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.
Example techniques relate to calibration interfaces that facilitate calibration of a playback device. An example implementation may involve outputting a sequence of prompts to guide calibration of a playback device during a calibration sequence comprising (i) a spatial calibration component and (ii) a spectral calibration component. Outputting the sequence of prompts includes outputting one or more first audio prompts representing a guide to perform the spatial calibration component of the calibration sequence. The spatial calibration component involves calibration of the playback device for a particular location within an environment. Outputting the sequence of prompts also includes outputting one or more first second prompts representing a guide to perform the spectral calibration component of the calibration sequence. The spectral calibration component involves calibration of the playback device for the environment.
Examples described herein involve facilitating playback of media content via a webpage. An example implementation involves a computing device: identifying one or more playback zones including at least one respective playback device; transmitting, via a web browser, a webpage request; receiving a webpage that includes a link to a media item; modifying the received webpage to include a representation associated with the link; causing, via the web browser, display of the modified webpage; responsive to a selection of the representation, causing display of the option; and responsive to a selection of the option, causing display of a list of the one or more playback zones, wherein at least one playback zone of the one or more playback zones is selectable to cause the media item to be added to the playback queue associated with the at least one playback zone.
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
Based on a credential, an access level of a playback queue for a first control interface and a first subset and second subset of media items in the playback queue may be determined. Media items in the playback queue that were added via a second control interface may be included in the first subset. Media items that were added via a control interface different from the second control interface may be included in a second subset. Information may be provided which identifies the first subset of the media items in the playback queue and the second subset of the media items in the playback queue.
Example techniques relate to cloud queue tombstones. An example implementation may involve a computing system receiving instructions to remove a particular media item from a playback queue. Based on the instructions, the computing system removes the particular media item from the playback queue and adds, to the playback queue, a tombstone indicator indicating that the particular media item has been removed from the playback queue. The computing system receives, from the media playback system, a request for a window of one or more media items from the playback queue. Based on the request, the computing system sends, to the media playback system, data representing a particular window of media items from the playback queue, wherein the particular window includes the tombstone indicator. The computing system detects a given tombstone removal trigger from among multiple tombstone removal triggers and based on the detecting, removes the tombstone indicator from the playback queue.
H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
G06F 16/27 - Replication, distribution or synchronisation of data between databases or within a distributed database systemDistributed database system architectures therefor
H04N 21/218 - Source of audio or video content, e.g. local disk arrays
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
6.
WAKE ON AUDIO TRIGGER FOR AMPLIFIER OR PLAYBACK DEVICE
A system for improving power efficiency of an audio amplifier or playback device. The system comprises an analog audio input port, an audio amplifier, and a signal detection circuit. The audio amplifier is configured to transition between a first state and a second state based on a trigger, wherein the audio amplifier consumes less power in the first state than the second state. The audio amplifier is further configured to amplify, when in the second state, an input signal present at the analog audio input port. The signal detection circuit is coupled to the analog audio input port and configured to detect an audio signal present in the input signal and generate the trigger when the audio signal is detected. The trigger is generated based on an integration of the input signal over a period of time to detect that the integrated input signal exceeds a threshold value.
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.
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 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
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 21/835 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates
8.
HEIGHT AUDIO ADJUSTMENT BASED ON LISTENING ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERISTICS
An example media playback system includes an upward-firing transducer and a horizontal-firing transducer in a playback device and a microphone that is horizontally spaced apart from the upward-firing transducer. The media playback system is configured to output a first audio signal from the upward-firing transducer and a second audio signal from the horizontal-firing transducer, receive a reflection of the first audio signal from a ceiling of a listening environment at the microphone, receive the second audio signal at the microphone, determine a distance between the playback device and the microphone based on the second audio signal, and determine a ceiling characteristic based on the reflection of the first audio signal and the distance between the playback device and the microphone.
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.
Embodiments described herein may involve a social queue for use by a group of two or more media playback systems. An example method involves receiving, from a first media playback system, a first message indicating a first set of media items and receiving, from a second media playback system, a second message indicating a second set of media items. The method also involves generating a playback queue (i.e., a social queue) that includes the first set of media items indicated in the first message and the second set of media items indicated in the second message. The method may then involve transmitting, to at least one of the first media playback system and the second media playback system, the generated playback queue.
H04L 51/52 - User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail for supporting social networking services
An example implementation may involve a media playback system detecting two or more playback devices of a given type. The implementation may further involve transmitting, to a particular playback device of the detected playback devices, an instruction that causes the particular playback device to emit a given sound. The implementation may also involve receiving an identification of the particular playback device and displaying, via a graphical interface, one or more prompts to join the particular playback device into the media playback system.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient 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 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
12.
Control Device and Methods of Operating a Control Device
A method for a control device is disclosed. The method comprises configuring the control device to control a first networked device and while controlling the first networked device and while operating in a first mode, receiving, via the control device, first input data, the first input data indicative of a command to control an illumination device of the first networked device. After receiving the first input data, the method comprises controlling the illumination device of the first networked device. While controlling the first networked device and while operating in a second mode, the method comprises receiving, via the control device, second input data, the second input data indicative of a command to control a playback device of the first networked device. After receiving the second input data, the method comprises controlling the playback device of the first networked device.
