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 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 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
Example techniques involve suggesting an application of a streaming audio service via an application of a media playback system. An example implementation involves a mobile device displaying, via a control application of a media playback system, a library control comprising indicators representing respective media items of a particular streaming audio service. The mobile device receives, via the library control, input data indicating a selection of an indicator representing a particular media item. The mobile device sends instructions to cause a playback device to play back the particular media item. While the playback device is playing back the particular media item, the mobile device displays, via the control application, a control representing an application of the particular streaming audio service. The mobile device receives input data indicating a selection of the control representing the application of the particular streaming audio service and causes the mobile device to download the application.
G06F 16/60 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
G06F 3/04817 - 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 using icons
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
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
H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
H04L 65/613 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
A computing device may maintain a database of representative spectral characteristics. The computing device may also receive particular spectral data associated with a particular playback environment corresponding to the particular playback device. Based on the particular spectral data, the computing device may identify one of the representative spectral characteristics from the database that substantially matches the particular spectral data, and then identify, in the database, an audio processing algorithm based on a) the identified representative spectral characteristic and b) at least one characteristic of the particular playback device. The computing device may then transmit, to the particular playback device, data indicating the identified audio processing algorithm.
Disclosed herein are example techniques for multimedia experience based on biometric data. An example implementation may involve receiving first biometric data representing one or more first biological characteristics of an individual. After receiving the first biometric data, the example implementation may involve correlating the one or more first biological characteristics of the individual with a listening state of the individual. The example implementation may further involve receiving second biometric data representing one or more second biological characteristics of the individual. After receiving the second biometric data, the example implementation may involve determining that the one or more second biological characteristics corresponds to the one or more first biological characteristics. Based on the determination, the example implementation may involve initiating a playback setting corresponding to the listening state of the individual that was correlated with the one or more first biological characteristics of the individual.
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06V 40/70 - Multimodal biometrics, e.g. combining information from different biometric modalities
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
In one aspect, a first playback device is configured to: (i) play back first audio content in synchrony with a second playback device, (ii) receive, via a network interface, a message indicating second audio content to be output by the first playback device, and (iii) in response to receiving the message indicating the second audio content: (a) cease playing back the first audio content in synchrony with the second playback device; (b) play back the second audio content while the second playback device plays back the first audio content; and (c) after playing back the second audio content, resume playing back the first audio content in synchrony with the second playback device.
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 arrangements; Control 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
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.
Examples described herein involve configuring a playback device based on distortion, such as that caused by a barrier. One implementation may involve causing the playback device to play audio content according to an existing playback configuration, determining an existing frequency response of the playback device in a given system, and determining whether a difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device in the given system and a predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than a predetermined distortion threshold. If it is determined that the difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device and the predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than the predetermined distortion threshold, then the existing playback configuration of the playback device is changed to an updated playback configuration of the playback device and the playback device plays audio content according to the updated playback configuration.
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.
Techniques described herein may involve modification of playback based on the proximity of a user to a playback device. An example technique involves a device determining that a listener is within a given proximity of a first playback device and based on determining that the listener is within the given proximity of the first playback device, causing the first playback device to begin playback of first media and causing a second playback device to modify playback of second media.
G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
G05B 19/05 - Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
G06F 3/04817 - 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 using icons
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
H04L 41/0893 - Assignment of logical groups to network elements
H04N 21/2368 - Multiplexing of audio and video streams
H04N 21/2387 - Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
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 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
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 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
H04N 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
12.
Manipulation of Playback Device Response Using Signal Processing
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 arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control
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.
G01S 7/539 - 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
G10L 19/008 - Multichannel audio signal coding or decoding using interchannel correlation to reduce redundancy, e.g. joint-stereo, intensity-coding or matrixing
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.
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.
Examples involve a control device using a social networking service to facilitate registration of a streaming media service with a media playback system. An example implementation receives (i) data indicating login credentials for a given account of a social networking service, and (ii) input data to configure streaming media services with a media playback system. Based on receiving the input data to configure the media playback system, the implementation queries the social networking service for streaming media services associated with the given account, and in response to the query, receives data indicating a first streaming media service associated with the given account. The implementation configures the media playback system to playback audio content from the first streaming media service that is associated with the given account and causes the media playback system to playback audio content from the first streaming media service.
