Modular loudspeaker

Abstract

Embodiments of this disclosure describe a system and a modular loudspeaker, the system including an audio system module. The audio system module includes a loudspeaker, a connector, and one or more processing units. The one or more processing units are configured to: detect a second audio system module connected to the connector; determine a network graph of the audio system modules, wherein the network graph includes at least the first audio system module and the second audio system module; determine an operating mode based on the network graph; receive an audio signal; and output audio corresponding to the audio signal via the loudspeaker, based on the operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various implementation schemes generally involve audio systems, and more specifically, modular speakers. Background Technology

[0002] The key component for enjoying audio content is the speaker, which is responsible for converting electrical audio signals into sound. With the widespread distribution of both pure audio and audio-containing content through various devices, the demand for speakers has increased significantly. For example, users may need speakers at home, in their vehicles, at work, and while traveling.

[0003] Several types of conventional speaker systems are available for a variety of situations. One type of speaker system, typically intended for fixed or stable installations (such as for home use), comprises multiple speakers, each of which is usually connected to a specific channel via physical wiring. The speakers within this type of speaker system are typically configured for specific functionalities within the system. Another type of speaker system includes a single, typically portable, speaker unit that is coupled to an audio source but not to other speakers.

[0004] The drawbacks of these conventional speaker systems are their limited configurability and functionality. For example, fixed-mount speakers are typically large and difficult to move and / or position, thus often limiting their use to applications where they are expected to remain in place indefinitely. Furthermore, speakers with specific functions or channels cannot be easily repurposed (e.g., rear channel speakers not used in a 5.1 channel speaker system cannot be easily deployed in a single-speaker or 2.1 channel system). Simultaneously, smaller, more portable speakers are limited in terms of connectivity options, audio processing capabilities, and / or audio output capabilities in order to achieve portability. The limited configurability and functionality of conventional speakers force users to acquire multiple different speakers for different use cases, thus increasing the cost of achieving an enjoyable audio experience across multiple applications.

[0005] There is a need for speaker systems with greater configurability and functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment describes a method for outputting audio at an audio system module, the method comprising: detecting a second audio system module connected to the audio system module via a physical connection; determining a network graph of the audio system module, wherein the network graph includes at least the audio system module and the second audio system module; determining an operating mode based on the network graph; receiving an audio signal; and outputting audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the operating mode.

[0007] Another embodiment describes a method for outputting audio at an audio system module, the method comprising: receiving a test signal; outputting a response signal in response to the test signal; receiving network graph information indicating a network graph of the audio system module, wherein the network graph is determined at least based on the response signal; determining an operating mode based on the network graph; receiving an audio signal; and outputting audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the operating mode.

[0008] Other embodiments provide, in particular, one or more computer-readable storage media and a system configured to implement any of the methods described above.

[0009] Compared to existing technologies, the disclosed implementation offers advantages and technical improvements in that the audio system modules are portable and can be flexibly arranged and combined with additional audio system modules. Therefore, audio systems composed of such modules can be physically and acoustically deployed and configured for different use cases. This audio system can also be easily positioned and scaled to various shape factors, sizes, and functionalities and / or capabilities based on usage. Compared to conventional speaker systems, this audio system can also be easily repositioned and / or reconfigured. Furthermore, a group of audio system modules can be physically connected as a module network and self-mapped to the module network. The capabilities of modules within the network can be controlled according to their position within the network. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over existing methods. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To gain a detailed understanding of the features described above in the various embodiments, a more specific description of the inventive concept briefly outlined above can be obtained by referring to the various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings only illustrate typical embodiments of the inventive concept and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope in any way, and other equally effective embodiments exist.

[0011] Figure 1 Block diagrams of audio system modules according to various implementation schemes are shown;

[0012] Figures 2A to 2B Different views of the audio system modules according to various implementation schemes are shown;

[0013] Figures 3A to 3D An example array of audio system modules physically connected according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 An audio system module housed in a module housing according to various embodiments is shown;

[0015] Figure 5An example spatial distribution of audio system modules according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0016] Figure 6 Example user interfaces for specifying the spatial distribution layout of audio system modules are shown according to various implementation schemes;

[0017] Figure 7 An example network diagram is shown of an array of physically connected audio system modules according to various implementation schemes;

[0018] Figure 8 Flowcharts illustrating method steps for outputting audio based on a network diagram of an audio system module, according to various embodiments, are shown; and

[0019] Figure 9 Another flowchart of method steps for outputting audio based on a network graph of an audio system module, according to various embodiments, is shown, wherein the network graph is generated based on a test signal. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be practiced without one or more of these specific details.

[0021] Figure 1 A block diagram of an audio system module 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, the audio system module 100, also referred to as a "cell," may be physically and / or wirelessly coupled to and operate in conjunction with one or more additional audio system modules 100. As shown, the audio system module 100 includes, but is not limited to, one or more processing units 102, I / O device interfaces 104, network interfaces 106, interconnects (buses) 112, and memory 120. The processing units 102, I / O device interfaces 104, network interfaces 106, and memory 120 may be communicatively coupled to each other via interconnects 112.

