JP2019134470A - Audio processing algorithms and databases - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a reproduction device that removes the acoustic characteristics of the reproduction device from the acoustic response of a reproduction zone.SOLUTION: An audio processing algorithm to be applied by a reproduction device s determined when an audio content is reproduced within the reproduction zone. The determination of the audio processing algorithm includes causing the reproduction device to reproduce a first audio signal in the reproduction zone and receiving data indicative of a second audio signal detected by a microphone of the reproduction device. The audio processing algorithm is determined on the basis of the characteristics of the second audio signal and the reproduction device. The audio processing algorithm is calculated or identified in the database on the basis of the acoustic properties of the reproduction zone. The acoustic characteristics of the reproduction zone are determined on the basis of the second audio signal and the characteristics of the reproduction device. The audio processing algorithm is then applied by the reproduction device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application claims priority to US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 481,505 filed on Sep. 9, 2014 and US Patent Application No. 14 / 481,514 filed Sep. 9, 2014. Which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  This application relates to consumer products, and in particular, to methods, systems, products, features, services, and other elements directed to media playback and some aspects thereof.

  In 2003, Sonos Incorporated filed a patent application entitled “Method of Synchronizing Audio Playback Between Multiple Network Devices”, one of the first patent applications, and in 2005, marketed a media playback system. Until it started, the options for accessing and listening to digital audio in the outloud setting were limited. People can experience music from multiple sources via one or more network playback devices with the Sonos Wireless HiFi system. Through a software control application installed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, people can play the music they want in any room with a network playback device. Also, for example, a controller can be used to stream different songs to each room equipped with a playback device, or multiple rooms can be grouped for synchronized playback, or synchronized in all rooms. You can listen to the same song.

  Given the growing interest in digital media, there is a need to further develop consumer accessible technologies that can further improve the listening experience.

  The features, aspects, and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein may be better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

The figure which shows the structure of the example media reproduction system which can be implemented with an embodiment Functional block diagram of an exemplary playback device Functional block diagram of an exemplary control device Diagram showing an example controller interface Exemplary flow diagram of a first method of maintaining a database of audio processing algorithms FIG. 4 shows an exemplary portion of a first database of audio processing algorithms. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary portion of a second database of audio processing algorithms Exemplary flow diagram of a second method of maintaining a database of audio processing algorithms Diagram showing an exemplary playback zone in which the playback device can be calibrated Exemplary flow diagram of a first method for determining an audio processing algorithm based on one or more playback zone characteristics. Exemplary flow diagram of a second method for determining an audio processing algorithm based on one or more playback zone characteristics. Exemplary flow diagram for identifying an audio processing algorithm from a database of audio processing algorithms

  Although the drawings are intended to illustrate some exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

I. Overview When a playback device plays audio content in a playback zone, the quality of the playback may depend on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. In the description herein, a playback zone can include one or more playback devices or groups of playback devices. The acoustic characteristics of the playback zone may depend on the dimensions of the playback zone, the type of furniture in the playback zone, the arrangement of furniture in the playback zone, and the like. As such, different playback zones may have different acoustic characteristics. Since a given model of a playback device can be used in a variety of different playback zones with different acoustic characteristics, a single audio processing algorithm does not provide consistent audio playback quality by the playback device in each of the different playback zones There is.

  The examples described herein relate to determining an audio processing algorithm that a playback device applies based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone such that the playback device is in the playback zone. The application by the playback device of the determined audio processing algorithm when playing the audio content in the playback zone can cause the audio content rendered by the playback device in the playback zone to have at least some predetermined audio characteristics. In some cases, the application of the audio processing algorithm is to change the audio amplification at one or more audio frequencies of the audio content. Other examples are also possible.

  In one example, a database of audio processing algorithms may be maintained, and the audio processing algorithms in the database may be identified based on one or more characteristics of the playback zone. One or more characteristics of the regeneration zone may include the acoustic characteristics of the regeneration zone and / or the dimensions of the regeneration zone, the flooring and / or wall material of the regeneration zone, and the number and / or type of furniture in the regeneration zone One or more of them may be included.

  Maintaining a database of audio processing algorithms may include determining at least one audio processing algorithm corresponding to one or more characteristics of the playback zone and adding the determined audio processing algorithm to the database. . In one example, the database may be stored on one or more devices or one or more other devices that maintain the database. In the description herein, unless otherwise stated, functions for maintaining a database include, among other things, one or more computing devices (ie, servers), one or more playback devices, or one Or it may be executed by multiple controller devices. However, for simplicity, the device or devices that perform the function may be generally referred to as a computing device.

  In certain examples, determining such an audio processing algorithm may include the computing device determining an acoustic characteristic of the playback zone. In some cases, the playback zone may be a model room that is used to simulate a playback zone in which a playback device can play audio content. In such cases, one or more physical characteristics (ie, dimensions, flooring and walling, etc.) of the model room may be predetermined. In another case, the playback zone may be a room in the home of the user of the playback device. In such cases, the physical characteristics of the playback zone may be provided by the user or unknown.

  In one example, the computing device may cause a playback device in the playback zone to play the audio signal. In some cases, the played audio signal may include audio content having a frequency that substantially covers the entire frequency range that can be rendered by the playback device. The playback device may then detect the audio signal using the microphone of the playback device. The microphone of the playback device may be a built-in microphone of the playback device. In some cases, the detected audio signal may include a portion corresponding to the reproduced audio signal. For example, the detected audio signal may include a component of the reproduced audio signal reflected within the reproduction zone. The computing device may receive the detected audio signal from the playback device and determine the acoustic response of the playback zone based on the detected audio signal.

  The computing device may then determine the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone by removing the acoustic characteristics of the playback device from the acoustic response of the playback zone. The acoustic characteristics of the playback device may be acoustic characteristics corresponding to the model of the playback device. In some cases, the acoustic characteristics corresponding to the model of the playback device may be determined based on the audio signal played back and detected by the model's representative playback device in an anechoic chamber.

  The computing device may then determine a corresponding audio processing algorithm based on the determined acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and predetermined audio characteristics. The predetermined audio characteristic may include a specific frequency equalization that is considered good sounding. The application of the corresponding audio processing algorithm by the playback device when the corresponding audio processing algorithm is determined and playing the audio content in the playback zone may be applied to the audio content rendered by the playback device in the playback zone at least to some extent. Audio characteristics may be provided. For example, if the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone are such that a particular audio frequency is attenuated relative to other frequencies, the corresponding audio processing algorithm may include an enhanced amplification of the particular audio frequency. Other examples are also possible.

  The determined association between the audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone may be stored as an entry in the database. In some cases, the association of the audio processing algorithm with one or more other characteristics of the playback zone may additionally or alternatively be stored in a database. For example, if the playback zone consists of specific dimensions, the association between the audio processing algorithm and specific room dimensions may be stored in the database. Other examples are also possible.

  In one example, the database may be accessed by the computing device to identify an audio processing algorithm for the playback device to apply to the playback zone. In one example, the computing device that accesses the database and identifies the audio processing algorithm may be the same computing device that maintains the database, as described above. In another example, the computing device may be a different computing device.

  In some cases, accessing the database to identify an audio processing algorithm for the playback device to apply to the playback zone may be part of the calibration of the playback device. Such playback device calibration may be initiated by the playback device itself, by a server in communication with the playback device, or by a controller device. In some cases, calibration may be initiated because the playback device is new and calibration is part of the playback device's initial settings. In other cases, playback devices may be relocated within the same playback zone or from one playback zone to another. In further cases, calibration may be initiated by a user of the playback device, such as via a controller device.

  In one example, calibration of the playback device may include, among other possibilities, a computing device that allows a user of the playback device to use one of the playback zones, such as approximate dimensions of the playback zone, flooring or wall material, furniture quantity, etc. Prompting to show one or more characteristics may be included. The computing device can prompt the user via a user interface on the controller device. Based on one or more characteristics of the playback zone provided by the user, an audio processing algorithm corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the playback zone may be identified in the database, so that the playback device The audio processing algorithm specified when the audio content is played back may be applied.

  In another example, calibration of the playback device may include determining the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and identifying a corresponding audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. The determination of the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone may be the same as described above. For example, a playback device in a playback zone in which the playback device is calibrated may detect the second audio signal using the playback device microphone after playing back the first audio signal. The second audio signal may then be based on determining the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. Based on the determined acoustic characteristics, a corresponding audio processing algorithm may be identified in the database, so that the playback device applies the identified audio processing algorithm when playing the audio content in the playback zone. May be. As described above, application of a corresponding audio processing algorithm by a playback device when playing audio content in a playback zone causes the audio content rendered by the playback device in the playback zone to have at least some predetermined audio characteristics. be able to.

  Although the above description of playback device calibration generally includes a database of audio processing algorithms, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to determine an audio processing algorithm for a playback zone without accessing the database. You will understand. For example, instead of identifying a corresponding audio processing algorithm in the database, the computing device is responsible for maintaining and generating the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone (from the detected audio signal) and audio processing algorithm entries for the database. Thus, the audio processing algorithm can be determined by calculating the audio processing algorithm based on predetermined audio characteristics similar to those described above. Other examples are also possible.

  In some cases, the playback device to be calibrated may be one of a plurality of playback devices configured to play audio content synchronously in the playback zone. In such a case, the determination of the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone can also include audio signals played by other playback devices in the playback zone. In one example, while determining an audio processing algorithm, each of a plurality of playback devices in the playback zone can play an audio signal at the same time, and the audio signal detected by the playback device microphone is transmitted by the playback device. A portion corresponding to the reproduced audio signal may be included as well as a portion of the audio signal reproduced by another reproduction device in the reproduction zone. A playback zone that can determine the acoustic response of the playback zone based on the detected audio signal and that includes other playback devices by removing the calibrated playback device's acoustic characteristics from the playback zone's acoustic response Can be determined. The audio processing algorithm can then be calculated or identified in the database based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and applied by the playback device.

  In other cases, two or more playback devices in a plurality of playback devices in the playback zone can each have their own built-in microphones and can be individually calibrated according to the description above. In one example, the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone may be determined based on a set of audio signals detected by respective microphones of two or more playback devices, and the audio processing algorithm corresponding to the acoustic characteristics is 2 It may be specified for each of two or more playback devices. Other examples are also possible.

  As described above, the present disclosure includes determining an audio processing algorithm that a playback device applies based on the acoustic characteristics of a particular playback zone that includes the playback device. In one aspect, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor and memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the computing device to perform functions. The function includes causing the playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal and receiving data indicating the second audio signal detected by the playback device microphone from the playback device. The second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal. The function further includes determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device, and transmitting data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm to the playback device.

  In another aspect, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor and memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the computing device to perform functions. The function allows the first playback device to play the first audio signal in the playback zone, causes the second playback device to play the second audio signal in the playback zone, and the microphone of the first playback device. Receiving data indicating the third audio signal detected by the first playback device. The third audio signal includes (i) a portion corresponding to the first audio signal and (ii) a portion corresponding to the second audio signal reproduced by the second reproduction device. In addition, this function determines an audio processing algorithm based on the third audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the first playback device, and transmits data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm to the first playback device. Including that.

  In another aspect, a playback device is provided. The playback device includes a processor, a microphone, and a memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the playback device to perform functions. This function includes detecting the second audio signal by the microphone while reproducing the first audio signal in the reproduction zone. The second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal. The function also determines an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device, and determines the determined audio processing algorithm when the media item is played in the playback zone. Application to audio data corresponding to.

  In another aspect, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor and memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the computing device to perform functions. The function includes causing a playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal and receiving data indicating the second audio signal detected by the microphone of the playback device. The second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device. In addition, the function determines the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone based on the characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device, determines the audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone, and the audio processing algorithm Storing an association with the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone in a database.

  In another aspect, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor and memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the computing device to perform functions. This function allows a playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal, and (i) data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone, and (ii) detected by the microphone of the playback device Receiving data indicative of the second audio signal. The second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device. The function also determines an audio processing algorithm based on the characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device, and determines the determined audio processing algorithm and at least one of the characteristics of the playback zone. Storing the association in a database.

  In another aspect, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor and memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the playback device to perform functions. This function includes maintaining a database of (i) multiple audio processing algorithms and (ii) multiple playback zone characteristics. Each audio processing algorithm of the plurality of audio processing algorithms corresponds to at least one reproduction zone characteristic of the plurality of reproduction zone characteristics. The function also receives data indicating one or more characteristics of the playback zone, specifies an audio processing algorithm in the database based on the data, and transmits data indicating the specified audio processing algorithm. including.

  Although some examples described herein refer to functions performed by any entity, such as a “user” and / or other entity, this should be understood to be for illustrative purposes only. is there. The claims should not be construed as requiring the operation of such exemplary subject matter unless explicitly required by the recitation of the claims themselves. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure includes other embodiments.

II. Exemplary Operating Environment FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a media playback system 100 that can be implemented or implemented with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. As shown, media playback system 100 is associated with an exemplary home environment having multiple rooms and spaces, eg, a master bedroom, an office, a dining room, and a living room. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the media playback system 100 includes playback devices 102-124, control devices 126 and 128, and a wired or wireless network router 130.