H04N 21/4788 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
Some embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods for managing zones of a multi-zone media playback system include displaying a plurality of zone icons in a first zone group display region, receiving a first drag and drop input that selects the second zone icon and drags the second zone icon from inside the first zone group display region to outside the first zone group display region, and after the first drag and drop input, (i) causing one or more zone players identified by the second zone icon to be disassociated with the first zone group, (ii) displaying the second zone icon outside the first zone group display region; and (iii) displaying a second status icon representative of a second playback status of the one or more zone players identified by the second zone icon.
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04817 - 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 using icons
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
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
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Headphones; earphones; earbuds; headsets; wireless
headphones; wireless earphones; wireless earbuds; wireless
headsets; headphones, earphones, earbuds, headsets for use
with wireless speakers; voice-activated, voice-controlled,
and touch-activated headphones, earphones, earbuds, and
headsets; noise cancelling headphones; noise cancelling
earphones; noise cancelling earbuds; ear cushions for
headphones, earbuds and headsets; ear pads for headphones,
earbuds and headsets; ear tips for headphones; power cables,
conversion cables, audio cables, adapter cables and
extension cables for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and
headsets; cases and protective cases for headphones,
earphones, earbuds, and headsets; lanyards for headphones,
earphones, earbuds, and headsets; microphones for
headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; replacement
parts for the aforementioned goods.
19.
PASSIVE RADIATOR AND A PLAYBACK DEVICE INCLUDING THE PASSIVE RADIATOR
There is provided a passive radiator, comprising a frame, a diaphragm attached to the frame by a surround such that the diaphragm can move relative to the frame, and a suspension system comprising at least one flat spring that couples the diaphragm and the frame. There is also provided a playback device comprising a passive radiator, the passive radiator comprising a frame, a diaphragm attached to the frame by a surround such that the diaphragm can move relative to the frame, and a suspension system comprising at least one flat spring that couples the diaphragm and the frame.
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 7/20 - Securing diaphragm or cone resiliently to support by flexible material, springs, cords, or strands
Example techniques involve selection of playback devices within a media playback system for outputting a media stream based on user input. An example implementation involves a controller causing a plurality of first representations of at least some of a plurality of playback devices to be displayed on a first portion of a display. The controller causes a plurality of second representations of at least some of one or more groups playback devices to be displayed on a second portion of the display, each group having at least two associated playback devices of the plurality of playback devices. The controller receives an input indicative of a particular group of the one or more groups and adjusts a selected status of the particular group. The controller also determines which playback devices are associated with the particular group, and adjusts a selected status of the playback devices that associated with the particular group.
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
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
21.
Interfaces and techniques for audio content access and playback
A controller device is configured to (1) transmit, to a first remote computing device associated with a first music service, a request for a session token that is to be used for identifying an audio playback system with the first music service, (2) receive a first token for authenticating communications from the audio playback system to the first music service, (3) receive first user input indicating a query, (4) transmit a request comprising the first token to the first remote computing device to perform a search in accordance with the query, (5) present indications of music content provided by the first music service, (6) receive second user input indicating selection of given music content provided by the first music service, and (6) based on the second user input and a respective identifier for the given music content, cause at least one playback device to play back the given music content.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
Examples provided herein involve a playback history for media items played by playback zones of a media playback system. An example implementation involves a mobile device querying, via a network interface, a database hosted by one or more servers for a particular portion of a playback history stored in the database, the particular portion of the playback history corresponding to media items played by the media playback system during the particular time period. The mobile device displays graphical representations of the particular media items played during the particular time period by the media playback system. The mobile device may receive input data selecting one or more particular media items played during the particular time period by the media playback system and add the selected one or more particular media items to a queue.
H04L 67/1095 - Replication or mirroring of data, e.g. scheduling or transport for data synchronisation between network nodes
H04L 67/1097 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network for distributed storage of data in networks, e.g. transport arrangements for network file system [NFS], storage area networks [SAN] or network attached storage [NAS]
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
H04N 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
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
An audio transducer includes a membrane and a voice coil operably coupled to the membrane, wherein the voice coil is configured to move axially within a first excursion range. An amplifier is electrically connected to the voice coil. A sensor coil radially separated from the voice coil is arranged to at least partially overlap the voice coil as the voice coil moves within the first excursion range. In operation, the amplifier provides a first signal to the voice coil, which induces a second signal that can be read from the sensor coil. A parameter indicative of the amount of axial overlap between the voice coil and the sensor coil can be obtained by comparing the first signal and the second signal. Based on this parameter, the position of a transducer component (e.g., the membrane) can be determined.