Systems and methods for actuating a Do Not Disturb (DND) feature of a playback device that is configured to play back alert notifications from a plurality of network-enabled devices include (i) a mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of the playback device; (ii) the mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of a DND time period; and (iii) responsive to receiving the input data representing the selections of the playback device and the DND time period, sending an instruction to the selected playback device that causes the selected playback device to enter a DND mode for the duration of the selected DND time period, during which the selected playback device is instructed to not play back alert notifications when the alert notifications are received from at least one network-enabled device of the plurality of network-enabled devices.
H04M 1/72415 - 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 for remote control of appliances
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
H04W 4/20 - Services signallingAuxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
Embodiments are provided for intelligently activating an amplifier in a playback device based on proximity detection. The playback device may be in a quasi-idle state when the playback device is not rendering media content. The quasi-idle state of the playback device may involve an amplifier in the playback device being inactive, while some other components or modules of the playback devices remain active. The playback device may include a proximity sensor configured to detect movement relative to the playback device. If movement is detected indicating that a user input to cause the playback device to render media content is anticipated, the amplifier may be pre-emptively activated such that the playback device enters an active state from the quasi-idle state. In some cases, the playback device may send a message to one or more other playback devices to cause the other playback devices to enter an active state.
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
An example media playback system includes an upward-firing transducer and a horizontal-firing transducer in a playback device and a microphone that is horizontally spaced apart from the upward-firing transducer. The media playback system is configured to output a first audio signal from the upward-firing transducer and a second audio signal from the horizontal-firing transducer, receive a reflection of the first audio signal from a ceiling of a listening environment at the microphone, receive the second audio signal at the microphone, determine a distance between the playback device and the microphone based on the second audio signal, and determine a ceiling characteristic based on the reflection of the first audio signal and the distance between the playback device and the microphone.
A multi-channel and multi-zone audio environment is provided. Various inventions are disclosed that allow playback devices on one or more networks to provide an effective multi-channel and a multi-zone audio environment using timing information. According to one example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a low-latency network to provide audio along with a video display. In another example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a mesh network to provide audio in one or more zones or zone groups.
An example system is configured to (i) receive, from a user device over a WAN, a request for an authorization code corresponding to a media application on the user device, (ii) based on the request, transmit, to the user device over the WAN, the authorization code, (iii) receive, from a media playback system over the WAN, an authorization request that includes the authorization code, (iv) determine that the authorization code in the authorization request is valid, (v) based on determining that the authorization code is valid, generate an authorization token, (vi) transmit, to the media playback system over the WAN, the authorization token, (vii) receive, from the media playback system over the WAN, a media request including the authorization token, and (viii) responsive to the media request and a determination that the authorization token is valid, transmit, over the WAN, media content to the media playback system.
H04L 67/60 - Scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests, e.g. requests for application data transmissions using the analysis and optimisation of the required network resources
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 21/41 - Structure of clientStructure of client peripherals
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/475 - End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. PIN [Personal Identification Number] or preference data
H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
H04N 21/835 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates
An example speaker assembly includes a housing having a front face, a rear face, and a side wall, the housing including one or more acoustic ports formed in the side wall, and a transducer at least partially disposed within the housing. The transducer includes first and second membranes arranged coaxially about a transducer axis in an opposed relation to each other and configured to move towards and away from the front face along the transducer axis, wherein the transducer axis is parallel to the side wall, and a driver assembly configured to drive the first and second membranes to produce acoustic energy. The speaker assembly is configured to direct first acoustic energy from the first membrane to an exterior of the housing via the front face, and to direct second acoustic energy from the second membrane to the exterior of the housing via the one or more acoustic ports.
H04R 1/24 - Structural combinations of separate transducers or of parts of the same transducer and responsive respectively to two or more frequency ranges
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.
H04L 43/0811 - Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability by checking connectivity
21.
Multi-Channel AEC System Identification for Self-Calibration
Examples described herein relate to calibration of audio playback devices in a media playback system using inputs derived from a multi-channel adaptive filter of an acoustic echo canceller. Example playback devices described herein may utilize one or more techniques for calibration, which may be implemented as various calibration procedures. In some implementations, an example playback device may implement a self-calibration procedure, which involves the playback device calibrating (or re-calibrating) itself during operation. Yet further, the playback device may estimate acoustic impulse responses from a multi-channel adaptive filter of an acoustic echo canceller to use as inputs to the self-calibration procedure.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
H04M 9/08 - Two-way loud-speaking telephone systems with means for conditioning the signal, e.g. for suppressing echoes for one or both directions of traffic
Examples described herein relate to triggering voice assistant(s) on a network microphone device (NMD). An NMD is a networked computing device that typically includes an arrangement of microphones, such as a microphone array, that is configured to detect sound present in the NMD's environment. Once the voice assistant is triggered, the NMD may start recording voice input as a potential voice command. Within examples, the NMD may operate in a wakewordless mode if certain conditions are met. These conditions may involve detecting user proximity in one of multiple different ranges. For instance, an example NMD may monitor for user proximity in a first range from the playback device via at least one touch-sensitive sensor and/or user line-of-sight in a second range that is further from the playback device than the first range. When either user proximity or user line-of-sight is detected, the NMD may enables the wakewordless mode.