  In addition, descriptions of the different components of the exemplary media playback system 100 and how the different components work to provide a media experience to the user are described in the following sections. Although the description herein generally refers to the media playback system 100, the techniques described herein are not limited to the home environment application shown in FIG. For example, the techniques described herein can be used in environments where multi-zone audio is desired, such as commercial environments such as restaurants, malls, or airports, sports multipurpose vehicles (SUVs), buses or cars. Useful in environments such as vehicles, ships, boards, airplanes, etc.

a. Exemplary Playback Device FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary playback device 200 that constitutes one or more of the playback devices 102-124 of the media playback system 100 of FIG. The playback device 200 may include a processor 202, software component 204, memory 206, audio processing component 208, audio amplifier 210, speaker 212, microphone 220, and network interface 214. The network interface 214 includes a wireless interface 216 and a wired interface 218. In some cases, the playback device 200 does not include the speaker 212, but may include a speaker interface for connecting the playback device 200 to an external speaker. In other cases, the playback device 200 does not include the speaker 212 or the audio amplifier 210, but may include an audio interface for connecting the playback device 200 to an external audio amplifier or audiovisual receiver.

  In one example, the processor 202 may be a clocked computer component configured to process input data based on instructions stored in the memory 206. The memory 206 may be a non-transitory computer readable recording medium configured to store instructions executable by the processor 202. For example, the memory 206 may be a data storage that can load one or more of the software components 204 executable by the processor 202 to perform certain functions. In one example, the function may include the playback device 200 reading audio data from an audio source or another playback device. In another example, the functionality may include the playback device 200 sending audio data to another device on the network or to a playback device. In yet another example, the functionality may include pairing the playback device 200 with one or more playback devices to create a multi-channel audio environment.

  One feature includes the playback device 200 synchronizing the playback of audio content with one or more other playback devices. While synchronizing playback, it is preferred that the listener is unaware of the delay between playback of audio content by playback device 200 and playback by one or more other playback devices. US Pat. No. 8,234,395, entitled “System and Method for Synchronizing Operation Between Multiple Independent Clock Digital Data Processing Devices”, is incorporated herein by reference, which provides audio playback between playback devices. It provides a more detailed example where synchronization is stated.

  Further, the memory 206 may be configured to store data. The data may be, for example, a playback device 200, such as a playback device 200 included as part of one or more zones and / or zone groups, an audio source accessible by the playback device 200, or a playback device 200 (or other playback). Device) and a play queue that can be associated with the device. The data may be periodically updated and stored as one or more state variables that indicate the state of the playback device 200. The memory 206 may also include data associated with the status of other devices in the media system, which allows one or more devices to share the most recent data associated with the system from time to time. You may have. Other embodiments are possible.

  Audio processing component 208 includes, among other things, one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), audio processing components, audio enhancement components, and digital signal processors (DSPs). Also good. In some embodiments, one or more audio processing components 208 may be a subcomponent of processor 202. In some embodiments, audio content may be processed and / or deliberately modified by the audio processing component 208 to generate an audio signal. The generated audio signal is transmitted to the audio amplifier 210, amplified, and reproduced through the speaker 212. In particular, the audio amplifier 210 may include a device configured to amplify the audio signal to a level that can drive one or more speakers 212. The speaker 212 may comprise a complete speaker system including an independent transducer (eg, a “driver”) or a housing that contains one or more drivers. Some drivers provided in the speaker 212 may include, for example, a subwoofer (eg, for low frequency), a middle range driver (eg, for intermediate frequency), and / or a tweeter (for high frequency). In some cases, each transducer of one or more speakers 212 may be driven by a corresponding individual audio amplifier of audio amplifier 210. In addition to generating analog signals for playback on playback device 200, audio processing component 208 processes the audio content and transmits the audio content for playback by one or more other playback devices.

  Audio content that is processed and / or played by the playback device 200 is received via an external source, eg, an audio line-in input connection (eg, an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audio line-in connection) or the network interface 214. May be.

  The microphone 220 may include an audio sensor configured to convert the detected sound into an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be processed by audio processing component 208 and / or processor 202. The microphone 220 can be arranged in one or more orientations at one or more positions in the playback device 200. Microphone 220 may be configured to detect sound within one or more frequency ranges. In some cases, the one or more microphones 220 may be configured to detect sound within the frequency range of the audio that the playback device 200 is capable of or rendering. In another case, the one or more microphones 220 may be configured to detect sound within the human audible frequency range. Other examples are also possible.

  The network interface 214 may be configured to allow data flow between the playback device 200 and one or more other devices over a data network. In this way, the playback device 200 can receive data from one or more other playback devices that communicate with the playback device, a network device in a local area network, or an audio content source on a wide area network such as, for example, the Internet. May be configured to receive audio content over the network. In one example, audio content and other signals transmitted and received by playback device 200 may be transmitted in the form of a digital packet that includes a source address based on Internet Protocol (IP) and a destination address based on IP. In such a case, the network interface 214 can appropriately receive and process data addressed to the playback device 200 by analyzing the digital packet data.

  As shown, the network interface 214 may include a wireless interface 216 and a wired interface 218. The wireless interface 216 provides a network interface function for the playback device 200 and a communication protocol (eg, wireless standards IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G mobile Other devices (eg, other playback devices, speakers, receivers, network devices, control devices in the data network associated with playback device 200) based on any of the wireless standards (standards) including communication standards, etc. And wireless communication. The wired interface 218 may provide a network interface function for the playback device 200 and may communicate with other devices via a wired connection based on a communication protocol (eg, IEEE 802.3). Although the network interface 214 shown in FIG. 2 includes both a wireless interface 216 and a wired interface 218, the network interface 214 may include only a wireless interface or only a wired interface in some embodiments. Good.

  In one example, playback device 200 and another playback device may be paired to play two separate audio components of audio content. For example, playback device 200 may be configured to play a left channel audio component while other playback devices may be configured to play a right channel audio component. This can generate or enhance the stereo effect of the audio content. Paired playback devices (also referred to as “combined playback devices”) may further play audio content in synchronization with other playback devices.

  In another example, playback device 200 may be acoustically integrated with one or more other playback devices to form a single integrated playback device (integrated playback device). The integrated playback device can be configured to differ in sound processing and reproduction compared to non-integrated playback devices or paired playback devices. This is because the integrated playback device can add a speaker for playing back audio content. For example, if the playback device 200 is designed to play audio content in the low frequency range (eg, a subwoofer), the playback device 200 will play back designed to play audio content in the full frequency range. It may be integrated with the device. In this case, the playback device for the entire frequency range may be configured to play back only the medium and high frequency components of the audio content when integrated with the low frequency playback device 200. On the other hand, the low frequency range playback device 200 plays back the low frequency component of the audio content. Further, the integrated playback device may be paired with a single playback device or yet another integrated playback device.

  As an example, currently Sonos Incorporated includes “PLAY: 1”, “PLAY: 3”, “PLAY: 5”, “PLAYBAR”, “CONNECT: AMP”, “CONNECT”, and “SUB”. I sell devices. In any other past, present, and / or future playback devices, the playback devices of the embodiments disclosed herein may be additionally or alternatively implemented and used. Further, it is understood that the playback device is not limited to the specific example shown in FIG. 2 or the provided Sonoz product. For example, the playback device may include wired or wireless headphones. In another example, the playback device may include or interact with a docking station for a personal mobile media playback device. In yet another example, the playback device may be integrated with another device or component, such as a television, luminaire, or some other device for indoor or outdoor use.

b. Exemplary Playback Zone Configuration Returning to the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the environment has one or more playback zones, each playback zone including one or more playback devices. The media playback system 100 is formed by one or a plurality of playback zones, and one or a plurality of zones may be added or deleted later to form the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. Each zone may be given a name based on a different room or space, eg, office, bathroom, master bedroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, and / or balcony. In some cases, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In other cases, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the balcony, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, office, and bedroom zones has one playback device, while each of the living room and master bedroom zones has multiple playback devices. Have The living room zone is where the playback devices 104, 106, 108, and 110 are either as separate playback devices, as one or more combined playback devices, as one or more integrated playback devices, or any of these In such a combination, the audio content may be played back synchronously. Similarly, in the case of a master bedroom, playback devices 122 and 124 may be configured to play audio content synchronously as separate playback devices, as combined playback devices, or as an integrated playback device. .

  In one example, one or more playback zones in the environment of FIG. 1 are playing different audio content. For example, a user can listen to hip-hop music played by the playback device 102 while grilling in a balcony zone. On the other hand, another user can listen to classical music played by the playback device 114 while preparing a meal in the kitchen zone. In another example, the playback zone may play the same audio content in synchronization with another playback zone. For example, if the user is in the office zone, the playback device 118 in the office zone may play the same music that is played on the playback device 102 on the balcony. In such a case, since the playback devices 102 and 118 are playing the rock music synchronously, the user can seamlessly (or at least at least) play the audio content that is played out-of-loop even when moving between different playback zones. It can be enjoyed almost seamlessly). Synchronization between playback zones may be performed in a manner similar to synchronization between playback devices as described in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 8,234,395.

  As described above, the zone configuration of the media playback system 100 may change dynamically, and in some embodiments, the media playback system 100 supports multiple configurations. For example, if the user physically moves one or more playback devices to or from the zone, the media playback system 100 may be reconfigured to accommodate the change. For example, if the user physically moves playback device 102 from a balcony zone to an office zone, the office zone may include both playback device 118 and playback device 102. If desired, playback devices 102 may be paired or grouped into an office zone and / or renamed via a control device, eg, control devices 126 and 128. On the other hand, if one or more playback devices are moved to a certain area in a home environment where a playback zone has not yet been set, a new playback zone may be formed in that area.

  Furthermore, the different playback zones of the media playback system 100 may be dynamically combined into zone groups or may be divided into separate playback zones. For example, the dining room zone and the kitchen zone 114 are combined into a dinner party zone group so that the playback devices 112 and 114 can play back audio content in synchronization. On the other hand, if one user wants to watch television while another user wants to listen to music in the living room space, the living room zone includes a television zone that includes the playback device 104 and a listening zone that includes the playback devices 106, 108, and 110. And may be divided into

c. Exemplary Control Device FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary control device 300 that constitutes one or both of the control devices 126 and 128 of the media playback system 100. As shown, the control device 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, a network interface 306, a user interface 308, and a microphone 310. In an example, the control device 300 may be a control device dedicated to the media playback system 100. In another example, the control device 300 may be a network device installed with media playback system controller application software, such as iPhone®, iPad®, or any other smartphone, tablet or network device (eg, , A network computer such as a PC or Mac (registered trademark).

  The processor 302 may be configured to perform functions relating to enabling user access, control, and configuration of the media playback system 100. The memory 304 may be configured to store instructions executable by the processor 302 and perform those functions. The memory 304 may also be configured to store media playback system controller application software and other data associated with the media playback system 100 and the user.

  Microphone 310 may include an audio sensor configured to convert the detected sound into an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be processed by the processor 302. In some cases, where the control device 300 is a device that can also be used as a means for voice communication or voice recording, the one or more microphones 310 may be microphones that facilitate their functions. Good. For example, the one or more microphones 310 may be configured to detect sound within a human-generated frequency range and / or a human audible frequency range. Other examples are also possible.

  In one example, the network interface 306 may be an industry standard (eg, infrared, wireless, wired standards such as IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, etc. Wireless standards, 4G communication standards, etc.). In network interface 306, control device 300 may provide a means for communicating with other devices in media playback system 100. In certain examples, data and information (eg, state variables) may be communicated between the control device 300 and other devices via the network interface 306. For example, the configuration of playback zones and zone groups in the media playback system 100 may be received by the control device 300 from the playback device or another network device, or may be different by the control device 300 via the network interface 306. It may be sent to a playback device or network device. In some cases, the other network device may be another control device.

  Playback device control commands such as volume control and audio playback control may be communicated from the control device 300 to the playback device via the network interface 306. As described above, the configuration of the media playback system 100 can be changed by the user using the control device 300. Configuration changes may include adding one or more playback devices to a zone, removing one or more playback devices from a zone, adding one or more zones to a zone group, one or more Removing a zone from the zone group, forming a combined player or integrated player, dividing the combined player or integrated player into one or more playback devices, and the like. Thus, the control device 300 may be referred to as a controller, and the control device 300 may be a dedicated controller that has installed the media playback system controller application software or a network device.

  The user interface 308 of the control device 300 may be configured to allow user access and control of the media playback system 100 by providing a controller interface, such as the controller interface 400 shown in FIG. . The controller interface 400 includes a playback control area 410, a playback zone area 420, a playback status area 430, a playback queue area 440, and an audio content source area 450. The illustrated user interface 400 is merely one example of a user interface provided with a network device (and / or the control devices 126 and 128 of FIG. 1), such as the control device 300 of FIG. 3, for media playback by the user. It is accessed to control a media playback system such as system 100. Alternatively, various formats, styles, and interactive sequences may be implemented with other user interfaces on one or more network devices to provide similar control access to the media playback system.

  The playback control area 410 may include selectable icons (eg, by using a touch or a cursor). This icon allows playback devices in the selected playback zone or zone group to play or stop, fast forward, rewind, then skip, skip forward, shuffle mode on / off, repeat mode on / off, cross Turn fade mode on / off. The playback control area 410 may include another selectable icon. Another selectable icon may change other settings such as equalization settings, playback volume, and the like.

  The playback zone area 420 may include a display of playback zones within the media playback system 100. In some embodiments, a graphical display of the playback zone may be selectable. By moving additional selectable icons, playback zones within the media playback system can be managed or configured. For example, other management or configuration can be performed, such as creating a combined zone, creating a zone group, splitting a zone group, and renaming a zone group.