A first playback device is configured to (i) receive an instruction to share a playback device between a first group of playback devices including the first playback device and a second group of playback devices including a second playback device, (ii) receive a command to play back media content, (iii) determine that the shared playback device is currently configured for synchronous playback in the second group of playback devices, (iv) transmit a request to the second playback device for an indication of whether the shared playback device is available, (v) if the shared playback device is available (a) transmit a command to the shared playback device to join the first group of playback devices, and (b) play back the media content in synchrony with the shared playback device, and (v) if the shared playback device is unavailable, play back the media content without synchronizing with the shared playback device.
In one aspect, a networked microphone device is configured to (i) receive sound data, (ii) determine, via the wake-word engine, that a first portion of the sound data is representative of a wake word, (iii) determine that a second networked microphone device was added to a media playback system, (iv) transmit the first portion of the sound data to a second networked microphone device, (v) begin determining a command to be performed by the first networked microphone device, (vi) receive an indication of whether the first portion of the sound data is representative of the wake word, and (vii) output a response indicative of whether the first portion of the sound data is representative of the wake word.
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
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.
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
Certain embodiments provide methods and systems for managing a sound profile. An example playback device includes a network interface and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions executable by the processor. When executed by the processor, the instructions are to configure the playback device to receive, via the network interface over a local area network (LAN) from a controller device, an instruction. The example playback device is to obtain, based on the instruction, via the network interface from a location outside of the LAN, data comprising a sound profile. The example playback device is to update one or more parameters at the playback device based on the sound profile. The example playback device is to play back an audio signal according to the sound profile.
A system that facilitates sharing of multimedia content includes a user interface, network circuitry; and one or more processors. The processors perform operations that include displaying, via the user interface, a list of one or more media playback devices available to be added to a social networking group. A selection of first and second media playback devices to be associated with a particular social networking group is received via the user interface. The first media playback device is associated with a first playback queue that specifies a first set of media items associated with first media content that can be streamed from a first streaming service to the first media playback device. An indication to the social networking system that specifies the selection of the first and second media playback devices to be associated with the group is communicated via the network circuitry. In response, the social networking system communicates second media content items associated with the first media content items to a second playback queue associated with the second media playback device. The second playback items facilitate streaming of second media content associated with the first media content from a second streaming service to the second media playback device.
G06F 16/68 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
G06Q 50/00 - Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
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
Flexible communication architectures and techniques for media playback systems. An example wireless communication interface includes a radio IC including a first radio and a second radio, each configured to support wireless communications in a plurality of frequency ranges, and RF front-end circuitry coupled to the radio IC and configured to selectively couple each of the first and second radios to a respective antenna terminal to establish a first transceiver chain for a first operating frequency range between the first radio and a first antenna terminal and a second transceiver chain for a second operating frequency range between the second radio and a second antenna terminal, wherein the first and second operating frequency ranges are non-overlapping. In some examples, the plurality of frequency ranges comprises non-overlapping first and second portions of a 5 GHz band, and a 6 GHz band, all in 802.11-based protocols.
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 system; Distributed database system architectures therefor
H04N 21/218 - Source of audio or video content, e.g. local disk arrays
H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
H04N 21/242 - Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
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
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.
Constructions and methods to dissipate heat in speakers are discussed. A speaker unit can include a housing defining an internal volume, a duct coupling the internal volume to an outside of the housing, a first audio driver having a first membrane coupled to the internal volume, and a second audio driver having a second membrane coupled to the internal volume. The second membrane is configured to oscillate in opposition to the first audio driver, and is spaced apart from the first audio driver. At least a portion of an internal opening of the duct is positioned between the first membrane and the second membrane.
Systems and methods for managing concurrent voice assistants are disclosed. An example method includes associating a first play back 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.
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.
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.
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.
Disclosed herein are example techniques to support multiple voice assistant services. An example implementation may involve a playback device capturing audio from the one or more microphones into one or more buffers as a sound data stream monitoring the sound data stream for a wake word associated with a specific voice assistant service and monitoring the sound data stream for a wake word associated with the media playback system. The playback device generates a second wake-word event corresponding to a voice input when sound data matching the wake word associated with the media playback system in a portion of the sound data stream is detected. The playback device determines that the voice input includes sound data matching one or more playback commands and sends sound data representing the voice input to a voice assistant associated with the media playback system for processing of the second voice input.
