Wireless power transfer for audio playback devices

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices (e.g., audio playback devices) configured to transmit and / or receive wireless power. Wireless power can be transmitted using mid-range or long-range techniques, such as electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser, microwave) or electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, capacitive coupling). Device performance and / or power transmission can be dynamically modified based on wireless power levels, user behavior, behavior of other devices, device groups, or other parameters.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 706,647, filed August 31, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to consumer products, and more particularly, to methods, systems, products, features, services and other elements for media playback or certain aspects thereof. Background Technology

[0004] Until 2002, when SONOS Ltd. began developing a new playback system, the options for accessing and listening to digital audio from loud settings were limited. Sonos subsequently filed one of its first patent applications in 2003, entitled "Method for Synchronizing Audio Playback between Multiple Networked Devices," and began selling its first media playback system in 2005. Sonos' wireless home audio system allows people to experience music from multiple sources via one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control app installed on a controller (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer, voice input device), people can play whatever they want in any room with a networked playback device. Media content (e.g., songs, podcasts, video audio) can be streamed to the playback devices, allowing each room with a playback device to play the corresponding different media content. Furthermore, rooms can be grouped together to synchronously play the same media content, and / or the same media content can be heard synchronously in all rooms. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The features, aspects, and advantages of the currently disclosed technology can be better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and drawings, as listed below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes, and variations in the inclusion of different and / or additional features and their arrangement are possible.

[0006] FIG. 1A A partial cross-sectional view of an environment having a media playback system configured according to aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0007] FIG. 1B It shows FIG. 1A A schematic diagram of a media playback system and one or more networks.

[0008] FIG. 1C A block diagram of the playback device is shown.

[0009] FIG. 1D A block diagram of a playback device is shown.

[0010] FIG. 1E A block diagram of a network microphone device is shown.

[0011] FIG. 1F A block diagram of a network microphone device is shown.

[0012] FIG. 1G A block diagram of a playback device is shown.

[0013] FIG. 1H A partial schematic of a control device is shown.

[0014] FIG. 1I - FIG. 1L A schematic of a corresponding media playback system zone is shown.

[0015] FIG. 1M A schematic of a media playback system zone is shown.

[0016] FIG. 2A A front isometric view of a playback device configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0017] FIG. 2B A front isometric view of a playback device of FIG. 3A without a grille is shown.

[0018] FIG. 2C An exploded view of a playback device of FIG. 2A is shown.

[0019] FIG. 3A A front view of a network microphone device configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0020] FIG. 3B A side isometric view of a network microphone device of FIG. 3A is shown.

[0021] FIG. 3C An exploded view of a network microphone device of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is shown.

[0022] FIG. 3D A magnified view of a portion of FIG. 3B is shown.

[0023] FIG. 3E A block diagram of a network microphone device of FIG. 3A - FIG. 3D is shown.

[0024] FIG. 3F A schematic of an example voice input is shown.

[0025] FIG. 4A - FIG. 4DSchematic diagrams of a control device in various stages of operation are shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0026] FIG. 5 A front view of a control device is shown.

[0027] FIG. 6 A message flow diagram of a media playback system is shown.

[0028] FIG. 7 An example configuration of a wireless power transmission device is shown in accordance with the disclosed technology.

[0029] FIG. 8 An example configuration of a wireless power group is shown in accordance with the disclosed technology.

[0030] FIG. 9A - FIG. 9X An example wireless power transmission scenario is shown in accordance with the disclosed technology.

[0031] FIG. 10 - FIG. 19 An example method related to wireless power transmission is shown in accordance with the disclosed technology.

[0032] The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustrating example embodiments, but a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the arrangements and / or tools shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] I. OVERVIEW

[0034] SONOS, Inc. has been an innovator in the field of wireless audio devices and associated accessories. For example, SONOS, Inc. was the first to develop wireless playback devices that receive audio content via a wireless connection and also have the ability to synchronize playback of the audio content as a group. Further, SONOS, Inc. has also developed a portable playback device, SONOS MOVE, and associated docking accessories to facilitate charging.

