JP5953366B2 - Multi-channel pairing in media systems - Google Patents

Description

  The techniques described herein are directed to techniques for use in the field of household appliances. In particular, certain embodiments are directed to media system pairing multi-channel.

  Music has become a part of our daily life. And thanks to advances in technology, music content is now more accessible than ever. The same can be said for other types of media such as television, movies, and other audio and video content. In practice, users can now access content on the Internet through online stores, Internet radio stations, online music services, online movie services, etc., in addition to traditional means of accessing audio and video content. .

  The demand for such audio and video content continues to increase rapidly. Given the high demand over the years, the technology used to access and play such content has improved as well. Still, the technology used to access and play back content can be significantly improved or developed in ways that the market and end users cannot expect.

  Embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, various apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products. This section is intended to summarize some aspects of specific embodiments. In order to avoid obscuring the purpose, summary, and title of this section, the summary or title of this description may be simplified or omitted as well as this section. Such simplifications or omissions are not intended to limit the scope of the various inventions described herein.

  In summary, the embodiments described herein provide techniques for grouping, integrating, and pairing individual playback devices to create or enhance a multi-channel listening environment. In particular, the embodiments herein can pair two or more playback devices, thereby realizing or enhancing multi-channel audio. In such embodiments, it may be used to create stereo sound or other audio environments suitable for audio content encoded on more than two channels, eg, certain televisions, movies, and music. Good.

  For example, the apparatus according to the embodiment includes a network interface, a plurality of speaker drivers, an amplifier, and a processor. The network interface receives audio data on the network. The amplifier supplies power to a plurality of speaker drivers. The processor processes the output audio data through a plurality of speaker drivers. The processor sets a first equalization of the output from the speaker driver in response to the first type of pairing, and further sets a second equalization of the output from the speaker driver in response to the second type of pairing. To do.

  In another example, a method according to an embodiment includes receiving audio data on a network and processing output audio data through a plurality of speaker drivers. The method sets a first equalization of the output from the speaker driver in response to the first type of pairing, and a second equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers in response to the second type of pairing. Further including setting.

  One of the objects, features, and advantages of the present invention is to implement or enhance a multi-channel listening environment. Many other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the techniques described herein will be better understood by those skilled in the art with respect to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. .

FIG. 1 illustrates an example configuration in which a particular embodiment may be implemented. FIG. 2A shows an exemplary functional block diagram of a player according to certain embodiments. FIG. 2B shows an example of a controller that can be used to remotely control one or more players of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C shows an example of a controller that can be used to remotely control one or more players of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is an example of an internal functional block diagram of a controller according to a specific embodiment. FIG. 3A provides an illustration of zone scene settings. FIG. 3B illustrates that the user defines multiple groups that are collected simultaneously. FIG. 4 shows an example of a user interface that can be displayed on the controller or the computer of FIG. FIG. 5A shows an example of a user interface that allows a user to create a scene. FIG. 5B shows another example of a user interface that allows a user to create a scene. FIG. 5C shows an example of a user interface that allows a user to adjust the volume level of a zone player in a zone scene, either individually or collectively. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart or process for providing a player theme or zone scene for multiple players, where one or more players are placed in the zone. FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration in which an audio source is played back by two players according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of a pairing configuration among a plurality of players according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart or process for grouping multiple audio products, playing different soundtracks synchronously, simulating a multi-channel listening environment. FIG. 10A shows an example of a controller snapshot used in certain embodiments. FIG. 10B illustrates an example of a controller snapshot used in certain embodiments. FIG. 10C illustrates an example of a controller snapshot used in certain embodiments. FIG. 10D shows an example of a controller snapshot used in certain embodiments. FIG. 10E illustrates an example of a controller snapshot used in certain embodiments. FIG. 10F illustrates an example of a controller snapshot used in certain embodiments.

Further, while the drawings are intended to illustrate particular embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.
I. Overview

  Embodiments described herein relate to multi-channel pairing in a media system. Embodiments are particularly useful for pairing two or more playback devices together to create or enhance a multi-channel audio reproduction, such as stereo, surround sound, or some other multi-channel environment. . Embodiments may also find utility in connection with any system where multi-channel pairing is desired.

  In the embodiment, two playback devices that can output a plurality of independent audio channels are selected and paired. After so pairing, one playback device is set to output a first subset of the plurality of audio channels and the other playback device outputs a second subset of the plurality of audio channels. Is set as follows. The first and second subsets are different from each other. For example, each playback device is set to operate in a two channel mode or a stereo mode before being paired (eg, each playback device is played with both right and left channel audio). After pairing, one playback device is reconfigured to output the first channel (eg, right channel audio, not left channel audio), and the other playback device is the first channel Reconfigured to output a second channel that is different from the channel (eg, left channel audio, not right channel audio).

  In another embodiment, three or more playback devices that can output multiple audio channels independent of other playback devices in the collection are selected and paired. After so pairing, each of the playback devices is set to output a different audio channel from the collection. This embodiment is particularly useful for setting a television or cinema type. Certain playback devices of multiple playback devices are set to output in two channels or stereo mode at once (eg when playing a song) and after pairing, the front right channel, front To be output as a center channel, front left channel, rear right channel, rear left channel, subwoofer channel, etc. (for example, when watching TV or movies, or listening to music containing more than two channels) Set,

  In another embodiment, one of the paired playback devices, for example, divides the data into respective channels that process the audio item data and display a single soundtrack. The playback device transmits the divided channel to each of the other playback devices. The playback device plays back those characteristic channels in synchronism to create a multi-channel listening environment. Alternatively, each of the paired playback devices processes the data of the audio item, or a portion of the data, and plays back only one or more channels designed for the respective playback device.

  In another embodiment, two or more playback devices can be grouped into a single or integrated playback device, and the integrated playback devices are paired with one or more playback devices. Can do. For example, two playback devices may be grouped into a first integrated playback device, and two other playback devices may be grouped into a second integrated playback device. For example, the first and second integrated playback devices may be paired. In certain embodiments, each playback device of the integrated playback device can be switched to integrated mode to change the equalization of one or more speaker drivers of any particular playback device. In addition, one or more other playback devices may be added to the integrated playback device.

  In certain embodiments, the playback device is configured to output an audio channel and is paired with one or more other playback devices. As such, the playback device is reconfigured to output a different audio channel. For example, a playback device may output a stereo mode right channel, but is paired with one or more other playback devices and then reconfigured to output the theater mode rear, right channel. Also good. A playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.

  In certain embodiments, the playback device is configured to output multiple audio channels and is paired with one or more other playback devices. As such, the playback device is configured to output a subset of a plurality of audio channels associated with one or more other playback devices. For example, a playback device may be set to output in 2-channel or stereo mode, but may be set to output the right or left channel after being paired with one or more playback devices. Good. A playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.

  In certain embodiments, the playback device comprises a network interface, one or more speaker devices, an amplifier, and a processor. The network interface receives audio data on the network. The amplifier supplies power to the speaker driver. The processor processes audio data output through the speaker driver. The processor sets a first equalization of the output from the speaker driver in response to the first type of pairing, and further sets a second equalization of the output from the speaker driver in response to the second type of pairing. To do. The playback device can operate in any of a non-pair mode, a pair mode, an integrated mode, and a group mode.

  In certain embodiments, the controller is specifically configured to pair two or more playback devices to create a multi-channel audio environment. That is, through the controller, the user can select which playback device to pair with. Once programmed, the playback device can, for example, operate in pair mode until released. In some embodiments, the controller is wirelessly connected to one or more playback devices. In other embodiments, the controller is wired with one or more playback devices.

  According to certain embodiments, the pairing operation of two or more playback devices is triggered based on a command from a user via a control interface (eg, a manual command creates a pair) or in response to an event (For example, automatic commands create a pair). Sample events detect changes in audio content (eg, audio content has two channel content, so it will have more than two channel content, and vice versa), specific Time period detection, detection of certain types of entertainment (for example, detecting whether a user is watching TV or listening to music), or any other programmed to create a pair with a playback device Including events. Event detection may be performed, for example, by a controller, one of the playback devices, or some other device.

  According to certain embodiments, in an attempt to optimize multi-channel pairing, the setting of the playback device may change the equalization of the playback device by changing the equalization of one or more specific speaker drivers; Any of optimizing synchronization between the paired devices may be included. Examples of changing equalization are described further below.