G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
G10L 15/30 - Distributed recognition, e.g. in client-server systems, for mobile phones or network applications
G10L 17/02 - Preprocessing operations, e.g. segment selection; Pattern representation or modelling, e.g. based on linear discriminant analysis [LDA] or principal components; Feature selection or extraction
A first networked device may perform operations including receiving, from a media source device, a first media stream and a first media stream identifier. The first networked device may receive the first media stream via a wireless network connection. Operations may further include receiving, from a second networked device, a second media stream identifier that corresponds to a second media stream the second networked device is receiving from the media source device. Operations may further include determining a common stream characteristic between the first media stream and the second media stream and, in response to determining the common stream characteristic, grouping the second networked device with the first networked device. Operations may further include transmitting, to a controller device, an indication that the first networked device and second networked device are grouped.
H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
H04L 65/1069 - Session establishment or de-establishment
H04L 65/61 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
H04L 65/613 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
H04L 65/65 - Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
H04L 67/51 - Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
H04L 69/08 - Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
H04L 69/18 - Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
H04N 21/2381 - Adapting the multiplex stream to a specific network, e.g. an IP [Internet Protocol] network
H04N 21/2668 - Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. by inserting targeted commercials into a video stream based on end-user profiles
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
In one example, a method of power management for a playback device includes acquiring a training data set containing correlations between playback device activity and time of day, training a parameterized machine learning model to predict an activity schedule for the playback device using the training data set, collecting, over time, an operating data set including sample values of activity status of the playback device and, for each respective sample value, a time at which the respective sample value was collected, applying the model to the operating data set to generate a predicted activity schedule for the playback device and a confidence metric corresponding to the predicted activity schedule, and based thereon, generating a power management schedule for the playback device. The power management schedule may identify a plurality of consecutive time intervals and, for each time interval, an associated activity status (e.g., active or sleep) of the playback device.
An example playback device is configured to detect beacon signals emitted by a control device, determine, for each beacon signal, an RSSI value and a standard deviation of a signal strength of the beacon signal to produce a first set of data, determine a first count of the beacon signals detected during a collection window, detect a plurality of reporting signals emitted by other playback devices, each reporting signal including a second set of data representing (i) a set of RSSI values and corresponding standard deviation values for a set of the beacon signals detected by the respective other playback device, and (ii) a second count of the set of the beacon signals during the collection window, and based on the first set of data, the first count, and the plurality of reporting signals, identify a proposed target playback device to receive audio playback instructions from the control device.
A playback device is configured to: based on a room setting of the playback device, determine that the playback device is associated with a first room of a media playback system; operate in a first mode that is associated with a first user type and a first set of playback control options; determine that the room setting of the playback device has changed; determine that the playback device is no longer associated with the first room and is associated with a second room of the media playback system; transition to operating in a second mode; determine that the playback device is no longer associated with the second room and is associated with the first room; transition to operating in the first mode; receive a playback command; determine that the playback command corresponds to a playback control option within the first set; and execute the playback command.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to power management techniques for reducing the power consumption of playback devices. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure related to distributed processing techniques for processing audio across two or more processors.
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.
Embodiments disclosed herein include headphone devices with spatially diverse antennas employing multiple operational modes and antenna switching policies. The headphone device may identify a current mode of operation and wirelessly communicate with at least one external device based at least in part on the current mode of operation. Further, operating in a first mode of operation, the headphone device may cause switching circuitry to selectively couple a first antenna to the common port in accordance with a first antenna switching policy. While operating in the second mode of operation, the headphone device may cause circuitry to selectively couple a second antenna to the common port in accordance with a second antenna switching policy that is different from the first antenna switching policy.
H01Q 1/27 - Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
H04B 7/08 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station
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 signalling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
50.
MULTI-USER MEDIA PLAYBACK SYSTEM AND MEDIA PLAYBACK SYSTEM SWITCHER
Multi-user media playback systems and media playback system selection and switching techniques are disclosed. In an example, one or more accounts can be invited to access resources of a media playback systems. When an access request to access a particular resource of the media playback system is received from a particular account, it can be determined whether the particular account has access to the particular resource based on an explicit association between the account and the particular resource and/or based on one or more implicit associations. In some examples, the one or more implicit associations can be derived from a topology of the media playback system. Further, accounts with access to more than one media playback system can switch between systems to access and control each system individually.
The disclosure relates to management of media playback system splits and location designation for partitions of a media playback system. Some techniques involve storing an association between a media playback system and a location identifier. When a split of the media playback system is detected, an indication of the split is provided via a user interface of the media playback system. Based on an input received via the user interface confirming the split, one or more of the partitions of the split can be dissociated from the location identifier and associated with a different location identifier.