[0035] While these devices have represented significant advances, they are still limited to the use of physical links, such as wires for power delivery (e.g., connected to the playback device itself or to a docking station on which the portable playback device is periodically placed). Building on these prior innovations, SONOS, Inc. has further extended the goal of wireless audio playback devices to provide devices that can be wirelessly powered. For example, a playback device can include a wireless power receiver configured to receive wireless power from an external wireless power transmitter device. The wireless power transmitter device can be another audio playback device, or the transmitter device can be a separate external device, such as a power transmitter hub, a television with an integrated wireless power transmitter, etc. In some examples, the wireless power transmitter can include a power input port (e.g., for receiving power over a physical link such as a power cord). Additionally or alternatively, the wireless power transmission device can include both a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter.

[0036] Such wireless power transmission can include mid-range or long-range wireless power transmission, e.g., where the devices are configured to provide efficient power transmission with the transmitter and receiver separated from one another by a distance greater than about 10 cm, or in some examples greater than about 50 cm or greater than about 1 m.

[0037] Examples of such mid-range or long-range wireless power transmission techniques include radiative techniques, such as lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such techniques involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter device to the receiver device. In various examples, the wireless power receiver in such cases can include a photovoltaic cell, a diode, an antenna (e.g., a silicon rectenna), or other suitable hardware that can convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. Similarly, the wireless power transmitter in such cases can include a light source, such as a laser, a microwave source, an antenna (e.g., a directional antenna, a phased array antenna, etc.), or other suitable source of electromagnetic radiation.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, such mid-range or long-range wireless power transmission can include non-radiative transmission techniques, such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such cases, one or both of the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver can include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), an electrode (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), or a rotating armature with a magnet carried thereon (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling).

[0039] In at least some examples, the devices disclosed herein can use short-range wireless power transmission to transmit and / or receive wireless power (e.g., transmitting wireless power over a distance less than about 10 cm, less than about 5 cm, or less than about 1 cm). Such short-range wireless power transmission can supplement or replace the mid- and long-range wireless power transmission described herein.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, such wireless power transmission devices can incorporate one or more energy harvester components configured to obtain power from ambient environmental energy in the environment. Example energy harvester components can be configured to obtain power from, for example, solar energy, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradient, kinetic energy, etc. In some examples, an energy harvester can include one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert received light into an electrical voltage. Any of a variety of energy harvesters can be included in a wireless power transmission device. Examples of such energy harvesters include photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, micro wind turbines, piezoelectric crystals, electroacoustic transducers, and kinetic energy harvesters.

[0041] While providing wireless power capabilities for playback devices (and other devices) provides several advantages, the framework also presents certain challenges. For example, because wireless power transmission is generally less efficient than wired power transmission, and because medium- and long-range wireless power transmission is generally less efficient than short-range wireless power transmission, it can be beneficial to configure a wireless transmitter device and / or a wireless power receiver device to maximize wireless power transmission and / or to minimize power consumption of one or both devices. For example, power transmission can be increased by providing guidance to a user to facilitate proper relative positioning of a receiver device and / or a transmitter device. Such guidance can take into account the positioning of the wireless power transmission properties and the acoustic performance of one or both devices at various positions. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can include dynamic steering capabilities such that the direction of wireless power transmission can be modified, such as by using a movable directional antenna, mirrors, lenses, or other adjustable components. In operation, a transmitter device can adjust the steering of wireless power transmission in order to increase the rate at which wireless power is received at one or more wireless power receiver devices.

[0042] Playback devices that rely on wireless power transfer can intermittently suffer from low power or even complete power loss. Accordingly, it can be beneficial to modify device performance based on stored energy levels (e.g., battery charge indicators), the rate at which wireless power is received at a receiver device, and / or the rate of power consumption at a wireless power receiver device. One example of modifying device performance includes reducing power consumption by entering a low power or standby mode based on scheduling, user presence detection, or other such usage parameters. In some examples, audio playback parameters can be adjusted based on changes in power levels (e.g., stored energy levels or wireless power transfer rates). In various examples, in response to changes in power levels, audio playback can be modified to have reduced volume, reduced low frequency output, and / or offload at least some audio playback responsibilities to another audio playback device. In some examples, audio playback of unaffected devices can be modified so as to match or otherwise correspond to reduced audio performance of an affected audio playback device (e.g., a device with low battery power or low wireless power reception levels).

[0043] Additionally, in some cases, wireless power transfer can be affected by other activities, such as a user being positioned between a transmitter device and a receiver device. In such cases, it can be useful to modify wireless power transfer, for example by transmitting wireless power to a different receiver device, temporarily suspending wireless transmission, or taking other steps such as providing an alert to the user or suggesting repositioning one or both of the receiver device and the transmitter device.