[0022] Processing unit 102 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. Each processing unit 102 typically includes a programmable processor that executes program instructions to manipulate input data. In some embodiments, processing unit 102 may include any number of processing cores, memory, and other modules for facilitating program execution. In various embodiments, processing unit 102 may also include any number of audio processing circuitry, processors, modules, etc., for processing audio signals. Examples of audio processing circuitry, etc., include, but are not limited to, digital-to-analog converters, digital signal buffers, amplifiers, beamforming circuit systems, etc. In some embodiments, processing unit 102 includes a low-power DSP unit.

[0023] Memory 120 may include memory modules or a collection of memory modules. Memory 120 typically includes memory chips such as random access memory (RAM) chips that store application programs and data for processing by processing unit 102. Processing unit 102, I / O device interface 104, and network interface 106 may be configured to read data from memory 120 and write data to memory. In various embodiments, audio system module 100 may also include a non-volatile storage device (not shown). The non-volatile storage device may include storage for application programs, software modules, and data, and may include flash memory devices, read-only memory (ROM), or other solid-state storage devices, etc. The non-volatile storage device may include an instruction set (... For example (Application), the instruction set configures the processing unit 102 to perform any of the operations and techniques described herein when executed.

[0024] In some implementations, the audio system module 100 may be communicatively coupled to one or more networks 160. Network 160 may be any technically feasible type of communication network that allows data exchange between the audio system module 100 and remote systems or devices (such as servers, cloud computing systems, or other networked computing devices or systems). For example, network 160 may include a local area network (LAN), a wireless network (... For example (e.g., Wi-Fi networks) and / or the Internet. The audio system module 100 may be connected to the network 160 via a network interface 106. In some embodiments, the network interface 106 is hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software configured to connect to and interface with the network 160.

[0025] In some implementations, the audio system module 100 may be communicatively coupled to a local computing device 170, which is separate from the audio system module 100 and other audio system modules coupled to it. For example, the audio system module 100 may be coupled to a computing device 170 associated with a user. For example The audio system module 100 can be paired with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. One or more applications 172 executing on the paired computing device 170 can operate in conjunction with the audio system module 100 to, for example, configure the audio system module 100 and / or output audio signals to the audio system module 100. The audio system module 100 can be implemented in any technically feasible manner (…). For example Universal Serial Bus (USB), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are supported via network interface 106. For example It is coupled to the computing device 170 via a network 160 and / or via an I / O device interface 104, either wired or wirelessly.

[0026] The audio system module 100 may include one or more input devices 114. Input devices 114 may include devices capable of receiving input. Examples of input devices 114 include, but are not limited to, touch-sensitive surfaces. For example This includes a touchpad, a touchscreen or display, one or more microphones, buttons, knobs, dials, etc. In some implementations, the microphone is configured to receive sound from the environment (…). For example (Voice input from the user, test signals from computing device 170). The microphone may include, but is not limited to, unidirectional microphones, omnidirectional microphones, directional microphones, microphone arrays, beamforming microphones, microelectromechanical (MEMS) microphones, etc.

[0027] The audio system module 100 may include one or more output devices 116. Output devices 116 may include devices capable of providing output. Examples of output devices 116 include, but are not limited to, display devices. Examples of display devices include, but are not limited to, LCD displays, LED displays, touch-sensitive displays, and LED lights. For example (Indicator lights, etc.) The audio system module 110 may also include devices capable of both receiving input and providing output, such as touch-sensitive displays.

[0028] The audio system module 100 may include an audio output device 122. The audio output device 122 includes means capable of outputting sound to a user. In some embodiments, the audio output device 122 includes a transducer configured to convert an electrical audio signal into audible sound. For example(e.g., loudspeaker). In some embodiments, the audio output device 122 is capable of outputting the entire range of frequencies audible to humans (and optionally also outputting one or more frequency ranges inaudible to humans), and can be configured to output sound within the entire range of audible frequencies or a subset thereof. For example, the audio output device 122 can be configured as a full-range loudspeaker, a subwoofer, a tweeter, etc.

[0029] The audio system module 100 may include a power supply 108. The power supply 108 supplies electrical power to the audio system module 100. The power supply 108 may include, but is not limited to, a battery inside the audio system module 100, and is configured to draw power from an external source. For example The power supply 108 receives power from an external battery, a wall socket, or another physically connected audio system module 100. In some embodiments, the power supply 108 also includes components configured to process power signals. For example The circuitry includes a power signal 130 and manages the power consumption of the audio system module 100. For example, the circuitry may include circuits that perform voltage conversion, AC-DC conversion, regulate the power supply and delivery to certain components of the audio system module 100 and / or other physically connected audio system modules, regulate battery charging, and put the audio system module 100 into sleep mode, etc.

