DE102017214585A1 - Declaration of conformity exists.Control method for a multimedia system and control device for a multimedia system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control method for a multimedia system according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia system comprises a plurality of multiroom groups each having at least one associated playback device and a control device adapted to carry out the control method for the multimedia system according to claim 8. The object of the present invention is therein be seen to prevent a conflict situation when playing media content with playback devices that are assigned to multiple multiroom groups.

Description

The invention relates to a control method for a multimedia system, which has a plurality of multiroom groups with at least one associated playback device and a control device which is adapted to carry out the control method for the multimedia system, which has a plurality of multiroom groups, each with an associated playback devices.

The multimedia system is adapted to receive signals provided by an audio source or an image source and output them in a work or home environment via one or more playback devices. The living environment and working environment may include an outdoor area such as a garden or a garage and an indoor area such as a living or working space. The respective environment can have one or more rooms. In each of these rooms or rooms, one of the network-enabled players or multiple players may be positioned. These playback devices may be identical or different. Such a multimedia system is also referred to as a multi-room system.

The audio sources may include analog and digital signal sources wired or wirelessly connected, such as persistently stored audio data, for example, on a compact disc (abbreviated to CD), a storage medium with a universal serial bus. USB stick '), a digital memory card (SD Card) or a digital music service such as Spotify.

Furthermore, audio data stored in a music library or a radio-based audio signal source, for example a digital radio, whose reception is based on the "Digital Audio Broadcasting" Standard (DAB), are among the audio sources.

The player may be embodied, for example, as an Applicant's wireless speaker, such as the 'Audiomaster MR1', a wireless stereo speaker, TechniSound MR2 ', or a digital radio, Digitradio 360CD IR'. Another playback device is a FM radio receiver DigitRadio IR110 of the Applicant to see that can be connected via an optical cable with a speaker system. These playback devices and a corresponding installation can be used to reproduce received or retrieved audio signals from an audio source in one room or simultaneously in several rooms. It is also possible that the received audio signals are output filtered by two or more playback devices, if these playback devices are in the same network. It is irrelevant whether the playback devices are placed in the same room or in different rooms.

Each of the players has an access point to a local area network in which the players communicate with each other and, for example, with a controller or user input device of the multimedia system.

This access point can be designed as a network interface, which is based on an Internet protocol, enabling manufacturer-independent control of different devices. Any of these network interfaces may be ready for immediate use, such as when using a so-called UpnP interface (Universal Plug and Play).

At present, various televisions, receivers and radio receivers also master this standard and can thus be networked with each other, as well as with other multimedia devices, such as a computer or a hi-fi system.

The object of the present invention can be seen to prevent a playback conflict in the reproduction of media contents with a multimedia system having a plurality of playback devices.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a control method according to claim 1 and by a control device according to claim 8.

In this case, embodiments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.

• • Bestimmen eines Wiedergabegerätes, welches einer zu aktivierenden Multiroom-Gruppe zugeordnet ist,
• • Anfordern einer ersten Information von dem Wiedergabegerät, zum Identifizieren des Wiedergabegerätes,
• • Anfordern einer zweiten Information von dem Wiedergabegerät, zum Identifizieren einer Zuordnung des Wiedergabegerätes zu einer aktiven Multiroom-Gruppe, und
• • Identifizieren eines gemeinsamen Wiedergabegerätes, welches der zu aktivierenden Multiroom-Gruppe und der aktiven Multiroom-Gruppe zugeordnet ist.

The control method for a multimedia system, which comprises a plurality of multiroom groups, each with an associated playback device, comprises the following steps:

• Determining a playback device which is assigned to a multiroom group to be activated,
• Requesting first information from the playback device to identify the playback device,
• Requesting a second piece of information from the playback device to identify a mapping of the playback device to an active multi-room group, and
• Identifying a common playback device associated with the multiroom group to be activated and the active multiroom group.

The present invention will be explained on a multimedia system adapted for outputting audio signals in a living environment.