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
Multi-user media playback systems are disclosed. In an example, a main account associated with a media playback system can invite additional accounts to access resources of the media playback system. An explicit association between the additional accounts and one or more of: the main account or the resources of the media playback system can be generated and stored based on the invite. When an access request to access a particular resource of the media playback system is received from a particular additional account, it can be determined whether the additional account has access to the particular resource based on an explicit association between the particular additional account and the particular resource and/or based on one or more implicit associations. In some examples, the one or more implicit associations can be derived from a topology of the media playback system.
An example method involves monitoring, by a computing device, a communications feed for an indication of media and detecting, in the communications feed, the indication of the media. The method may further involve identifying at least one media item corresponding to the indication of the media and causing a playback queue of a media playback system to include one or more of the identified at least one media item.
G06F 16/48 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
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
H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
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 21/4788 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
54.
PLAYBACK OF SYNTHETIC MEDIA CONTENT VIA MULIPLE DEVICES
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
55.
MEDIA PLAYBACK SYSTEM WITH CONCURRENT VOICE ASSISTANCE
Example techniques involve invoking voice assistance for a media playback system. In some embodiments, a NMD stores in memory a set of command information comprising a listing of playback commands and associated command criteria. The NMD captures a voice input and detects inclusion, within the voice input, of one or more particular playback commands from among the playback commands in the listing. In response, the NMD selects a local voice assistant that supports (a) one or more additional playback commands relative to a cloud-based VAS and (b) fewer non-playback commands relative to the cloud-based VAS, determines, via the local voice assistant, an intent in the captured voice input, and performs a response to the determined intent. The NMD foregoes selection of the cloud-based VAS when the local voice assistant is selected.
G06F 3/04817 - 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 using icons
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 9/451 - Execution arrangements for user interfaces
The disclosure relates to management of media playback system splits and location designation for partitions of a media playback system. Some techniques involve storing an association between a media playback system and a location identifier. When a split of the media playback system is detected, an indication of the split is provided via a user interface of the media playback system. Based on an input received via the user interface confirming the split, one or more of the partitions of the split can be dissociated from the location identifier and associated with a different location identifier.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
Embodiments described herein may involve queue versioning. An example implementation may involve a playback device initiating playback of a queue including one or more first audio streams. A queue identification token stored in data storage represents a current version of the queue. The playback device receives, from a computing system, data representing instructions to add one or more second audio streams to the queue, the instructions including an indication of the one or more second audio streams and a first token representing an expected queue version. The playback device determines whether the expected queue version represented by the first token matches the current version of the queue represented by the queue identification token. If not, the playback device foregoes adding the one or more second audio streams to the queue.
G06F 16/60 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
G06F 12/00 - Accessing, addressing or allocating within memory systems or architectures
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
H04N 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
Media playback system selection and switching techniques are disclosed. Some techniques involve receiving, from a computing system, a set of data comprising data corresponding to media playback systems registered with respective accounts. A first graphical user interface comprising graphical representations corresponding to the media playback systems can be displayed. When an input corresponding to a selection of a particular graphical representation corresponding to a particular media playback system is received via the first graphical user interface, a second user interface corresponding to the selected system can be displayed using at least part of the data received from the computing system.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
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
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.
Example techniques involve controlling playback volumes. An example implementation includes displaying a group volume control of a synchrony group, the group volume control comprising a group volume indicator on a group volume slider and receiving, via the displayed group volume control, input data representing a selection of the group volume control. The implementation also includes displaying, concurrently with the group volume control, a first volume control comprising a first volume indicator on a first volume slider and a second volume control comprising a second volume indicator on a second volume slider. The implementation also includes receiving, via the displayed group volume control, input data representing an input to modify a first volume setting of the synchrony group to a second volume setting and transmitting instructions to cause the synchrony group to modify volume settings according to the second volume setting of the synchrony group.