  For example, as shown, a “group” icon may be provided for each graphic display of the playback zone. A “group” icon in a graphical representation of a zone may be selectable to allow selection of one or more zones in the media playback system and the option to group with a zone. Once grouped, a playback device in a zone grouped with a zone is configured to play audio content in synchronization with the playback device in the zone. Similarly, a “group” icon may be provided in the graphic display of the zone group. In this case, the “Group” icon can be selected to give the option to deselect one or more zones in the zone group to remove one or more zones in the zone group from the zone group. There may be. Other interactions for grouping and ungrouping zones may be possible and implemented via a user interface, such as user interface 400. The display of the playback zone in the playback zone area 420 may be updated dynamically as the playback zone or zone group configuration is changed.

  The playback status area 430 provides a graphical representation of the currently played audio content, the previously played audio content, or the audio content scheduled to be played next in the selected playback zone or zone group. May be included. The selectable playback zones or playback groups may be visually distinguished on the user interface, for example, within playback zone area 420 and / or playback status area 430. The graphical display includes track title, artist name, album name, album year, track length, and other relevant information useful to the user when controlling the media playback system via the user interface 400. Also good.

  The playback queue area 440 may include a graphical representation of the audio content in the playback queue associated with the selected playback zone or zone group. In some embodiments, each playback zone or zone group may be associated with a playback queue that includes information corresponding to zero or more audio items played by the playback zone or playback group. For example, each audio item in the playback queue includes a UR (URI), a URL (URL), or other identifier that can be used by a playback device in a playback zone or zone group. May be. These allow audio items to be found and / or retrieved from a local audio content source or a network audio content source and played by a playback device.

  In one example, a playlist may be added to the playback queue. In this case, information corresponding to each audio item in the playlist may be added to the reproduction queue. In another example, audio items in the play queue may be saved as a playlist. In yet another example, when the playback device continues to play streaming audio content, e.g., an audio item that does not play continuously due to having a playback time, it continues to play continuously unless it stops. The play queue may be empty, or may be “unused” but filled. In another embodiment, the playback queue may include Internet radio and / or other streaming audio content items and be “unused” when a playback zone or zone group is playing those items. Can do. Other examples are possible.

  When a playback zone or zone group is “grouped” or “ungrouped”, the playback queue associated with the affected playback zone or zone group may be cleared or reassociated. May be. For example, if a first playback zone that includes a first playback queue is grouped with a second playback zone that includes a second playback queue, the formed zone group may have an associated playback queue. . The associated play queue is initially empty, or contains audio items from the first play queue (eg, when the second play zone is added to the first play zone), or (eg, the first play queue). When a zone is added to the second playback zone, it can include the audio items of the second playback queue, or combine the audio items of both the first and second playback queues. Thereafter, when the formed zone group is ungrouped, the ungrouped first playback zone may be re-associated with the previous first playback queue or may be associated with an empty new playback queue. Alternatively, it may be associated with a new play queue that includes the audio items of the play queue that were associated with the zone group before the zone group was ungrouped. Similarly, the ungrouped second playback zone may be re-associated with the previous second playback queue, may be associated with an empty new playback queue, or before the zone group is ungrouped. May be associated with a new play queue that includes an audio item of the play queue that was associated with the zone group.

  Returning to the user interface 400 of FIG. 4, the graphic display of the audio content in the play queue area 440 includes the track title, artist name, track length, and other related information associated with the audio content in the play queue. May be included. In one example, the graphical display of audio content can be moved by selecting additional selectable icons. Thereby, it is possible to manage and / or operate the reproduction queue and / or the audio content displayed in the reproduction queue. For example, the displayed audio content may be removed from the playback queue, moved to a different position in the playback queue, played immediately, or played after the currently playing audio content. Or other actions may be performed. A playback queue associated with a playback zone or zone group can be the memory of one or more playback devices in the playback zone or zone group, the memory of playback devices not in the playback zone or zone group, and / or other designations. It may be stored in the memory of the device.

  Audio content source area 450 may include a graphic representation of selectable audio content sources. In this audio content source, the audio content may be taken out and played back by the selected playback zone or zone group. Refer to the following sections for an explanation of audio content sources.

d. Exemplary Audio Content Source As previously illustrated, one or more playback devices in a zone or zone group may select multiple audio content to play (eg, based on the corresponding URI or URL of the audio content). May be configured to be retrieved from available audio content sources. In one example, audio content may be retrieved directly from a corresponding audio content source (eg, a line-in connection) by a playback device. In another example, the audio content may be provided to a playback device on the network via one or more other playback devices or network devices.

  Exemplary audio content sources may include the memory of one or more playback devices in the media playback system. As the media playback system, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, a local music library (for example, a control device, a network-compatible personal computer, or a network attached storage (NAS)) on one or more network devices, A streaming audio service that provides audio content over the Internet (eg, the cloud), or an audio source connected to a media playback system via a line-in input connection of a playback device or network device, and other possible systems. May be.

  In some embodiments, the audio content source may be periodically added to or removed from a media playback system, such as the media playback system 100 of FIG. In one example, an audio item may be indexed each time one or more audio content sources are added, removed, or updated. Audio item indexing may include scanning identifiable audio items in all folders / directories shared on the network. Here, the network is accessible by a playback device in the media playback system. Also, audio item indexing may include creating or updating an audio content database that includes metadata (eg, title, artist, album, track length, etc.) and other related information. Good. Other relevant information may include, for example, a URI or URL for finding each identifiable audio item. Other examples for managing and maintaining audio content sources are possible.

  The above description of playback devices, control devices, playback zone configurations, and media content sources provides only some example operating environments in which the functions and methods described below can be implemented. The present invention is applicable to other operating environments and configurations of media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not explicitly mentioned herein, and to implement the functions and methods. Is suitable.

III. Maintaining a Database of Signal Processing Algorithms As noted above, some examples described herein relate to maintaining a database of audio processing algorithms. In some cases, database maintenance may further include creating and / or updating an audio processing algorithm entry for the database. Each of the audio processing algorithms in the database can correspond to one or more characteristics of the playback zone. In certain examples, the one or more characteristics of the playback zone may include the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. The following description relates generally to determining an audio processing algorithm that is stored as an entry in a database. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that similar functions may be performed to update existing entries in the database. The audio processing algorithm that the playback device applies when accessing the database to play audio content in a particular playback zone can be identified.

a. Exemplary Database of Audio Processing Algorithms and Corresponding Acoustic Characteristics of Playback Zone FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method 500 for maintaining a database of audio processing algorithms and playback zone acoustic characteristics. As described above, maintaining a database of audio processing algorithms may include determining an audio processing algorithm stored in the database. The method 500 shown in FIG. 5 is implemented within an operating environment including, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the one or more playback devices 200 of FIG. 2, and the one or more control devices 300 of FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a method that can be performed. In certain examples, the method 500 may be performed by a computing device that communicates with a media playback system, such as the media playback system 100. In another example, some or all of the functions of method 500 may alternatively be one or more servers, such as one or more servers, one or more playback devices, and / or one or more controller devices. It may be executed by multiple other computing devices.

  Method 500 may include one or more operations, functions, or operations, as configured by one or more of blocks 502-510. Although the blocks are each shown in order, these blocks may be performed in parallel and / or in a different order than the order described herein. Further, the number of blocks may be reduced, the number of blocks may be increased, and / or may be removed depending on the desired implementation. Further, the flowcharts illustrate examples of functions and operations that may be performed by the present embodiments with respect to method 500 and other processes and methods disclosed herein. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of program code that stores one or more instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a particular logical function or step in the process to be performed. . The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable recording medium, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive.

  Computer-readable recording media include non-transitory computer-readable recording media, such as computer-readable media that store data for a short time, such as register memory, processor cache, and random access memory (RAM). But you can. Computer readable media can be stored for long periods of time such as non-transitory media such as read only memory (ROM), optical disk, magnetic disk, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Secondary storage or permanent storage may be included. The computer readable medium may be any other volatile storage system or non-volatile storage system. A computer readable medium may be considered, for example, a computer readable recording medium, ie, a tangible storage device. Also, in method 500 and other processes and methods disclosed herein, each block may represent a circuit, which is wired to perform certain logic functions in the process.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 causes a computing device to cause a playback device in a playback zone to play a first audio signal (block 502) and a second audio detected by the playback device microphone. Data indicative of the signal is received (block 504), the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone are determined based on the characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device (block 506), and audio processing is performed based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. An algorithm is determined (block 508) and an association between the audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone is stored in a database (block 510).

  As described above, the database can be accessed to identify the audio processing algorithm that the playback device applies when playing the audio content in the playback zone. Thus, in one example, the method 500 is performed for a variety of different playback zones to build a database of audio processing algorithms corresponding to a variety of different playback environments.

  The method 500 includes, at block 502, causing a playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal. The playback device may be a playback device similar to the playback device 200 shown in FIG. In some cases, the computing device may cause the playback device to play the first audio signal by sending a command to play the first audio signal. In another case, the computing device may provide the playback device with a first audio signal to be played.

  In one example, the first audio signal may be used to determine the acoustic response of the playback zone. Thus, the first audio signal may be a test signal or a measurement signal that represents audio content that can be played by the playback device during normal use by the user. Thus, the first audio signal may include audio content having a frequency that substantially covers the renderable frequency range of the playback device or the human audible frequency range.

  In one example, the playback zone may be a playback zone that represents one of multiple playback environments in which the playback device can play audio content during normal use by the user. Referring to FIG. 1, a playback zone can represent any one of different rooms and zone groups in the media playback system 100. For example, the playback zone may represent a dining room.

  In one example, the playback zone may be a model playback zone that is constructed to simulate a listening environment in which a playback device can play audio content. In one example, the playback zone may be one of a plurality of playback zones constructed to simulate a plurality of playback environments. Multiple playback zones may be constructed for the purpose of creating a database of such audio processing algorithms. In such cases, the specific characteristics of the regeneration zone may be predetermined and / or known. For example, among other possibilities, the dimensions of the playback zone, the flooring or wall material of the playback zone (or other features that may affect the audio reflection characteristics of the playback zone), the furniture in the playback zone The number, or the size and type of furniture in the regeneration zone, may be predetermined and / or known reproduction zone characteristics.

  In another case, the playback zone may be a room in the home of the user of the playback device. For example, as part of building a database, a user of a playback device, such as a customer and / or tester, is required to perform the functions of method 500 to build the database using the user's playback device. Sometimes. In some cases, certain characteristics of the user playback zone may be unknown. In some other cases, some or all of the specific characteristics of the user playback zone may be provided by the user. The database created by performing the functions of method 500 may include entries based on simulated playback zones and / or user playback zones.

  Block 502 includes a computing device that causes the playback device to play the first audio signal. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the playback of the first audio signal by the playback device may not necessarily be triggered or initiated by the computing device. For example, the controller device may send a command to the playback device to cause the playback device to play the first audio signal. In another example, the playback device may play the first audio signal without receiving a command from the computing device or controller. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 500 includes, at block 504, receiving data indicative of a second audio signal detected by a playback device microphone. As described above, the playback device may be a playback device similar to the playback device 200 shown in FIG. Therefore, the microphone may be the microphone 220. In certain examples, the computing device may receive data from the playback device. In another example, the computing device may receive data via other playback devices, controller devices, or other servers.

  When the playback device is playing the first audio signal or shortly thereafter, the microphone of the playback device may detect the second audio signal. The second audio signal may include a detectable audio signal present in the playback zone. For example, the second audio signal may include a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device.

  In one example, when the microphone detects the second audio signal, the computing device may receive data indicative of the detected second audio signal from the playback device as a media stream. In another example, the computing device may receive data indicative of the second audio signal from the playback device upon completion of detection of the first audio signal by the microphone of the playback device. In any case, the playback device processes the detected second audio signal (via an audio processing component such as the audio processing component 208 of the playback device 200) to produce data indicative of the second audio signal. May be generated and transmitted to the computing device. In certain examples, generating data indicative of the second audio signal may include converting the second audio signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 500 includes, at block 506, determining an acoustic characteristic of the playback zone based on the second audio signal and the characteristics of the playback device. As described above, the second audio signal may include a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device in the reproduction zone.

  The characteristics of the playback device may include one or more of the acoustic characteristics of the playback device, the specifications of the playback device (ie, the number of transducers, frequency range, amplifier wattage, etc.), and the model of the playback device. In some cases, the acoustic characteristics of the playback device and / or the specifications of the playback device may be associated with a model of the playback device. For example, a particular model of a playback device may have substantially the same specifications and acoustic characteristics. In one example, a playback device model database, playback device model acoustic characteristics, and / or playback device model specifications may be maintained on the computing device or other devices in communication with the computing device.

In one example, the acoustic response from a playback device that plays the first audio signal within the playback zone can be represented by a relationship between the first audio signal and the second audio signal. Mathematically, the first audio signal is f (t), the second audio signal is s (t), and the acoustic response of the playback device that plays the first audio signal in the playback zone is h _{In the case of r} (t), the following formula (1) is obtained.

そのため、再生デバイスのマイクロホンによって検出される第２のオーディオ信号ｓ（ｔ）及び再生デバイスによって再生された第１の信号ｆ（ｔ）が与えられると、ｈ_ｒ（ｔ）を計算することができる。

Therefore, given the second audio signal s (t) detected by the microphone of the playback device and the first signal f (t) played back by the playback device, h _r (t) can be calculated. .

In some cases, the acoustic response h _r (t) is independent of (i) the acoustic characteristics of the playback device and (ii) the playback device because the first audio signal f (t) is played by the playback device. The acoustic characteristics of the playback zone may be included. Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as the following equation (2).