The multimedia system may include multiple players that are associated with only one multiroom group or multiple multiroom groups. A multiroom group may be a playback device or may be associated with multiple playback devices. Furthermore, the multimedia system comprises a user input device.

A multiroom group is an association of multiple playback devices that are interconnected and communicating through a local area network. The network can be wireless or wired, or a combination of both.

In one embodiment of the invention, a playback device may form a standalone multiroom group. The playback device can be designed as a loudspeaker with or without an amplifier

For example, when the multimedia system is first installed, a user can designate a group master for each multiroom group using the user input device. The group master may be configured as a speaker or as a radio receiver for receiving and requesting a media content such as a music track and for forwarding the media content to another multiroom group playback device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control device comprising a processor selects the playback device as a group master, which is first assigned to a multiroom group.

The first information, which is used to uniquely identify the playback device, may have a device name, a group assignment, and a device identification tag, for example with fonts, numbers, or icons. The storage may be carried out in a memory device of the multimedia system or in a memory area which is connected to the memory device. The storage of the first information can also take place in a memory area of the playback device.

The second information is used to uniquely identify an association of the player with an already active multiroom group and may include a group name with fonts, numbers or glyphs, a group identifier, and a group affiliation to a network. The network can be wirelessly configured and characterized by a so-called WLAN network SSID (Service Set Identifier).

The active multiroom group can play media content or be ready for playback of a media content, such as a pause function, and is different from the multiroom group to be activated. The storage of the second information can be carried out in the storage device of the multimedia system or a storage area which is connected to the storage device. This information may be in a memory area of the user input device or another component of the multimedia system.

The control method may further include a step of automatically disabling the multiroom active group when a common playback device has been identified. Disabling resolves an existing playback conflict or assignment conflict. For this automatic deactivation by the control method or the control device according to the invention, the user does not have to interact with a component of the multimedia system. Disabling may include resolving the active multiroom group.

Furthermore, a multiroom group is considered to be active if a synchronization takes place between the assigned playback devices, which may be equal. That is, within the multiroom group, with a time delay not noticeable to the user, the same media content is played back.

Optionally, additional time delays may be adjusted to compensate for differences in distance between the players and the user, thereby reducing unwanted echo effects.

The control method may include a step of communicating with the plurality of playback devices via an access point to a network. This access point may be a wireless network or a wired and configured as a network bridge. Through this connection, one of the players of the multimedia system may request a media content, for example a piece of music from an audio source, such as a music service, and forward it to at least one other for output.

As a further step of the control method, storing the first information from the playback device having an identification of the playback device may include an identification for an access point to the wireless network and the second information having an identification with the multiroom active group.

The control method may include a step of storing further information, wherein the further information includes a name for each of the plurality of multiroom groups of the multimedia system, a name of an active multiroom group, or information identifying a group master of each of the plurality Multiroom groups serves. This information can have both a font, number and / or image character. The storage of this information can be done in a memory area of the user input device by also storing the control method itself or in another component of the multimedia system.

Since both the multiroom active group and the multiroom group to be activated can be assigned more than one playback device, a further step of the control method may be to request information from the first playback device to identify another playback device that has the multiroom to be activated Group is assigned. This step is performed to identify each player of the multiroom group to be activated.

Further, the control method may include a step of requesting supplementary information from the first playback device, which is for identifying an association of the further identified playback device of the multiroom group to be activated, to another active multiroom group or to a plurality of active multiroom groups. Thus, each of the playback devices of the multiroom group to be activated can be identified via the first playback device and assigned to further active multiroom groups. In this case, the first playback device may have been selected by the user as a group master.

The controlling method may include a step of requesting the further information from each of the plurality of reproducing apparatuses of the multimedia system to identify an association with the multiroom group to be activated.

