A method for mounting a flexible speaker grill on to an audio speaker housing, the method comprising: punching a plurality of holes through a thin, flat, piece of plastic to create a grill surface; affixing a scrim cloth to the rear surface of the grill surface; affixing two frame members to the grill surface, each said frame member to an opposite end of the grill surface to create a grill assembly; wrapping the grill assembly around an audio speaker housing with the scrim cloth toward the inside such that the grill assembly conforms to the adjacent surface of the speaker housing; mounting the two frame members to the speaker housing by screws into threaded holes in the speaker housing.
Systems and methods for playback of generative media content via wearable audio playback devices such as headphones are disclosed. In one method, the wearable device detects that it is being worn by a user, and obtains one or more input parameters via a network interface. Next, generative media content is generated based on the one or more input parameters and played back via the wearable playback device. In some examples, after detecting that the wearable playback device is no longer being worn by the user, playback ceases.
G10H 1/00 - ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE - Details of electrophonic musical instruments
G10H 1/26 - Selecting circuits for automatically producing a series of tones
Network devices, systems, and methods for localizing portable playback devices. In one example, a method of determining a location of a docking station includes over a time period, receiving multiple instances of movement information from a portable playback device, over the time period, receiving multiple instances of detection information from at least one stationary playback device, the detection information indicating that the at least one stationary playback device has detected a presence of the portable playback device, estimating, based on at least a combination of the movement information and the detection information, the location of the docking station relative to the at least one stationary playback device, and storing the location of the docking station.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 4/30 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A method carried out by a playback device involves (i) receiving a first volume command to adjust a volume level of audio playback by the playback device, (ii) based on the first volume command, causing the volume level of the audio playback to be adjusted by a first increment, (iii) receiving, within a threshold period of time after receiving the first volume command, a second volume command to adjust the volume level of the audio playback, and (iv) based on the second volume command being received within the threshold period of time, causing the volume level of the audio playback to be adjusted according to the second volume command by a second increment that is different from the first increment.
There is provided a loudspeaker comprising: a frame; a diaphragm flexibly attached to the frame; a motor for driving the diaphragm; and a suspension system coupled to the frame and supporting at least part of the motor, wherein the suspension system provides an electrically conductive path to the motor. Aspects of the invention also relate to a suspension system providing an electrically conductive path.
Techniques for coordinating network handoffs among devices in a playback system based on movement of a portable playback device are disclosed. Examples of one method include streaming audio content over a wireless communication link between a portable playback device and a playback device, playing back the audio content via the portable playback device, detecting a change in location of the portable playback device, readying another playback device for audio-content streaming by storing a buffered portion of the audio content in memory of the other playback device; detecting a further change in location of the portable playback device, and streaming the buffered portion of the audio content over another wireless communication link between the other playback device and the portable playback device, and continuing playback of the audio content via the portable playback device by playing back the buffered portion of the audio content streamed over the other wireless communication link.
Network devices, systems, and methods for determining repeated movement paths of a portable playback device and adjusting one or more operating parameters of the portable playback device based thereon. In one example, a method of configuring a portable playback device based on location comprises detecting first positional information specifying multiple instances of at least one first movement path of a portable playback device, detecting second positional information specifying a second movement path of the portable playback device, determining a value indicative of similarity between the at least one first movement path and the second movement path, and causing the portable playback device to adjust at least one operating parameter of the portable playback device based on the value.
Examples include audio playback devices having power circuitry that is configured to receive supplemental power from a battery to provide sufficient power to meet peak power demands of the device, and methods of operating such audio playback devices.
Suspension systems for loudspeakers are disclosed. A loudspeaker can include a frame, a diaphragm flexibly attached to the frame, and a motor for driving the diaphragm. The motor can include a magnetic element and a voice coil. The loudspeaker can additionally include a suspension system with a coil holder coupled to the voice coil, a flat spring coupling the coil holder and the frame, and a compensating element associated with the flat spnng.
Home theatre audio configurations can include a primary audio playback device (e.g., a soundbar) along with a plurality of discrete satellite playback devices (e.g., left and right surrounds), some or all of which may be capable of multichannel audio playback. Techniques for modifying audio transmission, distribution, and/or playback for such multichannel satellite playback devices are disclosed.
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
G10L 19/008 - Multichannel audio signal coding or decoding using interchannel correlation to reduce redundancy, e.g. joint-stereo, intensity-coding or matrixing
G10L 19/02 - Speech or audio signal analysis-synthesis techniques for redundancy reduction, e.g. in vocoders; Coding or decoding of speech or audio signals, using source filter models or psychoacoustic analysis using spectral analysis, e.g. transform vocoders or subband vocoders
H04S 3/00 - Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic
A playback device comprising a radio circuitry comprising a first radio and a second radio, at least one antenna coupled to the radio circuitry. The playback device configured to, while in a group comprising a plurality of satellite playback devices, connect, using a first radio of the playback device, to a first wireless network, establish, using a second radio of the playback device, a second wireless network, receive an audio stream including multi-channel audio content, communicate at least one first audio channel of the multi-channel audio content to a first subset of satellite playback devices over the first wireless network, and communicate at least one second audio channel of the multi-channel audio content to a second subset of satellite playback devices over the second wireless network. The playback device may be configured to coordinate playback of multi-channel audio content by satellite playback device(s) connected to a first wireless network established using a first radio, to coordinate including to transmit data representing audio channel(s) of the multi-channel audio content to the satellite device(s) over the first wireless network, to receive a first swap signal indicating to transition playback to a portable playback device, while connected to a second wireless network established using a second radio and without interfering with the second wireless network, modify the first wireless network to enable the portable playback device to connect to the first wireless network, form a synchrony group including the portable playback device and the satellite device(s) to cause the portable playback device to start playing the multi-channel audio content, and to remove the satellite device(s) from the synchrony group to stop playback of the multi-channel audio content on the satellite device(s).