A first playback device and a second playback device of a media playback system play back a first version of audio content in synchrony. While the first and the second playback devices are synchronously playing back the first version of the audio content, a change in at least one characteristic of the media playback system is detected. Based on the change in the at least one characteristic, a second version of the audio content is identified. The second playback device transitions from playing back the first version of the audio content to playing back the second version of the audio content in synchrony with playback of the first version of the audio content by the first playback device. The first and second versions of the audio content are transmitted by at least one remote computing device configured to communicate with the media playback system over at least one data network.
Embodiments disclosed herein include playback devices with power circuitry configured to provide extended playback time by employing a battery boost mode of operation. In some embodiments, boost mode is employed when the battery state of charge (SoC) falls below a first threshold value that is normally associated with battery depletion, and the playback device is subsequently plugged in for charging. Boost mode allows the device to continue operating and providing audio playback for the user for an extended period of time, until the battery SoC falls below a second, lower threshold value. At that point playback ceases and the device is powered down to allow the battery to charge. The device remains powered down until charging raises the SoC to a point that allows operation. Boost mode, however, remains disabled until the SoC rises still further to a third threshold value that is closer to a full SoC.
An example playback device may be configured to receive media content including first audio and second audio, determine a presence of dialogue in the media content, and generate, responsive to the presence of dialogue, adjusted second audio having reduced sound levels in a first frequency range including a set of frequencies associated with human speech. The playback device may cause playback of the first audio via a first transducer of the playback device and playback of the adjusted second audio via a second transducer of the playback device.
An example computing device is configured to: display an interface that enables configuration of an audio subsystem within a local media playback system and includes one or more configuration options for the audio subsystem based on available playback devices of the local media playback system; receive a first input indicating a selection of a given configuration that comprises a given number of component playback devices each having a respective playback role; determine a set of playback devices that are available for selection as the component playback devices; display a respective visual representation for each component playback device; receive a respective input selecting a given playback device for each component playback device; configure the audio subsystem in accordance with the given configuration based on the selected playback devices; and cause the playback devices in the audio subsystem to play back audio content in synchrony based on their respective playback roles.
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.
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
H04R 1/24 - Structural combinations of separate transducers or of parts of the same transducer and responsive respectively to two or more frequency ranges
28.
HOME THEATRE AUDIO PLAYBACK WITH MULTICHANNEL SATELLITE PLAYBACK DEVICES
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.
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.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06F 3/04883 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
H04N 21/2387 - Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
30.
Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface
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 to play audio content together in synchrony based on playback timing and clock timing, where the audio content and playback timing and the clock timing for use with playing the audio content according to the clock timing are provided by different playback devices in the group of playback devices.
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.
Techniques for shaping sound based on a speaker orientation are disclosed. In an embodiment, an audio data stream is obtained by a zone player having one or more speaker drivers, an orientation of the zone player is determined, and sound is reproduced by the zone player based on the orientation. The sound may be further shaped based on other states of the zone player in addition to orientation. The overall sound may be shaped from one zone player or from a collection of zone players.
H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
H04B 7/08 - Diversity systemsMulti-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
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.
A foldable playback device comprises a first enclosure housing a first transducer, a second enclosure housing a second transducer, a hinge movably connecting the first and second transducers, and an adaptive user interface disposed on the hinge. The hinge enables movement of the first or second enclosures to position the foldable playback device in different physical orientations. The adaptive user interface enables controlling different playback and device settings while adapting to the different physical orientations to provide accessibility in any orientation. Based on evaluating environmental, media, or device characteristics, the foldable playback device may determine a given orientation for optimizing a playback experience, and may output an audio and/or a visual recommendation of the given orientation for manual positioning of the foldable playback device, or may dynamically position the foldable playback device in the given orientation.
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.
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.
A media playback system can be used to characterize acoustic topology' among multiple playback devices. Each device sequentially plays an acoustic signal while others detect the sound. An acoustic separation parameter is obtained for each device pair based on the detected sound data. The system characterizes an acoustic topology of the playback devices using these parameters, representing the acoustic relationships between devices rather than physical distances. This topology enables the system to make intelligent decisions about device grouping, audio routing, and playback settings. The system can change device states based on the acoustic topology, optimizing audio performance and user experience in multi-room setups. This approach allows for more intuitive and context-aware audio playback, voice control, and device interactions in complex acoustic environments.
A system to provide dynamic equalization for power management. In some embodiments, the system comprises a powered communication port configured to receive audio data and line power, and one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers. The one or more amplifiers have a peak power consumption that exceeds the maximum power of the line power. The system also comprises power supply circuitry, including at least one capacitor, and an equalizer. The equalizer is configured to generate equalized audio data by: performing a first attenuation on a spectral region of the audio data based on an estimated power budget; applying a temporary second attenuation (e.g., a volume reduction) based on the capacitor voltage; applying a first gain to reverse a portion of the volume reduction over a first time period; and applying a second gain to reverse a remainder of the volume reduction over a second time period.