[0030] Audio system module 100 includes one or more connectors 124. Connector 124 facilitates physical connection to other audio system modules 100, and also facilitates input / output connections between physically connected audio system modules. For example (Signal transmission). Via connector 124, audio system module 100 can be connected to one or more other audio system modules, and transmit and / or receive power signals 130 to and from these connected audio system modules. For example (electrical power) and / or other signals 140 ( For example (Audio signals, control signals, data signals, other data or information). In some embodiments, connector 124 includes a magnetic connector that can be magnetically coupled to a similar connector on another audio system module. These magnetic connectors are also conductive, and therefore the signal ( For example Power signals 130 and / or other signals 140 can be propagated via magnetically coupled connectors. These connectors 124 may be exposed on one or more outer surfaces of the audio system module 100. These connectors 124 are configured to be magnetically and / or electrically coupled to similar connectors 124 on another audio system module 100.

[0031] In some implementations, in addition to connectors for connecting to other audio system modules, connector 124 may include one or more other physical connectors. For example, connector 124 may include a USB socket for connecting to an external power source and / or computing device 170 via a USB cable, and an input source connector for connecting to an audio source. For example , 3.5 mm audio jack, line input connector, power connector for connecting to a power plug that can be inserted into a wall socket, etc.

[0032] In some implementations, multiple types of audio system modules 100 are implemented as a series of audio system modules that can be coupled and operated together, and one or more of the aforementioned components may be configured differently and / or omitted depending on the type of module and the function associated with that type. For example, the series of audio system modules may include a full-range speaker module, a subwoofer module, a display module, an audio source module, a control module, a power module, and a wireless connectivity module. A full-range speaker will include an audio output device 122 configured for full-range output, and the input device 114 and output device 116 may be omitted. The subwoofer module is similar to the full-range speaker, except that the audio output device 122 of the subwoofer module will be configured to output low-frequency range (…). For example (Lower volume). The display module may omit the audio output device 122 and will include a display within the output device 116; the display module can display various information, such as information about the audio content being played, sound settings ( , bass). For example Equalizer settings), visualization of the audio being played, etc. The audio source module may omit the audio output device 122 and will include various source input connectors and selections (…). For example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack, line-in connector, other analog audio connectors). The control module may omit the audio output device 122 and will include an input device 114 for receiving input from the user. For example (Knobs, touchscreens, buttons). The power module may omit the audio output device 122 and will include a power supply 108, which can be drawn from a source ( For example Power is drawn from batteries and wall sockets. For example Power signal 130), and process the power signal ( For example (AC-DC conversion, regulation of power delivery to components and / or other modules, etc.). The wireless connectivity module may omit the audio output device 122 and will include features enabling signal 140 ( For example (Audio signals, control signals) receive instructions and / or applications routed to other audio system modules within the audio system; the wireless connection module can be used as a device to provide signal 140 ( For exampleThe computing device 170 serves as a coordinator or intermediary between other audio system modules within the audio system. Several modules in this series can be physically and / or wirelessly connected together to form an audio system. In some other embodiments, each type of audio system module in the module series can be configured for a corresponding role among the aforementioned functions, and still includes the audio output device 122 (and therefore can still operate as a speaker).

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components of the audio system module 100 may be located within a module housing, which is separate from the audio system module 100 and has a cavity for accommodating the audio system module. For example, the module housing may include one or more processing units, a memory, a storage device, a power supply (…). For example The module housing includes a battery, network interface, wireless transmission capability, source input connector, I / O interface, input devices, and / or output devices. One or more connectors are exposed on the inner wall of the cavity. For example Magnetic connector), the one or more connectors being connected to the exposed connector 124 of the audio system module 100 housed in the cavity. For example The magnetic connector is matched and can be connected to the exposed connector. The module housing allows the audio system module 100, housed in the cavity, to operate without direct physical connection to other audio system modules. For example (Whether operating as a single portable speaker or as a single speaker coupled to other wirelessly coherent audio system modules). The following section combines... Figure 4 Further description of the module housing.

[0034] In various implementations, the audio system module 100 is physically connectable and / or communicatively coupled. For example (Wirelessly) to one or more other additional audio system modules 100. A single audio system module 100 or a group of physically connected and / or communicatively coupled audio system modules 100 can be communicatively coupled to an audio source ( For example (Computing device 170, audio source connected via line input connector 124). Furthermore, a group of physically connected and / or communicatively coupled audio system modules 100 can communicate with each other and identify their positions relative to each other and / or their respective functions. The output of audio signals by the group of physically connected and / or communicatively coupled audio system modules 100 can be controlled based on the position and / or function of the respective audio system modules 100 within the group.

[0035] In various embodiments, the audio system module 100 has a shape factor that allows it to be easily moved, positioned, and / or connected to other audio system modules 100. For example, in some embodiments, the audio system module 100 may be approximately the size of an adult's palm. The audio system module 100 can be placed on a surface in any technically feasible manner. For example Placed on a horizontal surface; mounted on a vertical surface via adhesive, magnets, mounting brackets, holes hooked into nails or screws, etc.