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
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
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Audio speakers; wireless indoor and outdoor speakers; loudspeakers; mid-range speakers; surround sound speakers; sound bars; audio amplifiers; tweeters; digital media receivers and audio receivers; wireless computer peripherals; wireless digital media 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 system hardware and components thereof, namely, audiovisual hardware, wireless network hardware and audio-visual control hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming digital media; digital media network controllers, repeaters, and components thereof; computer hardware for use in extending wireless digital media systems 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 and software for wireless digital content delivery and transmission; computer hardware and software for transmitting, delivering, receiving, reproducing, processing and streaming 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 and software for organizing, manipulating, transmitting, and reviewing digital media, data, music and audio files; wireless devices for organizing, manipulating, transmitting, and reviewing digital media, data, music and audio files; 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 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 hubs; digital media receivers; 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; surround sound systems; stereos for personal, residential or commercial use; computer peripherals; computer hardware and software 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 and software that enables internet users to search for audio content and data across multiple platforms; computer hardware and software for creating and sharing playlists and song lists; computer hardware and software for reviewing and recommending songs, albums, artists, playlists and song lists; computer hardware and software for tracking and sharing favorite songs, albums, and artists; computer hardware and software for searching databases featuring audio and multimedia files; digital audio streaming devices; parts and fittings for the aforementioned goods; speaker microphones; voice-activated, voice-controlled, and touch-activated speakers; voice command and recognition software; speech to text conversion software; voice-enabled software applications; wireless communication software for voice, audio and data transmission; computer software for accessing, browsing and searching online databases, audio, and multimedia content, music and multimedia services, and music libraries; computer software for connecting, operating, integrating, controlling, and managing networked consumer electronic devices, speakers, digital media and audio systems and their components; computer software for streaming, broadcasting, and transmitting music, podcasts, and radio programs; audio component cables and connectors; computer network interface devices and computer network cables; mounts and mounting brackets for audio speakers, sound bars and digital audio streaming devices; brackets and stands adapted for audio speakers, sound bars, digital audio streaming devices, digital media streaming devices, computer hardware and computer peripherals;
The present application discloses playback devices and networks, software for operating playback devices and playback device networks, and methods of operating playback devices and networks, where an individual network device is configured to switch between operating various operating modes comprising a non-paired mode and a paired mode, where the playback device is configured to output various channels of audio content within various audio frequency ranges while operating in the various operating modes.
Disclosed embodiments include a first playback device determining whether received multichannel audio content has corresponding video content and (i) when the multichannel audio content has corresponding video content, causing a second playback device to play the multichannel audio content according to a first delay scheme to achieve lip synchrony with playback of video corresponding to the multichannel audio content, and (ii) when the multichannel audio content does not have corresponding video content, causing the second playback device to play the multichannel audio content according to a second delay scheme that is configured to cause the multichannel audio content played by the second playback device and a different playback device to arrive at a listening position at substantially the same time.
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
In one example, a playback device includes one or more speakers, one or more amplifiers configured to drive the one or more speakers, a line-in port configured to receive a line-in connector to couple the playback device to an audio source, and at least one visual context indicator configured to display, during an initialization period of the line-in connector following the audio source being coupled to the playback device via the line-in connector and the line-in port, visual feedback indicating connection of the audio source to the playback device.
While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
H04L 65/1069 - Session establishment or de-establishment
H04L 65/61 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
H04L 65/613 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
H04L 65/65 - Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
H04L 67/51 - Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
H04L 69/08 - Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
H04L 69/18 - Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
H04N 21/2381 - Adapting the multiplex stream to a specific network, e.g. an IP [Internet Protocol] network
H04N 21/2668 - Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. by inserting targeted commercials into a video stream based on end-user profiles
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
A playback device is configured to (i) while operating as part of a synchrony group that comprises the playback device as a first group member and at least one other group member, transmit, to a cloud-based computing system, a request for a media item to be played back by the synchrony group, (ii) receive, from the cloud-based computing system, indications of a plurality of different renditions of the requested media item, the media item identifiers being usable to obtain each different rendition of the requested media item, (iii) retrieve, using a media item identifier corresponding to a particular rendition of the requested media item that corresponds to a group capability to play back media content, the particular rendition of the requested media item, and (iv) play back the particular rendition of the requested media item in synchrony with the at least one other group member.
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 21/262 - 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 21/43 - 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 21/442 - 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 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
Turntable control systems are disclosed. A playback device can include an analog audio source component such as a turntable. The playback device is configured to cause playback of first audio based on analog audio signals generated by the analog audio source component. Based on an indication that analog audio signals are no longer being generated, the playback device requests, via a network interface, audio content from one or more remote computing devices. The request can include identifying related content based on the first audio. The playback device receives, via the network interface, second audio content from, and causes playback of second audio based on the second audio content.
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.
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.