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.
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 21/422 - Input-only peripherals, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
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 21/835 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates
Systems and methods for a playback device outputting an audio alert from a network-enabled device include (i) while the playback device is playing back audio content, receiving an alert communication from the network-enabled device, the alert communication including (a) an audio notification identifier that identifies an audio notification and (b) a priority identifier that identifies a priority level of the audio notification; (ii) responsive to receiving the alert communication, adding the audio notification to a notification queue at a particular queue position, where the particular queue position of the audio notification in the notification queue is based on the priority level of the audio notification relative to other audio content in the notification queue; (iii) adjusting playback of the audio content for playing back the audio notification; and (iv) the playback device playing back the audio notification.
A flexible user interface for a multi-zone device is described. The flexible user interface comprises a set of regions corresponding to a set of outputs of the multi-zone device. The appearance of one or more regions in the set of regions is updated with one or more visual indications based on data corresponding to the playback zone configuration of the multi-zone device, so that the user interface reflects the playback zone configuration.
A computing device can be configurable to, after receiving user input directed to initiating pairing of a wearable playback device with the computing device: (i) receive, from the wearable playback device, a primary access token and an issuer token, wherein the primary access token enables the computing device to control one or more primary functions of the wearable playback device, wherein the one or more primary functions of the wearable playback device are different from one or more common functions of the wearable playback device; and (ii) transmit the issuer token over a network to cause storage of the issuer token in a data repository in association with a user account.
A computing device can be configurable to, after receiving user input directed to initiating pairing of a wearable playback device with the computing device: (i) receive, from the wearable playback device, a primary access token and an issuer token, wherein the primary access token enables the computing device to control one or more primary functions of the wearable playback device, wherein the one or more primary functions of the wearable playback device are different from one or more common functions of the wearable playback device; and (ii) transmit the issuer token over a network to cause storage of the issuer token in a data repository in association with a user account.
H04L 41/0806 - Configuration setting for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
Examples described herein relate to a charging system for wireless earbuds involving charging adapters that are attachable to the wireless earbuds. In some implementations, the charging adapter is attachable to an external surface of an earbud using a magnetic or mechanical interface that align electrodes of the charging adapter with electrodes on the wireless headset, allowing an internal battery of the earbud to draw current and charge from the charging adapter while the earbud is in-ear. Then, when the internal battery is and recharged using a charging case or wall charger, the charging adapter can be detached from the earbud.
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.
A playback device, comprising a first wireless network interface for operating according to an IEEE 802.15 standard and a second wireless network interface for operating according to an IEEE 802.11 standard, is configured to (i) operate as a group coordinator for a synchrony group comprising a first set of one or more playback devices and a second set of one or more playback devices, (ii) receive media content for playback by the synchrony group, (iii) transmit the media content to the first set of one or more playback devices via the first wireless network interface over a first wireless data network, (iv) transmit the media content to the second set of one or more playback devices via the second wireless network interface over a second wireless data network different from the first wireless data network, and (v) cause the synchrony group to play back the media content in synchrony.
A first playback device is configured to obtain audio content from a cloud-based media service, the audio content encrypted according to a first encryption scheme. The first playback device is configured to communicate with a cloud-based license service to obtain information for decrypting the audio content and use the obtained information to decrypt the audio content. The first playback device is also configured to re-encrypt the decrypted audio content in accordance with a second encryption scheme and 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. The first playback device is also configured to play back the audio content in synchrony with playback of the audio content by the second playback device.
An adjustable mounting assembly includes a housing including a front collar and a rear collar joined by a threaded engagement, an internal indexing system comprising a front member, an intermediate member comprising teeth oriented towards the rear collar, a rear member comprising a first rib oriented towards the front collar and a second rib oriented towards the rear collar, and a spring arranged to bias the first and second ribs into the teeth. When the threaded engagement is in first position, the first and second ribs are fixed in an interlocking engagement, respectively, with the teeth of the intermediate member and the teeth of the rear collar, preventing the front member from rotating about either a pitch or yaw axis and when the threaded engagement is in a second position, these engagements are loosened, thereby allowing the front member to rotate about the yaw or pitch axis.