• • Bestimmen eines Wiedergabegerätes, welches einer Multiroom-Gruppe zugeordnet ist, die zum Aktivieren eines Synchronisierens zwischen dem Wiedergabegerät und einem weiteren Wiedergabegerät ausgewählt ist,
• • Anfordern einer Information von dem Wiedergabegerät, zum Identifizieren des ersten Wiedergabegerätes,
• • Anfordern einer zweiten Information von dem Wiedergabegerät, zum Identifizieren einer Zuordnung des Wiedergabegerätes zu einer weiteren Multiroom-Gruppe, die bereits zum Synchronisieren des Wiedergabegerätes mit anderen Wiedergabegeräten ausgewählt wurde und
• • Identifizieren eines gemeinsamen Wiedergabegerätes, welches der zu aktivierenden Multiroom-Gruppe und der weiteren Multiroom-Gruppe zugeordnet ist.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control method for the multimedia system, which has a plurality of multiroom groups, each with an associated playback device, comprises the following steps:

• Determining a playback device associated with a multi-room group selected to enable synchronization between the playback device and another playback device,
• Requesting information from the playback device to identify the first playback device,
• Requesting second information from the playback device to identify an association of the playback device with another multiroom group that has already been selected to synchronize the playback device with other playback devices, and
• Identification of a common playback device which is assigned to the multiroom group to be activated and to the further multiroom group.

The first information and the second information are requested by the controller from the player.

It is possible that a player having a speaker is associated with only a multiroom group having a room, such as the living room. Further, the player may also be associated with a multiroom group having a plurality of rooms, such as the living room and the kitchen.

Although a playback device may be assigned to multiple multiroom groups, multiple multiroom groups may not be activated at the same time, preventing a playback conflict.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a control system for a multimedia system, which is designed to carry out the control method described above.

The control device may be configured to communicate with the multimedia system and the plurality of playback devices via an access point to a network, wherein one of the plurality of playback devices is configured as a network-enabled speaker.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control device is designed for simultaneously requesting the first information and the further information.

The control device is further configured to receive a control command from a user input device concerning activation of a multiroom group via a wireless or wired network.

This user input device must also be network-capable, such as IP-based, and may include a processor, storage device, and a touch-sensitive display. The user input device can be used as a keyboard for a Computer, which is connected to a screen, as a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a mobile computer, also referred to as 'tablet' trained. The user input device may also be designed as a remote control of a television set, which has the control device for the multimedia system.

The user input device may be configured with the screen for outputting or displaying a user interface with a message that includes 'disabling the further multiroom group'. This message is then output to the user when a common playback device has been identified that is associated with both an already active and the activatable multiroom group for outputting a music track.

• 1 eine Wohnung mit mehreren Wiedergabegeräten
• 2a eine Ausführungsform eines Multimediasystems
• 2b eine weitere Ausführungsform des Multimediasystems
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung von Multiroom-Gruppen
• 4 ein Fließschema eines beispielhaften Steuerverfahrens
• 5 Darstellung von inaktiv/aktivem Zustand einer Multiroom-Gruppe.

The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and associated figures, which show:

• 1 an apartment with several playback devices
• 2a an embodiment of a multimedia system
• 2 B another embodiment of the multimedia system
• 3 a schematic representation of multiroom groups
• 4 a flowchart of an exemplary control method
• 5 Representation of inactive / active state of a multiroom group.

The 1 shows an exemplary living environment in which multiple playback devices 102 to 108 of a multimedia system 100 are installed in the different rooms, living room and study and the kitchen. The multimedia system 100 is for the reception and reproduction of signals, preferably audio signals using the playback devices 102 to 108 is set up. In some of the rooms, such as the living room or the bedroom, are several playback devices 102 . 103 . 105 , and 106 Installed. These network-enabled playback devices 102 . 103 . 105 . 106 can be designed as a speaker TechniSound MR2 the applicant. Furthermore, there are rooms, such as the kitchen or study, in which only one of the playback devices 107 . 108 is installed.

A user can use the various playback devices 102 to 108 via a user input device 111 , which is designed as a mobile phone with a touch-sensitive screen control.

The user input device 111 of the 2a and 2 B is designed to a user interface for the multimedia system 100 provide. In an installation mode for the multimedia system 100 The user is guided through menus of the user interface, which is provided by the mobile phone. In installation mode, the user can assign each of the multiple speakers and the digital radio to one or more multiroom groups of the home. A user interface menu allows the user to play a playback device 102 to 108 that is assigned to a multiroom group, select as group master.

