - Services spécialement adaptés aux réseaux de télécommunications sans fil; Leurs installations
H04N 21/242 - Procédés de synchronisation, p.ex. traitement de références d'horloge de programme [PCR]
H04N 21/439 - Traitement de flux audio élémentaires
H04N 21/61 - Structure physique de réseau; Traitement de signal
Techniques for shaping sound based on a speaker orientation are disclosed. In an embodiment, an audio data stream is obtained by a zone player having one or more speaker drivers, an orientation of the zone player is determined, and sound is reproduced by the zone player based on the orientation. The sound may be further shaped based on other states of the zone player in addition to orientation. The overall sound may be shaped from one zone player or from a collection of zone players.
H04R 5/02 - Dispositions spatiales ou structurelles de haut-parleurs
H04S 5/02 - Systèmes pseudo-stéréophoniques, p.ex. dans lesquels les signaux d'un canal supplémentaire sont dérivés du signal monophonique par déphasage, retardement ou réverbération du type pseudo-quadriphonique, p.ex. dans lesquels les signaux des canaux arrière sont dérivés des signaux stéréophoniques à deux canaux
Technology for smart line-in processing in an audio environment is disclosed. Particularly, the embodiments described herein provide automated source switching in an audio environment where a number of audio sources may exist and volume control.
A first zone player configured to, in response to receiving the request to enter into the multi-channel pairing, entering into the multi-channel pairing with the second zone player and beginning to operate in a paired mode in which the first zone player is configured to (a) play back a given subset of a plurality of audio channels included in multi-channel audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers of the first zone player and (b) enable the second zone player to play back a different subset of the plurality of audio channels included in the multi-channel audio content in synchrony with the first zone player playing back the given subset of the plurality of audio channels.
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
A first zone player comprises a network interface that is configured to provide an interconnection with at least one data network; a clock that is configured to provide a clock time of the first zone player; at least one processor; a tangible, non- transitory computer-readable medium; a first set of program instructions stored on the tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first zone player to perform functions comprising: receiving a request to enter into a synchrony group with at least one other zone player that is communicatively coupled with the first zone player over local area network (LAN); and in response to receiving the request to enter into the synchrony group, entering into the synchrony group and beginning to operate in a grouped mode in which the multi-channel audio content in accordance with a first scheme for synchronizing playback of the multi-channel audio content with the at least one other zone player that is also configured to play back each of the plurality of audio channels; and a second set of program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer- readable medium that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first zone player to perform functions comprising: receiving a request to enter into a multi-channel pairing with at least one other zone player; and in response to receiving the request to enter into the multi-channel pairing, entering into the multi-channel pairing with the at least one other zone player and beginning to operate in a paired mode in which the first zone player is configured to play back a given subset of a plurality of audio channels included in multi-channel audio content in accordance with a second scheme for synchronizing playback with the at least one other zone player that is configured to play back a different subset of the plurality of audio channels, wherein the second scheme for synchronizing playback differs from the first scheme for synchronizing playback.
H04H 20/18 - Dispositions de synchronisation de la radiodiffusion ou de la distribution par l'intermédiaire de plusieurs systèmes
H04L 7/00 - Dispositions pour synchroniser le récepteur avec l'émetteur
H04L 12/12 - Dispositions pour la connexion ou la déconnexion à distance de sous-stations ou de leur équipement
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
H04S 3/00 - Systèmes utilisant plus de deux canaux, p.ex. systèmes quadriphoniques
H04S 7/00 - Dispositions pour l'indication; Dispositions pour la commande, p.ex. pour la commande de l'équilibrage
Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. Particularly, the embodiments described herein enable two or more playback devices to be paired, such that multi-channel audio is achieved. Such embodiments may be used to produce stereo and multi-channel audio environments for television and movies.
A method comprising: receiving, at a first playback device from a source device, multi-channel audio data comprising at least first and second audio channels; detecting a command to form a multi-channel pair in which the first playback device is designated to play at least the first audio channel and the second playback device is designated to play at least the second audio channel; and after detecting the command: sending, from the first playback device to the second playback device, at least the second audio channel; and playing, by the first playback device, the first audio channel.
A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices hat have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.
A tangible computer-readable memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed cause a zone player to: receive control inforniation frorn any one of a plurality of user interface modules; based on thc received control information enter into a synchrony group with a second zone player; and transmit status information to at least one of the plurality of user interface modules, wherein the status information provides an indication of an operational status of the synchrony group.
G11B 27/10 - Indexation; Adressage; Minutage ou synchronisation; Mesure de l'avancement d'une bande
G06F 1/12 - Synchronisation des différents signaux d'horloge
G06F 17/00 - TRAITEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE DE DONNÉES NUMÉRIQUES Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques
H04L 7/00 - Dispositions pour synchroniser le récepteur avec l'émetteur
64.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING OPERATIONS AMONG A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENTLY CLOCKED DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING DEVICES
In a network comprising at least a first zone player and a second zone player, a method comprises a user interface module, a command to establish a synchrony group, wherein the synchrony goup comprises at least the first zone player and the second zone player; and displaying, at the user interface module, a list of information identifying a plurality of items queued for playback by the synchrony group, wherein (i) at least one of the items on the list is located on the local area network, and (ii) at least one of the items on the list is accessible via a wide area network.
H04L 7/00 - Dispositions pour synchroniser le récepteur avec l'émetteur
H04H 60/82 - Dispositions caractérisées par des systèmes de transmission autres que ceux utilisés pour la radiodiffusion, p.ex. Internet caractérisées par le système de transmission lui-même le système de transmission étant Internet
G11B 27/10 - Indexation; Adressage; Minutage ou synchronisation; Mesure de l'avancement d'une bande
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
65.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING OPERATIONS AMONG A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENTLY CLOCKED DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING DEVICES
A tangible computer-readable memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed cause a zone player to receive control information from any one of a plurality of user interface modules, then based on the received control information, enter into a synchrony group with a second zone player and transmit status information to at least one of the plurality of user interface modules. The status information provides an indication of an operational status of the synchrony group.
A tangible computer-readable memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed cause a zone player to: receive control information from any one of a plurality of user interface modules; based on the received control information enter into a synchrony group with a second zone player; and transmit status information to at least one of the plurality of user interface modules, wherein the status information provides an indication of an operational status of the synchrony group.
brevets