[0044] In some examples, wireless power transfer can be used to simultaneously transmit data between a transmitter device and a receiver device. For example, a wireless power signal can include a carrier (e.g., light emitted via a laser, AC current through an inductive coil, etc.) that can be modulated to incorporate data therein. At a receiver device, the wireless power signal can be demodulated to recover transmitted data while also being converted into electrical energy for operation of the receiver device. In various examples, modulating a wireless power signal to transmit data therein can include amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, spread spectrum modulation, or any other suitable modulation scheme and / or combination of modulation schemes. In at least some cases, data transmitted via a wireless power signal can include synchronization signals, power level indicators, device identifiers, audio content metadata, or other such data. It will be appreciated that, prior to transmission, data to be transmitted can (or can not) be encoded according to one or more encoding schemes to, for example, reduce data errors in transmission (e.g., channel encoding schemes that increase redundancy) and / or compress data for transmission (e.g., compression schemes that reduce data size).

[0045] In some examples, wireless power transmission can be used to automatically group or ungroup playback devices for synchronized audio playback, or conversely, grouping or ungrouping playback devices can cause wireless power transmission to be initiated. For example, when a first audio playback device receives wireless power from a second audio playback device, the first and second audio playback devices can be automatically grouped or joined together for synchronized audio playback. Similarly, when a first audio playback device no longer receives wireless power from a second audio playback device, the first and second playback devices can be ungrouped or unjoined.

[0046] While many examples disclosed herein relate to audio playback devices such as home theater setups, examples of the present technology can also be applied to non-playback devices. For example, in some cases, the wireless transmitter device need not be a playback device. Additionally or alternatively, wireless power transmission as described herein can be applied entirely outside the context of audio playback, for example to facilitate wireless power transmission between other electronic devices while maintaining a satisfactory user experience and device performance.

[0047] While some examples described herein can refer to functions performed by a given actor such as a "user," a "listener," and / or other entity, it should be understood that this is for explanatory purposes only. Unless the language of the claims themselves explicitly requires, no claim should be interpreted as requiring the action of any such example actor.

[0048] In the drawings, like numerals refer to like and / or similar elements throughout the several views. A reference numeral's most significant digit(s) indicates the figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, 110a refers to playback device 110a, while 110 refers generically to any of the playback devices 110a-n. A reference numeral's least significant digit(s) indicates a particular instance of that element. For example, 110a-1 refers to the first instance of playback device 110a. FIG. 1A Element 110a is introduced and discussed. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosed technology. Thus, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional embodiments of the various disclosed technologies can be practiced without several of the details described below.

[0049] II. Suitable Operating Environment

[0050] FIG. 1A is a partial cutaway view of a media playback system 100 distributed throughout an environment 101 (e.g., a house). The media playback system 100 includes one or more playback devices 110 (individually identified as playback devices 110a-n), one or more network microphone devices ("NMDs") 120 (individually identified as NMDs 120a-c), and one or more control devices 130 (individually identified as control devices 130a and 130b).

[0051] As used herein, the term "playback device" can generally refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data of a media playback system. For example, a playback device can be a network device that receives and processes audio content. In some embodiments, a playback device includes one or more transducers or speakers powered by one or more amplifiers. However, in other embodiments, a playback device includes one of a speaker and an amplifier (or neither). For example, a playback device can include one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers external to the playback device via corresponding wires or cables.

[0052] Further, as used herein, the term "NMD" (i.e., "network microphone device") can generally refer to a network device configured for audio detection. In some embodiments, an NMD is a standalone device primarily configured for audio detection. In other embodiments, an NMD is incorporated into a playback device (or vice versa).

[0053] The term "control device" can generally refer to a network device configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access, control, and / or configuration of a media playback system 100.

[0054] Each of the playback devices 110 is configured to receive audio signals or data from one or more media sources (e.g., one or more remote servers, one or more local devices), and to play back the received audio signals or data as sound. The one or more NMDs 120 are configured to receive spoken commands, and the one or more control devices 130 are configured to receive user inputs. In response to the received spoken commands and / or user inputs, the media playback system 100 can play back audio via one or more of the playback devices 110. In certain embodiments, the playback devices 110 are configured to respond to a trigger to begin playback of media content. For example, one or more of the playback devices 110 can be configured to play back a morning playlist upon detecting an associated trigger condition (e.g., presence of a user in the kitchen, detection of coffee maker operation). In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 is configured to play back audio from a first playback device (e.g., playback device 100a) in synchrony with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). Reference is made to the following figures for further details. FIG. 1B - FIG. 1L Interactions between playback devices 110, NMDs 120, and / or control devices 130 of a media playback system 100 configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in further detail.