[0036] As described above, two or more audio system modules 100 can be connected via connector 124 on each of the two or more audio system modules 100. For example Physically connected (using magnetic connectors). Two or more audio system modules 100 are physically connected to form a planar arrangement of audio system modules 100. For example (Plane array). The shape factor of the audio system module 100 can be designed to facilitate physical connections for a planar arrangement. In some embodiments, the shape factor of the audio system module 100 has a right-hand prism geometry, wherein the front and back faces or bottom faces of this geometry are n-sided polygons of the same shape, while the sides or walls are rectangles that join the corresponding sides of the front and back faces. The n-sided polygons of the front / back faces can be, for example, triangles ( For example (equilateral triangles), squares, hexagons, etc. Connector 124 is exposed on the sidewall, and the audio system module 100 can be physically connected via the connector on the sidewall.

[0037] Figures 2A to 2B Different views of the audio system modules according to various implementation schemes are shown. Figure 2A A plan view of the audio system module 200 is shown, and Figure 2B A perspective view of the audio system module 200 is shown. (As shown) Figure 2A As shown, audio system module 200 ( For example An audio system module 100 has a housing 202, the front of which is... Figure 2A As shown in the diagram. The housing 202 accommodates components of the audio system module 200. For example The above is about Figure 1 (The described component). For example... Figures 2A to 2B As shown, the audio system module 200 has a prism geometry, wherein both the front and back sides (not shown) have hexagonal shapes.

[0038] The number of sidewalls 206 of the housing 202 matches the number of edges of the front / back shape. Therefore, the housing 202 shown in the figure has six sidewalls, with two sidewalls 206-1 and 206-2 shown.

[0039] The audio system module 200 shown in the figure includes a speaker 204. For example (Audio output device 122). In such Figure 2A On the front of the housing 202 shown, the speaker 204 is exposed. For example This exposes the diaphragm and / or speaker grille of speaker 204. For audio system module 200 that omits audio output device 122, another component may be exposed on the front of housing 202 instead of speaker 204. For example, instead of speaker 204, a display device (of output device 116) and / or one or more input devices 114 may be exposed on the front.

[0040] The audio system module 200 also has the same characteristics as... Figure 2A The front and back sides (not shown) are shown opposite each other. The back side may include features that allow the module to be mounted on the surface. For example Any number of features on the wall. The back may include, for example, an adhesive pad, a magnetic pad, or holes configured to hook onto a nail or screw on the wall.

[0041] Sidewall 206 includes and exposes connector 208. For example (Connector 124). As shown, each sidewall 206 includes four connectors 208. Each of these connectors 208 is magnetic and conductive, and is magnetically and / or electrically coupled to a set of four similar connectors 208 on the sidewall of another audio system module 200.

[0042] In some implementations, each of the four connectors 208 on a set of sidewalls carries certain signals. For example, connectors 208-1 and 208-4 may carry power signals 130, and connectors 208-2 and 208-3 may carry other signals 140, such as data or audio signals. Thus, two audio system modules 200 physically coupled to each other can exchange power signals via connectors 208-1 and / or 208-4, and exchange other signals 140 via connectors 208-2 and / or 208-3.

[0043] Figures 3A to 3D An example array of physically connected audio system modules according to various implementation schemes is shown. As mentioned above, two or more audio system modules ( For example The audio system module 100 or 200 can be accessed via the sidewall ( example like The connector exposed on the side wall 206) For example Connector 208) is physically connected in a flat, planar arrangement, wherein the front faces of the connected audio system modules face the same direction.

[0044] Figures 3A to 3BA linear arrangement of multiple audio system modules physically connected via its sidewalls is shown. Figure 3A A vertically oriented linear arrangement is shown, and Figure 3B A horizontally oriented linear arrangement is shown. Figure 3A The vertically oriented arrangement shown can be deployed similarly to a loudspeaker tower, and the horizontally oriented arrangement can be deployed similarly to a soundbar.

[0045] Figure 3C A symmetrical arrangement of multiple audio system modules physically connected via their sidewalls is shown. As illustrated, the audio system modules are connected in a symmetrical array resembling a honeycomb. Figure 3D An arbitrary arrangement of multiple audio system modules physically connected via their connectors is shown.

[0046] Although Figures 3A to 3D The arrangement of a specific number of connected audio system modules is shown; however, it should be understood that any number of audio system modules can be connected via their connectors. For example Connectors 124 and 208 are physically connected to form any array or other planar arrangement feasible for the geometry of the audio system module.