  These embodiments and some other embodiments are described more fully below. Further, the detailed description is primarily directed to exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logical blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations that are directly or indirectly similar to the operation of a networked data processing device. Presented. These process descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without certain details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

Reference herein to “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various parts of the specification is not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and is not a separate or alternative embodiment with the exception of other embodiments. The embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments, explicitly and implicitly, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
II. Example environment

  Referring to the figures, like numerals may represent like parts throughout the several views. FIG. 1 illustrates an example configuration 100 in which particular embodiments may be implemented. Configuration 100 may represent, but is not limited to, a residence, home, part of a business building, or a complex with multiple zones. A number of multimedia players of three examples 102, 104, and 106 are shown as audio devices. Each of the audio devices may be located or provided in one particular area or zone and is therefore referred to herein as a zone player.

  As used herein, unless otherwise specified, an audio source or multiple audio sources are typically in digital form and can be transmitted or streamed over a data network. To facilitate understanding of the exemplary environment of FIG. 1, assume that configuration 100 represents a home. However, it is understood that this technique is not limited to that environment of the application. Returning to FIG. 1, one or two zone players 102 and 104 may be placed in the bedroom, and a zone player 106 may be placed or placed in the living room. Zone players 102, 104, and 106 are connected to network 108 directly or indirectly. Further, computing device 110 is shown connected over network 108. In fact, any other device such as such a home gateway device, storage device, or MP3 player can be connected to the network 108 as well.

  The network 108 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both. In one example, all devices including zone players 102, 104, and 106 are connected to the network 108 by wireless means based on industry standards such as IEEE 802.11. In yet another example, all devices including zone players 102, 104, and 106 are part of a local area network that communicates with a wide area network (eg, the Internet). In yet another example, all devices, including zone players 102, 104, 106 and controller 142, form an ad hoc network, eg, family identification: specifically named Karai family, eg, family such as Smith family Differentiated from neighboring settings similar to identification.

  Many devices on the network 108 are configured to download and store audio sources. For example, the computing device 110 can download an audio source, such as audio associated with music or video, from the Internet (eg, “cloud”) or some other source, store the downloaded audio source, It can be shared locally with other devices on the network 108. Either the computing device 110 or the zone players 102, 104, and 106 may be configured to receive streaming audio. As shown as a stereo system, device 112 is configured to receive an analog audio source (eg, from broadcasting) or to extract a digital audio source (eg, from a compact disc). An analog audio source can also be converted to a digital audio source. According to certain embodiments, various audio sources may be shared between devices on the network 108.

  Two or more zone players (eg, any two or more zone players 102, 104, and 106) may be grouped together to form a new zone group. Some combinations of zone players and existing zone groups may be grouped together. In one example, a new zone group is formed by adding one zone player to another zone player or an existing zone group.

  In certain embodiments, there are more than one zone player in an environment (eg, a living room in a home). Instead of grouping these zone players and playing the same audio source synchronously, these two zone players may be set to play two different sounds on the left and right channels. In other words, the stereo effect of the sound is reproduced or enhanced through these two zone players, one left sound and the other right sound. Similarly, in a three channel (or 2.1 sound effect) sound, three such zone players are reconfigured to have three speakers, and the left and right speakers and subwoofer form a stereo sound. Good. Details of the reconfiguration of the zone player and the operation of these audio products are further described below. A similar configuration with multiple channels (more than 3, eg, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 channels, etc.) may be applied. For example, configurations that use more than one channel are useful in television and cinema type settings, whereby video content such as television and movie formats are played with audio content that includes more than one channel. Furthermore, certain music may be encoded with more than one channel sound as well.

  In certain embodiments, two or more zone players may be integrated to form a single integrated zone player. An integrated zone player may be further paired with a single zone player or yet another integrated zone player. An integrated zone player may comprise one or more individual playback devices. Of the integrated playback devices, each playback device is preferably set to the integrated mode.

  According to some embodiments, one can continue to either group, merge, and pair until the desired settings are complete. The grouping, integration, and pairing operations are preferably performed through a control interface and do not physically connect and reconnect speaker wires to, for example, individual separate speakers to create different configurations. In such cases, the specific embodiments described herein provide a more flexible and dynamic platform that can provide sound reproduction to the end user.

It will be appreciated that the techniques described herein are not limited to that environment of the application. For example, zones and zone players, embodiments described herein include homes, offices, gyms, schools in addition to cars, water motorcycles, airplanes, amphitheaters, outdoors, along village or city streets, etc. , Hospitals, hotels, cinemas, shopping malls, stores, casinos, museums, theme parks, or any other location where audio content is played. Thus, it will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein may be used in connection with any system or application where multi-channel pairing is desired.
III. Examples of playback devices

  Referring to FIG. 2A, an exemplary functional block diagram of a zone player 200 according to an embodiment is shown. The zone player 200 includes a network interface 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, an audio processing circuit 210, a module 212, and optionally an internal or external audio amplifier 214 and an optional speaker unit connected to the audio amplifier 214. 218. The network interface 202 allows data flow between the data network (ie, the data network 108 of FIG. 1) and the zone player 200, generally executes special rules (ie, protocols), and passes data to and from each other. connect. One of the common protocols used on the Internet is TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). In general, the network interface 202 manages the compression of an audio source or file into smaller packets, which are transmitted over the data network or expand received packets into the original source or file. In addition, the network interface 202 handles the address portion of each packet so that each packet reaches the correct destination or intercepts packets that are destined for the zone player 200. Thus, in certain embodiments, each of the packets includes an IP-based destination address as well as an IP-based source address.

  The network interface 202 may include one or both of a wireless interface 216 and a wired interface 217. The wireless interface 216 is also referred to as an RF interface, and provides a network interface function by the wireless means of the zone player 200, and a communication protocol (for example, wireless standards IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802). Communicate with other devices according to 15.1). The wired interface 217 provides a network interface function by wired means (for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable). In one embodiment, the zone player includes both interfaces 216 and 217, and the other zone player includes only an RF or wired interface. Thus, these other zone players communicate with other devices on the network or read audio sources via the zone player. The processor 204 is set to control the operation of other components in the zone player 200. The memory 206 can be loaded with one or more software modules that can be executed by the processor 204 to accomplish a desired task. According to one embodiment, for example, when a software module implementing the embodiments described herein is executed, the processor 204 refers to a stored zone group setting that characterizes the zone group created by the user. The zone player 200 reads the audio source from another zone player or device on the network, synchronizes the players in the zone group, and plays the audio source as desired. According to another embodiment, a software module that implements the embodiments described herein creates a pair with two or more zone players to create a desired multi-channel audio environment.

  According to one embodiment, the memory 206 is used to store one or more saved zone configuration files and can be read for modification at any time. Typically, the saved zone group configuration file is sent to a controller (eg, control device 140 or 142, computer, portable device, or television of FIG. 1) when a user operates the control device. Zone group settings provide an interactive user interface where various operations or controls of the zone player can be performed.

  In certain embodiments, the audio processing circuit 210 is like an audio playback device circuit, such as one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), an audio pre-processing unit, an audio enhancement unit, or a digital signal processor. including. In operation, when read via the network interface 202, the audio source is processed by the audio processing circuit 210 to generate an analog audio signal. The processed analog audio signal is then transmitted to the audio amplifier 214 and reproduced by a speaker. In addition, the audio processing circuit 210 may include the circuitry necessary to process an analog signal as input, and the circuit generates a digital signal for sharing with other devices on the network.

  Depending on the exact implementation, module 212 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software. In one embodiment, module 212 is used to save the scene. The audio amplifier 214 is typically an analog circuit that provides a provided analog audio signal to drive one or more speakers.

It will be understood that the zone player 200 is an example of a playback device. Examples of playback devices include those zone players that are sold commercially by Sonos Inc. of Santa Barbara, California. They currently include zone player 90, zone player 120, and Sonos S5. The zone player 90 is an example of a zone player that does not include an amplifier, while the zone player 120 is an example of a zone player that includes an amplifier. S5 is an example of a zone player incorporating an amplifier and a speaker. In particular, S5 is a five-drive speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-range drivers, and one subwoofer. When playing audio content via S5, the left audio data of the track is transmitted from the left tweeter and the left midrange driver, and the right audio data of the track is transmitted from the right tweeter and the right midrange driver. The mono bus is transmitted from the subwoofer. Furthermore, both midrange drivers and both tweeters have the same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is, they are transmitted on the same frequency only from both different channels of audio. S5 is an example of a zone player with speakers, but a zone player with speakers is not limited to one with a specific number of speakers (eg, five speakers as in S5), rather 1 It is understood that more than one speaker can be included. Further, the zone player may be part of another device, thereby serving a different main purpose than audio.
IV. Controller example

  Referring to FIG. 2B, an example of a controller 240 that may correspond to the control device 140 or 142 of FIG. 1 is shown. The controller 240 can be used to allow control of multimedia applications, automation, and others complex. In particular, the controller 240 selects multiple audio sources available on the network and controls the operation of one or more zone players (eg, the zone player 200) through an RF interface corresponding to the wireless interface 216 of FIG. 2A. Set to allow you to. According to one embodiment, the wireless means are based on industry standards (eg, infrared, wireless communication, wireless standards IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15.1). . If a particular audio source is played on the zone player 200, an image associated with the audio source, if any, may be sent from the zone player 200 to the controller 240 display. In one embodiment, the controller 240 is used to synchronize the audio playback of one or more zone players by grouping the zone players in the group. In another embodiment, the controller 240 is used to control the volume of each zone player in the zone group individually or together.