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
Systems and techniques for localization of disturbances are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for detecting a disturbance in an area of operation, the area of operation including a plurality of transmitter-receiver pairs. The method obtains, based on a first plurality of signal transmissions between the plurality of transmitter-receiver pairs, at least one baseline channel impulse response (CIR) measurement. The method obtains, based on a second plurality of signal transmissions between the plurality of transmitter-receiver pairs, at least one additional CIR measurement; The method obtains, based on the at least one additional CIR measurement and the at least one baseline CIR measurement, at least one residual CIR measurement. The method derives, based on a sufficient similarity between the at least one residual CIR measurement and at least one particular key of a plurality of keys, localization data for at least one disturbance detected within the area of operation.
G01S 7/00 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , ,
G01S 7/41 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
G01S 13/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
An example playback device is configured to determine a first characteristic associated with at least one of a first device, the playback device, or a context in which at least one of the playback device or the first device is operating. The playback device can further identify a particular connection configuration in a set of connection configurations based on the first characteristic. Each connection configuration in the set of connection configurations comprises at least one additional rule, in addition to any rule defined by a wireless communications protocol. A communication link is established with the first device via the communication interface in accordance with the wireless communication protocol and the particular connection configuration. The first communication link enables transmission of media content from the first device for playback by the playback device.
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
H04M 1/72412 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Techniques for disambiguating voice commands through determination of acoustic spaces and/or tracking voice signatures. One example of a method of directing voice commands includes detecting, at a first playback device, a voice command executable by a plurality of playback devices, determining that an acoustic space around the first playback device includes a second playback device, and causing the second playback device to execute the voice command based on a presence of the second playback device in the acoustic space. Another example of a method of directing voice commands includes detecting a first voice command executable by a plurality of playback devices, determining that the voice command matches a stored voice signature, accessing association information that associates the stored voice signature with a second voice command and identifies a first playback device that executed the second voice command, and causing the first playback device to execute the first voice command.
An adjustable mounting assembly includes (i) a housing with front and rear collars joined by a threaded engagement, the rear collar including teeth oriented toward the front collar, (ii) a front body part extending outwardly through an opening in the front collar, (iii) an intermediate body part coupled to the front body part, and (iv) a rear body part coupled to the intermediate body part, the rear body part including teeth oriented toward the rear collar, the mounting assembly adjustable such that (a) when the threaded engagement is tightened, the teeth of the rear body part are positioned in an interlocking engagement with the teeth of the rear collar, preventing rotation about a pitch axis of the mounting assembly, and (b) when the threaded engagement is loosened, the teeth of the rear body part are disengageable from the teeth of the rear collar, allowing rotation about the pitch axis.
F16M 11/14 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction with ball-joint
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
16.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING CURVED SPEAKER GRILLE
A method for mounting a flexible speaker grille onto an audio speaker housing is provided, the method comprises: mounting two plastic frame members to a speaker housing by one or more screws into threaded holes in the speaker housing; applying adhesive to the outer surface of each of the two frame members; aligning one or more locating pins of a grille subassembly to corresponding one or more receiving holes a speaker housing, wherein the grille subassembly comprises: a grille surface comprising a thin, flat piece of plastic having holes through it; strips of one side of a hook-and-loop fastener attached across each of the four edges of the grille surface; the one or more locating pins near the midpoint of one of the long edges of the grille surface; wrapping the grille subassembly around the speaker housing such that the grille subassembly conforms to the adjacent surface of the speaker housing and attaching the strips of hook-and-loop faster to a complementary side of hook-and-loop fastener located on the speaker housing; and attaching each distant edge of the grille subassembly to the adhesive on the outer surface of each of the two frame members.
Disclosed embodiments include multi-tier hierarchical network architectures built from several playback groups, where individual playback groups include two or more playback devices where one of the playback devices in the playback group is configured to operate as a primary playback device for the playback group, and where the other playback devices and the playback group are configured to operate as secondary playback devices in the playback group. In operation, the playback groups formed from the primary playback devices and secondary playback devices enable hierarchical distribution of audio content, playback timing, clock timing, and/or configuration and control signaling to facilitate groupwise playback of audio content by the several playback groups comprising the playback devices.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
A system comprises a plurality of playback devices. Each playback device comprises one or more processors; and one or more storage devices that comprise instruction code that is executable by at least one of the one or more processors. Instruction code executed by one or more processors of a particular primary playback device (PPD) causes the particular PPD to: receive state information from a particular secondary playback device (SPD). The state information specifies a state associated with at least one aspect of the particular SPD. After receiving a subscription from one or more other PPDs for the state of the particular aspect of the particular SPD, the particular PPD communicates the state information that specifies the state of the particular aspect of the particular SPD to the one or more other PPDs.
H04L 67/1087 - Peer-to-peer [P2P] networks using cross-functional networking aspects
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
Substrates for playback devices and playback devices incorporating same. In one example, a playback device includes an audio transducer, a grille laterally overlaying the audio transducer, wherein the grille has a first thickness and includes a first perforated region having a first plurality of apertures extending through the grille, and a substrate disposed between the audio transducer and the grille, wherein the substrate has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and wherein the substrate includes a second perforated region having a second plurality of apertures extending through the substrate, the second perforated region defining an acoustic filter configured to modify a radiation pattern of an acoustic output from the audio transducer.