[0055] In FIG. 1AIn the illustrated embodiment, environment 101 includes a home with several rooms, spaces, and / or playback zones, including (clockwise from the top left) a master bathroom 101a, a master bedroom 101b, a secondary bedroom 101c, a family room or study 101d, an office 101e, a living room 101f, a dining room 101g, a kitchen 101h, and an outdoor terrace 101i. While some embodiments and examples are described below in the context of a home environment, the techniques described herein can be implemented in other types of environments. In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 can be implemented in one or more commercial environments (e.g., restaurants, shopping malls, airports, hotels, retail stores, or other shops), one or more vehicles (e.g., SUVs, buses, cars, ships, airplanes), multiple environments (e.g., a combination of home and vehicle environments), and / or other suitable environments that may require multi-zone audio.

[0056] The media playback system 100 may include one or more playback zones, some of which may correspond to rooms in environment 101. The media playback system 100 may have one or more playback zones initially established, and additional zones may be added or removed to form, for example... FIG. 1A The configuration is shown. Each zone can be named according to different rooms or spaces, such as office 101e, master bathroom 101a, master bedroom 101b, secondary bedroom 101c, kitchen 101h, dining room 101g, living room 101f, and / or terrace 101i. In some respects, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces.

[0057] exist FIG. 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the master bathroom 101a, secondary bedroom 101c, office 101e, living room 101f, dining room 101g, kitchen 101h, and outdoor terrace 101i each include a playback device 110, and the master bedroom 101b and study 101d include multiple playback devices 110. In the master bedroom 101b, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured, for example, as individual playback devices among playback devices 110, as combined playback zones, as merged playback devices, and / or any combination thereof, to synchronously play back audio content. Similarly, in the study 101d, playback devices 110h-j can be configured, for example, as individual playback devices among playback devices 110, as one or more combined playback devices, and / or as one or more merged playback devices, to synchronously play back audio content. References below, for example... FIG. 1B and 1E as well as FIG. 1I - FIG. 1M Additional details about combined and merged playback devices are described.

[0058] In some aspects, one or more playback zones in the environment 101 can each play different audio content. For example, a user can be grilling on the patio 101i and listening to hip hop music played by the playback device 1 lOC, while another user is preparing food in the kitchen 101h and listening to classical music played by the playback device 110b. In another example, a playback zone can play the same audio content in synchronization with another playback zone. For example, a user can be in the office 101e listening to playback device 1 lOf playing the same hip hop music that is being played by playback device 1 lOC on the patio 101i. In some aspects, playback devices 1 lOC and 1 lOf play the hip hop music in synchronization such that the user perceives that the audio content is playing seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) as the user moves between the different playback zones. Additional details regarding audio playback synchronization between playback devices and / or zones can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, entitled “System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices,” which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0059] To facilitate synchronized playback, in some embodiments, the playback devices described herein can be configured to operate (and / or switch between) different modes, such as an audio playback group coordinator mode and / or an audio playback group member mode. When operating in the audio playback group coordinator mode, a playback device can be configured to coordinate playback within a group by, for example, performing one or more of the following functions: (i) receiving audio content from an audio source, (ii) generating playback timing information for the audio content using a clock (e.g., a physical clock or a virtual clock) in the playback device, (iii) sending a portion of the audio content and playback timing for the portion of the audio content to at least one other playback device (e.g., at least one other playback device operating in the audio playback group member mode), (iv) sending timing information (e.g., generated using the clock) to at least one other playback device; and / or (v) synchronizing playback of the audio content with at least one other playback device using the generated playback timing information and / or the clock. When operating in the audio playback group member mode, a playback device can be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (i) receiving audio content and playback timing for the audio content from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in the audio playback group coordinator mode); (ii) receiving timing information from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in the audio playback group coordinator mode); and / or (iii) synchronizing playback of the audio content with at least another playback device using the playback timing for the audio content and / or the timing information.

[0060] a. Suitable media playback system

[0061] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102. For ease of illustration, FIG. 1B Certain devices of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102 are omitted in FIG. 1. One or more communication links 103 (hereinafter “links 103”) communicatively couple the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102.