  In one embodiment, the controller 240 is used to create a pairing between two or more playback devices to create or enhance a multi-channel listening environment. For example, the controller 240 may be used to select and pair two or more playback devices. Further, the controller 240 may be used to turn pairing on or off. The controller 240 may be used to integrate playback devices and set a particular playback device to integrated mode. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the controller 240 provides a flexible mechanism for configuring a dynamic multi-channel audio environment. In some examples, pairing creates a multi-channel listening environment. In some examples, pairing improves the multi-channel listening environment by increasing the distance between devices. For example, two individual playback devices that are spaced apart from each other can provide multiple channel separations for the listener rather than audio from a single device.

  The user interface of the controller 240 includes a screen 242 (eg, a liquid crystal display screen) and a set of function buttons such as: a “zone” button 244, a “back” button 246, a “music” button 248, a scroll wheel 250, “ ok button 252, a set of transport control buttons 254, a mute button 256, a volume up / down button 264, and a set of soft buttons 266 corresponding to the labels 268 displayed on the screen 242.

  The screen 242 displays various screen menus according to the user's selection. In one embodiment, the “zone” button 244 activates a zone management screen, or “zone menu”, described in more detail below. The “return” button 246 may perform different operations depending on the current screen. In one embodiment, the current screen display is triggered such that a “back” button returns to the previous screen. In another embodiment, a “back” button denies the user's misselection. The “Music” button 248 activates the music menu and allows the selection of an audio source (eg, song) to be added to the music queue of the playing zone player.

  The scroll wheel 250 is used to select an item in the list that is always displayed on the screen 242. If there are too many items in the list to fit on one screen display, a scroll indicator such as a scroll bar or scroll arrow is displayed next to the list. If a scroll indicator is displayed, the user may select the displayed item or turn the scroll wheel 250 to display a hidden item in the list. An “OK” button 252 is used to confirm the user selection on the screen 242.

  There are three transport buttons 254 that are used to control the effect of the currently playing song. For example, the function of the transport button includes playing / pausing a song, fast-forwarding / rewinding, going to the next song track, or going back to the previous track. According to one embodiment, pressing one of the volume control buttons, such as the mute button 262 or the volume up / down button 264, activates the volume panel. In addition, there are three soft buttons 266 that can be activated in response to a label 268 on the screen 242. It will be appreciated that in a multi-zone system, there may be multiple audio sources each played on one or more zone players. The music transport function described herein should be selectively applied to one of the sources if one corresponding to one of the zone players or zone groups is selected.

  FIG. 2C shows an example of a controller 260 that may correspond to the control device 140 or 142 of FIG. The controller 260 includes a touch screen and can navigate a playlist of many items that control, for example, the operation of one or more players with which the user interacts with the controller. In one embodiment, as further illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F, a user may interact with the controller to create a multi-channel audio environment, such as creating a stereo pair, or multi-channel, such as removing a stereo pair. It may be used to separate audio environments. Other network-enabled mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, any other smartphone or network-enabled device may be used as a controller to interact with or control multiple zone players in the environment (eg, PC or A network computer such as Mac may be used as the controller). According to one embodiment, the application may be downloaded to a network enabled device. Such an application can implement most of the functions described above in the controller 240 using a navigation mechanism or touch screen in the device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that application flexibility and portability to a new type of specific portable device subject to the detailed description herein.

  FIG. 2D shows an internal functional block diagram of an example of a controller 270 that may correspond to the controller 240, computer device, smartphone, or any other communication device of FIG. 2B. The screen 272 of the controller 270 may be a liquid crystal display screen. The screen 272 communicates with a screen driver 274 controlled by a microcontroller (eg, processor) 276 and commands are issued. The memory 282 may load one or more application modules 284 that can be executed by the microcontroller 276 with or without user input via the user interface 278 to accomplish a desired task. In one embodiment, the application module is configured to allow selected zone players to be grouped into zone groups and to synchronize zone players for one audio source. In another embodiment, the application module is configured to control the zone group's zone player audio source (eg, volume) together. In operation, when the microcontroller 276 executes one or more of the application modules 284, the screen driver 274 generates control signals for driving the screen 272, and correspondingly, Many display application-specific user interfaces.

  The controller 270 includes a network interface 280, referred to as an RF interface 280, allowing wireless communication with the zone player via its corresponding RF interface. In one embodiment, for example, commands such as volume control or audio playback synchronization are sent via the RF interface. In another embodiment, the saved zone group settings are transmitted between the zone player and the controller via the RF interface. Controller 270 may control one or more zone players, such as 102, 104, and 106 of FIG. Nonetheless, there may be multiple controllers in each preferred zone (eg, a room or a room close to each other) and may be configured to control any one and all of the zone players.

  In one embodiment, a user creates a zone group that includes at least two zone players from a controller 240 that transmits signals or data to one of the zone players. The signals received by one zone player are synchronized with the other zone players in the group so that all zone players are connected on the network, and in such a timely manner, All zone players play the same audio source or the same list of audio sources and do not hear (or almost do not hear) sound drift or skipping. Similarly, if the user increases the audio volume from the controller, the signal or data that increases the group's audio volume is sent to one of the zone players, bringing the other zone players in the group together to the same volume. Enlarge.

  According to one embodiment, application modules are loaded into memory 282 for zone group management. When a predetermined key (eg, “zone” button 244) is activated on the controller 240, the application module is executed on the microcontroller 276. An input interface 278 connected to and controlled by the microcontroller 272 receives input from the user. The “zone menu” is displayed on the screen 272. The user can group zone players by activating the “Linked Zone” or “Additional Zone” soft button, or by activating the “Unlink Zone” or “Drop Zone” button. May begin to be ungrouped. Details of zone group operations are further described below.

  As described above, the input interface 278 includes a screen graphical user interface as well as a plurality of function buttons. It should be pointed out that the controller 240 of FIG. 2B is not only a control device that can implement the embodiments. Other devices that provide equivalent control functions (eg, computing devices, handheld devices) may be configured to implement the invention. In the above description, unless otherwise stated, it is clear that a key or button is usually referred to as a physical button or soft button, and a user can enter commands or data.

One mechanism of zone players “connected” together for music playback links multiple zone players together to form a group. To link multiple zone players together, the user may manually link each zone player or room to each other. For example, there is a multi-zone system including the following zones.
Bathroom Bedroom Study Dining room Family room Entrance

  If the user wishes to link 5 out of 6 zone players using the current mechanism, the user may start in a single zone and then manually link each zone to that zone. This mechanism can take a considerable amount of time. According to one embodiment, a set of zones can be dynamically linked together using commands. Using what is referred to herein as a theme or zone scene, a zone is set to a specific scene (eg, Morning, Afternoon, or Garden), and automatic setting of attributes for a given zone grouping and grouping Can be achieved.

  For example, a “morning” zone scene / setting command would link the bedroom, study and dining room together in one operation. Without this single command, the user must manually link each zone individually. FIG. 3A provides an example of one zone scene, the left column shows the start of zone grouping—all zones are separated, and the right column is named after “Morning”. In order to create a group of three zones, the results of zone grouping are shown.

  Further expanding this idea, the zone scene can be set to create multiple linked zones. For example, a scene creates a group of three separate zones, the lower zones are linked together, the upper zones are linked together within their own group, and the outer zone (in this case, the patio) is Move into its own group.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the user defines a plurality of groups to be collected simultaneously. For example, an “evening scene” is desired to link the following zones:
-Group 1
○ Bedroom ○ Study ○ Dining room-Group 2
○ Garage ○ Garden Here the bathroom, family room, and entrance should be separated from any group if they are part of a group before the zone scene is invoked.