F16M 11/14 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction with ball-joint
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Speakers; audio speakers; loudspeakers; wireless indoor and outdoor speakers; portable speakers; smart speakers; speakers for automobiles; mid-range speakers; bass speakers; subwoofers; surround sound speakers; home theater speakers; sound bars; audio amplifiers; audio receivers; digital media receivers; tweeters; audio repeaters; speaker enclosures; headphones; earphones; earbuds; headsets; wireless headphones; wireless earphones; wireless earbuds; wireless headsets; headphones, earphones, earbuds, headsets for use with wireless speakers; noise cancelling headphones, earphones and earbuds; stereos; stereos for personal, residential or commercial use; wireless stereos; mp3 players; mp4 players; digital audio players; digital media players; portable media players; audio systems; digital music systems; surround sound systems; home entertainment systems; home theater systems; home theater systems comprised of audio-visual hardware, wireless network hardware and audio-visual control hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media; wireless digital media systems comprised of audio-visual hardware, wireless network hardware and audiovisual control hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media; digital media system hardware and components thereof, namely, audio-visual hardware, wireless network hardware and audio-visual control hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media; digital media systems comprised of audio-visual hardware, wireless network hardware, microphones and audio-visual control hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media; digital media distribution systems comprised of audio-visual hardware, wireless network hardware and audio-visual control hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media; digital media hubs; audio equipment; audio components; computer software; computer hardware; computer hardware, apparatus and software for playing, organizing, transmitting, receiving, reviewing, downloading, delivering, recording, reproducing and streaming music, digital media, data, images and wireless digital content; computer hardware, apparatus and software for use in connecting, controlling and operating audio speakers and audio equipment; computer software for connecting, operating, integrating, controlling, and managing networked consumer electronic devices, speakers, digital media and audio systems and their components; computer hardware, apparatus and software for use in connecting, controlling and operating stereos, wireless stereos, mp3 players, mp4 players, digital audio players, digital media players, digital music systems, home theater systems, home entertainment systems, wireless digital media systems, digital media hubs, digital media receivers, surround sound systems, audio equipment and audio components; computer peripherals; wireless computer peripherals; peripherals for audio equipment; remote controls; wireless hand-held devices; network controllers; wireless controllers; computer hardware, apparatus and software for use in connecting, controlling and operating remote controls, wireless hand-held devices, network controllers, wireless controllers; wireless devices; wireless devices for organizing, manipulating, transmitting, and reviewing digital media, data, music and audio files; wireless devices for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media, data, music and audio files; computer hardware, software, and audio equipment that enables internet users to develop individual playlists that create personalized audio feeds, designate favorite audio content, make recommendations, and share audio content; computer hardware, software and audio equipment for creating and sharing playlists and song lists; computer hardware, software and audio equipment for reviewing and recommending songs, albums, artists, playlists and song lists; computer hardware, software and audio equipment for tracking and sharing favorite songs, albums, and artists; computer hardware, software, and audio equipment that enables users to search for, access and browse multimedia content and data across multiple platforms; computer hardware, software and audio equipment for organizing, manipulating, transmitting, and reviewing digital media, data, music and audio files; computer hardware for use in extending wireless digital media systems, components, sound equipment and networks; computer hardware and software for use in connecting and operating wireless digital media systems, components, sound equipment and digital media networks; computer hardware, audio equipment and software for wireless digital content delivery and transmission; computer hardware, audio equipment and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing, streaming, broadcasting, and transmitting music, podcasts, radio programs, data, music and audio files; digital audio streaming devices; speaker microphones; voice-activated, voice-controlled, and touch-activated speakers; voice-activated, voice-controlled, and touch-activated headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; voice command and recognition software; voice-enabled software applications; wireless communication software for voice, audio and data transmission; personal assistant software; power cables; connection cables; audio component cables and connectors; computer network cables; computer network interface devices; batteries; battery chargers; power chargers; power adapters; mounts for audio equipment, audio speakers, loudspeakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices; mounting brackets for audio equipment, audio speakers, loudspeakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices; stands for audio equipment, audio speakers, loudspeakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices; cases for audio equipment, audio speakers, loudspeakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices, headphones, earphones, earbuds, headsets, and their accessories; bags for audio equipment, audio speakers, loudspeakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices, headphones, earphones, earbuds, headsets, and their accessories; stands, mounts, and other holders for audio equipment, audio speakers, loudspeakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices, headphones, earphones, earbuds, headsets, and their accessories; ear cushions for headphones, earbuds and headsets; ear pads for headphones, earbuds and headsets; ear tips for headphones; lanyards for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; microphones for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; parts and fittings for the aforementioned goods; replacement parts for the aforementioned goods; accessories for the aforementioned goods
Example techniques relate to re-establishing connectivity of playback devices. In an example implementation, a first playback device determines that a first access point has been replaced with a second access point, wherein the first playback device previously established a valid network connection over the first WLAN using first network parameters. The first playback device connects to the second access point, the second access point providing a second WLAN. The first playback device requests, via the wireless network interface from the second access point, an IP address in a second subnet, the second subnet covering a different range of IP addresses than the first subnet and establishes a network connection over the second WLAN using second network parameters stored in the data storage of the first playback device.
H04L 41/0859 - Retrieval of network configurationTracking network configuration history by keeping history of different configuration generations or by rolling back to previous configuration versions
An example technique includes a computing system storing media item identifiers of curated media items associated with one or more service providers. A media curating service aggregates the media item identifiers of curated media items. The example technique further involves receiving, from a media playback system, a first message comprising a service provider access identifier. The service provider access identifier is based on a user account of the media playback system registered to at least one service provider. Based on receiving the first message, the computing system determines media item identifiers of curated media items that are associated with the at least one service provider with which the user account of the media playback system is registered and causes the media playback system to play back the curated media items based on the determined media item identifiers of the curated media items.