[0062] The links 103 can include, for example, one or more wired networks, one or more wireless networks, one or more wide area networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), one or more local area networks (LANs) (e.g., one or more WIFI networks), one or more personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., one or more BLUETOOTH networks, Z-WAVE networks, wireless universal serial bus (USB) networks, ZIGBEE networks, and / or IRDA networks), one or more telecommunication networks (e.g., one or more global system for mobile communications (GSM) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, long term evolution (LTE) networks, 5G communication networks, and / or other suitable data transfer protocol networks), and / or the like. The cloud network 102 is configured to deliver media content (e.g., audio content, video content, photos, social media content) to the media playback system 100 in response to requests sent from the media playback system 100 via the links 103. In some embodiments, the cloud network 102 is also configured to receive data (e.g., voice input data) from the media playback system 100 and to send commands and / or media content to the media playback system 100 accordingly.

[0063] The cloud network 102 includes computing devices 106 (identified individually as first computing device 106a, second computing device 106b, and third computing device 106c). The computing devices 106 can include individual computers or servers, such as, for example, a media streaming service server that stores audio and / or other media content, a voice service server, a social media server, a media playback system control server, and / or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the computing devices 106 includes a module of a single computer or server. In certain embodiments, one or more of the computing devices 106 includes one or more modules, computers, and / or servers. Moreover, while the cloud network 102 is described in the context of a single cloud network, in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 includes multiple cloud networks that include communicatively coupled computing devices. Furthermore, while the cloud network 102 is shown in FIG. 1 as having three computing devices 106, in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 includes fewer than (or more than) three computing devices 106. FIG. 1B ​

[0064] The media playback system 100 is configured to receive media content from the network 102 via the link 103. The received media content can include, for example, a uniform resource identifier (URI) and / or a uniform resource locator (URL). For example, in some examples, the media playback system 100 can stream, download, or otherwise retrieve data from the URI or URL corresponding to the received media content. The network 104 communicatively couples the link 103 with at least a portion of the devices of the media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of the playback devices 110, the NMDs 120, and / or the control devices 130). The network 104 can include, for example, a wireless network (e.g., a WiFi network, a Bluetooth, a Z-Wave network, a ZigBee, and / or other suitable wireless communication protocol network) and / or a wired network (e.g., a network including Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and / or other suitable wired communication). As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, as used herein, “WiFi” can refer to several different communication protocols, including, for example, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11af, 802.11ah, 802.11ai, 802.11aj, 802.11aq, 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.15, and / or the like, transmitted at 2.4 GHz (GHz), 5 GHz, and / or another suitable frequency.

[0065] In some embodiments, the network 104 includes a dedicated communication network that is used by the media playback system 100 to send messages between devices and / or to send media content from and to media content sources (e.g., one or more computing devices 106). In certain embodiments, the network 104 is configured to be accessible only by devices in the media playback system 100, thereby reducing interference and contention with other home devices. However, in other embodiments, the network 104 includes an existing home communication network (e.g., a home WiFi network). In some embodiments, the link 103 and the network 104 include one or more of the same networks. In some aspects, for example, the link 103 and the network 104 include a telecommunications network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network). Further, in some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is implemented without the network 104, and the devices comprising the media playback system 100 can communicate with each other, for example, via one or more direct or indirect connections, a PAN, a LAN, a telecommunications network, and / or other suitable communication links.

[0066] In some embodiments, audio content sources can be periodically added or removed from the media playback system 100. In some embodiments, for example, when one or more media content sources are updated, added to, and / or removed from the media playback system 100, the media playback system 100 performs an index of media items. The media playback system 100 can scan identifiable media items in some or all folders and / or directories accessible to the playback devices 110 and generate or update a media content database, including metadata (e.g., title, artist, album, track length) and other associated information (e.g., URI, URL) for each identifiable media item found. In some embodiments, for example, the media content database is stored on one or more of the playback devices 110, the network microphone devices 120, and / or the control devices 130.