A feature of certain embodiments is that the zone does not need to be divided before invoking the zone scene. In one embodiment, when invoked, a command is provided that links with all zones in one step. The command is in the form of a zone scene. After linking to the appropriate zone, the zone scene command can apply the following attributes:
Set the volume level in each zone (each zone has a different volume)
Muting / unmuting a zone Selecting and playing specific music in a zone Setting the music playback mode (Shuffle, Repeat, Shuffle-Repeat)
Set music playback equalization for each zone (for example, bass and treble)

  A further extension of this embodiment is to trigger a zone scene command as an alarm clock function. For example, the zone scene is set to be applied at 8:00 am. It can be set to automatically link to the appropriate zone, play certain music and stop after a predetermined period of time. Although a single zone may be assigned to an alarm, a scene setting as an alarm clock can be used to pre-define audio (e.g., favorite songs, pre-defined play) for several linked zones in the scene. List) provides a synchronized alarm that can be played back at a specific time or for a specific period of time. If for some reason scheduled music fails to play (eg, empty playlist, no connection to share, UPnP failure, no internet radio station internet connection), a backup buzzer will sound . This buzzer is a sound file stored in the zone player.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a user interface 400 that may be displayed on the controller 142 or computer 110 of FIG. The interface 400 displays a list of items that can be set by the user and allows the scene to function at a particular time. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the list of items includes “Alarm”, “Time”, “Zone”, “Music”, “Frequency”, and “Alarm Length”. “Alarm” can be set on or off. When “Alarm” is set to ON, “Time” is a specific time for setting the alarm to OFF. “Zone” indicates that the zone player is set to play the audio specified at a specific time. “Music” displays what is being played at a specific time. “Frequency” allows the user to define the frequency of the alarm. “Alarm Length” defines how long audio is played. It should be noted that the user interface 400 is provided herein to show some of the functions associated with setting alarms. Depending on the exact implementation, other functions such as time zone for display, daylight saving time adjustment, time synchronization, and time / date format may also be provided.

  In one embodiment, each zone in the scene may be set to a different alarm. For example, the “Morning” scene includes three zone players, a bedroom, a study, and a dining room, respectively. After selection of the scene, the user may set an alarm for the scene as a whole. As a result, each of the zone players will be activated at a particular time.

  FIG. 5A shows a user interface 500 that allows a user to create a scene. The left panel shows the zones that can be used at home. The right panel shows the zones that have been selected and grouped as part of this scene. Depending on the exact implementation of the user interface, add / remove buttons may be provided to move zones between panels, or zones may be dragged along the panels.

  FIG. 5B shows another user interface 520 that allows a user to create a scene. A user interface 520 that may be displayed on a controller or computing device indicates available zones in the system. Check boxes are provided next to each of the zones so that the user can check the zones associated with the scene.

FIG. 5C shows a user interface 510 that allows the user to adjust the volume level of the zone player in the zone scene, either individually or in bulk. As shown in the user interface 510, the "Volume ..." button (slider, shown in other possible forms) affects the volume of the zone player the user is associated with when a zone scene is invoked. be able to. In one embodiment, when scenes are recalled, zone players can be set to maintain whatever volume they currently have. In addition, the user can decide whether to unmute or mute the volume when the scene is recalled.
V. Provide examples of player themes or zone scenes

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart or process 600 that provides a player theme or zone scene for multiple players, where one or more players are located in a zone. Process 600 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and may be performed on modules that are located in memory 282 of FIG. 2C.

  Process 600 begins when the user decides to continue the zone scene at 602. Process 600 then moves to 604 where the user can determine which zone player to associate with the scene. For example, there are 10 players at home and the scene is named after “Morning”. The user may be provided with an interface for selecting four of the ten players associated with the scene. At 606, the scene is saved. A scene can be saved to any of the members in the scene. In the example of FIG. 1, the scene may be stored on one of the zone players and displayed on the controller 142. During operation, the data associated with the scene includes a plurality of parameters. In one embodiment, the parameters include, but are not limited to, associated player and playlist identifiers (eg, IP addresses). The parameters may include volume / tone settings associated with the scene. The user may return to 602 and set another scene as desired.

  Given a saved scene, the user can activate the scene at any time, or set a timer at 610 to activate the scene. Process 600 may continue when the saved scene is activated at 610. At 612, in activating the saved scene, process 600 checks the state of the player associated with the scene. Player status means that each player must be responsive in a synchronized manner. In one embodiment, player interconnections are checked to ensure that if there is such a controller in the scene, the players communicate between themselves and / or with the controller.

Assume that all players associated with the scene are in good condition. At 614, the command is executed with parameters (eg, associated playlist and volume). In one embodiment, data including parameters is sent from a member (eg, a controller) to other members in the scene to synchronize the player with actions set in the scene. The operation allows all players to play a song at the same or different volume, or play a pre-stored file.
VI. Example of a multi-channel environment

  FIG. 7 illustrates an example configuration in which audio sources are played by two players 702 and 704, according to an example embodiment. These two players 702 and 704 may be located in one place (eg, hall, room, or nearby room) and its surroundings, each designated to play two soundtracks Good. For example, an audio source may have left and right sound channels or tracks (eg, stereo sound). Instead of grouping players 702 and 704 to play audio sources together synchronously, if each player 702 and 704 plays the same audio content at about the same time, the players 702 and 704 can be paired to Different sounds can be played back synchronously. As a result of pairing, stereo sound effects can be simulated or enhanced via two players 702 and 704, for example, for one player or no player.

  In certain embodiments, each of the players 702 and 704 may have a network interface, one or more speaker drivers (eg, if the player can play in stereo mode without pairing, such as shown in FIG. 2A). Two or more speakers in this example), an amplifier, and a processor. The network interface receives audio data on the network. One or more amplifiers provide power to the speaker driver. The processor processes the audio source to be output through the speaker driver. The processor sets a first equalization of the output from the speaker driver in response to the first type of pairing, and further sets a second equalization of the output from the speaker in response to the second type of pairing. May be.

  In one embodiment, the two players 702 and 704 are configured to output a plurality of independent audio channels. For example, each player 702 and 704 may be set to output audio content in stereo independent of each other. After pairing, one playback device (eg, player 702) is configured to output a first subset of multiple audio channels, and the other playback device (eg, player 704) is configured to output multiple audio channels. Set to output a second subset of channels. The first and second subsets are different from each other. In this example, after pairing players 702 and 704, player 702 can play the right channel and player 704 can play the left channel. In another example, player 702 can play a center channel in addition to the right channel (eg, television or theater mode), and player 704 can play a center channel in addition to the left channel. In a further example, the first and second subsets differ in that player 702 is playing channel right + center and player 704 is playing channel left + center. In yet another embodiment, after pairing, player 702 plays all channels except for certain bus frequencies that can be played through player 704 by using player 704 as a subwoofer. be able to.

  In another embodiment, a collection of three or more playback devices (eg, players 702, 704 and one or more other players) outputs a plurality of independent audio channels of another playback device in the collection. Each is set. After pairing, each of the playback devices is typically set to output a different audio channel from the collection. In this embodiment, a specific playback device among a plurality of playback devices is set to output in two channels or stereo mode at a time (for example, when playing a song), and after pairing, the front Especially in TV or cinema settings when set to output on the right channel, front center channel, front left channel, rear right channel, rear left channel, etc. (eg when watching movies or TV) Useful.

  In another embodiment, one of the paired playback devices (e.g., player 702 or player 704) processes the data of the audio item, e.g., substantially divides the data into channels, each of which is a single channel. Represents a soundtrack and is played on one of the playback devices, and then creates or enhances a multi-channel listening environment. In another embodiment, both playback devices (eg, players 702 and 704) may receive and process audio item data, and each playback device outputs only the audio content specified for the respective player. May be. For example, player 702 may play only the left channel, but may receive both left and right channel audio, while player 704 plays only the right channel, but left and right channel audio. May be received.

  In another embodiment, two or more playback devices (eg, player 702 or 704) are grouped into a single or integrated playback device, and the integrated playback device (eg, integrated player 702 + 704) is It may be paired with one or more playback devices. For example, two playback devices may be grouped into a first integrated playback device, and two other playback devices may be grouped into a second integrated playback device. The first and second integrated playback devices may then be paired to create or enhance a multi-channel listening environment.

  In certain embodiments, a playback device configured to output an audio channel (either player 702 or 704) is paired with one or more other playback devices, and the playback device previously configured Are set to output different audio channels. For example, a playback device may be set to output the right channel in stereo mode, even after paired with one or more other playback devices, and outputs the rear, right channel in theater mode It may be set to do. A playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.

  In certain embodiments, a playback device configured to output multiple audio channels (eg, either player 702 or 704) is paired with one or more other playback devices so that the playback device is Set to output a subset of a plurality of audio channels associated with one or more other playback devices. For example, a playback device may be set to output in two channels or stereo mode, but one or more other playback devices after pairing will output the right or left channel. It may be set. A playback device may be paired with one or more other playback devices.