[0047] Figure 4 An audio system module, according to various embodiments, is shown housed in a module housing. As described above, the module housing is separable from and accommodates the audio system module 100. Figure 4 A front plan view of an audio system module housed within a cavity of a module housing is shown. As shown, the audio system module, having a housing 402 and a speaker 404, is housed within a module housing 406. The front of the audio system module is exposed; the module housing 406 can expose the front of the audio system module while surrounding its sides and back. The module housing 406 can receive the housing 402 within a cavity whose geometry matches that of the housing 402. For example (For the hexagonal cavity of the hexagonal housing 402). The sidewalls of the cavity of the module housing 406 include connectors (not shown), which physically connect ( For example These connectors (magnetically and / or electrically connected) are attached to connectors (e.g., connector 208) on the sidewall of the audio system module, similar to how connectors 208 on two audio connector modules can be connected to each other. These connectors on the module housing 406 communicatively couple the audio system module to internal components of the module housing 406. For example (I / O interfaces, processing units, network interfaces, etc.). The module housing 406 may have a prism geometry similar to that of an audio system module. The back side of the module housing 406, opposite to the front side, may have features supporting mounting on a surface. For example(Adhesive pads, magnetic pads, holes configured to hook onto nails or screws on a wall).

[0048] although Figure 4 A module housing 406 is shown with an external geometry similar to that of the housing 402 of the audio system module. However, in some embodiments, the module housing 406 may have a different overall geometry than the housing 402, while the geometry of the cavity for receiving the housing 402 still matches the geometry of the housing 402. For example, the module housing 406 may have a rectangular prism or cylindrical geometry. For example Therefore, the front of the module housing 406 will be rectangular ( For example (square) or circle, not like Figure 4 (as shown in the hexagonal shape), while still having a hexagonal cavity for receiving the hexagonal audio system module.

[0049] Figure 5 Example spatial distributions of audio system modules according to various implementation schemes are shown. Two or more audio system modules forming the audio system can be distributed in any feasible arrangement in space. For example In a room. For example, as shown in the figure, audio system modules 504 and 506 can be positioned adjacent to the wall-mounted television 502 on either side of the television 502 in space 500. A set of audio system modules 508 are physically connected. For example A horizontally oriented linear array can be positioned below the television 502. Another set 510 is physically connected to the audio system module (…). For example A vertically oriented linear array can be placed on one side of a space of 500, and another set of 512 physically connected audio system modules ( For example A vertically oriented linear array can be placed on opposite sides of a space of 500.

[0050] Figure 6 Example user interfaces for specifying the spatial distribution layout of audio system modules are shown according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the distribution of the audio system modules can be input by the user to the external device via an application running on the external device. For example In the computing device 170). Figure 6 An example user interface for such an application is shown. As shown, user interface 600 is a touch-based interface displayed on a touch-sensitive display of an external device. The user can use touch-based controls ( For exampleUsers can use gestures, etc., to specify the location of audio system modules and obvious furniture or equipment on a floor plan of a space. For example, as shown in the figure, television 604 and sofa 606 have already been marked on the floor plan. Users can tap the user interface 600 with their finger 602 to mark the location of audio system modules on the floor plan. As shown in the figure, positions 608, 610, 612, 614, and 616 are marked as the locations of audio system modules. Positions 608 and 610 are on either side of television 604, positions 612 and 614 are on either side of sofa 606, and position 616 is in front of television 604.

[0051] although Figure 6 An application is shown that provides a floor plan in user interface 600 for marking the location of audio system modules; however, the application may also provide other views of the space, including, for example, views from within the space. Furthermore, in some embodiments, if the external device is equipped with an image capture device ( For example If a camera is used, an application running on an external device can capture one or more images of the space and display them in a user interface 600, where the user can mark the location of the audio system module on the displayed image. For example (via an augmented reality interface presented in conjunction with captured images).

[0052] In some implementations, additionally or optionally, the external device can automatically detect and / or determine the distribution of the audio system modules. For example, if the external device is equipped with an image capture device ( For example If a camera is used, an application running on an external device can capture one or more images of the space, identify audio system modules within the images, and determine the layout of the space and the location of the audio system modules within the space based on the images. In some other embodiments, the computing device 170 can capture images from a fixed location in the space (…). For example (Approximately in the center of the room) transmits a test signal to the audio system module in the space. example like (Sounds at frequencies inaudible to humans). The audio system modules in the space can detect the test signal via the microphone of input device 114. Additionally and / or optionally, computing device 170 can transmit the test signal and / or test command to the audio system modules in the space via wireless and / or other types of connections. In response to the test signal, each audio system module in the space (one at a time) can transmit a response signal ( For example (Another sound at a frequency inaudible to humans, light from an indicator light). The computing device 170 can determine the location of the audio system module based on the response signal. For example Based on sound triangulation and / or response light mapping, the distribution layout and network diagram of the audio system modules are determined accordingly.