Methods and playback devices for monitoring for contamination of a combined power/data input port. In one example, a playback device includes an audio output configured to output audio, a rechargeable power source that provides power to the playback device, input circuitry including a multi-pin connector configured to receive both charging power and data, and contamination detection circuitry operably coupled to the multi-pin connector and configured to output a contamination signal indicating a state of contamination of the multi-pin connector. The playback device may further include a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory operably connected to a processor and including program instructions that are executable by the processor such that the processor is configured to detect the contamination signal from the contamination detection circuitry, and cause an alert to be provided if the contamination signal indicates that the state of contamination of the multi-pin connector is contaminated.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G01R 31/69 - Testing of releasable connections, e.g. of terminals mounted on a printed circuit board of sockets, e.g. wall sockets or power sockets in appliances
21.
SPACE EFFICIENT POWER OVER ETHERNET FOR AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES
Examples include audio playback devices having power supply circuitry that is configured to condition power received over, for example, an Ethernet or USB connection, to provide steady power to an output device such as a speaker, and methods of operating such audio playback devices.
Disclosed embodiments include a first playback device operating in a first mode where the first playback device plays first audio received from a second playback device via a WLAN in a groupwise fashion. After connecting to a Bluetooth audio source, the first playback device switches from operating in the first mode to operating in a second mode where the first playback device (i) ceases playing the first audio, (ii) generates second playback timing for second audio received from the Bluetooth audio source, (iii) transmits the second audio content and the second playback timing to the second playback device via Bluetooth, and (iv) plays the second audio in a groupwise fashion with the second playback device based on the second playback timing.
Example techniques relate to stereo imaging with audio playback devices. Example playback devices described herein may include multiple speakers, such as a forward-firing audio transducer and side-firing audio transducers. Using example techniques, such playback devices may play stereo content partially directly and partially as a dipole, which may enhance (e.g., widen) a stereo image formed by the transducers. Yet further, such techniques may be combined with steering techniques to direct output of the transducers away from obstructions that may be present in proximity to the audio playback devices.
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
24.
PRIMARY-AMBIENT PLAYBACK ON AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES
Example techniques relate to primary -ambient playback of surround audio by audio playback devices. Example playback devices described herein may include multiple speakers, such as a forward-firing audio transducer and side-firing audio transducers. Using example techniques, such playback devices may perform primary-ambient decomposition to separate surround channels into primary' and ambient channels. The playback devices play back the ambient channel(s) via the side-firing transducers and the primary channel via the forward-firing transducer.
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for proximity-based power management for audio playback devices. In a first mode, a portable audio playback device plays back audio content in full. In a second mode, the portable playback device plays back only a first portion of the audio content itself and routes a second portion of the audio content to a nearby playback device, which may be stationary or portable. The portable playback device can transition between the first mode and the second mode based on a proximity parameter of the portable playback device and/or the nearby playback device, a power parameter of the portable playback device and/or the nearby playback device, or a grouping parameter of the portable playback device and/or the nearby playback device.
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for power transmission between playback devices, systems and methods for energy harvesting and distribution for audio playback devices, and systems and methods for wirelessly powering wearable audio playback devices.
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for charging batteries of audio playback devices. An example method performed by a media playback system includes receiving power from a first power source to charge a first power storage of a first playback device according to a first charging scheme, and receiving power from a second power source to charge a second power storage of a second playback device according to a second charging scheme. The system receives an instruction to form a group for synchronous audio playback, and obtains one or more power parameters associated with the first playback device and/or the second playback device. After receiving the instruction to form the group, the system modifies the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters, and then receives power from the first power source to charge the first power storage according to the modified first charging scheme.
Systems and methods for ultra-wideband multi-static radar are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for determining the localization of an object based on deviation from baseline impulse responses. The method includes steps for comparing subsequent impulse responses to the baseline impulse responses and detecting the degree to which the subsequent impulse responses deviate from the baseline impulse responses.
G01S 13/10 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse modulated waves
G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
G01S 13/72 - Radar-tracking systems; Analogous systems for two-dimensional tracking, e.g. combination of angle and range tracking, track-while-scan radar
G01S 7/41 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
A control device such as a mobile device can be used as a secondary display to provide a controller user interface (UI) element corresponding to a contextual display user interface element displayed via a television or other device. An example method includes receiving a media data stream from a media content provider and transmitting the media data stream to a display device for playback. After determining that the media data stream comprises a contextual display user interface element, the method involves causing the controller device to present a controller user interface element corresponding to the contextual display user interface element. An indication of a user input via the controller user interface element is received, after which a signal is transmitted to the media provider that corresponds to the received indication of user input.
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfaces; Content or additional data rendering
H04N 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
Generative media content (e.g., generative audio) can be dynamically generated based on various inputs, which can include blockchain data. A playback device accesses blockchain data stored via a distributed ledger and generates media content based at least in part on the blockchain data. The playback device can access a library of pre-existing media segments and arrange a selection of pre-existing media segments from the library for playback according to a generative media content model and based at least in part on the blockchain data. The generated media content can then be played back via the playback device.