ここで、ｈ_ｐ（ｔ）は、再生デバイスの音響特性であり、ｈ_ｒｏｏｍ（ｔ）は、再生デバイスとは独立した再生ゾーンの音響特性である。そのため、再生デバイスとは独立した再生ゾーンの音響特性は、再生ゾーンの音響応答から再生デバイスによって再生された第１のオーディオ信号へと再生デバイスの音響特性を除去することによって決定されうる。換言すれば、下記式（３）になる。

Here, h _p (t) is the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction device, and h _room (t) is the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone independent of the reproduction device. Thus, the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone independent of the playback device can be determined by removing the acoustic characteristics of the playback device from the acoustic response of the playback zone to the first audio signal played by the playback device. In other words, the following expression (3) is obtained.

In one example, the acoustic characteristic h _p (t) of the playback device is obtained by arranging a playback device or a representative playback device of the same model in an anechoic chamber, and causing the playback device to play back a measurement signal in the anechoic chamber. It can be determined by detecting the response signal with the microphone of the device. The measurement signal reproduced by the reproduction device in the anechoic chamber may be similar to the first audio signal f (t) described above. For example, the measurement signal may include audio content having a frequency that substantially covers the renderable frequency range of the playback device or the human audible frequency range.

The acoustic characteristic h _p (t) of the playback device can represent the relationship between the reproduced measurement signal and the detected response signal. For example, when the measurement signal has a first signal magnitude at a particular frequency and the detected response signal has a second signal magnitude different from the first signal magnitude at that particular frequency. , the playback device acoustic characteristics h _{p (t)} may indicate the amplification or attenuation of the signal at a particular frequency.

Mathematically, when the measurement signal is x (t), the detected response signal is y (t), and the acoustic characteristic of the playback device in the anechoic chamber is h _p (t), the following equation (4) )become.

したがって、ｈ_ｐ（ｔ）は、測定信号ｘ（ｔ）及び検出された応答信号ｙ（ｔ）に基づいて計算されうる。上述したように、ｈ_ｐ（ｔ）は、無響室において使用されたものと同一のモデルの再生デバイスについての代表的な音響特性であってもよい。

Thus, h _p (t) can be calculated based on the measurement signal x (t) and the detected response signal y (t). As described above, h _p (t) may be a representative acoustic characteristic for a playback device of the same model used in an anechoic room.

In one example, as described above, the reference acoustic characteristic h _P (t) may be stored in association with a playback device model and / or playback device specification. In certain examples, h _P (t) may be stored on the computing device. In another example, _hp (t) may be stored on the playback device and other playback devices of the same model. In a further case, the reciprocal of h _p (t) expressed as h _p ⁻¹ (t) may be stored instead of h _p (t).

Thus, referring back to block 506, the acoustic characteristic h _room (t) of the playback zone is the first audio signal f (t), the second audio signal s (t), and the acoustic characteristic h _{p of the} playback device. It can be determined based on (t). In one example, the reciprocal h _p ⁻¹ (t) of the acoustic characteristics of the playback device can be applied to equation (2). In other words, the following expression (5) is obtained.

Here, I (t) is an impulse signal. Then, the acoustic characteristic h _room (t) of the reproduction zone time can be simplified as the following formula (6).

  The method 500 includes, at block 506, determining an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and the predetermined audio signal. In one example, when the audio processing algorithm is determined and the first audio signal is played in the playback zone, the application of the determined audio processing algorithm by the playback device results in an audio characteristic that is substantially the same as the predetermined audio characteristic. Or a third audio signal having at least some predetermined audio characteristics may be generated.

  In one example, the predetermined audio characteristic may be an audio frequency equalization that is considered good sounding. In some cases, the predetermined audio characteristics may include equalization that is substantially equal across the renderable frequency range of the playback device. In other cases, the predetermined audio characteristics may include equalization that may be comfortable for a typical listener. In a further case, the predetermined audio characteristic may include a frequency response that may be suitable for a particular music genre.

  In any case, the computing device can determine an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics and the predetermined audio characteristics. In one example, the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone are such that a particular audio frequency is attenuated more than other frequencies, and the predetermined audio characteristic is equalized with a particular audio frequency attenuated to a minimum. If included, the corresponding audio processing algorithm may include enhanced amplification at a particular audio frequency.

If the predetermined audio characteristic is represented by a predetermined audio signal z (t) and the audio processing algorithm is represented by p (t), the predetermined audio signal z (t), the audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristic h of the reproduction zone The relationship with _room (t) can be mathematically described as in equation (7) below.

  Therefore, the audio processing algorithm p (t) can be mathematically described as the following equation (8).

  In some cases, determining the audio processing algorithm may include determining one or more parameters for the audio processing algorithm (ie, a coefficient for p (t)). For example, the audio processing algorithm may include a specific signal amplification gain at a specific corresponding frequency of the audio signal. Thus, a parameter indicative of a particular signal amplification and / or a particular corresponding frequency of the audio signal may be specified to determine the audio processing algorithm p (t).

The method 500 includes, at block 510, storing an association between the audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone in a database. Therefore, an entry including the acoustic characteristic h _room (t) of the reproduction zone determined in blocks 504 and 506 and the corresponding audio processing algorithm p (t) may be added to the database. In one example, the database may be stored in local memory storage of the computing device. In another example, if the database is stored on another device, the computing device may send the audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone to the other device for storage in the database. . Other examples are also possible.

  As described above, the playback zone for which the audio processing algorithm has been determined is the model playback zone used to simulate a listening environment in which the playback device can play audio content, or the user's room of the playback device. There may be. In some cases, the database is based on audio signals that are played and detected in the user's room of the playback device, along with entries generated based on the audio signals that are played and detected in the model playback zone. The generated entry may be included.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary portion of the audio processing algorithm database 600, and the audio processing algorithm p (t) determined in the above description is stored in the database 600. As shown, a portion of database 600 may include a plurality of entries 602-608. The entry 602 may include a reproduction zone acoustic characteristic h _room ⁻¹ (t) −1. The acoustic characteristic h _room ^-1 (t) -1 is a mathematical representation of the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone as calculated based on the audio signal detected by the reproduction device and the characteristic of the reproduction device as described above. May be. As described above, the audio processing algorithm corresponding to the acoustic characteristic h _room ^-1 (t) -1 in the entry 602 is determined based on the acoustic characteristic h _room ^-1 (t) -1 and a predetermined audio characteristic. May be coefficients w ₁ , x ₁ , y ₁ and z ₁ .

As further shown, entry 604 of database 600 may include playback zone acoustic characteristics h _room ^-1 (t) -2 and processing algorithm coefficients w ₂ , x ₂ , y _2, and z ₂ . The entry 606 of the database 600 may include a playback zone acoustic characteristic h _room ^-1 (t) -3 and processing algorithm coefficients w ₃ , x ₃ , y ₃ and z ₃ . The entry 608 of the database 600 may include a playback zone acoustic characteristic h _room ^-1 (t) -4 and processing algorithm coefficients w ₄ , x ₄ , y ₄ and z ₄ .

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that database 600 is just one example of a database that can be created and maintained by performing the functions of method 500. In certain examples, playback zone acoustic characteristics may be stored in different forms or mathematical states (ie, inverted vs. non-inverted functions). In another example, the audio processing algorithm may be stored as a function and / or an equalization function. Other examples are also possible.

In one example, some of the functions described above are performed multiple times for the same playback device in the same playback zone to determine the playback zone acoustic characteristic h _room (t) and the corresponding processing algorithm p (t). sell. For example, multiple acoustic characteristics of the playback zone can be determined by executing blocks 502-506 multiple times. The combined (ie, average) acoustic characteristics of the playback zone may be determined from a plurality of acoustic characteristics, and the corresponding processing algorithm p (t) may be determined based on the combined acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. Then, the association between the corresponding processing algorithm p (t) and the acoustic characteristic h _room (t) or h _room ⁻¹ (t) of the reproduction zone may be stored in the database. In some cases, the first audio signal played by the playback device in the playback zone may be substantially the same audio signal in each of the function iterations. In some other cases, the first audio signal played by the playback device in the playback zone may be a different audio signal for some or each of the function repetitions. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 500 described above (or some variations of the method 500) may be further performed to generate other entries in the database. For example, given that the playback device is the first playback device, the playback zone is the first playback zone, and the audio processing algorithm is the first audio processing algorithm, the method 500 may additionally or alternatively In particular, it may be performed using a second playback device in the second playback zone. In an example, the second playback device can play a fourth audio signal in the second playback zone, and the second playback device microphone is played back by the second playback device. A fifth audio signal including a part of the audio signal can be detected. The computing device can then receive data indicative of the fifth audio signal and determine the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone based on the characteristics of the fifth audio signal and the second playback device. .

  The computing device can determine a second audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone. Here, when the fourth audio signal is reproduced in the reproduction zone, the sixth audio signal is generated by application of the determined second audio processing algorithm by the second reproduction device. The sixth audio signal has substantially the same audio characteristic as the predetermined audio characteristic represented by the predetermined audio signal z (t) shown in equations (7) and (8). The computing device can then store an association between the second audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone in the database.

  Although many playback zones may be similar in size, construction material, and / or furniture type and arrangement, it is unlikely that the two playback zones will have exactly the same playback zone acoustic characteristics. As such, storing individual entries for each unique playback zone acoustic characteristic and their respective corresponding audio processing algorithms may require an unrealistic amount of memory storage, rather, similar or substantive It is better to combine entries for the same playback zone acoustic characteristics.

  In some cases, the acoustic characteristics of the two playback zones may be similar when the two playback zones are substantially similar rooms. In other cases, the computing device may perform the method 500 for the same playback device multiple times in the same playback zone, as suggested above. In further cases, the computing device may perform the method 500 for different playback devices in the same playback zone. In yet other cases, the computing device may perform the method 500 for a playback device in the same playback zone but elsewhere in the playback zone. Other examples are also possible.

  In any case, in the process of generating the playback zone acoustic characteristics and corresponding audio processing algorithm entries, the computing device determines that the two playback zones have substantially the same playback zone acoustic characteristics. Also good. The computing device may then determine a third audio processing algorithm based on the first audio processing algorithm and the second audio processing algorithm in response. For example, the computing device may determine the third audio processing algorithm by averaging the parameters of the first and second audio processing algorithms.

  The computing device may then store an association between the third audio processing algorithm and substantially the same acoustic characteristics in the database. In one example, the database entry for the third audio processing algorithm may have a corresponding acoustic characteristic determined based on an average value of two substantially identical acoustic characteristics. In some cases, as suggested above, the database may have only one entry for substantially the same acoustic characteristics for the purpose of saving storage memory. For this reason, the entry for the third audio processing algorithm may be given priority, and the entries for the acoustic characteristics of the first reproduction zone and the second reproduction zone may be discarded. Other examples are also possible.

  Although the above description generally refers to the method 500 as being performed by a computing device, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functionality of the method 500 may alternatively include one or more It will be appreciated that it may be performed by one or more other devices, such as a server, one or more playback devices, and / or one or more controller devices. In other words, one or more of the blocks 502-510 may be executed by a computing device, while one or more of the other blocks 502-510 are one or more. May be executed by other computing devices.

  In one example, as described above, playback of the first audio signal by the playback device in block 502 may be performed by the playback device without any external command. Alternatively, the playback device may play the first audio signal in response to a command from the controller device and / or another playback device. In another example, blocks 502-506 may be performed by one or more playback devices or one or more controller devices, and a computing device may perform blocks 508 and 510. In yet another example, blocks 502-508 may be performed by one or more playback devices or one or more controller devices, and the computing device has the ability to store audio processing algorithms at block 510. It may just be executed. Other examples are also possible.

b. Exemplary Database of Audio Processing Algorithms and Corresponding One or More Characteristics of Playback Zones As indicated above, a playback zone may have one or more playback zone characteristics. The one or more playback zone characteristics may include the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone, as described above. Also, one or more characteristics of the playback zone include: (a) the size of the playback zone, (b) the audio reflection characteristics of the playback zone, (c) the intended use of the playback zone, and (d) the number of furniture in the playback zone. , (E) the size of the furniture in the regeneration zone, and (f) one or more of the types of furniture in the regeneration zone. In some cases, the audio reflection characteristics of the playback zone may be related to the flooring and / or wall material of the playback zone.

  In some examples, an association of the determined audio processing algorithm, such as p (t) described above, with the additional one or more characteristics of the playback zone may be stored in a database. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method 700 for maintaining a database of one or more characteristics of audio processing algorithms and playback zones. The method 700 shown in FIG. 7 is implemented in an operating environment including, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the one or more playback devices 200 of FIG. 2, and the one or more control devices 300 of FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a method that can be performed. In one example, method 700 may be performed by a computing device that communicates with a media playback system, such as media playback system 100. Alternatively, in another example, some or all of the functions of the method 700 may be one of one or more servers, one or more playback devices, and / or one or more controller devices. Or it may be executed by several other computing devices.

  Method 700 may include one or more operations, functions, or operations as indicated by one or more of blocks 702-708. Although the blocks are shown in order, these blocks may be executed in parallel and / or in a different order than that described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into further blocks, and / or removed based on the desired implementation.

  As shown in FIG. 7, method 700 includes causing a playback device in a playback zone to play a first audio signal (block 702), (i) data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone, and ( ii) receiving data indicative of a second audio signal detected by the microphone of the playback device (block 704); determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and characteristics of the playback device (block 706); ) Storing an association between the determined audio processing algorithm and at least one of the one or more characteristics of the playback zone in a database (block 708).