  According to certain embodiments, the pairing operation of two or more playback devices may be based on a command (eg, a manual command) from a user via the control interface or on an event (eg, an automatic command). Triggered in response. For example, using the controller, a user can create a pairing with two or more playback devices or unpair with two or more playback devices. In another example, pairing is triggered by the audio content itself, a signal received from the source device, or some other predetermined event, eg pairing when the event is detected by the controller or playback device. A ring may occur. Further, another device may be programmed to detect the event and provide a pairing signal to the controller and / or playback device.

  In addition, from no-pairing (unpaired or unpaired) settings to pairing settings, or from one type of pairing (eg, pairing used in stereo or theater mode types) It is understood that moving to pairing (eg, another pairing used in stereo mode or theater mode types) is all the various types of “pairing” that can occur with a particular embodiment. Is done. Further, releasing the pairing with a plurality of playback devices may be, for example, returning from pairing to no-pairing or from the first type of pairing to the previous type of pairing.

  In the first example, the first type of pairing may include “no pairing” with another playback device, and the second type of pairing with one or more other playback devices. May be included. In a second example, the first type of pairing may include pairing with a second playback device, and the second type of pairing includes pairing with multiple playback devices. You may go out. In a third example, the first type of pairing may include reproducing two channel sounds via a speaker driver, and the second type of pairing includes two channels via a speaker driver. Prepare to reproduce only one of the sounds. In a fourth example, the first type of pairing may comprise reproducing the first audio channel via a speaker driver, and the second type of pairing is provided via a speaker driver. It may include reproducing two audio channels. In a fifth example, the first type of pairing may include reproducing audio content via a speaker driver in stereo mode, and the second type of pairing via a speaker driver in theater mode. And reproducing the audio content. In a sixth example, in the case of the integrated mode, the first type of pairing may include reproducing audio content via a speaker driver, and the second type of pairing includes a speaker driver. The audio content may be reproduced via It will be understood that various changes or modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, together with the achievement of some or all of the advantages of the techniques described herein.

  According to certain embodiments, the playback device settings may be changed by changing the equalization of the playback device by changing the equalization of one or more specific speaker drivers, and synchronized with the paired devices. Including any of the optimizations. Changing the equalization of the playback device can be switching on or off (or effective muting) one or more specific speaker drivers, changing the channel output of one or more speaker drivers, Any one of changing the frequency response of the specific speaker driver described above, changing the amplifier gain of any specific speaker driver, or changing the amplifier gain of the playback device as a whole may be included.

  In certain embodiments, changing the equalization of the playback device (eg, changing the equalization of one or more speaker drivers of the playback device) can affect the frequency dependent parameters. Embodiments may include frequency intensity adjustment, phase adjustment, and time delay adjustment in audio data. In addition, certain equalizations may include first, such as those that attenuate high, medium, or low frequencies while allowing other frequencies to pass without (or substantially without) a filter. Types of pass filters can be used. The filters may be of different types or different orders (eg, primary filter, secondary filter, tertiary filter, quaternary filter, etc.). For example, the first equalization of the playback device may include using a first type of pass filter that changes the output based on the first type of pairing, and the second equalization of the playback device includes: It may include using a second type of pass filter that changes the output based on the second type of pairing. In this example, the first and second types of pass filters have one or different properties and / or behaviors, changing the equalization and sound behavior of the device.

  For illustrative purposes, if two S5 devices are paired to create a stereo pair, for example, one S5 device may be set as “left” and the other S5 device is set as “right”. May be. In one embodiment, the user may determine which is left or right. In this setting, for example, left and right audio data may be sent to both S5 devices, but the left audio data of the track is played from the S5 device set as left, and the right audio data of the track is Played from the S5 device set as right. Furthermore, the equalization of each S5 device is modified to reduce or eliminate certain structural or destructive interference. For example, one tweeter of each S5 device may be switched off or nearly muted. In certain embodiments, the crossover frequency for each driver may be further changed from the previous setting, so that two or more drivers do not necessarily output exactly the same audio data and are otherwise structured. And / or destructive interference may occur. In certain embodiments, the amplifier gain adjusts the particular speaker driver and / or the playback device as a whole.

  In operation, according to certain embodiments, a controller 706 (eg, controller 142 of FIG. 1 or 240 of FIG. 2B or a portable device) is used to initiate operation. Through the user interface, the controller 706 causes the player 702 to read the audio source if the audio source is on a network 708 (eg, the Internet or a local area network). Similarly, the controller 706 may also establish a communication session with the player 702 to send the requested audio source to a designated device (eg, another network device). In some cases, either one or both of players 702 and 704 can access data indicative of the audio source.

  In certain embodiments, the player 702 module is activated to process data. According to one embodiment, it is divided into right and left soundtracks. One soundtrack is kept locally by one player, and other soundtracks are pushed or uploaded to other devices (eg, via an ad hoc network). Stereo sound effects are obtained when the right and left soundtracks are played simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

  In another embodiment, several tracks are divided into, for example, television or theater mode. For example, the track may be divided into a center channel, a right front channel, a left front channel, a left front channel, a right rear channel, a left rear channel, and the like. Thus, one or more soundtracks may be kept locally on one player, and other soundtracks are pushed or uploaded to other devices.

  In yet another embodiment, one player may process the data while the remaining data is being sent to another player, and may keep one or more tracks locally. The receiving player may then process the data, may keep one or more tracks locally, and may send some remaining data to another player. This process, or the like, may continue until all tracks are held locally by the corresponding player device.

  In yet another embodiment, each player may receive and process the data and play only the channel or channels designated for the player.

  In certain embodiments, it is important to maintain good synchronization, especially when pairing two or more independently clocked playback devices as multi-channel audio content was originally intended. To be played. According to embodiments, a message may be initiated from one device to another activated device and send back an acknowledgment. Upon receiving an acknowledgment, the time delay of data transmitted from one device to another can be measured. Time delay is considered when synchronizing two players to play two separate soundtracks. In certain embodiments, when sending a packet (eg, a packet according to the SNTP protocol) to a playback device and receiving a response takes, for example, 15 milliseconds or more, timing included in the packet, such as clock information Information is destroyed. If sending and receiving a packet is within 15 milliseconds, then the information from the packet is then used to coordinate playback as needed.

  For further details on synchronizing the operation of two or more independently clocked players, see “Operation between Multiple Independent Clocked Digital Data Processing Devices,” filed April 1, 2004, by the same application. Is provided in US application Ser. No. 10 / 816,217, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of pairing with a plurality of players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 in a theater-like environment according to the embodiment. Player 802 may operate as a front left channel, player 804 may operate as a center channel, player 806 may operate as a front right channel, and player 808 operates as a subwoofer. The player 810 may operate as the rear and right channels, and the player 812 may operate as the rear and right channels. In this example, players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 are wirelessly connected over network 815 to receive and transmit data on the wireless network, at the wall or through other power sources (eg, batteries). Power can be obtained from the power outlet. Players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 may be wired if configured as such in another embodiment. The controller 814 may be a network-enabled device including, by way of example, a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, or television.

  In one embodiment, a designated player, such as player 804 receives multi-channel audio content from source 816. Source 816 may include audio and / or video content downloaded or streamed from the Internet, DVD or Blu-ray disc, or from some other source of audio and / or video content. Player 804 divides it into multi-channel audio and transmits each audio channel to its playback owner. For example, when a specific audio channel is designated as a front or rear speaker, the content is transmitted from the player 804 to the player 802 or the like wirelessly. Players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 play audio content synchronously to create a multi-channel listening environment. Further, if the source 816 provides video content along with audio content, the audio content is preferably played in synchronization with the video content.

  In another embodiment, each player of players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 can be divided into its own one or more channels for playback. That is, all audio content, or a portion thereof, is sent to each player (eg, from source 816 or another playback device) and the player itself obtains its own data for playback.

  In addition, players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 may be reconfigured as described above and operate with many different settings. For example, players 802 and 806 may be paired and operate in stereo mode, while other players are maintained in sleep mode or switched off (player 808 is set as desired). You can leave it at any specific setting because it is acting as a subwoofer). In another example, players 802 and 810 are integrated to output left channel audio, while players 806 and 812 are integrated to output right channel audio. In yet another example, some of the players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 are integrated into a single player and paired with another playback device, such as in a neighboring room. In a further example, players 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812 are grouped and not paired if the audio content is music (eg, for movie content). These are just a few example settings. Many other settings are possible using the teachings described herein.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart or process 900 for grouping a plurality of audio products, playing separated soundtracks synchronously, simulating a multi-channel listening environment. Process 900 is illustrated according to a particular embodiment and may be implemented with modules located in memory 282 of FIG. 2D. In order to allow the description of process 900, a stereo sound listening environment on the left and right channels is described. One skilled in the art can appreciate that the description can be applied to other forms of multi-channel listening environments as well (eg, 3, 5, 7 channel environments) as well.