A negative-stiffness audio transducer assembly includes a frame, a voice coil configured to move a diaphragm inward or outward along an axis, and a suspension assembly coupled to the frame and the voice coil. The suspension assembly includes a first spring having a radially outer end portion coupled to the frame, a radially inner end portion coupled to the voice coil, and an intermediate portion therebetween that is displaced in an axial direction from the first end portion and the second end portion. A second spring is arranged opposite the first spring with respect to the voice coil, and includes a radially outer end portion coupled to the frame, a radially inner end portion coupled to the voice coil, and an intermediate portion therebetween that is displaced in an axial direction from the first end portion and the second end portion.
In one aspect, an audio playback device having at least one microphone captures a voice input. The playback device detects, within the voice input, at least one keyword from among a plurality of command keywords supported by the playback device. The playback device determines, via a local natural language unit (NLU), an intent based on the keyword. The keyword is then evaluated based at least in part on a volume characteristic of the voice input. Based on the evaluation, the playback device either forgoes further processing of the voice input or performs a command in accordance with the determined intent.
An audio transducer assembly includes a frame, a voice coil coupled to the frame, and a suspension element coupled to the frame and voice coil. The suspension element can include a first member having a first end portion coupled to the frame and a second end portion coupled to the voice coil and opposite the first end portion. The first member can include a corrugated portion between the first and second end portions. The suspension element can include a second member having a first end portion coupled to the first end portion of the first member and a second end portion coupled to the second end portion of the first member. The second member includes a corrugated portion between the first and second end portions of the second member. The suspension element can include a negative stiffness along an axis.
Embodiments disclosed herein include playback devices with multiple radios, antennas, filters, and switching circuits employed to enable switching of radios between multiple wireless networks. The switching is based on parameters of the wireless networks and on capabilities of other satellite playback devices communicating over the wireless networks. In some embodiments, the wireless networks are WIFI networks operating over one or more of a 2.4 GHz WIFI band, a lower frequency region of a 5 GHz WIFI band, a higher frequency region of the 5 GHz WIFI band, and a 6 GHz WIFI band. In some embodiments, the radios are switched between wireless networks in response to a change of frequency of a WIFI Access Point and/or a lost connection to a satellite playback device.
A speaker device (101, 201, 301) comprising a first diaphragm (103, 203, 303), an opposing second diaphragm (104, 204, 304), and a frame (102, 202, 302) comprising a first frame part (102a, 202a) on which the first diaphragm (103, 203, 303) is mounted and an opposing second frame part (102b, 202b) on which the second diaphragm (104, 204, 304) is mounted. A first speaker driver (105, 205, 305) drives the first diaphragm (103, 203, 303) and a second speaker driver (106, 206, 306) drives the second diaphragm (104, 204, 304). The first frame part (102a, 202a), a movable first coil bracket (107) of the first speaker driver (105, 205, 305), and a resilient first damper member (111) form a first single piece integrally formed unitary component. The second frame part (102b, 202b), a moveable second coil bracket (109) of the second speaker driver (106, 206, 306) and a resilient second damper member (112) form a second single piece integrally formed unitary component.
In response to receiving the playback mode indication, a playback device is caused to operate within a particular playback mode. After initiating operation of the particular playback mode, the playback device accesses a particular set of routines that is associated with the particular playback mode. The particular set of routines are configured to cause the playback device to play back particular media content with a particular user-defined acoustic parameter, and to configure the playback device to advance between one or more routines within the particular set of routines in response to one or more user interface interactions. The playback device receives the one or more user interface interactions at a user interface associated with the playback device. After receiving the one or more user interface interactions, the playback device executes at least one routine selected from the particular set of routines.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
37.
SYNCHRONOUS PLAYBACK OF MEDIA CONTENT BY OFF-NET PORTABLE PLAYBACK DEVICES
Disclosed embodiments include a portable playback device performing functions comprising: (i) after receiving an indication to operate in a playback group while the first portable playback device is connected to a network device via a Personal Area Network (PAN) and not connected to a first Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), establishing a second WLAN for the playback group; and (ii) after a second portable playback device has joined the second WLAN operated by the first portable playback device, streaming audio content received via the PAN connection from the first network device to the second portable playback device via the second WLAN operated by the first portable playback device, and playing the audio content in a groupwise manner with the second portable playback device. Other embodiments include portable playback devices performing similar functions via a peer-to-peer wireless link rather than the second WLAN.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
An example playback device may include at least one microphone and a capacitive control disposed on a housing of the playback device. The playback device may be configured to receive information that causes the playback device to operate in a first state where the playback device is configured to (i) capture audio data via the at least one microphone and (ii) perform voice assistant wake word detection on audio data captured by the at least one microphone. While the playback device is operating in the first state, it may detect a selection of the capacitive control and based on the selection, transition to operate in a second state where the playback device is (i) configured to capture audio data via the at least one microphone and (ii) not configured to perform voice assistant wake word detection on audio data captured by the at least one microphone.
An example computing system receives a media content search query from a controller configured to control media playback by one or more playback devices in a media playback system associated with a plurality of media content services. Based on the search query, the system generates a first set of search queries for the first media content service and a second set of search queries for the second media content service. The computing system receives search results from the first and second media content services and aggregates the search results such that the search results are organized based on (i) categories of media content items corresponding to the search results and (ii) the media content services from which the search results are received. The computing system sends the aggregated search results to the controller for display in their aggregated order.