In one aspect, a computing device is configured to, while operating as a control device of a networked media playback system that includes a first set of network devices and a second set of network devices, (i) transmit a first message to each network device in the first set of network devices, wherein the first message comprises a command to, at a first time, temporarily disconnect from the computing device via a particular communication protocol, (ii) transmit a second message to each network device in the second set of network devices, wherein the second message comprises a command for the network device in the second set of network devices to, at a second time, test connectivity with the computing device; and (iii) after the second time, determine whether each network device in the second set of network devices was connected to the computing device.
Example technologies described herein relate to calibration of playback devices using a remote control (such as for a television or streaming video set-top box or stick). Any environment has certain acoustic characteristics (“acoustics”) that define how sound travels within that environment. Example calibration processes for a playback device may involve the playback device outputting audio content while in a given environment (e.g., a room). Then, one or more microphones in the remote control detect the played back audio content to facilitate determining an acoustic response of the room (also referred to herein as a “room response”). Calibration settings for the playback device are then determined that, when applied to future playback by the playback device, at least partially offset the acoustic characteristics of the environment so as to reduce or eliminate the effect of the environment on output of the playback device.
An adjustable mounting assembly includes a housing including a front collar and a rear collar joined by a threaded engagement, an internal indexing system comprising a front member, an intermediate member comprising teeth oriented towards the rear collar, a rear member comprising a first rib oriented towards the front collar and a second rib oriented towards the rear collar, and a spring arranged to bias the first and second ribs into the teeth. When the threaded engagement is in first position, the first and second ribs are fixed in an interlocking engagement, respectively, with the teeth of the intermediate member and the teeth of the rear collar, preventing the front member from rotating about either a pitch or yaw axis and when the threaded engagement is in a second position, these engagements are loosened, thereby allowing the front member to rotate about the yaw or pitch axis.
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articlesMeans for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
F16M 11/14 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction with ball-joint
61.
INTENT INFERENCE IN AUDIOVISUAL COMMUNICATION SESSIONS
In one aspect, a user's intent can be inferred based on voice analysis during a communications session, and prompts can be presented, or other actions taken, at least partly in response to the inferred intent. For example, a network microphone device (NMD) having one or more microphones can capture voice input and transmit the voice input to remote computing device(s) for a communication session (e.g., a videoconference). The NMD can analyze the voice input to detect one or more utterances. Based on the utterance(s), the NMD can cause a user prompt to be displayed via a display device communicatively coupled to the NMD. The particular prompt can depend at least in part on one or more context parameters associated with the communication session (e.g., a microphone state of one or more users, a screen share state of one or more users, or a recording status of the session, etc.).
Example techniques relate to a playback device that facilitates queue identification. In an example implementation, a playback device receives, from a first controller, instructions representing a command to populate a playback queue with one or more first media items; the instructions are associated with a first application identifier corresponding to the first controller. Based on the received instructions, the playback device populates the playback queue with the one or more first media items and forms an association between the playback queue and the first application identifier. The playback device receives, from a second controller, instructions representing one or more first commands to access the playback queue; the instructions are associated with a second application identifier corresponding to the second controller. The playback device determines that the second application identifier is different from the first application identifier and denies the one or more first commands to access the playback queue.
A computing device (i) receives a first request for a playback device to operate at a maximum volume, (ii) determines that the playback device is currently operating in accordance with a current maximum volume setting of the playback device that is less than a loudest volume at which the playback device is capable of outputting sound, (iii) based on the first request and the determination, presents, via a user interface of the computing device, a notification that includes instructions for changing the current maximum volume setting of the playback device, (iv) receives a second request to increase the current maximum volume setting of the playback device, and (v) based on the second request, causes the playback device to operate in accordance with the increased maximum volume setting.
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 21/442 - 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 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient middleware
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering
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 Bluetooth® network
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 encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
H04N 21/4425 - Monitoring of client processing errors or hardware failure
H04N 21/4722 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
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.
An example embodiment includes a playback device comprising a wireless communications interface including a wireless (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) antenna), a capacitive sensor comprising an electrode that is coupled to the RF antenna, one or more processors, and a data storage having stored therein instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the playback device to perform operations. The operations include operating the playback device in a first power state, detecting that an object is in proximity to the capacitive sensor, and in response to detecting the object, adjusting operation of the playback device from the first power state to a second power state.
H03K 17/94 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
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
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
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.
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.
A headset includes a first earcup, a second earcup, and a headband. The headband includes a connecting member having a first end coupled to the first earcup and a second end coupled to the second earcup. A cushion is disposed below the connecting member. The cushion extends between the first end and the second end. The cushion includes a middle region configured to have a first density and adjacent side regions configured to have a second density that is higher than the first density.
In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving audio content comprising left input channel signals and right input channel signals, and generating first and second input signals from the left and right input channel signals. The first input signal is based on a sum of the left and right input channel signals, and the second input signal is based on a difference of the left and right input channel signals. An array transfer function is applied to the first and second input signals to produced audio output signals, which can be provided to a plurality of audio transducers on one or more playback devices.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
H04S 3/00 - Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic
Systems and methods for moodscape sharing via a media playback system are provided. One or more moodscape input parameters are received from a social media provider. Based on the one or more moodscape input parameters and one or more system characteristics of the media playback system, the one or more moodscape input parameters are mapped to one or more playback device outputs of the media playback system. The media playback system then causes one or more playback devices to play back content based on the playback device outputs.