  In general, there are multiple players controlled by one or more controllers, and these players are located at various positions. For example, there are 5 players in the house, 3 of them are each placed in 3 rooms, while 2 players are placed in a larger room. Thus, these two players would be candidates to be paired to simulate a stereo listening environment instead of simply playing audio synchronized from both in a grouped manner. In another example, there are four players in large and adjacent spaces, and two pairs of players can be paired to simulate a stereo listening environment, while two players in one integrated pair are grouped Can play one (left) soundtrack and the other two of the other integrated pair can be grouped to play one (right) soundtrack.

  In either case, it is determined whether two groups of players or two players are paired at 902. If the player is not paired, process 900 is not activated. Assume that two players from a group of players controlled by the controller are selected and paired at 902. Process 900 proceeds.

  At 904, the user may determine which player plays which soundtrack. Depending on the user or listener position relative to the selected player, player or unit A is selected to play the left soundtrack, and another player or unit B is selected to play the right soundtrack. In another embodiment, the player itself (or controller) is configured to play which unit plays the right channel and which unit plays the left channel without any input from the user. It may be determined automatically.

  According to one embodiment, the time delay for transmitting data between the two units A and B is measured at 906. This time delay can allow for sound synchronization between the two units, one of which receives the processed soundtrack from the other. The user may continue to operate the controller and select a title (eg, an item from an audio source or playlist) at 910 to play on the two units.

  Once the title is determined at 912, the title data is accessed. Depending on where the data is located, the controller may be configured so that one of the two units obtains or streams the data. In one embodiment, the controller or unit A initiates a request to a remote network device that provides or stores data. Assuming that the authentication procedure has been successfully completed, the remote device begins to upload data to unit A. Similarly, if the data is stored locally on unit A, the data can be accessed locally without making the same request from the network. As data is received or accessed at unit A, the processing module becomes active at unit A, processes the data, and at 914 substantially divides the data into two streams of the soundtrack. In another embodiment, each unit receives and processes the data and substantially divides the data into streams that are played by the respective unit.

  At 916, one of the streams is uploaded from unit A to unit B via a local network (eg, an ad hoc network formed by all players controlled by the controller). The two units are each set to play the stream so that the stream is delivered, each reproducing the sound of a single soundtrack at 918. At the same time, during synchronization, the two units create a stereo sound listening environment.

  It should be noted that delay time may be incorporated into unit A, delaying the consumption of the stream until delay time and synchronizing with unit B. Alternatively, an unselected player may be used to process the streaming data for the title, set to supply two streams to the player pair, and otherwise experienced by unit B. Equalize the delay time.

  10A-10F show example screenshots of a controller for creating a stereo pair according to certain embodiments. The screenshot is from a computer device (eg, tablet computer, laptop, or desktop) used as a controller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that FIGS. 10A-10F may be readily modified to be used for portable devices with network functionality such as, for example, iPhone or iTouch or other smartphones or other network-enabled devices. it can. In addition, the controller may exist as part of the player or may be directly / indirectly connected to the player, so such screenshots may be modified accordingly—such as The controller does not have a network function and the player has a network connection.

  FIG. 10A shows a graphical interface 1000 that may be displayed on the controller if the user desires to create a stereo pair with two players in the stream. It will be appreciated that the system may include more than one player. If a stereo pair is desired, then any two players in the system (one or both players that can be integrated) may be paired, as described with respect to the example of FIGS. 10A-10F. However, if pairing of two or more players is desired, for example, creating an environment where two or more channels of audio data can be played, the graphic interface 1000 may have another option or multiple options. May be included. For example, the options may include “Create Movie Surround Sound Pairing”, “Create Music Surround Sound Pairing”, or “Create Dolby Pro Logic Pairing”. Any descriptive language may be used to properly indicate to the user the type of pairing that can be created. In selecting an option, the configuration wizard on the controller helps the user to properly configure the system and multi-channel discrete audio may be effectively implemented by the system.

  Returning to FIG. 10A, the interface 1000 allows the user to initiate a stereo pair with a zone player named “ZPS5-Black”. In certain embodiments, the system recognizes that ZPS5-Black is part of a particular zone (eg, kitchen, family room, bedroom, etc.). The system may allow the user to pair ZPS5-Black with other players only in the same zone, or the system may allow ZPS5-Black and other players to pair with other players in different zones (eg, adjacent zones). May be paired. Pairing players in different zones can be particularly useful when the open space is divided into two or more zones (eg, the open space includes a kitchen and a family room).

  In addition, the system may be programmed to pair players from different zones to create another zone and reflect the player to pairing mode (eg, single kitchen-family room during pairing period) Zones may be made up of kitchen and family zones during non-pairing periods). In such embodiments, the user may be able to switch between zones or dynamically create new zones.

  In certain embodiments, the screen shot of FIG. 10B can be displayed if other similar players can be paired. If the user wants to continue creating a pair, the user can select “OK”. Otherwise, the user can select “Cancel”. In another embodiment, different players (eg, players that are not S5) are paired together. That is, if the players are designed to be paired, different types of players are paired. To accommodate differences in player types, the equalization of one or more players is adjusted according to the situation to compensate for the number and size of speaker drivers used for one player relative to other players, etc. Also good. In yet another embodiment, a list of players in the system (not shown) may be displayed, and the user selects two or more players to create a stereo pair. The list of players may be determined automatically by the system based on, for example, a home, a specific location of the player in the room, or settings with other players in the room.

  Returning to FIG. 10C, in this example, the user selects a zone player named “ZPS5-White” that is paired with “ZPS5-Black” to create a stereo pair. If so, the user can select “OK” to proceed with pairing. Otherwise, the user can select “Cancel”. In certain embodiments, the ZPS5-White may be in the same zone as the ZPS5-Black. In other embodiments, the ZPS5-White may be in a different zone than the ZPS5-Black.

  When “OK” is selected in FIG. 10C, a screen shot as shown in FIG. 10D is displayed to the user, prompting the user to select a mute button (or some other designation) on the “LEFT” player in the stereo pair. Button) may be pressed. In addition, the player lights may flash to further indicate that each of the players may be left channel pairing. In selecting the left player, if so desired, FIG. 10E may be displayed to inform the user that the pair has been created with the name of the pair. To be responsive, the system plays left channel audio from a player specified by the user and automatically plays right channel audio from other players. FIG. 10F provides an example screenshot that allows the user to split stereo pairs if desired.

  In another embodiment, the creation of a stereo pair may be an option for a particular zone or number of zones (eg, a zone's home). For example, there may be an option to create a “stereo pair”, for example, when selecting, the setup wizard will prompt the user on any speaker that the user wants to be the left speaker in a zone, part of a zone, or all zones. It may be activated by requesting that the mute button (or some other designated button) flashing at. In one embodiment, the blinking occurs on all the same speaker types. In another embodiment, the blinking occurs for all speaker types that can be paired. After selecting the left speaker, the wizard screen asks the user to do the same for the right speaker. Preferably, only the speakers that can be paired as the right speaker are flashing to properly narrow the user's options.

  Further, in one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a screen display is provided to show the user all the players in the system and how they are grouped and named. If FIG. 3A is changed after the stereo pair is complete, the stereo pair nickname on display 1040 is highlighted and further displayed in FIG. 3A.

  Similar graphic interfaces may be used to create pairs in environments with more than one channel. For example, in a home theater environment, the system creates two or more separate pairs because the user creates a pairing by selecting a player that is intended to operate as front right, center, front left, rear right, and rear left. May be listed. Subwoofers can also be added to the list and incorporated into multi-channel pairing by the user.

As an example, as described in the various embodiments above in connection with creating a stereo pair, the system may flash an indicator light on all relevant players, and the configuration wizard You can ask the user to select “front left”, then “front right”, then “front center”, then “rear left”, then “rear right”, etc. Good. Preferably, only the speaker that can be paired as the next speaker blinks, narrowing the user's options appropriately.
VII. Conclusion

  The system components, elements, and / or functions described above can be implemented alone or in combination in various forms, eg, in hardware, firmware, and / or as a set of software instructions. Certain embodiments may reside on computer readable media such as memory, hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, and / or EPROM for execution on a processing device such as a controller and / or playback device. May be provided as a set of

  Various inventions have been described in sufficient detail with a certain degree of particularity. The embodiments of the present disclosure are made for illustrative purposes only, and many changes in modifications and combinations of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. While the embodiments described herein may appear to include some limitations with respect to presentation of information units, in terms of form or arrangement, embodiments far exceed such embodiments. And can be understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the embodiments described above.