Example techniques may involve headphone interaction. An implementation may include while headphones are disconnected from a control device, the control device receiving an indication of particular audio content being played back by a first zone of the media playback system. While the particular audio content is being played back by the one or more playback devices of the media playback system, detecting that headphones have been connected to the first control device. Headphones may be connectable to the control device via either (a) an analog headphone jack or (b) a point-to-point personal area network connection. In response to detecting that the headphones are connected to the control device: the control device (i) causing the one or more playback devices of the first zone to stop playback of the particular audio content; (ii) retrieving the particular audio content and (iii) resuming playback of the particular audio content via the connected headphones.
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.
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate discovery and remote configuration of content for playback via a multimedia playback network are disclosed. An example method includes facilitating identification of multimedia content being played, the identification including at least one of a content identifier associated with the content and the content itself. An example method includes relaying at least one of the content identifier and the content to a playback system located remotely from a location of the multimedia content playback, at least one of the content identifier and the content remotely added for playback at the playback system.
H04N 21/8352 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving content or source identification data, e.g. UMID [Unique Material Identifier]
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 16/68 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
G06F 16/683 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using metadata automatically derived from the content
H04N 21/233 - Processing of audio elementary streams
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 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
H04N 21/4227 - Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
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 21/472 - 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 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
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
Embodiments disclosed herein include a primary device comprising a first radio and a second radio, the first radio configured to communicate with satellite playback devices over a first wireless network, the second radio configured to communicate the satellite playback devices and/or a WiFi Access Point over a second wireless network. In some embodiments, the primary device identifies a region associated with the satellite playback devices by communicating with the satellite playback devices over the second network. In some embodiments, the primary device updates on or more network parameter of the first network based on the identified region and causes the satellite playback devices to switch connection from the second network to the first network. In some embodiments, the primary device plays back audio content in synchrony with the satellite playback devices at least in part by communicating the audio content to the satellite playback devices over the first network.
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.
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
An example playback device is configured to detect an input indicating a command to power up the playback device and, based on the input, begin initialization of a wireless network interface. After beginning initialization of the wireless network interface but before the playback device is capable of establishing a connection to at least one wireless network type via the wireless network interface, the playback device causes the wireless network interface to scan for available wireless networks of the at least one wireless network type. The playback device identifies at least one available wireless network and stores an indication of the at least one available wireless network. After the playback device is capable of establishing a connection, the playback device uses the stored indication of the at least one available wireless network to establish a connection to a given wireless network of the at least one available wireless network.
Example techniques relate to audio generation in a media playback system. Based on one or more first functions and first characteristics of an area, the system may generate first audio that includes a first audio signal and a second audio signal. The system provides the first audio signal to at least one first audio driver and the second audio signal to at least one second audio driver, thereby causing a first playback device and a second playback device to play back the first audio synchronously. The system receives second characteristics of the area and based on one or more second functions and the second characteristics, generates second audio comprising a third audio signal and a fourth audio signal. The system provides the third audio signal to the at least one first audio driver and the fourth audio signal to the at least one second audio driver.
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
H04S 3/00 - Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic
84.
Blockchain data based on synthetic content generation
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
A first computing device is configured to (i) detect a triggering event that causes the first computing device to transmit a first set of messages collectively indicating that the first computing device is available for setup, (ii) establish an initial wireless communication path with a second computing device, (iii) receive, from the second computing device via the initial wireless communication path, a second set of messages including security information for a secure wireless network that is defined by one or more network devices, where the initial wireless communication path with the second computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, (iv) use the security information to connect to the secure wireless network, and (v) transition from communicating with the second computing device via the initial wireless communication path to communicating with the second computing device via the secure wireless network.
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
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
H04L 41/0806 - Configuration setting for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
H04L 41/22 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
H04L 41/28 - Restricting access to network management systems or functions, e.g. using authorisation function to access network configuration
There is provided a playback device, comprising: a first body portion, a second body portion, a first speaker driver mounted in the first body portion, a second speaker driver mounted in the second body portion and a substantially rigid connecting portion extending between the first body portion and the second body portion. The connecting portion is moveable and/or extendable to configure the playback device in at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the second configuration the first and second body portions are arranged farther apart than in the first configuration.
An example computing device is configured to (i) receive first user input of a command to initiate audio calibration of a playback device, (ii) present, based on receiving the first user input, (a) an indication of a first calibration option and (b) an indication of a second calibration option, (iii) receive a second user input indicating a selection of the first calibration option, (iv) based on the second user input, cause the playback device to perform calibration actions according to the first calibration option, (v) after the playback device performs the calibration actions according to the first calibration option, receive an indication from the playback device that the playback device has completed the calibration actions according to the first calibration option, and (vi) present, via the GUI of the computing device, an indication that the playback device has completed the calibration actions according to the first calibration option.