Systems and methods for noise reduction using synthetic audio are disclosed. One or more playback devices include first microphone(s) (e.g., air-conduction microphone(s)) and second microphone(s) (e.g., bone-conduction microphone(s)). In operation, based on a user voice input, first and sound data streams are captured via the first and second microphone(s), respectively. The first sound data stream is evaluated to determine whether a noise threshold is exceeded. While the noise threshold is not exceeded, a synthetic sound data model is trained based on the first and second sound data streams. An audio output stream based on the first sound data stream is communicated to at least one second playback device. When noise is detected in the first sound data stream, a synthetic audio stream is mixed into the output audio stream. The synthetic audio stream can be produced based on the synthetic sound data model.
G10L 21/0216 - Noise filtering characterised by the method used for estimating noise
G10L 21/0364 - Speech enhancement, e.g. noise reduction or echo cancellation by changing the amplitude for improving intelligibility
G10L 25/30 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups characterised by the analysis technique using neural networks
G10L 25/78 - Detection of presence or absence of voice signals
H04R 1/46 - Special adaptations for use as contact microphones, e.g. on musical instrument, on stethoscope
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.
Systems and methods for managing multiple wake-word engines are disclosed. An example method can include detecting sound via microphone(s) of a network microphone device (NMD). The NMD uses a first wake-word engine to detect a first wake word in the sound data and a second wake-word engine to detect a second wake word in the sound data. If these two wake words are detected within a first period of time, the NMD disregards both the first wake-word event engine and the second wake-word event and discards the sound data to guard against improper processing of audio following a false-positive wake-word event.
Spatial maps can be constructed that represent the relative positions of media playback system components within an environment. In one method, an orchestrator device transmits an instruction to a plurality of playback devices to initiate a localization session. After receiving the instruction, a first playback device transmits a localization signal which is received by the second playback device. Based on the localization signal, a spatial measurement parameter is obtained. The spatial measurement parameter is transmitted to a mapper device, which then constructs a spatial map of the environment including at least the first playback device and the second playback device.
Embodiments disclosed herein include playback devices with multiple antennas and antenna switching capabilities employed to determine relative locations of other playback devices based on ultra-wideband (UWB) signals transmitted between the devices. In some embodiments, the determination is based on an estimation of angle of arrival of UWB signals received from another playback device. In some embodiments, the determination is based on an estimation of range between antennas of the devices, for example derived from time of flight measurements of the UWB signals received from another playback device. In some embodiments, trilateration techniques are used to determine the relative locations from the estimated ranges. The relative locations are used to assist with installation and setup of the devices in a given environment. After determination of the relative locations, a playback configuration mode can be set for the playback devices to include playback of one or more channels of multi-channel audio content.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
G01S 11/04 - Systems for determining distance or velocity not using reflection or reradiation using radio waves using angle measurements
G01S 11/06 - Systems for determining distance or velocity not using reflection or reradiation using radio waves using intensity measurements
45.
CONCURRENCY RULES FOR NETWORK MICROPHONE DEVICES HAVING MULTIPLE VOICE ASSISTANT SERVICES
Systems and methods for managing concurrent voice assistants are disclosed. An example method includes associating a first playback device with a first voice assistant service (VAS). A command is received to form a synchrony group for synchronous audio playback, the group including the first playback device and a second playback device. The method includes obtaining a determination that the second playback device is associated with a second VAS different from the first VAS. A rules engine is accessed to determine concurrency restrictions. Based on the restrictions: (i) the first playback device is disassociated from the first VAS, (ii) the second playback device is disassociated with the second VAS, or (iii) the formation of the synchrony group is precluded.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
46.
HIGH-PRECISION ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR AUDIO TRANSDUCERS
An audio transducer includes a diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm assembly can include a diaphragm, an attachment portion that circumferentially surrounds the diaphragm, and a flexible surround extending between the diaphragm and the attachment portion. The audio transducer can include a voice coil coupled to the diaphragm where the voice coil has a voice coil lead. The audio transducer can include a carrier that circumferentially surrounds the voice coil. The carrier can include an annular mounting surface, with the attachment portion of the diaphragm assembly being able to attach to the mounting surface, and a channel formed in the mounting surface. The voice coil lead can extend through the channel.
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.
A method of playing back audio content with improved immersiveness can include receiving, at a playback device, audio input including surround audio content. The playback device can include at least one forward-firing transducer configured to direct sound along a forward axis of the playback device and toward an intended listening location, and at least one side-firing transducer configured to direct sound along a side axis that is horizontally angled with respect to the forward axis. The method includes playing back at least a first portion of the surround audio content via the side-firing transducer(s) such that the first portion of the surround audio propagates along the side axis to be reflected towards the listening location. A second portion of the surround audio content is played back via the forward-firing transducer(s) such that the second portion of the surround audio propagates along the forward axis towards the listening location.
An example computing device establishes a first network connection to a playback device that supports a first communication protocol for sending audio content for playback to the playback device, and detects user input associated with a modification to the playback. While the computing device and the playback device are connected to a common data network that supports a second communication protocol, the computing device transmits, via the common data network using the second communication protocol, a command to modify media playback based on the user input. While the computing device or playback device are not connected to the common data network that supports the second communication protocol, the computing device (i) establishes a second network connection to the playback device that supports a third communication protocol, and (ii) transmits, via the second network connection using the third communication protocol, a command to modify media playback based on the user input.
H04L 69/18 - Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
Examples described herein involve edge data caching in a media playback system. A media playback system may include playback devices that controllable using a controller, such as a control application installed on a mobile device via network messaging (e.g., via a LAN). Yet further, cloud servers may provide platform services that support the playback devices and the controllers of the media playback system. In example systems, edge computing resources of the players are leveraged to offload storage and processing that would otherwise be performed in the cloud (i.e., by the platform servers). For instance, within a media playback system, one or more players may cache data hosted by the platform servers (e.g., state information), thereby allowing some requests from clients such as the controllers and other players to be handled locally rather than by the platform servers in the cloud.