  The method 700 causes the computing device to cause the playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal at block 702. In one example, block 702 may include the same or substantially the same function as that of block 502 described in connection with FIG. For example, the first audio signal may include audio content having a frequency that substantially covers the renderable frequency range of the playback device or the human audible frequency range. As such, the above description relating to block 502 can be applied to block 702.

  The method 700 includes, at block 704, receiving (i) data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone and (ii) data indicative of a second audio signal detected by the microphone of the playback device. . In one example, block 704 may include the same or substantially the same functionality as that of block 504 described in connection with FIG. For example, the second audio signal may include a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device. As such, the above description relating to block 504 can be applied to block 704.

  In addition to those described above in connection with block 504, block 704 includes receiving data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone. As described above, the playback zone may be a model playback zone used to simulate a listening environment in which a playback device can play audio content. In such cases, some of the one or more playback zone characteristics for the playback zone may be known. For example, dimensions, floor plans, construction materials, and furniture for the regeneration zone may be known. In some cases, the model playback zone may be constructed for the purpose of determining an audio processing algorithm for the database, in which case one or more of the playback zone characteristics may be predetermined. Good. In another case, the playback zone may be the room of the user of the playback device. As described above, such reproduction zone characteristics can contribute to the acoustic characteristics of the reproduction zone.

  In one example, the computing device may receive data indicative of one or more playback zone characteristics via a controller interface of a controller device used by a user or acoustic engineer. In another example, the computing device may receive data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone from playback devices in the playback zone. For example, data indicative of one or more characteristics may be received along with data indicative of the second audio signal. Data indicative of one or more playback zone characteristics may be received before, during or after playback of the first audio signal by the playback device at block 702. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 700 includes, at block 706, determining an audio processing algorithm based on the characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device. In some examples, block 706 may include the same or similar functionality as described above in blocks 506 and 508 of FIG. For example, determining the audio processing algorithm may determine the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone based on the characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device, and then determine the audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone May include. The characteristics of the playback device may include one or more of the acoustic characteristics of the playback device, the specifications of the playback device, and the model of the playback device, as described above.

  As described above, the third audio signal can be generated by applying the determined audio processing algorithm by the playback device when playing back the first audio signal in the playback zone. The third audio signal has substantially the same audio characteristics as the predetermined audio characteristics, or has at least some predetermined audio characteristics. In some cases, the predetermined audio characteristic may be the same or substantially the same as the predetermined audio characteristic represented as the predetermined audio signal p (t) described above. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 800 includes, at block 708, storing an association between the determined audio processing algorithm and at least one of the one or more characteristics of the playback zone in a database. In one example, block 708 may include the same or similar functionality as described above in block 501. In this case, however, the computing device may store an association of the audio processing algorithm and at least one of the one or more characteristics in the database in addition to or instead of the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. .

  As described above, the playback zone for which the audio processing algorithm has been determined is the model playback zone used to simulate a listening environment in which the playback device can play audio content, or the user's room of the playback device. There may be. In some cases, the database is based on audio signals that are played and detected in the user's room of the playback device, along with entries generated based on the audio signals that are played and detected in the model playback zone. The generated entry may be included.

  FIG. 6B shows an exemplary portion of a database 650 of audio processing algorithms. The database 650 stores the audio processing algorithm determined in the above description and the association between the audio processing algorithm and the reproduction zone acoustic characteristics. As shown, a portion of database 650 may include a plurality of entries 652-658 similar to entries 6002-608 of database 600. For example, entries 652 and 602 may have the same playback zone acoustic characteristics and the same audio processing algorithm coefficients. Entries 654 and 604 may have the same playback zone acoustic characteristics and the same audio processing algorithm coefficients. Entries 656 and 606 may have the same playback zone acoustic characteristics and the same audio processing algorithm coefficients. Entries 658 and 608 may have the same playback zone acoustic characteristics and the same audio processing algorithm coefficients.

In addition to the playback zone acoustic characteristics, the database 650 may include zone size information indicating the dimensions of the playback zone having the corresponding playback zone acoustic characteristics and an audio processing algorithm determined based on the corresponding playback zone acoustic characteristics. For example, as shown, entry 652 may have a zone size of a ₁ × b ₁ × c ₁ and entry 654 may have a zone size of a ₂ × b ₂ × c _2. , Entry 656 may have a zone size of a ₃ × b ₃ × c ₃ and entry 654 may have a zone size of a ₄ × b ₄ × c ₄ . Thus, in this example, the one or more characteristics stored in association with the determined audio processing algorithm include the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and the dimensions of the playback zone. Other examples are also possible.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that database 650 is just one example of a database that can be created and maintained by performing the functions of method 700. In certain examples, playback zone acoustic characteristics may be stored in different forms or mathematical states (ie, inverted vs. non-inverted functions). In another example, the audio processing algorithm may be stored as a function and / or an equalization function. In yet another example, the database 650 may include only zone dimensions and corresponding audio processing algorithms, and may not include the corresponding acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. Other examples are also possible.

  Similar to method 500, method 700 described above (or some variations of method 700) may also be performed to generate other entries in the database. For example, given that the playback device is the first playback device, the playback zone is the first playback zone, and the audio processing algorithm is the first audio processing algorithm, the method 600 may additionally or alternatively In particular, it may be performed using the second playback device in the second playback zone. In an example, the second playback device can play a fourth audio signal in the second playback zone, and the second playback device microphone is played back by the second playback device. A fifth audio signal including a part of the audio signal can be detected. The computing device then detects (i) data indicative of one or more characteristics of the second playback zone and (ii) a fifth playback device detected by the microphone of the second playback device in the second playback zone. Data indicating an audio signal may be received.

  The computing device may then determine the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone based on the fifth audio signal and the characteristics of the second playback device. The computing device may determine a second audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone. Here, when the fourth audio signal is reproduced in the reproduction zone, the sixth audio signal is generated by application of the determined second audio processing algorithm by the second reproduction device. The sixth audio signal has substantially the same audio characteristic as the predetermined audio characteristic represented by the predetermined audio signal z (t) shown in equations (7) and (8). The computing device may then store an association between the second audio processing algorithm and at least one of the one or more characteristics of the second playback zone in the database.

  Similar to that described above with respect to method 500, in the process of generating entries for the database, the computing device determines that the two playback zones have similar or substantially identical playback zone acoustic characteristics. May be. Thus, as described above, the computing device can synthesize (ie, average) the playback zone acoustic characteristics and the determined audio processing algorithm corresponding to the playback zone acoustic characteristics as one entry in the database. The synthesized playback zone acoustic characteristics and the synthesized audio processing algorithm may be stored. Other examples are also possible.

  As with method 500, the above description generally refers to method 700 as being performed by a computing device; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functionality of method 700 is alternatively one It will also be appreciated that may be performed by one or more other computing devices, such as multiple servers, one or more playback devices, and / or one or more controller devices. In other words, one or more of blocks 702-708 may be executed by a computing device, while one or more other blocks of blocks 702-708 may be one or more. May be executed by other computing devices. Other computing devices may include one or more playback devices, one or more controller devices, and / or one or more servers.

  In one example, as described above, playback of the first audio signal by the playback device at block 702 may be performed by the playback device without any external command. Alternatively, the playback device may play the first audio signal in response to a command from the controller device and / or another playback device. In another example, blocks 702-706 may be performed by one or more playback devices or one or more controller devices, and the computing device may perform block 708. Other examples are also possible.

IV. Calibration of Playback Device Based on Playback Zone Characteristics As described above, some examples described herein include calibration of a playback device for a playback zone. In some cases, calibration of the playback device may include determining an audio processing algorithm that the playback device applies when playing audio content in the playback zone.

  FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary playback environment 800 in which a playback device can be calibrated. As shown, the playback environment 800 includes a computing device 802, playback devices 804 and 806, a controller device 808, and a playback zone 810. The playback devices 804 and 806 may be similar to the playback device 200 shown in FIG. Therefore, each of the playback devices 804 and 806 may have a microphone such as the microphone 220. In some cases, only one of the playback devices 804 and 806 may have a microphone.

  In one example, playback devices 804 and 806 can be part of a media playback system that synchronizes audio content, such as that shown and described above in connection with media playback system 100 of FIG. It can be configured to play. In some cases, playback devices 804 and 806 may be grouped together to play audio content synchronously within playback zone 810. Referring back to FIG. 1, the playback zone 810 may be any one or more of different rooms and zone groups in the media playback system 100. For example, the reproduction zone 810 may be a main bedroom. In such a case, playback devices 804 and 806 may correspond to playback devices 122 and 124, respectively.

  In one example, controller device 808 may be a device that can be used to control a media playback system. In some cases, controller device 808 may be similar to control device 300 of FIG. Although the controller device 808 of FIG. 8 is shown as being within the playback zone 810, the controller device 808 may be external to the playback zone 810, or may be a playback device 804, playback device 806, And / or move in and out of the playback zone 810 while communicating with other devices in the media playback system.

  In one example, computing device 802 may be a server that communicates with a media playback system. The computing device 802 may be configured to maintain a database of information related to the media playback system (such as registration numbers associated with playback devices 804 and 806). The computing device 802 may also be configured to maintain a database of audio processing algorithms as described in the previous section. Other examples are also possible.

  Methods 900, 1000 and 1100 provide functions that can be performed for calibration of playback devices in playback zones, such as playback devices 804 and 806 in playback zone 810, as described below.

a. First Exemplary Method for Determining Audio Processing Algorithm Based on Detected Audio Signal FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method 900 for determining an audio processing algorithm based on one or more playback zone characteristics. Is shown. The method 900 shown in FIG. 9 includes, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the one or more playback devices 200 of FIG. 2, the one or more control devices 300 of FIG. 3, and the playback environment 800 of FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a method that can be implemented within an operating environment including: In one example, method 900 can be performed by a computing device in communication with a media playback system. Alternatively, in another example, some or all of the functionality of the method 900 may include one or more servers associated with one or more servers, one or more playback devices, and / or media playback systems. It may be executed by one or more other computing devices, such as a controller device.

  Method 900 may include one or more operations, functions, or operations as indicated by one or more of blocks 902-908. Although the blocks are shown in order, these blocks may be executed in parallel and / or in a different order than that described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into further blocks, and / or removed based on the desired implementation.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the method 900 causes the playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal (block 902), data indicating the second audio signal detected by the playback device microphone. Receiving from the playback device (block 904), determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device (block 906), and data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm to the playback device; Transmitting (block 908).

  The method 900 includes, at block 902, causing a playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal. Referring to FIG. 8, the playback device may be playback device 804, and the playback zone may be playback zone 810. Therefore, the playback device may be a playback device similar to the playback device 200 shown in FIG.

  In one example, the computing device 802 may determine that the playback device 804 should be calibrated for the playback zone 810 and in response to the first audio signal to the playback device 804 in the playback zone 810. May be played. In some cases, the computing device 802 may determine that the playback device 804 should be calibrated based on an input received from the user indicating that the playback device 804 should be calibrated. . In certain examples, the input may be received from a user via controller device 808. In another case, the computing device 802 determines that the playback device 804 should be calibrated because the playback device 804 is a new playback device or has newly moved to the playback zone 810. May be. In further cases, calibration of the playback device 804 (or any other playback device in the media playback system) may be performed periodically. As such, the computing device 802 may determine that the playback device 804 should be calibrated based on the calibration schedule of the playback device 804. Other examples are also possible. In response to determining that playback device 804 should be calibrated, computing device 802 may then cause playback device 804 to play the first audio signal.

  Block 902 includes the computing device 802 causing the playback device 804 to play the first audio signal, although those of ordinary skill in the art will not necessarily cause the playback of the first audio signal by the playback device 804 by the computing device 802. It will be understood that it may or may not be initiated. For example, the controller device 808 may send a command to the playback device 804 to cause the playback device 804 to play the first audio signal. In another example, the playback device 806 may cause the playback device 804 to play the first audio signal. In a further example, playback device 804 may play the first audio signal without receiving a command from computing device 802, playback device 806, or controller device 808. In one example, the playback device 804 may determine that calibration should be performed based on movement of the playback device 804 or a change in the playback zone of the playback device 804, and in response, the first The audio signal may be reproduced. Other examples are also possible.

  As suggested, the first audio signal may be a test signal or a measurement signal for calibrating the playback device 804 for the playback zone 810. Thus, the first audio signal may represent audio content that can be played by the playback device during normal use by the user. Thus, the first audio signal may include audio content having a frequency that substantially covers the renderable frequency range of the playback device or the human audible frequency range. In another example, the first audio signal may be a favorite or generally played audio track of the user of the playback device.

  The method 900 includes, at block 904, receiving from the playback device a second audio signal detected by the playback device microphone. Continuing the above example, considering that the playback device 804 is similar to the playback device 200 of FIG. 2, the microphone of the playback device 804 may be similar to the microphone 220 of the playback device 200. In one example, computing device 802 may receive data from playback device 804. In another example, the computing device 804 may receive data via another playback device such as the playback device 806, a controller device such as the controller device 808, or other computing device such as another server. Good.

  When the playback device 804 is playing the first audio signal or shortly thereafter, the microphone of the playback device 804 can detect the second audio signal. The second audio signal may include a sound that exists within the playback zone. For example, the second audio signal may include a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device 804.