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
H04N 21/437 - Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. for transmitting client requests to a VOD server
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 or resolving scheduling conflicts
Examples described herein involve selecting a group coordinator device for a zone group. An example implementation includes: receiving an instruction to form a zone group comprising the first media device and the second media device; comparing a first one or more communication parameters corresponding to a network connection of the first media device to a second one or more communication parameters corresponding to a network connection of the second media device; identifying the first media device as a group coordinator of the zone group based on at least the indication that the first media device communicates with the router over the first communication frequency band; and configuring the first media device to provide data indicating audio content and audio content playback timing information to the second media device to facilitate synchronous playback of the audio content as the group coordinator of the zone group.
A system is configured to: (i) detect a given proximity between a hardware control device and a given playback device of a media playback system, (ii) based on detecting the given proximity, determine a command to cause the given playback device to begin playback of media content, (iii) identify a given user associated with the hardware control device, (iv) based at least on a listening history of the given user, identify given media content for playback by the given playback device, and (v) cause the given playback device to execute the command by playing back the given media content.
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.
Acoustic waveguides can be used to improve audio performance of playback devices, such as a soundbar. Such a playback device can include an elongated body defining an outer perimeter with a forward surface, an upper surface, and a rounded edge between the forward surface and the upper surface. An up-firing transducer is configured to direct sound along an axis that has a vertical oblique angle with respect to a forward axis. A waveguide in fluid communication with the up-firing transducer includes a sidewall extending circumferentially around the transducer, the sidewall having a first end adjacent the up-firing transducer and a second end adjacent the outer perimeter, such that an opening defined by the sidewall has a larger area at the second end than at the first end. A rear portion of the sidewall is more steeply angled with respect to the axis than a forward portion of the sidewall.
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
An example playback device is a first playback device in a media system. The first playback device is configured to resolve audio conflicts with one or more other playback devices in the media system by: (i) capturing, via a microphone of the first playback device, audio content played back by a second playback device, (ii) identifying the second playback device as a source of the captured audio content; and (iii) responsive to identifying the second playback device as the source of the captured audio content, altering a playback characteristic of the second playback device or the first playback device to reduce an audio interference between the first and second playback devices.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
Example techniques involve outputting multiple audio channels using a multiple driver playback device. An example playback device receives a first and second channel of audio content. The playback device plays back play back the first channel via a first group of audio transducers such that the first group of audio transducers form, via superposition, a first response lobe having a maximum in a first direction. Further, the playback device plays back the second channel via a second group of audio transducers such that the second group of audio transducers form, via superposition, a second response lobe having a maximum in a second direction that is separated by an angle of at least 45° from the first direction.
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
H04R 1/32 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
H04S 3/02 - Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic of the matrix type, i.e. in which input signals are combined algebraically, e.g. after having been phase shifted with respect to each other
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
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.
Playback devices comprising a network interface, an optional speaker(s), and one or more processors are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the playback device is configured to communicate with a computing system that stores configuration data corresponding to each of a plurality of users. The playback device detects one or more users near the playback device and retrieves user configuration data corresponding to each of the one or more detected users, and thereafter, uses the user configuration data of the one or more detected users to process voice commands, play media content, and/or perform other voice and/or media related functions.
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
An example computing device is configured to transmit playback preference tracking information to a media service registered with a media playback system and, after transmitting the playback preference information, (a) determine a first time boundary corresponding to a beginning of a zone scene that causes a first playback device in a first zone of the media playback system to be configured for synchronous playback of media with a second playback device in a second zone of the media playback system, (b) determine a second time boundary corresponding to an end of the zone scene, and (c) transmit, to the media service registered with the media playback system, a request to remove playback preference tracking information received between the first time boundary and the second time boundary.
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.
An example computing system may be configured to cause one or more playback devices located in a location of a commercial environment to play back an advertisement. The example computing system may also be configured to receive an indication that a user device is detected proximate to the location, during playback of the advertisement. The example computing system may also be configured to, after receiving the indication that the user device has been detected, receive an indication of a purchase of the subject of the advertisement, the purchase associated with the user profile. The example computing system may also be configured to, based on (i) the indication that the user device has been detected during play back of the advertisement and (ii) the indication of the purchase of the subject of the advertisement, cause a content service account associated with the computing system to be updated.
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 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient middleware
H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
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 or resolving scheduling conflicts
Switch assemblies and network devices incorporating same. An example playback device includes a housing, one or more microphones, and a switch assembly configured to enable and disable the microphone(s). The switch assembly may include a slider cage coupled to the housing, an electrical actuator, and a sliding switch sub-assembly configured to slide laterally between first and second positions along a path constrained by the slider cage, the sliding switch sub-assembly including an actuator portion that extends through an opening in the housing to an exterior of the playback device and a translation component that converts lateral motion of the sliding switch sub-assembly between the first and second positions into vertical motion that activates the electrical actuator to enable the microphone(s) when the sliding switch sub-assembly is in the first position and deactivates the electrical actuator to disable the microphone(s) when the sliding switch sub-assembly is in the second position.