H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
H04L 67/5682 - Policies or rules for updating, deleting or replacing the stored data
51.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING PLAYBACK DEVICE
A negative-stiffness audio transducer can include a frame, a voice coil, and a suspension assembly resiliently attaching the voice coil to the frame. The suspension assembly provides a negative stiffness to axial movement of the voice coil. The transducer further includes a diaphragm coupled to the voice coil such that the voice coil moves the diaphragm in an axially inward direction or an axially outward direction in response to an electrical signal. A stabilizer can be used to selectively move the diaphragm axially inward or outward to maintain the audio transducer in an operational state.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
52.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTIC ECHO CANCELLATION FOR AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES
Systems and methods for improved acoustic echo cancellation and convergence state detection are disclosed. An adaptive filter of a network microphone device (NMD) can be used to generate a filter output to be applied to microphone input signals for echo cancellation. The filter output can be generated using a reference signal corresponding to source audio content played back via transducers of the NMD. The adaptive filter can be updated dynamically over time based at least in part on an adaptation parameter that determines the rate of adaptation. In response to determining that a reset event has occurred, the adaptation parameter can be reset to a default value. Additionally or alternatively, in response to detecting a convergence error, the adaptation parameter can be reset to a default value.
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 - Processing of audio elementary streams
H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
54.
MANAGING CONTENT QUALITY AND RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF A MEDIA PLAYBACK SYSTEM
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 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/4402 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
Example techniques described herein involve authorization management in a media playback system. Within examples, a client, such as a control device, may authenticate with a playback device using a token. The playback device may resolve a role corresponding to the token using a token-to-role mapping hosted at an authentication service. After resolving the role, the playback device may resolve a permissions set corresponding to the role using a role-to-permissions mapping similarly hosted at the authentication service. Within examples, such mappings may be cached locally at the edge (e.g., on a playback device).
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4227 - Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
A playback device includes an enclosure having a front face substantially normal to a first direction, a side-firing audio transducer facing a second direction that is angled with respect to the first direction, and a waveguide in fluid communication with the side-firing transducer. The waveguide includes a first chamber extending along a first axis and a second chamber extending along a second axis. The first and second central axes diverge along the second direction away from the side-firing transducer. The waveguide can be adjustable to vary the relative dimensions and/or orientations of the first and second chambers.
H04R 1/34 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
A playback device including a housing having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion therebetween. The playback device can further include an audio transducer at least partially disposed in the intermediate portion and a grille assembly surrounding the intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The grille assembly can include a substrate and an outer shell surrounding the substrate. The outer shell can include an elastomeric material bonded onto a thermoplastic material, wherein the outer shell includes a perforated portion extending between the first and second end portions of the housing and overlaying the audio transducer, and wherein the perforated face defines a plurality of apertures extending through the elastomeric and thermoplastic materials.
Example techniques described herein involve a media playback system of one or more playback devices that are operable in a plurality of modes. Operating in a given mode may enhance a use case corresponding to the mode. For instance, the plurality of modes may include a foreground mode, which may enhance active listening to the playback device. The plurality of modes may also include a background mode, which may enhance passive listening to the playback device by facilitating other activities during passive listening. In some example implementations, the plurality of modes are non-contemporary; when operating in one mode, the playback device will not be operating in the other modes, and vice versa.
A diaphragm for an audio transducer includes an annular body defining a central aperture, a first surface of the body extending between a radially inner edge adjacent the aperture and a radially outer edge, and a second surface of the body opposite the first surface, the second surface extending between the radially inner edge and the radially outer edge. Along a first azimuthal direction, the body has a first range of thicknesses extending between the first and second surfaces. Along a second azimuthal direction, the body has a second range of thicknesses extending between the first surface and the second surface, the second range of thicknesses being different than the first range of thicknesses.
H04R 31/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of transducers or diaphragms therefor
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
H04R 7/14 - Non-planar diaphragms or cones corrugated, pleated, or ribbed
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.
An example computing device is configured to use a first communication protocol to connect to a local network. After connecting to the local network, the computing device uses the first communication protocol to receive first information identifying a first playback device connected to the local network. The computing device also uses a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol to connect to a second playback device that is not connected to the local network. Further, the computing device uses a third communication protocol different from the first and second communication protocols to receive second information identifying the second playback device. The computing device displays (i) a first representation of the first playback device based on the first information identifying the first playback device and (ii) a second representation of the second playback device based on the second information identifying the second playback device.
Disclosed herein are computing devices, including playback devices, that are configured to operate in several media distribution modes and play back audio data in several playback modes based at least in part on the source of audio/video data for playback. Also disclosed is a method of using a control device such as a mobile device as a secondary display to provide supplemental content to a user while viewing video content on a primary display such as a television.
Disclosed embodiments include facilitating clock synchronization and/or synchronous playback among multiple playback devices in a group. An individual playback device estimates and/or calculates a clock time at a clock time source (or a time offset/ error between the playback device and the clock time source) based on (i) first clock timing received from the clock time source via a primary timing link and (i) second clock timing received from the clock time source via a secondary timing link. In some embodiments, estimating and/or calculating a clock time and/or clock time off set/ error comprises estimating and/or calculating the clock time and/or clock time off set/ error with a state estimator, such as a Kalman filter, an extended Kalman filter, or other state estimator configured to estimate a clock time and/or clock time error based on clock timing received via two or more communications links.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
A playback device includes a housing defining an acoustic volume therein, one or more audio transducers disposed at least partially within the housing, and an acoustic port extending through the housing. The acoustic port includes a wall defining a first aperture, a second aperture, and a passageway extending therebetween. The wall is at least partially curved along an axial direction, and a plurality of vanes coupled to the wall extend into the passageway such that the vanes define a plurality of channels extending axially within the passageway.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
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 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
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.