  In one example, the computing device 802 may receive data indicative of the first audio signal from the playback device 804 as a media stream when the microphone detects the second audio signal. In another example, the computing device 802 may receive data indicative of the second audio signal from the playback device 804 when detection of the second audio signal by the microphone of the playback device 804 is complete. In any case, the playback device 804 processes the detected second audio signal (via an audio processing component such as the audio processing component 208 of the playback device 200) to produce data indicative of the second audio signal. It may be generated and sent to the computing device 802. In certain examples, generating data indicative of the second audio signal may include converting the second audio signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. Other examples are also possible.

The method 900 includes, at block 906, determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device. In one example, the acoustic characteristics of the playback device may be h _p (t), as described above with respect to block 506 of method 500 shown in FIG. For example, as described above, the reference reproduction device in the anechoic chamber reproduces the measurement signal, receives data indicating the audio signal detected by the microphone of the reference reproduction device from the reference reproduction device, and measures the detected audio signal. By determining the acoustic characteristics of the playback device based on the comparison with the signal, the acoustic characteristics of the playback device can be determined.

  As suggested above, the reference playback device may be the same model as playback device 804 calibrated for playback zone 810. Also, similar to that described above with respect to block 506, the computing device may accordingly determine the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback device and the second audio signal. .

  In one example, the computing device 802 may determine an audio processing algorithm based on acoustic characteristics of the playback zone similar to those described above with respect to block 508. Thus, the computing device 802 may determine an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and predetermined audio characteristics. Here, application of the determined audio processing algorithm by the playback device 804 when playing back the first audio signal in the playback zone 810 generates a third audio signal. The third audio signal has substantially the same audio characteristics as the predetermined audio characteristics, or has at least some predetermined audio characteristics.

In another example, computing device 802 may select an audio processing algorithm corresponding to the acoustic characteristics of playback zone 810 from among a plurality of audio processing algorithms. For example, the computing device may access a database, such as databases 600 and 650 in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively, and may identify an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810. For example, referring to the database 600 of FIG. 6A, if the acoustic characteristic of the playback zone 810 is determined as h _room ⁻¹ (t) −3, the coefficients w ₃ , x ₃ , y ₃ and z ₃ of the database entry 606 are An audio processing algorithm can be specified.

  In some cases, an acoustic characteristic that exactly matches the determined acoustic characteristic of the playback zone 810 may not be found in the database. In such a case, an audio processing algorithm corresponding to the acoustic characteristic in the database that is most similar to the acoustic characteristic of the playback zone 810 may be identified. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 900 includes, at block 908, transmitting data indicative of the determined audio processing algorithm to the playback device. Continuing with the above example, computing device 802 (or one or more other devices) may send data indicative of the determined audio processing algorithm to playback device 804. Further, the data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm may include a command for causing the playback device 804 to apply the determined audio processing algorithm when playing back audio content in the playback zone 810. In one example, applying an audio processing algorithm to audio content may change the frequency equalization of the audio content. In another example, applying an audio processing algorithm to audio content may change the volume range of the audio content. Other examples are also possible.

  In some cases, a playback zone may include a plurality of playback devices configured to play audio content synchronously. For example, as described above, the playback devices 804 and 806 may be configured to play audio content synchronously in the playback zone 810. In such a case, the calibration of one of the playback devices may include other playback devices.

  In one example, a playback zone, such as playback zone 810, includes a first playback device, such as playback device 804, and a second playback device, such as playback device 806, configured to play audio content synchronously. But you can. As coordinated and performed by computing device 802, calibration of playback device 804 includes having playback device 804 play a first audio signal and playback device 806 play a second audio signal. But you can.

  In some cases, the computing device 802 may cause the playback device 806 to play the second audio signal in synchronization with the playback of the first audio signal by the playback device 804. In one example, the second audio signal is orthogonal to the first audio signal so that the component of the audio content that is played back synchronously by either of the playback devices 804 and 806 can be identified. Also good. In another case, the computing device may cause the playback device 806 to play the second audio signal after the playback device 804 finishes playing the first audio signal. Other examples are also possible.

  The computing device 802 may then receive a third audio signal detected by the playback device 804 microphone from the playback device 804, similar to that described in connection with block 904. However, in this case, the third audio signal may include both a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device 804 and a portion corresponding to the second audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device 806. Good.

  Thereafter, the computing device 802 may determine an audio processing algorithm based on the third audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804, and transmit data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm to the playback device 804. . The determined audio processing algorithm is the one that playback device 804 applies when playing audio content in playback zone 810, similar to that described above with respect to blocks 906 and 908.

  In some cases, as described above, the playback device 806 may have a microphone and may be calibrated in the same manner as described above. As shown, the first audio signal played by playback device 804 and the second audio signal played by playback device 806 may be orthogonal or identifiable. For example, as described above, the reproduction device 806 may reproduce the second audio signal after the reproduction device 804 finishes reproducing the first audio signal. In another example, the second audio signal may have a phase that is orthogonal to the phase of the first audio signal. In yet another example, the second audio signal may have a different and / or varying frequency range than the first audio signal. Other examples are also possible.

  In any case, the identifiable first and second audio signals cause the computing device 802 to play from the third audio signal detected by the playback device 804 to the detected third audio signal. The contribution of 804 and the contribution of playback device 806 to the detected third audio signal can be analyzed. Each audio processing algorithm can then be determined for playback device 804 and playback device 806.

  Each audio processing algorithm may be determined similar to that described above with respect to block 508. In some cases, the first acoustic characteristic of the playback zone may be determined based on the third audio signal detected by the playback device 604, and the second acoustic characteristic of the playback zone is detected by the playback device 806. The fourth audio signal may be determined based on the determined fourth audio signal. Similar to the third audio signal, the fourth audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device 804 and a portion corresponding to the second audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device 806. May be included.

  Each audio processing algorithm for the playback device 804 and the playback device 806 may then be determined based on the first acoustic characteristics of the playback zone and the second acoustic characteristics of the playback zone individually or a combination thereof. In some cases, the combination of the first acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone and the second acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone is more of the reproduction zone than either the individual first or second acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone. Comprehensive acoustic characteristics can be represented. Each audio processing algorithm is transmitted to the playback device 804 and the playback device 806 and applied when playing back audio content in the playback zone 810. Other examples are also possible.

  Although the above description refers generally to the method 900 as being performed by the computing device 802 of FIG. 8, those skilled in the art will understand that, as described above, the functionality of the method 900 may be It will be appreciated that may be performed by one or more other computing devices, such as one or more servers, one or more playback devices and / or one or more controller devices. . For example, the functionality of the method 900 for calibrating the playback device 804 for the playback zone 810 may be a playback device 804, playback device 806, controller device 808, or other device that is not shown in FIG. May be executed by other devices.

  Further, in some cases, one or more of blocks 902-908 may be performed by computing device 802, while one or more of the other blocks 902-908 are 1 It may be performed by one or more other devices. For example, blocks 902 and 904 may be performed by one or more of playback device 804, playback device 806, and playback device 808. In other words, an adjustment device other than computing device 802 can adjust the calibration of playback device 804 for playback zone 810.

  In some cases, at block 906, the conditioning device transmits a second audio signal to the computing device 802, where the computing device 802 performs audio processing based on the acoustic characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device. An algorithm may be determined. The acoustic characteristics of the playback device may be provided to the computing device 802 by the adjustment device, or may be provided from other devices in which the characteristics of the playback device are stored. In some cases, computing device 802 may perform the computation of block 906 because computing device 802 has more processing power than the coordinating device.

  In one example, once the computing device 802 determines the audio processing algorithm, the computing device 802 sends the determined audio processing algorithm directly to the playback device 804 so that the playback device 804 can be applied when playing audio content in the playback zone 810. It may be. In another example, once the computing device 802 determines the audio processing algorithm, the computing device 802 may send the determined audio processing algorithm to the adjustment device, which executes the block 908 (the adjustment device plays the playback device 804). If not, the determined audio processing algorithm may be transmitted to the playback device 804. Other examples are also possible.

b. Second Exemplary Method of Determining Audio Processing Algorithm Based on Detected Audio Signal In some cases, as described above, calibration of the playback device in the playback zone may be a computing device such as a server or controller device. May be adjusted and executed. In some other cases, as described above, calibration of the playback device may be adjusted and / or performed by the playback device being calibrated.

  FIG. 10 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method 1000 for determining an audio processing algorithm based on one or more playback zone characteristics as performed by a playback device being calibrated. The method 1000 shown in FIG. 10 includes, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the one or more playback devices 200 of FIG. 2, the one or more control devices 300 of FIG. 3, and the playback environment 800 of FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a method that can be implemented within an operating environment including: As shown, the method 800 may be performed by a playback device to be calibrated for a playback zone. In some cases, some of the functionality of method 1000 may alternatively be one such as one or more servers, one or more other playback devices, and / or one or more controller devices. Or it may be executed by several other computing devices.

  Method 1000 may include one or more operations, functions, or operations as indicated by one or more of blocks 1002-1008. Although the blocks are shown in order, these blocks may be executed in parallel and / or in a different order than that described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into further blocks, and / or removed based on the desired implementation.

  As shown in FIG. 10, method 1000 includes reproducing a first audio signal within a playback zone (block 1002), detecting a second audio signal with a microphone (block 1004), and second audio. Determining an audio processing algorithm based on the signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device (block 1006); applying the determined audio processing algorithm to the audio data corresponding to the media item when playing the media item (block 1008); )including.

  The method 1000 includes, at block 1002, playing the first audio signal in the playback zone. Referring to FIG. 8, the playback device that performs the method 1000 while the playback device 804 is in the playback zone 810 may be the playback device 804. In one example, block 1002 is similar to block 902, but may be performed by a playback device 804 that is calibrated rather than a computing device 802. Nevertheless, the above description relating to block 902 can be applied to block 1002, sometimes with some variations.

  The method 1000 includes detecting a second audio signal with a microphone at block 1004. The second audio signal may include a portion corresponding to the first audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device. In one example, block 1004 is similar to block 904, but may be performed by a playback device 804 that is calibrated rather than a computing device 802. Nevertheless, the above description relating to block 904 is applicable to block 1004, sometimes with some variations.

  The method 1000 includes, at block 1006, determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device. In one example, block 1006 is similar to block 906, but may be performed by a playback device 804 that is calibrated rather than computing device 802. Nevertheless, the above description relating to block 906 is applicable to block 1006, sometimes with some variations.

  In some cases, the function of determining an audio processing algorithm may be performed entirely by a playback device 804 that is calibrated for playback zone 810, as described in connection with block 906. For example, the playback device 804 may determine the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 610 based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804. In some cases, the playback device 804 may store the acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804 locally. In other cases, the playback device 804 may receive the acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804 from other devices.

  In one example, the playback device 804 may then select an audio processing algorithm corresponding to the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 610 from a plurality of audio processing algorithms. For example, the playback device 804 accesses a database, such as the databases 600 and 650 shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively, to provide acoustic characteristics that are substantially similar to the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 610. May be specified in the database.

  In other examples, similar to the functionality described above with respect to block 906 of method 900 and / or block 508 of method 500, playback device 804 may perform audio based on the acoustic characteristics and predetermined audio characteristics of playback zone 610. A processing algorithm may be calculated. Here, application of the determined audio processing algorithm by the playback device 804 when playing back the first audio signal in the playback zone 810 generates a third audio signal. The third audio signal has substantially the same audio characteristics as the predetermined audio characteristics or has at least some predetermined audio characteristics.

  In further examples, other devices than playback device 804 may perform some or all of the functions of block 1006 as described in the previous section. For example, playback device 804 may be a computing device such as computing device 802, another playback device such as playback device 806, a controller device such as controller device 808, and / or some other device that communicates with playback device 804. On the other hand, data indicating the detected second audio signal may be transmitted to request an audio processing algorithm. In another example, the playback device 804 determines the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810 based on the detected audio signal, and plays the playback in response to a request for an audio processing algorithm based on the determined acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810. Data indicating the determined acoustic characteristics of the zone 810 may be transmitted to another device.

  In other words, in one aspect, the playback device 804 is based on the detected second audio signal and / or the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810 provided by the playback device 804 to the other device. The audio processing algorithm may be determined by requesting an audio processing algorithm.

  If the playback device 804 provides data indicating the detected second audio signal rather than the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810, the playback device 804 may allow other devices to determine the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810. As described above, the acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804 may be transmitted together with data indicating the detected second audio signal. In another case, a device that receives data indicative of the detected second audio signal determines, based on the data, a model of playback device 804 that transmits the data and a model of playback device 804 (ie, playback device 804). The acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804 may be determined based on the acoustic characteristics database. Other examples are also possible.

  Then, the playback device 804 may receive the determined audio processing algorithm. In some cases, playback device 804 may send the second audio signal to the other device because the other device has more processing power than playback device 804. In other cases, playback device 804 and one or more other devices may perform computations and functions in parallel for efficient use of processing power. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 800 includes, at block 1008, applying the determined audio processing algorithm to the audio data corresponding to the media item when playing the media item. In one example, application of an audio processing algorithm to the audio data of the media item by the playback device 804 when playing the media item in the playback zone 810 may change the frequency equalization of the media item. In another example, application of an audio processing algorithm to the audio data of the media item by the playback device 804 when playing the media item in the playback zone 810 may change the volume range of the media item. In one example, the playback device 804 can store the determined audio processing algorithm in local memory storage and may apply the audio processing algorithm when playing audio content in the playback zone 810.