Generative media content (e.g., generative audio) can be played back across multiple playback devices concurrently. A generative content group coordinator device can receive input parameters, which can include sensor data, media content, or other such input. The coordinator device can generate first and second generative media content streams, each of which can be transmitted to first and second playback devices, respectively. The first and second playback devices can play back the first and second streams of generative media content concurrently.
Embodiments described herein involve an auxiliary zone contributing audio to a primary zone. In an example implementation, a network media system determines that a first zone in the network media system is playing back a first type of audio content and that a second zone in the network media system is not playing back audio content. While the first zone is playing back the first type of audio content and the second zone is not playing back audio content, the network media system forms a temporarily playback configuration. In the temporary playback configuration, the first zone plays back primary audio content including full frequency range audio content and the second playback device of the second zone plays back auxiliary audio content including low frequency range audio content.
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient middleware
H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfacesContent or additional data rendering
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 Bluetooth® network
Embodiments are provided for updating a playlist that has been added to a playback queue in response to changes to the playback queue. The playback queue may be associated with a zone of a network media system such that items in the playback queue are to be rendered by the zone. The playlist may include one or more items playable by the zone, and may be stored separately from where the playback queue is maintained. Embodiments are also provided for updating a playback queue in response to modifications to a playlist included in the playback queue.
G06F 16/27 - Replication, distribution or synchronisation of data between databases or within a distributed database systemDistributed database system architectures therefor
G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
H04N 21/254 - Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server or rights management server
Embodiments are disclosed for providing play/pause content. An example method includes receiving a command to play audio from a zone, the zone including one or more playback devices, wherein the zone is configured to play items from a playback queue responsive to the command to play audio. The example method also includes determining that the playback queue includes no playable items. The example method also includes automatically placing information identifying at least one playable item in the playback queue. The example method also includes, responsive to the command to play audio, causing to play the at least one playable item by the zone.
H04L 65/61 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
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 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
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 capabilities
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
A playback device is configured to (i) operate as part of a synchrony group including at least one other group member, (ii) obtain a respective indication of each group member's capability to play back media content, (iii) based on the respective indications, determine a group capability to play back media content, (iv) transmit, to a cloud-based computing system, a request for a media item, (v) receive, from the cloud-based computing system, a list of different renditions of the requested media item, the list including a respective media item identifier usable to obtain each different rendition, (vi) select a rendition of the requested media item that corresponds to the determined group capability, (vii) use a media item identifier corresponding to the selected rendition to retrieve the selected rendition of the requested media item, and (viii) play back the selected rendition in synchrony with the at least one other group member.
H04N 21/2387 - Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
H04N 21/242 - Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
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
95.
Synchronizing Playback of Audio Information Received from Other Networks
Disclosed herein are playback devices, groups of playback devices, and methods of operating playback devices and groupings thereof to cause the playback devices in a group of playback devices communicating over a first network to play audio content received via second network.
Systems and methods for wirelessly powering wearable audio playback devices are disclosed. Such a system can include a wearable audio playback device including a first earcup carrying a first audio transducer and a second earcup carrying a second audio transducer, the first earcup and the second earcup coupled together via a headband, an ear cushion configured to be removably coupled to the first earcup, and a wireless power receiver disposed within the ear cushion. A separate wireless charging device includes an energy storage component and a wireless power transmitter configured to wirelessly supply energy to the wireless power receiver.
A playback device comprising a processor; and a communication interface operably connected to the processor and configured to facilitate communication over a network; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that are executable by the processor such that the playback device is configured to establish a Broadcast Isochronous Group (BIG) comprising another playback device, the BIG comprising a Broadcast Isochronous Stream (BIS) communicating an audio channel; establish a bidirectional link with the other playback device; play back, at a volume level, the audio channel in synchrony with the other playback device; receive, via the bidirectional link, a request to change the volume level; change the volume level to a new volume level in response to reception of the request; and play back, at the new volume level, the audio channel in synchrony with the other playback device.
A wireless charging device capable of charging compatible devices via multiple power transmission modalities is disclosed. The wireless charging device comprises multiple power transmitters, each capable of transmitting power to a device via one or more power transmission modalities. After detecting the presence of a compatible device or a change it the compatible device's position, the wireless charging device configures the appropriate power transmitter for power transmission to the compatible device. Additionally, the wireless charging device can send playback settings to the compatible device to accommodate changes in the power transmission modality to, for example, reduce power consumption of the compatible device.
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02J 50/20 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using microwaves or radio frequency waves
H02J 50/30 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using light, e.g. lasers
H02J 50/40 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using two or more transmitting or receiving devices
Example techniques involve suppressing a wake word response to a local wake word. An example implementation involves a playback device receiving audio content for playback by the playback device and providing a sound data stream representing the received audio content to a voice assistant service (VAS) wake-word engine and a local keyword engine. The playback device plays back a first portion of the audio content and detects, via the local keyword engine, that a second portion of the received audio content includes sound data matching one or more particular local keywords. Before the second portion of the received audio content is played back, the playback device disables a local keyword response of the local keyword engine to the one or more particular local keywords and then plays back the second portion of the audio content via one or more speakers.