The assignment of the playback devices 102 to 108 to a multiroom group or multiple multiroom groups can be done anytime.

In 2a become further components of the network-based multimedia system 100 shown schematically. These components include the control device according to the invention 101 , a signal source 109 , an access point to a network 110 and a storage device 112 ,

In 2a is a multimedia system 100 shown, which only three network-compatible playback devices 102 . 103 . 104 having.

The user input device 111 is can be connected to the Internet via an unillustrated interface to retrieve audio data. In one embodiment of the invention, the control device 101 and the storage device 112 in the user input device 111 integrated.

In another embodiment, the user input device is 111 with the storage device 112 and the controller 101 connected. The storage device 112 can as a storage medium, such as a memory chip and the controller 101 be formed with a processor.

Each of the playback device 102 . 103 . 104 In the present embodiment, a memory area, not shown, for storing information and data, for example in a database.

The playback devices 102 to 108 The figures can be wired or wirelessly connected to each other.

The signal source 109 which is set up to retrieve music content, may be designed as a music service provider, also referred to as a music streaming service, and may be connected to the Internet via an interface.

The multimedia system 100 In one embodiment, it may include further components not shown. The components of the multimedia system 100 can be wired or wireless in a local network with each other and the controller 101 communicate.

The 2 B shows an embodiment of the invention with the same components, such as 2a where one of the playback devices 102 with the user input device 111 For example, via a radio connection to the industry standard IEEE802.15.1 is connected.

The 3 shows two possible multiroom groups gm . Gm + 1 of the multimedia system 100 using the user input device 111 created and should be controlled. The controlling includes selecting a media content for playback by a player 102 . 103 . 104 the multiroom group gm or the multiroom group Gm + 1 , The controlling may include associating each of the playback devices with the multimedia system 100 to a multiroom group or multiple multiroom groups, and to adjust audio-related signals such as volume control.

The multiroom group gm , were the user of the playback device 102 and the playback device 103 assigned, which were arranged in the living room, characterized by a solid ellipse. The further multiroom group Gm + 1 became the playback device 103 of the living room and the playback device 104 assigned to the dining room, marked by a dashed ellipse. These playback devices 102 . 103 . 104 are in the same local network, through a network identifier, from the controller 101 is clearly identifiable and is indicated by the dotted ellipse.

The playback device 103 is both multiroom groups gm . Gm + 1 assigned. The playback device 103 can as a group master of the multiroom group gm and as a group master of the multiroom group Gm + 1 selected by the user.

The 4 shows a flowchart with a schematic flow of a control method according to the invention for the multimedia system 100 which is in the storage device 112 filed and by the controller 101 can be executed.

After a triggering of a control command by the user, activating the multiroom group Gm + 1 ' concerns, the control process is started. The user command is via a user interface of the user input device 111 , the mobile phone triggered. The multiroom group to activate Gm + 1 and the active multiroom group gm are in 3 shown.

In the step, select assigned playback device from Multiroom Group gm +1 'requests the controller 101 from one of the playback devices 103 a first piece of information identifying the playback device 103 allows. This first information may include a device identifier and a device name.

In a further step, an identification of an allocation of the playback device takes place 103 to an already active multiroom group ', in the present example is the playback device 103 also the already active group gm assigned.

This requires the controller 101 a second piece of information from the player 103 at. The playback device 103 can read the requested information from a memory area and this over the local network to the controller 101 hand off. The memory area can be in the playback device 103 be integrated or the playback device 103 can this information from the storage device 112 read. This second information allows a unique identification of the playback device 103 to the multiroom group gm with, for example, a group name and a group identification name, which may include numbers and characters. This group identification can also be an identification for the group master of the group gm exhibit.

In a further step, the control device determines 101 having a processor, not shown, the playback device 103 as a common reproduction device from the first information and the second information. The playback device 103 is the multiroom group gm and the multiroom group Gm + 1 assigned as in 3 shown. For this reason, the multiroom group gm automatically from the controller 101 disables or resolves, and thus a playback conflict without further interaction of the user with the user input device 111 dissolved.