[0067] In FIG. 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the playback devices 1101 and 110m comprise a group 107a. The playback devices 1101 and 110m can be located in different rooms of a home and are grouped together in the group 107a on a temporary or permanent basis based on user input received at the control device 130a and / or another control device 130 of the media playback system 100. When arranged in the group 107a, the playback devices 1101 and 110m can be configured to synchronously playback the same or similar audio content from one or more audio content sources. In certain embodiments, for example, the group 107a comprises a combined zone in which the playback devices 1101 and 110m respectively comprise left and right audio channels of multi-channel audio content, thereby producing or enhancing a stereo effect of the audio content. In some embodiments, the group 107a includes additional playback devices 110. However, in other embodiments, the media playback system 100 omits the group 107a and / or other groupings of playback devices 110. Additional details regarding groups of playback devices and other arrangements are described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 1I - FIG. 1M Additional details regarding groups of playback devices and other arrangements are described in greater detail below with respect to

[0068] The media playback system 100 includes the NMDs 120a and 120d, each of which includes one or more microphones configured to receive voice utterances from a user. In FIG. 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the NMD 120a is a standalone device and the NMD 120d is integrated into the playback device 110n. For example, the NMD 120a is configured to receive voice input 121 from the user 123. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a transmits data associated with the received voice input 121 to a voice assistant service (VAS) that is configured to (i) process the received voice input data and (ii) transmit a corresponding command to the media playback system 100. In some aspects, for example, the computing device 106c includes the VAS (e.g., by one or more modules and / or servers of the VAS) of one or more of the operations in the sequence: "play the Beatles' Hey Jude." In response to receiving the voice input data, the computing device 106c processes the voice input data (i.e., "play the Beatles' Hey Jude") and determines that the processed voice input includes a command to play a song (e.g., "Hey Jude"). The computing device 106c accordingly sends a command to the media playback system 100 to play "Hey Jude" by the Beatles from a suitable media service on one or more of the playback devices 110 (e.g., via one or more computing devices 106).

[0069] b. Suitable playback device

[0070] FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a playback device 110a that includes an input / output 111. The input / output 111 can include an analog I / O 111a (e.g., one or more wires, cables, and / or other suitable communication links configured to carry analog signals) and / or a digital I / O 111b (e.g., one or more wires, cables, or other suitable communication links configured to carry digital signals). In some embodiments, the analog I / O 111a is an audio line-in connection, including, for example, an auto-detected 3.5 mm audio line-in connection. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes a Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format (S / PDIF) communication interface and / or cable and / or a Toshiba Link (TOSLINK) cable. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface and / or cable. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes one or more wireless communication links, including, for example, a radio frequency (RF), infrared, WiFi, Bluetooth, or another suitable communication protocol. In certain embodiments, the analog I / O 111a and the digital I / O 111b include interfaces (e.g., ports, plugs, jacks) configured to receive connectors of cables that transmit analog and digital signals, respectively, without necessarily including the cables.

[0071] For example, playback device 110a may receive media content (e.g., audio content including music and / or other sounds) from local audio source 105 via input / output 111 (e.g., cable, wire, PAN, Bluetooth connection, self-organizing wired or wireless communication network and / or another suitable communication link). Local audio source 105 may include, for example, a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop computer) or another suitable audio component (e.g., television, desktop computer, amplifier, phonograph, Blu-ray player, memory storing digital media files). In some aspects, local audio source 105 includes a local music library on a smartphone, computer, network attached storage (NAS), and / or another suitable device configured to store media files. In some embodiments, one or more of playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130 include local audio source 105. However, in other embodiments, the media playback system completely omits local audio source 105. In some embodiments, playback device 110a does not include input / output 111 and receives all audio content via network 104.

[0072] The playback device 110a also includes electronics 112, a user interface 113 (e.g., one or more buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, displays, touchscreens), and one or more transducers 114 (hereinafter referred to as "transducers 114"). Electronics 112 are configured to operate from an audio source (e.g., a local audio source 105) via input / output 111 or via network 104. FIG. 1B The playback device 110a receives audio from one or more computing devices 106a-c, amplifies the received audio, and provides the amplified audio via one or more outputs of transducers 114 for playback. In some embodiments, the playback device 110a may optionally include one or more microphones 115 (e.g., a single microphone, multiple microphones, a microphone array) (hereinafter referred to as "microphone 115"). In some embodiments, for example, the playback device 110a having one or more optional microphones 115 may operate as an NMD configured to receive voice input from a user and perform one or more operations accordingly based on the received voice input.

[0073] exist FIG. 1CIn the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 112 includes one or more processors 112a (hereinafter “processors 112a”), memory 112b, software components 112c, a network interface 112d, one or more audio processing components 112g (hereinafter “audio components 112g”), one or more audio amplifiers 112h (hereinafter “amplifiers 112h”), and a power source 112i (e.g., one or more power sources, power cords, power outlets, batteries, induction coils, Power over Ethernet (POE) interfaces, and / or other suitable power sources). In some embodiments, the electronic device 112 optionally includes one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging docks).