An example playback device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to control the playback device to play audio content synchronously with another playback device in a bonded group, determine, while the playback device is in the bonded group, that control information instructing the playback device to play the audio content has not been received for a predetermined time interval, based on the determination, cause the other playback device to enter a suspended state in which an operating system and one or more programs, including a control program configured to instruct the other playback device to play the audio content, are suspended, monitor for a wake-up indicator while the other playback device is in the suspended state, and based on detecting the wake-up indicator, cause the other playback device to resume execution of the operating system and the one or more programs.
A primary playback device is configured to, after receipt of encoded audio content via an audio input interface, (i) decode a portion of the encoded audio content, thereby resulting in decoded audio content that includes a first content subset corresponding to a first time segment of the encoded audio content and that further includes a second content subset corresponding to a second time segment of the encoded audio content that is next in sequence to the first time segment; (ii) after decoding the portion of the encoded audio content, write the first content subset to a memory buffer of a wireless network interface; (iii) communicate, via the wireless network interface, the first content subset to a satellite playback device; and (iv) after communication of the first content subset to the satellite playback device has commenced, write the second content subset to the memory buffer of the wireless network interface.
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 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
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 system; Distributed 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
Systems and methods discussed herein involve designating a default playback device in a local playback network. One method may involve determining that a networked microphone device is available for assignment to one or more playback zones within a local playback network, displaying a prompt to indicate at least one playback zone to which the network microphone device is to be assigned, receiving an input indicating a particular playback zone in the local playback system to which the network microphone device is to be assigned, and storing data indicating an assignment of the network microphone device to the particular playback zone.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Headphones; earphones; earbuds; headsets; wireless headphones; wireless earphones; wireless earbuds; wireless headsets; headphones, earphones, earbuds, headsets for use with wireless speakers; voice-activated, voice-controlled, and touch-activated headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; noise cancelling headphones; noise cancelling earphones; noise cancelling earbuds; ear cushions for headphones, earbuds and headsets; ear pads for headphones, earbuds and headsets; ear tips for headphones; power cables, conversion cables, audio cables, adapter cables and extension cables for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; cases and protective cases for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; lanyards for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; microphones for headphones, earphones, earbuds, and headsets; replacement parts for the aforementioned goods.
94.
TECHNIQUES FOR CAUSING PLAYBACK DEVICES TO SWITCH RADIO CONNECTIONS
Embodiments disclosed herein include a primary device comprising a first radio and a second radio, the radios configured to wirelessly communicate with satellite playback devices and/or to communicate with a WiFi Access Point (AP). In some embodiments, the primary device is configured to transmit a Channel Switch Announcement (CSA) message to the satellite playback devices to cause the satellite playback devices to switch communication between the first, the second radio, and/or the AP. In some embodiments, the primary device communicates audio content to the satellite playback devices using the first radio. In some embodiments, the primary device ceases communication of audio content and powers off the first radio after transmitting a CSA to cause the satellite playback devices to switch communication to the second radio or to the AP.
Example techniques related to portable playback device power management. An example implementation includes a main SoC comprising main processor(s), an auxiliary processor, and a kernel that executes on the one or more main processor cores. During kernel suspend of the kernel, a power management microcontroller monitors a battery for conditions corresponding to respective wake-on-battery triggers, detects that the monitored conditions correspond to a particular wake-on-battery trigger; and in response, sends, to the auxiliary processor, an interrupt corresponding to a particular wake-on-battery trigger, wherein the interrupt causes the auxiliary processor core to enable the main processor(s) and resume the kernel from kernel suspend. After resuming from kernel suspend, the kernel adds a first kernel resume source event indicating the particular wake-on-battery trigger to a power event queue. A power coordinator background process reads the power event queue and sends data indicating the particular wake-on-battery trigger to one or more client programs.
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.
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
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 implementation may involve a group of wearable playback devices including a first wearable playback device and a second wearable playback device. The wearable playback devices render multi-channel audio content according to particular playback responsibilities in the group. When a failure or other issue with the second wearable playback device occurs, the first playback device assumes at least part of the playback responsibility of the second 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 21/436 - Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or inside the home
H04N 21/4425 - Monitoring of client processing errors or hardware failure
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.