  For example, the following shows only a few of the many apparatus, method, and system combinations based on the description provided above. These are provided for non-limiting illustrative purposes, and it is understood that more combinations can be described and claimed based on this specification.

1. A device for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment,
A network interface enabling communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network;
Multiple speaker drivers,
An amplifier for supplying power to the plurality of speaker drivers; and processing the audio data output through the plurality of speaker drivers; and output of the plurality of speaker drivers according to a first type of pairing A processor that sets a first equalization and further sets a second equalization of outputs from the plurality of speaker drivers in response to a second pairing;
An apparatus comprising:

2. The first equalization includes the use of a first type of pass filter that alters the output based on the first type of pairing, and the second equalization includes the second type of pairing. The apparatus according to 1, wherein the first type of pass filter and the second type of pass filter are different from each other, including the use of a second type of pass filter that changes the output based on the first type of pass filter.

3. The apparatus comprises a playback device, the first type of pairing does not include pairing with other playback devices, and the second type of pairing with one or more other playback devices 1 device including pairing.

4). The apparatus includes a playback device, wherein the first type of pairing includes pairing with a second playback device, and the second type of pairing includes pairing with a plurality of playback devices. 1 device including.

5. The first type of pairing includes reproduction of two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes the two types of pairing via the plurality of speaker drivers. The apparatus of 1, comprising reproduction of no more than one channel of channel sound.

6). The first type of pairing includes reproduction of a first audio channel via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes second reproduction via the plurality of speaker drivers. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first audio channel and the second audio channel are different from each other.

7). The first type of pairing includes reproduction of audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers in stereo mode, and the second type of pairing via the plurality of speaker drivers in theater mode. The apparatus according to 1, comprising reproduction of the audio content of

8). In the integrated mode, the first type of pairing includes reproduction of audio content through the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing is through the plurality of speaker drivers. The apparatus of 1, comprising reproduction of the audio content.

9. The processor is configured to divide the audio data into a plurality of audio channels, the divided at least one audio channel is output from the plurality of speaker drivers, and the divided at least one other audio channel is The apparatus according to 1, transmitted by the network device on the network.

10. The apparatus is a playback device, and the network interface receives one signal from a controller over the network and pairs one or more playback devices.

11. The apparatus is a playback device, and the network interface receives a signal from a controller on the network and sets the playback device to an integrated mode.

12 The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a playback device and includes a button for selecting a channel of the playback device when the playback device is selected.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network is a wireless network.

14 A method for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment,
Receiving audio data on the network;
Processing the audio data output through a plurality of speaker drivers; and setting a first equalization of the outputs from the plurality of speaker drivers in response to a first type of pairing; Setting a second equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers according to the type of pairing;
Including a method.

15. The first equalization includes using a first pass filter that changes content based on the first type of pairing, and the second equalization is based on the second pairing. 14. The method of 14, comprising using a second pass filter that modifies the content, wherein the first pass filter and the second pass filter are different from each other.

16. 14. The method of 14, wherein the first type of pairing does not include pairing with other playback devices, and the second type of pairing includes pairing with one or more other playback devices .

17. 14. The method of 14, wherein the first type of pairing includes pairing with a second playback device, and the second type of pairing includes pairing with a plurality of playback devices.

18. The first type of pairing includes reproducing two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes the two types of speaker drivers via the plurality of speaker drivers. 14. The method of 14, comprising reproducing less than one channel of channel sound.

19. The first type of pairing includes reproducing a first audio channel via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes a second via the plurality of speaker drivers. 14. The method of 14, wherein the first audio channel and the second audio channel are different, including recreating a plurality of audio channels.

20. In the integrated mode, the first type of pairing reproduces audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing reproduces the audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers. 14. The method of 14 including reproducing | regenerating.

21. The processor is configured to divide the audio data into a plurality of audio channels, the divided at least one audio channel is output from the plurality of speaker drivers, and the divided at least one other audio channel is 14. The method of 14, transmitted by the network device on the network.

22. 15. The method of 14, further comprising: transmitting a signal over the network to a controller that selects a channel of the audio data output from the plurality of speaker drivers.

23. A system for providing multi-channel audio playback,
A collection of at least three playback devices each configured to independently output a plurality of audio channels, each playback device including a network interface, a speaker driver, and an amplifier, and at least one of the collection of playback devices In one, the processor that selects and pairs the at least three playback devices, each of the at least three playback devices outputs a different audio channel from the other devices of the at least three playback devices after pairing Set to
A system comprising:

24. 24. The 23 systems, wherein the at least three playback devices output their respective audio channels synchronously.

25. The processor is housed in one of the at least three playback devices, the processor processes incoming audio data, divides the audio data into audio channels, and provides them to the other of the at least three playback devices. 23 systems that output in synchronization with their respective audio channels.

26. The processor processes incoming data and maintains one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels locally until all incoming audio tracks are held locally by the playback device. 25 systems that transmit the remaining audio tracks to at least three playback devices and another.

27. 23 systems wherein the selective pairing is triggered based on a command via a controller interface.

28. 23 systems wherein the selective pairing is triggered in response to an event.

29. 28. The 28 systems, wherein the event includes at least one of audio content change, time, and audio content type associated with the plurality of audio channels.

30. 23. The system of 23, wherein the processor changes equalization of the at least three playback devices by changing equalization of one or more specific speaker drivers and adjusting synchronization with the paired playback devices.

31. The equalization is a first equalization, second type pair that uses a first type of pass filter to change the first output of the at least three playback devices based on a first type of pairing. A second equalization using a second type of pass filter to change a second of the outputs of the at least three playback devices based on a ring, the at least three playback devices based on a third type of pairing 30. A third equalization using a third type of pass filter that alters the third output of the first.

32. The first type of pairing includes a reproduction of a first audio channel, the second type of pairing includes a reproduction of a second audio channel, and the third type of pairing includes 31 systems, including reproduction of a third audio channel from the plurality of audio channels.

33. 30 systems wherein the equalization is based on at least one of a non-pair mode, a pair mode, an integrated mode, and a group mode for selective pairing of the at least three playback devices.

34. At least two of the collection of the at least three playback devices are grouped into an integrated playback device, the integrated playback device can be paired with one or more other playback devices, system.

35. A method for providing multi-channel audio playback comprising:
Receiving audio data comprising a plurality of audio channels in a collection of at least three playback devices;
Selecting and pairing using a processor contained in at least one of the collections of playback devices, wherein the at least three playback devices are each of the at least three playback devices; Set to output different audio channels from the rest of the device,
Including a method.

36. 35. The method of 35, wherein the at least three playback devices output their respective audio channels synchronously.

37. The processor is housed in one of at least three playback devices, the processor processes incoming audio data, divides the audio data into audio channels, and is provided to the other of the at least three playback devices. 35 methods of outputting in synchronization with their respective audio channels.

38. The processor processes incoming audio data and locally holds one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels, and all incoming audio data is held locally by the playback device. Until the remaining audio track is transmitted to the other of the at least three playback devices.

39. 36. The method of 35, wherein the selective pairing is triggered based on a command through a controller interface.

40. 36. The method of 35, wherein the selective pairing is triggered in response to an event.

41. 39. The method of 39, wherein the event includes a change in audio content.

Changing the equalization of one or more specific speaker drivers and changing the equalization of the at least three playback devices by adjusting synchronization with the paired playback devices; The method of 35, further comprising:

43. The equalization is a first equalization, second type pair that uses a first type of pass filter to change the first output of the at least three playback devices based on a first type of pairing. A second equalization using a second type of pass filter to change a second of the outputs of the at least three playback devices based on a ring, the at least three playback devices based on a third type of pairing A third equalization using a third type of pass filter that causes the third said output to be changed.

44. The first type of pairing includes reproducing a first audio channel, the second type of pairing includes reproducing a second audio channel, and the third type 43. The method of 43, wherein the pairing includes recreating a third audio channel from the plurality of audio channels.

45. 42. The method of 42, wherein the equalization is based on at least one of a non-pair mode, a pair mode, an integrated mode, and a group mode for selective pairing of the at least three playback devices.

46. Grouping at least two of the collection of at least three playback devices into an integrated playback device, wherein the integrated playback device can be paired with one or more other playback devices. 35 methods.