[0053] Figure 7 An example network diagram of an array of physically connected audio system modules according to various embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, a set of physically connected audio system modules can self-map the network of physically connected audio system modules. By mapping the network of physically connected modules, the modules can synchronize and manipulate the audio output of the physically connected modules based on the network. The network can be represented as a graph, where each of the physically connected audio system modules is a node, and each physical connection is an edge.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the network 700 physically connected to the audio system modules 702 includes audio system modules 702-1 to 702-9, which are connected via connectors on their sidewalls. For example The audio system module 702 is physically connected via connector 208. As shown, each audio system module 702 is hexagonal and therefore has six sidewalls, each sidewall having a set of connectors for connection to another audio system module 702. Thus, a given audio system module 702 can be directly and physically connected to up to six other audio system modules 702. A given audio system module 702 can map at least a portion of the network 700 by detecting any audio system modules 702 physically connected to it and determining the sidewalls connected to those modules. For example, starting from one end of the network 700, audio system module 702-1 will detect module 702-2 via... Figure 7 The sidewall marked "C" is physically connected. Similarly, module 702-2 will detect that modules 702-1, 702-3, and 702-4 are physically connected via the corresponding sidewall of module 702-2, and so on, until the set of physically connected audio system modules 702 is traversed. Based on these detections and determinations, a set of physically connected audio system modules 702 can determine the graph of network 700. Figure 7 The directional arrows indicate this. This group of physically connected audio system modules 702 can use any technically feasible technology from the mapping network 700, examples of which include, but are not limited to, wireless tags, ZigBee network mapping, current sensing, digital addressing, etc. One or more of the audio system modules 702 can transmit a graph of network 700 to a computing device (…). For example (Computing device 170).

[0055] In some implementations, the physically connected audio system modules 702 may also exchange identification information, including functional information. Audio system module 702 may transmit identification information to the physically connected module, wherein the identification information may include an identifier for audio system module 702 and information indicating the functionality or role of audio system module 702. For example (Whether the audio system module 702 is a full-range speaker module, subwoofer module, control module, etc.).

[0056] In some implementations, the group of physically connected audio system modules 702 may designate one module in the group as the coordinator / routing module for that group. The coordinator / routing module is responsible for coordinating with other wirelessly coupled audio system modules and / or paired devices. For example The coordinator / routing module communicates with the wirelessly coupled audio system module and / or computing device 170. For example, the coordinator / routing module may report information indicating the map of network 700 to the wirelessly coupled audio system module and / or computing device 170, receive audio and / or control signals from the wirelessly coupled audio system module and / or computing device 170, and / or transmit audio and / or control signals to other physically connected audio system modules 702 in network 700. The group of physically connected audio system modules 702 may use any technically feasible technique to automatically determine the coordinator / routing module.

[0057] In various implementations, audio system modules distributed in space can be communicatively coupled to each other and / or to paired devices. For example The computing device 170 is communicatively coupled. Therefore, for example, audio system modules distributed in the above space 500 can be communicatively coupled to each other and / or communicatively coupled to the computing device 170. For example, as referenced above... Figure 7 As described, a coordinator / router module within a group of physically connected audio system modules can communicate with other audio system modules and / or computing device 170. Individual modules not physically connected to any other module can also be communicatively coupled to other modules and / or computing device 170. Furthermore, in some embodiments, among the coordinator / router modules and individual modules in the audio system, one of these modules can be designated or configured as the master coordinator / router module for the entire audio system. The master coordinator / router module is responsible for receiving audio signals and optionally control signals (…). For example The system receives signals from directly connected audio sources (from computing device 170) and distributes these signals to other coordinator / routing modules and individual modules within the audio system. The primary coordinator / routing module can be determined using any technically feasible technique.

[0058] In various implementations, the operation of an audio system module within an audio system can be controlled based on its position within a set of physically connected modules and / or its position within the overall audio system module. For example, Figure 5Each of the audio system modules shown can operate according to its corresponding position in space 500. Group 508 of audio system modules 508 can be used as the center speaker of a surround sound system. Audio system modules 504 and 506 can be used as the left front speaker and right front speaker, respectively. Groups 510 and 512 of audio system modules can be used as the left rear and right rear speakers, or the left and right side speakers, respectively. Examples of location-dependent operation of the audio system modules include, for example, but not limited to, phased array operation, audio output beamforming, and surround sound effects. Modules can be configured via control signals to operate in a certain mode ( For example The audio system modules can operate in a manner that surrounds the center, front, or rear speaker modes within the system, with certain parameters (e.g., the degree and / or amount of beamforming) and / or certain attributes. Control signals can be generated by the computing device 170, the master coordinator / routing module, and / or a set of physically connected coordinator / routing modules based on the location of the modules. In some embodiments, the audio system modules can determine their operating modes, parameters, and / or attributes based on their location. In some embodiments, the computing device 170 can generate a location map of the audio system modules in the audio system. For example Based on the above references Figure 6 The user input and / or automatic detection are used to distribute the information indicating the graph to the audio system module via the main coordinator / routing module.

[0059] Although this disclosure describes various implementations of multiple audio system modules operating together, it should be understood that a single audio system module ( For example The audio system module 100 can be operated individually or independently. For example (as a single speaker). For example, a user can carry a single audio system module and use it as a portable speaker. As another example, each of multiple audio system modules in a space can be used as an independent speaker. The location of a single speaker in the space can be positioned, and can be located in the space via paired devices, similar to the references above. Figures 5 to 6 The described implementation scheme.