In a further step becomes the multiroom group Gm + 1 to play a song, for example via the signal source 109 is provided by the controller 101 activated.

In the event that more than one player 103 . 104 the multiroom group to be activated Gm 1 + is assigned by each of the associated playback devices 103 . 104 the first information and the second information requested. This request may be made by the controller 101 via the playback device 103 or from the playback devices 103 . 104 directly requested, which is assigned to the multiroom group to be activated.

In the case that of the controller 101 no common playback device can be identified or all multiroom groups gm disabled, becomes the multiroom group Gm + 1 activated.

In one embodiment of the invention, all multiroom groups that are already active are identified first, and all multiroom groups are identified in a further iteration loop gm disabled.

The 5 schematically shows various possibilities that represent an active state of multiroom groups. An active multiroom group is characterized by a currently occurring synchronization between its associated playback devices. A playback device 102 to 108 can be considered active when connected to a power source, an audio source is selected, and a music content is output. A player is considered active even when connected to a power source, selecting an audio source and pausing playback of a music content.

The advantage of the present invention can be seen in the fact that existing playback conflicts of the playback devices, such as the speakers, are automatically determined by the control device 101 or the control method. The user of the multimedia system 100 is thus able to activate a new multiroom group while another multiroom group is still active and thus is controlled by the controller 101 Quick access to the desired audio data via the multiroom group to be activated.

The advantage of the present invention can be seen in a concurrent storage of conflicting multiroom groups and the automatic reconfiguration of multiroom groups by a single user input command.

The present control method can also control playback devices associated with different networks, such as a residential network and a non-residential network, such as a network available in a garden shed. In this case, when the multimedia system is started, the controller determines which of the playback devices are in the current network on the basis of a network identifier, and other playback devices are not taken into account.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

multimedia system

101

control device

102

Playback device

103

Playback device

104

Playback device

105

Playback device

106

Playback device

107

Playback device

108

Playback device

109

source

110

Access point to a network

111

User input device

112

memory device

gm

Multiroom group

Gm + 1

Multiroom group

Claims (10)

Control method for a multimedia system (100) comprising a plurality of multiroom groups, each with an associated playback device (102, 103, 104), with subsequent steps Determining a playback device (102, 103, 104) which is assigned to a multiroom group (Gm + 1) to be activated, Requesting first information from the playback device (103) to identify the playback device (103), Requesting second information from the playback device (103) to identify an association of the playback device (103) with an active multiroom group (Gm), and Identifying a common playback device from the playback devices (102, 103, 104) associated with the multiroom group to be activated (Gm + 1) and the active multiroom group (Gm). Control method according to Claim 1 with a step of deactivating the active multiroom group (Gm) when the common playback device (103) has been identified. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of communicating the plurality of playback devices (102, 103, 104) with each other via an access point to a network (110). A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of storing the first information from the player (103) having an identification of the player (103), an identification for an access point to a wireless network (110), and the second information has an identification with the active multiroom group (Gm). A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of storing further information including a name for each multiroom group (Gm, Gm + 1) of the multimedia system (100), a name of an active multiroom group (Gm) or information for identifying a group master, each of the plurality of multiroom groups (Gm, Gm + 1). A control method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a step of requesting information from the playback device (103) to identify another playback device (104) associated with the multiroom group (Gm + 1) to be activated. A control method according to 6, comprising a step of requesting supplementary information from the reproducing apparatus (103) to identify an association of the further reproducing apparatus (104) with another active multiroom group (Gm + 1). Control device (101) for a multimedia system (100), which is used to carry out the control method Claim 1 is set up. Control device (101) according to Claim 8 adapted for communicating with the multimedia system (100) and the plurality of playback devices (102, 103, 104) via an access point to a network (110). Control device (101) according to Claim 8 in which one of the plurality of playback devices (102, 103, 104) is designed as a network-capable loudspeaker.

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