47. An apparatus for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment,
A network interface enabling communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network;
Multiple speaker drivers,
An amplifier for supplying power to the plurality of speaker drivers; and a processor for processing the audio data output via the plurality of speaker drivers, wherein the processor is between the device and at least a second device. Applying a first equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers in response to a first pairing and ignoring portions of the audio data that do not correspond to the first equalization;
An apparatus comprising:

48. The first equalization uses a first filter to select an initial number of one or more audio channels from the audio data output through the device and the remaining from the audio data 47. The device of 47, wherein the output by the second device is independently processed ignoring one or more of the channels.

49. 47. The device of 47, wherein the processor selects and pairs the device and the second device in response to a trigger.

50. 49. The apparatus of 49, wherein the trigger includes at least one of a control interface command, a change in audio content, a time, and a type of audio content.

51. An apparatus for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment,
A network interface enabling communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network;
Multiple speaker drivers,
An amplifier that supplies power to the plurality of speaker drivers; and the audio data that is output through the plurality of speaker drivers, and the plurality of speaker drivers according to a first pairing based on an external trigger A processor configured to set a first equalization of the output from and further to set a second equalization of the output from the plurality of speaker drivers in response to a second pairing
An apparatus comprising:

52. 51. The apparatus of 51, wherein the trigger includes at least one of a control interface command, an audio content change, a time, and an audio content type.

53. An apparatus comprising a plurality of playback devices grouped into an integrated playback device.

54. 55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein at least one equalization of the plurality of playback devices is changed as a result of the integration.

55. 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the integrated playback device is further paired with one or more playback devices.

56. 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the plurality of playback devices are grouped wirelessly with each other.

57. A network interface for enabling communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network, at least one speaker driver, an amplifier for supplying power to the at least one speaker driver; A processor, wherein a single channel of the two or more channel audio data processes the two or more channel audio data and is output via the at least one speaker driver; The apparatus wherein the remaining channels of data are transmitted via the network interface that is output through a plurality of playback devices.

58. A method comprising wirelessly pairing three or more playback devices.

Claims (31)

A device for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment,
A network interface enabling communication with a network, wherein the network interface receives audio data on the network;
A plurality of speaker drivers for outputting the audio data;
At least one amplifier for supplying power to the plurality of speaker drivers, and processing the audio data to be output through the plurality of speaker drivers, while in accordance with the received instructions, the type of pairing according to the arrangement of the devices A processor that triggers a change to set equalization of outputs from the plurality of speaker drivers;
With
The processor is
Changing the output of the audio data by adjusting a first frequency dependent parameter based on the received first command and in response to the first type of pairing;
An apparatus for changing the output of the audio data by adjusting a second frequency dependent parameter based on the received second command and the change from the first type of pairing to the second type of pairing. Changing the output of the audio data by adjusting the first frequency dependent parameter includes using a first type of pass filter that changes the output based on the first type of pairing;
Changing the output of the audio data by adjusting the second frequency dependent parameter includes using a second type of pass filter that changes the output based on the second type of pairing;
The first type pass filter and the second type pass filter are different from each other.
The apparatus of claim 1. The apparatus includes a first playback device,
The first type of pairing does not include pairing with a second playback device,
The second type of pairing includes pairing with one or more other playback devices,
The apparatus of claim 1. The apparatus includes a first playback device,
The first type of pairing includes pairing with a second playback device;
The second type of pairing includes pairing with a plurality of playback devices,
The apparatus of claim 1. The first type of pairing includes reproduction of a two channel sound via the plurality of speaker drivers;
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second type of pairing includes reproduction of no more than one channel of the two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers. The first type of pairing includes reproduction of a first audio channel via the plurality of speaker drivers;
The second type of pairing includes reproduction of a second audio channel via the plurality of speaker drivers;
The first audio channel and the second audio channel are different from each other.
The apparatus of claim 1. The first type of pairing includes reproduction of audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers in stereo mode;
The second type of pairing includes reproduction of the audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers in theater mode;
The apparatus of claim 1. The apparatus is a first playback device;
When in the integrated mode, the first type of pairing includes reproduction of audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes the audio via the plurality of speaker drivers. Including the reproduction of content, wherein the integrated mode integrates the apparatus with a second playback device to form an integrated playback device;
The apparatus of claim 1.   Further, the processor is configured to divide the audio data into a plurality of audio channels, and the divided at least one audio channel is output from the plurality of speaker drivers and divided into at least one other audio channel. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is transmitted by the network interface on the network.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a playback device, and wherein the network interface receives a signal from a controller over the network and pairs with one or more playback devices.   The apparatus is a first playback device, and the network interface receives a signal from a controller over the network and sets the playback device to an integrated mode, where the integrated mode includes the first playback device and the second playback device. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is integrated with a playback device to form an integrated playback device.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a playback device, and comprises a button for selecting a channel of the playback device when the playback device is selected.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network is a wireless network.   2. The processor selectively pairs the device and a second device in response to a trigger that includes at least one of a control interface command, a change in audio content, a time, and a type of audio content. The device described in 1.   The processor processes incoming audio data, divides the audio data into audio channels, provides them to one or more other playback devices, and outputs the multiple audio channels synchronously. The device described in 1.   The processor processes incoming audio data and locally holds one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels, and all incoming audio data is held locally by the playback device. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the remaining audio tracks are transmitted to at least one other playback device.   The processor processes incoming audio data, maintains one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels, and ignores at least one or more other audio tracks processed by the second device. The apparatus of claim 1. A method for providing audio to a multi-channel listening environment,
Receiving audio data on a network by a device including a processor and a plurality of speaker drivers;
Using the processor to process the audio data for output through the plurality of speaker drivers, and using the processor to trigger a pairing type change by placement of the device according to received instructions And setting equalization of outputs from the plurality of speaker drivers,
Including
The processor is
Changing the output of the audio data by adjusting a first frequency dependent parameter based on the received first command and in response to the first type of pairing;
Changing the output of the audio data by adjusting a second frequency dependent parameter based on the received second command and the change from the first type of pairing to the second type of pairing. . The processor that changes the output of the audio data by adjusting the first frequency dependent parameter uses a first pass filter that changes the output based on the first type of pairing;
The processor that changes the output of the audio data by adjusting the second frequency dependent parameter uses a second pass filter that changes the output based on the second type of pairing;
The first pass filter and the second pass filter are different from each other.
The method of claim 18. The first type of pairing does not include pairing with other playback devices,
The second type of pairing includes pairing with one or more other playback devices,
The method of claim 18. The plurality of speaker drivers are included in the first playback device,
The first type of pairing includes pairing with a second playback device;
The second type of pairing includes pairing with a plurality of playback devices,
The method of claim 18. The first type of pairing includes reproducing two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers;
The second type of pairing includes reproducing one or less channels of the two channel sounds via the plurality of speaker drivers.
The method of claim 18. The first type of pairing includes reproducing a first audio channel via the plurality of speaker drivers;
The second type of pairing includes reproducing a second audio channel via the plurality of speaker drivers;
The first audio channel and the second audio channel are different.
The method of claim 18. The apparatus includes a first playback device,
When in the integrated mode, the first type of pairing includes reproducing audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers, and the second type of pairing includes audio content via the plurality of speaker drivers. The method of claim 18, wherein the integrated mode integrates the apparatus with a second playback device to form an integrated playback device. The step of processing and the step of setting include the step of dividing the audio data into a plurality of audio channels,
The divided at least one audio channel is output from the plurality of speaker drivers,
The divided at least one other audio channel is transmitted by a network interface on the network;
The method of claim 18.   The method according to claim 18, further comprising transmitting a signal over the network to a controller that selects a channel of the audio data output from the plurality of speaker drivers. The apparatus includes a first playback device,
Further, the processing step selects and pairs the first playback device and the second playback device in response to a trigger including at least one of a control interface command, a change in audio content, a time, and a type of audio content. The method according to claim 18.   Further, the processing step includes processing the incoming data, wherein one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels are maintained locally, and all incoming audio tracks are playback devices. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the remaining audio track is transmitted to at least one other playback device until held locally by.   The processing step processes incoming audio data, maintains one or more audio tracks corresponding to one or more audio channels, and at least one or more other audio tracks processed by the second device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein is ignored.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first frequency dependent parameters and each of the second frequency dependent parameters includes at least one of frequency strength, phase, and delay time.   The method of claim 18, wherein each of the first frequency dependent parameters and each of the second frequency dependent parameters includes at least one of frequency strength, phase, and delay time.

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