[0060] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for outputting audio based on a network diagram of an audio system module, according to various embodiments, is shown. Although regarding... Figures 1 to 7 The system describes the method steps, but those skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps in any order falls within the scope of various implementations.

[0061] As shown in the figure, method 800 begins at step 802, in which the audio system module identifies one or more physically connected audio system modules. The audio system module can detect and identify any other audio system modules directly and physically connected to the audio system module. For example, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, audio system module 702-1 can detect and identify physically connected module 702-2. Similarly, module 702-2 can detect and identify physically connected audio system modules 702-1, 702-3, and 702-4. In some implementations, identification includes identifying the functionality or role of the module. For example (Whether the module is a full-range speaker, subwoofer, control module, etc.)

[0062] At step 804, the audio system module determines a graph of the audio system modules. Based on the identification of physically connected audio system modules, the audio system module may determine and / or generate at least a portion of the network graph of the physically connected modules. For example, audio system module 702-1 may determine a network graph that includes at least audio system modules 702-1 and 702-2. Audio system module 702-2 may determine a network that includes at least audio system modules 702-1 to 702-4.

[0063] At step 806, the audio system module determines its operating mode based on the network graph. The module may determine its operating mode based on its position in the network graph and the functionality / role of other modules in the network graph, including but not limited to modes (…). For example (as a subwoofer, as a full-range speaker, as a front speaker in a surround system, as a speaker in a soundbar, etc.), one or more parameters and / or one or more attributes.

[0064] At step 808, the audio system module transmits network diagram information to physically connected audio system modules. The audio system module can transmit its network diagram, determined in step 804, to physically connected audio system modules. Therefore, audio system modules can exchange network diagram information with each other, and each module can obtain a more complete picture of the entire network diagram. In some embodiments, network diagram information can be transmitted across the group of physically connected audio system modules, and each of the group of physically connected audio system modules has a complete picture of the network diagram. For example After physically connecting each of the audio system modules 702 (with a complete network diagram of network 700), step 806 (determining the operating mode) is executed.

[0065] At step 810, the audio system module receives an audio signal. The audio system module can be coupled from the communication ground ( For example (physically or wirelessly connected) audio system modules or from paired devices For example The computing device 170 receives audio signals.

[0066] At step 812, the audio system module outputs audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the operating mode. The audio system module generates and outputs audible sound corresponding to the audio signal according to the mode, parameters, and / or attributes determined in step 806. For example, an audio system module configured for beamforming audio can output beamforming sound corresponding to the audio signal. The audio system module can generate and output audible sound corresponding to the audio signal according to the determined mode, parameters, and / or attributes (…). For example Beamforming, surround effects, frequency filtering, etc., perform any technically appropriate processing on the audio signal to output sound.

[0067] Figure 9 Another flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for outputting audio based on a network graph of an audio system module, according to various embodiments, is shown, where the network graph is generated based on a test signal. While regarding... Figures 1 to 7 The system describes the method steps, but those skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps in any order falls within the scope of various implementations.

[0068] As shown in the figure, method 900 begins at step 902, in which the audio system module receives a test signal. The computing device 170 may emit the test signal to elicit a response from the audio system module in order to determine the position of the audio system module in space and relative to other audio system modules in space.

[0069] At step 904, the audio system module outputs a response signal based on the test signal. In response to the test signal, the audio system module may output a response sound and / or light that can be detected by the computing device 170.

[0070] At step 906, the audio system module receives network graph information, wherein the network graph is determined at least based on response signals. The computing device 170 may determine and / or generate the network graph of the audio system module based on the response sound / light from the audio system module and other audio system modules output according to step 904 above. Then, the computing device 170 may propagate the information indicating the network graph to the audio system module (…). For example (via one or more modules communicatively coupled to computing device 170).

[0071] At step 908, the audio system module determines its operating mode based on the network diagram. The module may determine its operating mode based on its position in the network diagram (as indicated in the network diagram information) and the functionality / role of other modules in the network diagram, including but not limited to modes ( For example(as a subwoofer, as a full-range speaker, as a front speaker in a surround system, as a speaker in a soundbar, etc.), one or more parameters and / or one or more attributes.

[0072] At step 910, the audio system module receives an audio signal. The audio system module can be coupled from the communication ground ( For example (physically or wirelessly connected) audio system modules or from paired devices For example The computing device 170 receives audio signals.

[0073] At step 912, the audio system module outputs audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the operating mode. The audio system module generates and outputs audible sound corresponding to the audio signal according to the mode, parameters, and / or attributes determined in step 908. For example, an audio system module configured for beamforming audio can output beamforming sound corresponding to the audio signal. The audio system module can generate and output audible sound corresponding to the audio signal according to the determined mode, parameters, and / or attributes (…). For example Beamforming, surround effects, frequency filtering, etc., perform any technically appropriate processing on the audio signal to output sound.