  In certain examples, the playback device 804 may be calibrated for different configurations of the playback device 804. For example, playback device 804 may be calibrated for a first configuration that includes individual playback in playback zone 810 and a second configuration that includes synchronized playback with playback device 806 in playback zone 810. In such a case, a first audio processing algorithm is determined, stored, and applied for the first playback configuration of the playback device, and a second audio processing algorithm is used for the second playback configuration of the playback device. In order to be determined, stored, and applied.

  Then, the playback device 804 may determine an audio processing algorithm based on the playback configuration at a predetermined time of the playback device 804 and apply the determined audio processing algorithm in the playback zone 810. For example, when the playback device 804 is playing audio content in the playback zone 810 without the playback device 806, the playback device 804 may apply the first audio processing algorithm. On the other hand, when the playback device 804 is playing back audio content in the playback zone 810 in synchronization with the playback device 806, the playback device 804 may apply the second audio processing algorithm. Other examples are also possible.

c. Exemplary Method for Determining Audio Processing Algorithm Based on Playback Zone Characteristics In the above description, the determination of the audio processing algorithm is generally determined based on an audio signal detected by a playback device in the playback zone, It can be based on determining the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. In some cases, the audio processing algorithm may be specified based on other characteristics of the playback zone in addition to or instead of the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone.

  FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for providing an audio processing algorithm from a database of audio processing algorithms based on one or more characteristics of the playback zone. The method 1100 shown in FIG. 11 includes, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the one or more playback devices 200 of FIG. 2, the one or more control devices 300 of FIG. 3, and the playback environment 800 of FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a method that can be implemented within an operating environment including: In certain examples, the method 1100 may include one or more playback devices, one or more controller devices, one or more servers, or one that communicates with a playback device that is to be calibrated for the playback zone. It may be performed individually or collectively by one or more computing devices.

  The method 1100 may include one or more operations, functions or operations, as indicated by one or more of the blocks 1102-1108. Although the blocks are shown in order, these blocks may be executed in parallel and / or in a different order than that described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into further blocks, and / or removed based on the desired implementation.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the method 1100 includes (i) maintaining a database of multiple audio processing algorithms and (ii) a plurality of playback zone characteristics (block 1102), determining one or more characteristics of the playback zone. Receiving the indicated data (block 1104), identifying an audio processing algorithm in the database based on the data (block 1106), and transmitting data indicative of the identified audio processing algorithm (block 1108).

  The method 1100 includes maintaining a database of (i) a plurality of audio processing algorithms and (ii) a plurality of playback zone characteristics at block 1102. In one example, the database may be similar to databases 600 and 650 as shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. Therefore, each audio processing algorithm of the plurality of audio processing algorithms may correspond to one or more reproduction zone characteristics of the plurality of reproduction zone characteristics. Database maintenance may be as described above in connection with methods 500 and 700 of FIGS. 5 and 7, respectively. As described above, the database may or may not be stored locally on the device that maintains the database.

  The method 1100 includes, at block 1104, receiving data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone. In certain examples, the one or more characteristics of the playback zone may include the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. In another example, one or more characteristics of the regeneration zone may include, among other possibilities, the size of the regeneration zone, the flooring of the regeneration zone, the wall material of the regeneration zone, the intended use of the regeneration zone, It may include the number of furniture, the size of the furniture in the regeneration zone, and the type of furniture in the regeneration zone.

  In one example, referring again to FIG. 8, the playback device 804 may be calibrated for the playback zone 810. As described above, the method 1100 may be performed individually or collectively by a calibrated playback device 804, playback device 806, controller device 808, computing device 802, or other device in communication with the playback device 804. Also good.

  In some cases, the one or more characteristics may include the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810. In such a case, the reproduction device 804 in the reproduction zone 810 reproduces the first audio signal, and detects the second audio signal including a portion corresponding to the first audio signal by the microphone of the reproduction device 804. Also good. In an example, the data indicating the one or more characteristics may be data indicating the detected second audio signal. In another example, based on the detected second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device 804, the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810 may be determined in the same manner as described above. The data indicating one or more characteristics may indicate the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. In any case, data indicative of one or more characteristics may then be received by at least one of the one or more devices performing method 1100.

  In another case, the one or more characteristics may include the dimensions of the regeneration zone, the flooring of the regeneration zone, the wall of the regeneration zone, and the like. In such cases, the user may be prompted to enter or select one or more characteristics of playback zone 810 via a controller interface provided by a controller device, such as controller device 808. For example, the controller interface may provide a list of playback zone dimensions and / or a list of furniture arrangements, among other possibilities, for selection by the user. Data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone 810 as provided by the user may then be received by at least one of the one or more devices performing the method 1100.

The method 1100 includes, at block 1106, identifying an audio processing algorithm in the database based on the data. With reference to the case where the one or more characteristics include the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810, an audio processing algorithm can be identified in the database based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810. For example, referring to the database 600 of FIG. 6A, the received data shows the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810 that is substantially identical to h _room ^-1 (t) -3 or h _room ^-1 (t) -3. In this case, the audio processing algorithm of the database entry 606 with coefficients w ₃ , x ₃ , y ₃ and z ₃ may be identified. For example, data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone simply includes data indicative of the detected second audio signal, and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone are further described above before specifying the audio processing algorithm. As determined. Other examples are also possible.

Referring to the case where the one or more characteristics include, among other characteristics, the dimensions of the playback zone, an audio processing algorithm may be identified in the database based on the dimensions of the playback zone. For example, in the case shown with reference to the database 650 of FIG. 6B, the received data is _{a 4} × _{b 4} × _{c 4} and with or _{a 4} × _{b 4} × _{c 4} substantially the same, the size of the regeneration zone 810, the coefficient w An audio processing algorithm entry of database entry 658 having ₄ , ₄ , y _4, and z ₄ may be identified. Other examples are also possible.

In some cases, multiple audio processing algorithms may be identified based on one or more characteristics of the playback zone indicated in the received data. For example, while the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810 are determined as h _room ^-1 (t) -3, the dimensions provided by the user for the playback zone 810 are a ₄ × b ₄ × c ₄ Good. _Here, ^{h room} -1 (t) -3 corresponds to an audio processing algorithm parameter _{w 3,} x _{3, y} 3 and _{z 3} as provided in the entry 656 in the database 650 of FIG. 6, _{a 4} × b ₄ × c ₄ corresponds to the audio processing algorithm parameters w ₄ , x ₄ , y ₄ and z ₄ as provided in entry 658.

  In one example, an audio processing algorithm that corresponds to a matching or substantially matching acoustic characteristic may be prioritized. In another example, an average of audio processing algorithms (ie, an average of parameters) may be calculated, and the average audio processing algorithm may be a specified audio processing algorithm. Other examples are also possible.

  The method 1100 includes transmitting data indicative of the identified audio processing algorithm at block 1108. Continuing the above example, data indicating the identified audio processing algorithm may be transmitted to a playback device 804 that has been calibrated for playback zone 810. In some cases, data indicative of the identified audio processing algorithm may be sent directly to the playback device 804. In another case, if the calibration of the playback device 804 is adjusted by the controller device 808, and if an audio processing algorithm is specified by the computing device 802, the data indicative of the specified audio processing algorithm is stored in the controller device 808. Via the computing device 802 to the playback device 804. Other examples are also possible.

  As described above, the functionality of method 1100 may be performed by one or more of one or more servers, one or more playback devices, and / or one or more controller devices. In one example, database maintenance at block 1102 is performed by computing device 802. Reception of data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone at block 1104 is performed by the controller device 808 (the data is provided to the controller device 808 by the playback device 804 being calibrated in the playback zone 810). . Block 1106 is executed by the controller device 808 in communication with the computing device 802 to access a database maintained by the computing device 802 to identify audio signal processing. Block 1108 includes the computing device 802 sending data indicative of the identified audio processing algorithm directly or via the controller device 808 to the playback device 804.

  In another example, the functions of method 1100 may be performed completely or substantially completely by one device. For example, computing device 802 may maintain a database as described in connection with block 1102.

  The computing device 802 may then adjust the calibration of the playback device 804. For example, the computing device 802 causes the playback device 804 to play back the first audio signal to detect the second audio signal, receives data indicating the detected second audio signal from the playback device 804, and plays back the data. Based on the data from the device 804, the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone 810 may be determined. In another case, the computing device 802 prompts the user to provide the controller device 808 with one or more characteristics of the playback zone 810 (ie, dimensions, etc. as described above) and the user of the playback zone 810 Data indicative of the characteristics provided by may be received.

  The computing device may then identify an audio processing algorithm based on the received data at block 1106 and may transmit data indicating the identified audio processing algorithm to the playback device 804 at block 1108. . The computing device 802 may also apply a specified audio processing algorithm when sending commands for the playback device 804 to play audio content in the playback zone 810. Other examples are also possible.

IV. CONCLUSION This specification discloses various exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, products, and the like, which include firmware and / or software running on hardware, among other components. It is understood that such examples are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting. For example, some or all of these firmware, hardware, and / or software aspects or components may be exclusively hardware, exclusively software, exclusively firmware, or any of hardware, software, and / or firmware It is intended that combinations can be implemented. Thus, the examples provided are not the only way to implement those systems, methods, devices, and / or products.

  Furthermore, “embodiments” herein indicate that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one example of the invention. Although this phrase is used in various places throughout the specification, they do not all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they separate or alternative embodiments other than other embodiments. Thus, it is understood that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiment abrasives by those skilled in the art, both explicitly and implicitly.