Systems and methods for providing augmented arrays for audio playback are disclosed. An example playback device includes a first transducer configured to output audio along a first acoustic axis and a second transducer configured to output audio along a second acoustic axis. The playback device is configured to receive a source stream of audio content including at least a first input channel and a second input channel. The device plays back first audio output via the first transducer based on the first input channel and directed along the first acoustic axis, and plays back second audio output via the second transducer based on the second input channel and directed along the second acoustic axis, wherein the second audio output at least partially cancels the first audio output along a first spatial region offset from the first acoustic axis.
H04S 3/00 - Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
68.
MODIFYING AUDIO SYSTEM PARAMETERS BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
A playback device comprises at least one speaker, at least one processor and data storage having instructions stored thereon that are executed by the at least one processor to cause the playback device to perform functions comprising: receiving input representing one or more environmental characteristics of a real-world environment; determining at least one change in the one or more environmental characteristics based on the input, wherein the one or more environmental characteristics are representative of at least one of a proximity of at least one person to the playback device and a detected sound. An output volume of the playback device and/or a keyword detection threshold are adjusted based on the determined change in the one or more environmental characteristics.
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.
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 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
71.
CONCURRENCY RULES FOR NETWORK MICROPHONE DEVICES HAVING MULTIPLE VOICE ASSISTANT SERVICES
Systems and methods for managing concurrent voice assistants are disclosed. A network microphone device is associated with a first voice assistant service (VAS). The device receives a request to associate with a second VAS different than the first. The device accesses a concurrency rules engine to determine concurrency restrictions. If the rules engine indicates concurrency is prohibited, concurrency can be restricted by (i) disassociating the network microphone device and the first VAS, and associating the network microphone device with the second VAS; or (ii) precluding associating the network microphone device with the second VAS and maintaining association with the first VAS.
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.
A media system comprises one or more non-wearable playback devices, a gateway device, and a wearable playback device. The one or more non-wearable playback devices are configured to receive media content and to play the media content in synchrony with one another. The gateway device is commutatively coupled with at least one of the non-wearable playback devices and is configured to receive the media content. The wearable playback device comprises a microphone and a transducer and is commutatively coupled to the gateway device. The wearable playback device is configured to receive the media content and to simultaneously play ambient audio received via the microphone and the media content via the transducer while the one or more non-wearable playback devices play the media content.
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.
Multichannel audio playback devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some examples, a first playback device is configured to receive a source stream of audio content comprising left, right and center input channels. In a first mode, the first playback device is configured to play back audio via a plurality of transducers based on the left, right, and center input channels. In a second mode, in which the first playback device is bonded to second and third playback devices, the first playback device is configured to (i) play back audio via the plurality of transducers based on at least the center input channel, (ii) cause audio to be played via the second playback device based on at least the right input channel, and (iii) cause audio to be played via the third playback device based on at least the left input channel.
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.
In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving a first signal indicative of a current emotional state of one or more users, receiving a second signal corresponding to a desired emotional state, and causing a playback device to play back generative audio. The method can further comprise, after receiving the first signal and the second signal, adjusting one or more audio characteristics of the generative audio to provide at least (i) a first portion of media content having a first parameter corresponding to the current emotional state, (ii) a second portion of media content having a second parameter different than the first parameter, and (iii) an nth portion of media content having an nth parameter corresponding to the desired emotional state.
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
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.
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H02J 50/60 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power responsive to the presence of foreign objects, e.g. detection of living beings
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04R 1/00 - LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS - Details of transducers
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
As noted above, example techniques relate to local voice control. A device may monitoring an input sound-data stream representing sound detected by the one or more microphones for keywords and generate a first keyword detection event corresponding to a voice input when one or more keyword engines detect sound data matching at least one first keyword of the one or more keywords. The device determines whether the second voice input matches a particular predetermined speaker profile of one or more predetermined speaker profiles. Based on (i) generating the first keyword detection event and (ii) determining that the second voice input includes sound data matching the particular predetermined speaker profile, the device performs a particular playback command associated with the at least one first keyword.
Example techniques described herein involve a point-of-contact (POC) playback device that operates as an intermediary between the cloud and a media playback system that includes the POC playback device. As the intermediary, when the cloud issues a command to the media playback system, the POC playback device may perform some or all processing of the command to determine how to implement that command in the media playback system. For instance, the POC playback device may determine the target devices for a command, and then cause the target devices to carry out the command. This processing by the POC playback device may simplify control of the media playback system from the perspective of third party controllers, as these controllers need not have full and/or completely up-to-date knowledge of the media playback system functionality and status, among other possible benefits.
H04N 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/63 - Control signaling between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
A device, such as a network microphone device or playback device, receives an indication of an event such as a track change associated with a playback queue. In response, an input detection window is opened for a given time period. During the given time period the device is arranged to receive an input sound data stream representing sound detected by a microphone. The input sound data stream is analyzed for a plurality of command keywords and/or a wake-word for a voice assistant service (VAS) and, based on the analysis, it is determined that the input sound data stream includes voice input data comprising a command keyword or a wake-word for a VAS. In response, the device takes appropriate action such as causing the media playback system to perform a command corresponding to the command keyword or sending at least part of the input sound data stream to the VAS.