[0074] In summary, an audio system includes one or more various audio system modules or "cells" that can be arranged and / or coupled together in various combinations. Audio system modules can operate individually or in combination with other audio system modules. In some embodiments, the audio system may include cells for speaker / transducer functionality, subwoofer functionality, source input functionality, user interface functionality, power functionality, etc. The audio system can be operated and / or configured with or without the assistance of an application running on a computing device paired with the audio system. Audio system modules can be coupled to each other wirelessly and / or via physical connections. When multiple audio system modules are physically coupled into a group, the modules within the group can self-map the network of the modules within the group and the corresponding location of the modules within the network. Based on the mapping of the module networks, the audio system can control the capabilities of individual modules within the network.

[0075] Compared to existing technologies, the disclosed implementation offers advantages and technical improvements in that the audio system modules are portable and can be flexibly arranged and combined with additional audio system modules. Therefore, audio systems composed of such modules can be physically and acoustically deployed and configured for different use cases. This audio system can also be easily positioned and scaled to various shape factors, sizes, and functionalities and / or capabilities based on usage. Compared to conventional speaker systems, this audio system can also be easily repositioned and / or reconfigured. Furthermore, a group of audio system modules can be physically connected as a module network and self-mapped to the module network. The capabilities of modules within the network can be controlled according to their position within the network. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over existing methods.

[0076] Any and all combinations of any element of the claim recited in any of the claims and / or any element described in this application in any manner fall within the scope of this disclosure and protection.

[0077] For illustrative purposes, descriptions of various embodiments have been presented, but these descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0078] Aspects of this disclosure may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Therefore, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware implementation, a completely software implementation (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects, which are generally referred to herein collectively as a “module,” a “system,” or a “computer.” Furthermore, any hardware and / or software technology, process, function, component, engine, module, or system described in this disclosure may be implemented as a circuit or a set of circuits. Additionally, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code thereon.

[0079] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or apparatuses, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (not an exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media will include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0080] The foregoing description of various aspects of this disclosure has referenced flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions are available to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine. When executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, the instructions enable the implementation of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. Such processors may be, but are not limited to, general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, application-specific processors, or field-programmable gate arrays.

[0081] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this respect, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in the drawings. For example, depending on the functionality involved, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action.

[0082] Although the foregoing describes an embodiment of this disclosure, other and more embodiments of this disclosure may be conceived without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A loudspeaker system, the system comprising: A first audio system module, the first audio system module comprising: speaker; Connectors; and One or more processing units, wherein the one or more processing units are configured to: Detect the second audio system module connected to the connector of the first audio system module; Determine a network diagram of the audio system modules, wherein the network diagram includes at least the first audio system module and the second audio system module; The network diagram is transmitted to the second audio system module; The operation mode is determined based on the network graph; Receive audio signals; and Audio corresponding to the audio signal is output via the speaker based on the operating mode.

2. The loudspeaker system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to transmit the network graph to a computing device.

3. The loudspeaker system of claim 1, wherein the operating mode includes at least one of operating parameters or operating attributes.

4. The speaker system of claim 1, wherein the connector is a magnetic connector and the connector is connected to a second connector of the second audio system module.

5. The speaker system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to receive network graph information from the second audio system module.

6. The loudspeaker system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to: Receive one or more control signals; and The operating mode is determined based on the one or more control signals.

7. The loudspeaker system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to: Receive one or more control signals; and The one or more control signals are transmitted to the second audio system module.

8. The speaker system of claim 1, wherein the audio signal is received from the second audio system module.

9. The speaker system of claim 1, wherein the audio signal is received from a third audio system module wirelessly and communicatively coupled to the first audio system module.

10. The loudspeaker system of claim 1, wherein the audio signal is received from a computing device communicatively coupled to the first audio system module.

11. The loudspeaker system of claim 1, wherein the first audio system module is one of a full-range loudspeaker module, a subwoofer module, a display module, an audio source module, a control module, a power module, or a wireless connection module.

12. A method for outputting audio at an audio system module, the method comprising: Detect the second audio system module that is physically connected to the audio system module; Determine a network diagram of the audio system module, wherein the network diagram includes at least the audio system module and the second audio system module; The network diagram is transmitted to the second audio system module; The operation mode is determined based on the network graph; Receive audio signals; as well as Based on the operating mode, output audio corresponding to the audio signal.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting the network graph to a computing device.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising wirelessly receiving the audio signal from a computing device.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving the audio signal from the second audio system module.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting the audio signal to the second audio system module via the physical connection.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps at an audio system module: Receive test signals; In response to the test signal, a response signal is output; Receive network graph information indicating a network graph of an audio system module, wherein the network graph is determined based at least on the response signal, the audio system module is connected to a second audio system module via a physical connection, and the network graph includes the audio system module and the second audio system module; The network diagram is transmitted to the second audio system module; The operation mode is determined based on the network graph; Receive audio signals; as well as Based on the operating mode, output audio corresponding to the audio signal.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the network graph is further determined based on a second response signal output by the second audio system module.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the test signal is received from a computing device.

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