The following examples describe further or alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The device in any of the following examples can be an element of any of the devices described herein or any configuration of the devices described herein.
(Feature 1)
A computing device comprising a processor and a memory that is executable by the processor and stores instructions that cause the computing device to perform functions,
The function is
Causing the playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal;
Receiving data from the playback device indicating a second audio signal detected by a microphone of the playback device, wherein the second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal;
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and an acoustic characteristic of the playback device; and transmitting data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm to the playback device;
Having a computing device.
(Feature 2)
A third audio having substantially the same audio characteristics as a predetermined audio characteristic by applying the determined audio processing algorithm by the reproduction device when reproducing the first audio signal in the reproduction zone. The computing device of any preceding feature from which a signal is generated.
(Feature 3)
Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone based on an acoustic characteristic of the second audio signal and the reproduction device; and a plurality of audio processing algorithms corresponding to the acoustic characteristic determined by the reproduction zone To choose from,
A computing device of any preceding feature, including:
(Feature 4)
Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone based on the second audio signal and an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction device; and calculating the audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone and a predetermined audio characteristic To do,
A computing device of any preceding feature, including:
(Feature 5)
The computing device of any preceding feature, wherein determining the audio processing algorithm includes determining one or more parameters for the audio processing algorithm.
(Feature 6)
The function is further
Reproducing the measurement signal to a reference reproduction device in an anechoic chamber,
Receiving data indicating an audio signal detected by a microphone of the reference reproduction device from the reference reproduction device, wherein the detected audio signal is a portion corresponding to a measurement signal reproduced in the anechoic chamber; And determining acoustic characteristics of the playback device based on a comparison of the detected audio signal and the measurement signal,
A computing device of any preceding feature having:
(Feature 7)
A computing device comprising a processor and a memory that is executable by the processor and stores instructions that cause the computing device to perform functions,
The function is
Causing the first playback device to play the first audio signal in the playback zone;
Causing the second playback device to play the second audio signal in the playback zone;
Receiving from the first playback device data indicative of a third audio signal detected by a microphone of the first playback device, wherein the third audio signal is: (i) the first A portion corresponding to an audio signal and (ii) a portion corresponding to the second audio signal reproduced by a second reproduction device;
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on the third audio signal and an acoustic characteristic of the first playback device; and transmitting data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm to the first playback device;
Having a computing device.
(Feature 8)
The determined audio processing algorithm is applied by the first playback device when playing back the first audio signal in the playback zone, so that a fourth audio characteristic substantially the same as a predetermined audio characteristic is obtained. The computing device of feature 7, wherein:
(Feature 9)
Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone based on an acoustic characteristic of the third audio signal and the first reproduction device; and a plurality of audio processing algorithms corresponding to the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone. The computing device of feature 7 or feature 8, comprising: selecting from.
(Feature 10)
Playing the second playback device with the second playback device causes the second playback device to play the second audio signal in synchronization with playback of the first audio signal by the first playback device. 10. The computing device of any of features 7 to 9, comprising:
(Feature 11)
Playing the second audio signal on the second playback device means that the second audio signal is sent to the second playback device after the playback of the first audio signal by the first playback device is completed. The computing device of any of features 7 to 10, comprising playing.
(Feature 12)
The computing device of any of features 7 to 11, wherein the first audio signal is orthogonal to the second audio signal.
(Feature 13)
The computing device of any one of features 7 to 12, wherein the first playback device and the second playback device are included in a zone group of playback devices configured to play audio content synchronously.
(Feature 14)
A playback device comprising a processor, a microphone, and a memory that is executable by the processor and stores instructions that cause the playback device to perform functions,
The function is
Playing the first audio signal in the playback zone;
Detecting a second audio signal by the microphone, wherein the second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal;
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on acoustic characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device;
Applying the determined audio processing algorithm to audio data corresponding to the media item when playing the media item in the playback zone;
Having a playback device.
(Feature 15)
Applying the determined audio processing algorithm when reproducing the first audio signal in the reproduction zone generates a third audio signal having substantially the same audio characteristic as a predetermined audio characteristic. The computing device of feature 14.
(Feature 16)
Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining one or more characteristics of the playback zone based on the second audio signal and the acoustic characteristics of the playback device; and an audio processing algorithm corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the playback zone; Select from multiple audio processing algorithms,
The computing device of feature 14 or feature 15, comprising:
(Feature 17)
Determining the audio processing algorithm
(I) transmitting the second audio signal and (ii) transmission data indicative of characteristics of the playback device to the computing device; and receiving data indicative of the audio processing algorithm from the computing device;
The computing device of any of features 14 through 16, comprising:
(Feature 18)
The computing device of any of features 14 to 17, wherein the function further includes storing the determined audio processing algorithm in the memory.
(Feature 19)
The computing device of any of features 14-18, wherein applying the audio processing algorithm to the audio data includes changing a frequency equalization of the media item.
(Feature 20)
The computing device of any of features 14 to 19, wherein applying the audio processing algorithm to the audio data includes changing a volume range of the media item.
(Feature 21)
A processor, and a memory storing instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the computing device to perform functions;
A computing device comprising:
The function is
Causing the playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal;
Receiving data indicating a second audio signal detected by a microphone of the playback device, wherein the second audio signal corresponds to the first audio signal played by the playback device; including,
Determining acoustic characteristics of the playback zone based on the second audio signal and characteristics of the playback device;
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone; and storing an association between the audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone in a database;
Having a computing device.
(Feature 22)
A third audio having substantially the same audio characteristics as a predetermined audio characteristic by applying the determined audio processing algorithm by the reproduction device when reproducing the first audio signal in the reproduction zone. The computing device of any preceding feature from which a signal is generated.
(Feature 23)
The playback device is a first playback device;
The playback zone is a first playback zone.
The audio processing algorithm is a first audio processing algorithm.
The function is further
Causing the second playback device in the second playback zone to play the fourth audio signal;
Receiving data indicative of a fifth audio signal detected by a microphone of the second reproduction device, wherein the fifth audio signal is reproduced by the second reproduction device; Including the part corresponding to the audio signal,
Determining acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone based on the characteristics of the fifth audio signal and the second playback device;
Determining a second audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone; and storing an association between the second audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone in a database about,
A computing device of any preceding feature having:
(Feature 24)
Applying the first determined audio processing algorithm by the first playback device when playing back the first audio signal in a first playback zone, substantially the same as predetermined audio characteristics A third audio signal having the following audio characteristics is generated:
Applying the second determined audio processing algorithm by the second playback device when playing back the fourth audio signal in the second playback zone, substantially with the predetermined audio characteristics. A sixth audio signal having the same audio characteristics is generated;
The computing device of feature 3.
(Feature 25)
The function is further
Determining that the acoustic characteristics of the second reproduction zone are substantially the same as the acoustic characteristics of the first reproduction zone;
In response, determining a third audio processing algorithm based on the first audio processing algorithm and the second audio processing algorithm; and the third audio processing algorithm and the first playback zone Storing the association with the acoustic characteristics of
The computing device of feature 3, comprising:
(Feature 26)
The computing device of any of features 21 through 25, wherein determining the audio processing algorithm includes determining one or more parameters for the audio processing algorithm.
(Feature 27)
The function is further
Receiving data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone; and storing an association of the one or more characteristics of the playback zone with the second audio processing algorithm in a database;
The computing device of any of features 21 to 26, comprising:
(Feature 28)
One or more characteristics of the playback zone include: (a) dimensions of the playback zone, (b) audio reflection characteristics of the playback zone, (c) purpose of use of the playback zone, (d) furniture in the playback zone The computing device of feature 27, comprising one or more of a number, (e) the size of furniture in the playback zone, and (f) the type of furniture in the playback zone.
(Feature 29)
A processor, and a memory storing instructions that are executable by the processor and that cause the computing device to perform functions;
A computing device comprising:
The function is
Causing the playback device in the playback zone to play the first audio signal;
(I) receiving data indicative of one or more characteristics of the reproduction zone and (ii) data indicative of a second audio signal detected by a microphone of the reproduction device, wherein the second audio The signal includes a portion corresponding to the audio signal played by the playback device,
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on the second audio signal and the characteristics of the playback device; and associating the determined audio processing algorithm with at least one of the one or more characteristics of the playback zone To store in the database,
A computing device comprising:
(Feature 30)
Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone based on the second audio signal and a characteristic of the reproduction device, and determining an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone, and By applying the determined audio processing algorithm by the playback device when playing the second audio signal in a zone, a third audio signal having substantially the same audio characteristic as a predetermined audio characteristic is obtained. To be generated,
The computing device of feature 29.
(Feature 31)
The playback device is a first playback device;
The playback zone is a first playback zone.
The audio processing algorithm is a first audio processing algorithm.
The function is further
Causing the second playback device in the second playback zone to play the third audio signal;
(I) data indicating one or more characteristics of the second playback zone and (ii) data indicating a fourth audio signal detected by a microphone of a second playback device in the second playback zone. Wherein the fourth audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the third audio signal reproduced by the reproduction device,
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on characteristics of the fourth audio signal and the second playback device; and determining one or more characteristics of the second audio processing algorithm and the second playback zone. Storing the association with at least one of them in a database;
The computing device of feature 29 or feature 30, comprising:
(Feature 32)
Determining the second audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone based on the fourth audio signal and a characteristic of the reproduction device, and determining an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone, By applying the determined audio processing algorithm by the second playback device when playing back the third audio signal in the playback zone, a fifth audio characteristic having substantially the same audio characteristic as a predetermined audio characteristic is obtained. To produce an audio signal of
The computing device of feature 29.
(Feature 33)
The function is further
Determining that the acoustic characteristics of the second reproduction zone are substantially the same as the acoustic characteristics of the first reproduction zone;
In response, determining a third audio processing algorithm based on the first audio processing algorithm and the second audio processing algorithm; and the third audio processing algorithm and the first playback zone Storing in a database an association with at least one of the one or more characteristics of
32. The computing device of feature 32, comprising:
(Feature 34)
One or more characteristics of the playback zone include: (a) dimensions of the playback zone, (b) audio reflection characteristics of the playback zone, (c) purpose of use of the playback zone, (d) furniture in the playback zone Feature 29 to feature 33, including one or more of: (e) size of furniture in the playback zone, (f) type of furniture in the playback zone, and (g) acoustic characteristics of the playback zone. One of the computing devices.
(Feature 35)
A processor, and a memory that stores instructions that can be executed by the processor and that causes a playback device to perform a function;
A computing device comprising:
The function is
(I) maintaining a database of a plurality of audio processing algorithms and (ii) a plurality of playback zone characteristics, wherein each audio processing algorithm of the plurality of audio processing algorithms is out of the plurality of playback zone characteristics Corresponding to at least one reproduction zone characteristic of
Receiving data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone;
Identifying an audio processing algorithm in the database based on the data; and transmitting data indicating the identified audio processing algorithm;
Having a computing device.
(Feature 36)
36. The computing device of feature 35, wherein the data further indicates an audio signal detected by a microphone of a playback device in the playback zone.
(Feature 37)
Identifying the audio processing algorithm in the database further comprises:
Determining acoustic characteristics of the playback zone based on the detected audio signal and characteristics of the playback device; and identifying an audio processing algorithm in the database based on the determined acoustic characteristics of the playback zone about,
The computing device of feature 36, comprising:
(Feature 38)
The plurality of reproduction zone characteristics are: (a) dimensions of the reproduction zone; (b) audio reflection characteristics of the reproduction zone; (c) purpose of use of the reproduction zone; (d) number of furniture in the reproduction zone; The computing device of feature 35, comprising one or more of :) the size of the furniture in the playback zone, (f) the type of furniture in the playback zone, and (g) the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone.
(Feature 39)
36. The computing device of feature 35, wherein data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone is received from a controller device.
(Feature 40)
36. The computing device of feature 35, wherein data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone is received from a playback device in the playback zone.

  This specification is broadly illustrated with respect to exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations that operate directly or indirectly on a data processing device connected to a network. It is similar to These process descriptions and representations are generally used by those skilled in the art and can most effectively convey the content of their work to others skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are provided to understand the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the embodiments described above.

  One or more of the elements in at least one example may be referred to herein as software and / or firmware, when any of the appended claims simply reads to cover implementation in software and / or firmware. Is clearly defined to include a tangible, non-transitory storage medium for storing, for example, memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray (registered trademark), and the like.

Claims (20)

Causing the playback device (200) in the playback zone to play the first audio signal;
Receiving data indicative of a second audio signal detected by a microphone (220) of the playback device, wherein the second audio signal includes a portion corresponding to the first audio signal;
An audio processing algorithm is determined based on the second audio signal and an acoustic characteristic of the playback device, and data indicating the determined audio processing algorithm is transmitted to the playback device (200), and / or Storing an association between an audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the playback zone in a database;
A computing device (300).   When the first audio signal is played in the playback zone, the determined audio processing algorithm is applied by the playback device (200), thereby having substantially the same audio characteristics as predetermined audio characteristics. The computing device of claim 1, wherein a third audio signal is generated. Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone based on the second audio signal and an acoustic characteristic of the reproduction device (200); and determining an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristic determined by the reproduction zone To do,
The computing device according to claim 1, comprising: Determining the audio processing algorithm based on the determined acoustic characteristics of the playback zone;
Selecting an audio processing algorithm corresponding to the determined acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone from a plurality of audio processing algorithms, or calculating the audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristic of the reproduction zone and a predetermined audio characteristic ,
The computing device of claim 3, comprising:   5. The computing device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein determining the audio processing algorithm includes determining one or more parameters for the audio processing algorithm. Let the reference reproduction device (200) in the anechoic room reproduce the measurement signal,
Data indicating an audio signal detected by a microphone (220) of the reference playback device (220) is received from the reference playback device (200), wherein the detected audio signal is played back in the anechoic chamber. A portion corresponding to the measured signal,
Determining an acoustic characteristic of the playback device (200) based on a comparison of the detected audio signal and the measurement signal;
The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. further,
Causing the second playback device (200) to play back the fourth audio signal within the playback zone before receiving data indicative of the second audio signal;
Here, the second audio signal further includes a portion corresponding to the fourth audio signal reproduced by the second reproduction device (200).
The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The reproduction of the fourth audio signal by the second reproduction device (200) is synchronized with the reproduction of the first audio signal by the first reproduction device (200) or the first reproduction device. The computing device according to claim 7, wherein the first audio signal according to (200) is played after the reproduction of the first audio signal is finished.   9. A computing device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first audio signal is orthogonal to the third audio signal.   The first playback device (200) and the second playback device (200) are included in a zone group of playback devices (200) configured to play audio content synchronously. The computing device according to claim 9. Determining the audio processing algorithm further comprises:
Receiving data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone;
Storing an association of one or more characteristics of the playback zone with the audio processing algorithm in a database;
The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and claim 5 to claim 10, comprising: The playback device is a first playback device;
The playback zone is a first playback zone.
The audio processing algorithm is a first audio processing algorithm.
The function is further
Causing the second playback device in the second playback zone to play the fourth audio signal;
Receiving data indicative of a fifth audio signal detected by a microphone of the second reproduction device, wherein the fifth audio signal is reproduced by the second reproduction device; Including the part corresponding to the audio signal,
Determining acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone based on the characteristics of the fifth audio signal and the second playback device;
Determining a second audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone;
Storing an association between the second audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the second playback zone in a database;
The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and claim 9 to claim 11, comprising: The function is further
Determining that the acoustic characteristics of the second reproduction zone are substantially the same as the acoustic characteristics of the first reproduction zone;
In response, determining a third audio processing algorithm based on the first audio processing algorithm and the second audio processing algorithm;
Storing an association between the third audio processing algorithm and the acoustic characteristics of the first reproduction zone in a database;
The computing device of claim 12, comprising:   14. Data according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein data indicative of one or more characteristics of the playback zone is received from one of a controller device and a playback device in the playback zone. Computing device.   One or more characteristics of the playback zone include: (a) dimensions of the playback zone, (b) audio reflection characteristics of the playback zone, (c) purpose of use of the playback zone, (d) within the playback zone 15. One of claims 1 to 14, comprising one or more of the number of furniture, (e) the size of furniture in the regeneration zone, and (f) the type of furniture in the regeneration zone. 2. The computing device according to item 1. A playback device (200) in a playback zone,
A microphone (220), and a processor (202),
Have
The processor (202)
Playing the first audio signal;
A second audio signal including a portion corresponding to the first audio signal is detected by the microphone (220);
Determining an audio processing algorithm based on acoustic characteristics of the second audio signal and the playback device (200);
Applying the determined audio processing algorithm to audio data corresponding to the media item when playing the media item in the playback zone;
Playback device. Determining the audio processing algorithm
further,
Determining one or more characteristics of the playback zone based on the second audio signal and acoustic characteristics of the playback device (200); and audio corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the playback zone Selecting a processing algorithm from a plurality of audio processing algorithms;
The playback device of claim 16, comprising: Determining the audio processing algorithm
(I) transmitting the second audio signal and (ii) transmission data indicating characteristics of the playback device (200) to the computing device (300); and data indicating the audio processing algorithm. Receiving from (300),
The playback device of claim 16, comprising: further,
19. A playback device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising a memory (206) configured to store the determined audio processing algorithm. Applying the audio processing algorithm to the audio data;
The playback device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising changing at least one of frequency equalization of the media item and a volume range of the media item.

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