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 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
85.
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.
To avoid damage from overheating, playback device operation can be modulated based on input from temperature sensors. An example method includes obtaining, via one or more temperature sensors carried by the playback device, temperature data. Based on the temperature data, a first temperature parameter is detected. In response to detecting the first temperature parameter, a gain of audio playback is decreased by a first amount. After decreasing the gain of audio playback by the first amount, a second temperature parameter is detected. In response to detecting the second temperature parameter, the gain of audio playback is decreased by a second amount different than the first amount.
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H03G 3/30 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
Playback devices can support playing back audio content of audio-visual content received from a media service, while corresponding video content is synchronously played back on a video display device. In some examples, the device can cause the video display device to display a graphical user interface that includes a plurality of media services associated with a user account, receive a user selection for media playback of audio-visual content from one of the media services, transmit a request for the user-selected audio-visual content to the selected media service, and receive audio and video content of the audio-visual content.
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
H04N 21/254 - Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server or rights management server
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/2665 - Gathering content from different sources, e.g. Internet and satellite
H04N 21/41 - Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
88.
AUDIO DEVICE TRANSDUCER ARRAY AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Audio device transducer arrays and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some examples, the audio device can comprise a housing including a baffle and an acoustically reflective plate spaced apart from and facing at least partially toward the baffle, such that the baffle and the plate define an opening therebetween. The audio device can further comprise an array of electroacoustic transducers disposed within or surrounded by the baffle and configured to emit acoustic waves toward the opening. The array of transducers can be configured to produce acoustic waves having a frequency of about 1.5 kilohertz (kHz) or greater.
A manufacturing process for a grille element of a media playback system is provided. In one embodiment a sheet of plastic is thermoformed into a desired shape. Holes may have been drilled into the sheet of plastic prior to being thermoformed. Once thermoformed into the desired shape, a coating is applied and cured via a subsequent heat treatment process that anneals the material to remove additional stresses in the material from thermoforming. Once formed and heat treated, the formed component can be bonded to profile substrates to help maintain the formed desired shape.
In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to capture a voice input via the one or more microphones, detect a wake word in the voice input, transmit data associated with the voice input to one or more remote computing devices associated with a voice assistant service, and receive a response from the one or more remote computing devices, the response comprising a playback command based on the voice input. The network microphone device may be configured to obtain verification information characterizing the voice input and, based on the verification information indicating that the voice input was spoken by an unverified user, functionally disable the NMD from performing the playback command.
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.
Audio device transducers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the audio device transducer comprises a coil, first and second terminals each disposed adjacent a first side of the coil, and first and second conductors each electrically coupled to the coil. The first conductor extends from the first end of the coil to the first terminal, and the second end extends from a second end of the coil to the second terminal. The second conductor includes a first conductive pathway and a second conductive pathway spaced apart from the first conductive pathway such that the coil is disposed between the first conductive pathway and the second conductive pathway. In some embodiments, the first conductive pathway is symmetric to the second conductive pathway about an axis extending through the coil.
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.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
H04S 5/00 - Pseudo-stereo systems, e.g. in which additional channel signals are derived from monophonic signals by means of phase shifting, time delay or reverberation
A first playback device, while operating in a first media playback system, receives from a computing device over a WAN an indication that a second playback device operating in a second media playback system has initiated sharing of a playback session. The first playback device transmits a request to join the playback session, and then receives, from the computing device over the WAN, playback session information including indications of (i) one or more media items in a queue designated for playback by the second playback device and (ii) a playback position of the second playback device within the one or more media items. The first playback device retrieves, from a media service, the one or more media items in the queue designated for playback by the second playback device. The first playback device then plays back the one or more media items beginning at the playback position.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
Systems and methods for providing spatial audio are disclosed herein. In one example, the method includes receiving a first position (750a) of a first playback device (702a) relative to a user (U) in a listening environment; receiving a second position (750b) of a second playback device relative to the user (U) in the listening environment; transmitting, to a media content provider (VMP), location data corresponding to the first and second positions; receiving, from the media content provider, virtual media audio content associated with a virtual environment, the virtual media audio content comprising first and second audio signals (766a, 766b) generated based on the transmitted location data, wherein the generated first and second audio signals include one or more audio cues configured to enable the user to spatially perceive a location of a virtual object (760, 764a, 764b) within the listening environment; and playing back the first audio signal (766a) via the first playback device (702a) in synchrony with playing back the second audio signal (766b) via the second playback device (702b).
As noted above, example techniques relate to toggling a cloud-based VAS between enabled and disabled modes. An example implementation involves a NMD detecting that the housing is in a first orientation and enabling a first mode. Enabling the first mode includes disabling voice input processing via a cloud-based VAS and enabling local voice input processing. In the first mode, the NMD captures sound data associated with a first voice input and detects, via a local natural language unit, that the first voice input comprises sound data matching one or more keywords. The NMD determines an intent of the first voice input and performs a first command according to the determined intent. The NMD may detect that the housing is in a second orientation and enables the second mode. Enabling the second mode includes enabling voice input processing via the cloud-based VAS.
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.
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.
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
G06F 16/635 - Filtering based on additional data, e.g. user or group profiles
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 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4363 - Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
H04N 21/438 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving MPEG packets from an IP network
H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
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 mixed-mode configuration to play audio content in synchrony with each other.
patents