[0074] As described in greater detail elsewhere herein, in some examples, the power components 1121 can include one or more of a wireless power transmitter (e.g., a laser, an induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (e.g., a photovoltaic cell, an induction coil, etc.), an energy storage component (e.g., a capacitor, a rechargeable battery), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or associated power circuitry. In operation, the playback device 110a can be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally or alternatively, the playback device 110a can be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices, rather than or in addition to receiving power through a wired connection.

[0075] The processors 112a can include clock-driven computing components configured to process data, and the memory 112b can include a computer-readable medium (e.g., a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, a data storage device loaded with one or more software components 112c) configured to store instructions for performing various operations and / or functions. The processors 112a are configured to execute the instructions stored on the memory 112b to perform one or more operations. The operations can include, for example, causing the playback device 110a to retrieve audio information from an audio source (e.g., one or more of the computing devices 106a-c FIG. 1B ) and / or another one of the playback devices 110. In some embodiments, the operations further include causing the playback device 110a to transmit the audio information to another one of the playback devices 110a and / or another device (e.g., one of the NMDs 120). Certain embodiments include operations that cause the playback device 110a to pair with another one of the one or more playback devices 110 to enable a multi-channel audio environment (e.g., a stereo pair, a zone of convergence).

[0076] The processor 112a can also be configured to perform operations that cause the playback device 110a to synchronize playback of audio content with another one or more of the playback devices 110. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, during synchronization of playback of audio content on multiple playback devices, a listener will preferably not be able to perceive a time delay difference between playback of the audio content by the playback device 110a and the other one or more other playback devices 110. Additional details regarding synchronization of audio playback between playback devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0077] In some embodiments, the memory 112b is also configured to store data associated with the playback device 110a, such as one or more zones and / or zone groups of which the playback device 110a is a member, audio sources accessible to the playback device 110a, and / or a playback queue with which the playback device 110a (and / or another one or more of the playback devices) can be associated. The stored data can include one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe a state of the playback device 110a. The memory 112b can also include data associated with a state of one or more of the other devices of the media playback system 100 (e.g., the playback devices 110, the NMDs 120, the control device 130). In some aspects, for example, state data is shared between at least a portion of the devices of the media playback system 100 during a predetermined time interval (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds) such that one or more of the devices has up-to-date data associated with the media playback system 100.

[0078] The network interface 112d is configured to facilitate data transmission between the playback device 110a and one or more other devices on a data network, such as, for example, the link 103 and / or the network 104 FIG. 1B The network interface 112d is configured to send and receive data corresponding to media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photographs) and other signals (e.g., non-transitory signals) including digital packet data including an Internet Protocol (IP) based source address and / or an IP based destination address. The network interface 112d can parse the digital packet data such that the electronics 112 correctly receive and process data intended for the playback device 110a.

[0079] In FIG. 1CIn the illustrated embodiment, network interface 112d includes one or more wireless interfaces 112e (hereinafter “wireless interface 112e”). Wireless interface 112e (e.g., a suitable interface including one or more antennas) can be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., one or more of other playback devices 110, NMDs 120, and / or control devices 130) that are communicatively coupled to network 104 in accordance with a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE). FIG. 1B In some embodiments, network interface 112d optionally includes a wired interface 112f (e.g., an interface or receptacle configured to receive a network cable such as an Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and / or Thunderbolt cable) configured to communicate over a wired connection with other devices in accordance with a suitable wired communication protocol. In certain embodiments, network interface 112d includes wired interface 112f and does not include wireless interface 112e. In some embodiments, electronics 112 entirely excludes network interface 112d and sends and receives media content and / or other data via another communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0080] Audio processing component 112g is configured to process and / or filter data including media content received by electronics 112 (e.g., via input / output 111 and / or network interface 112d) to produce output audio signals. In some embodiments, audio processing component 112g includes, for example, one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio pre-processing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other suitable audio processing components, modules, circuits, etc. In certain embodiments, one or more of audio processing component 112g can include one or more subcomponents of processor 112a. In some embodiments, electronics 112 omits audio processing component 112g. In some aspects, for example, processor 112a executes instructions stored on memory 112b to perform audio processing operations to produce output audio signals.

[0081] Amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify audio output signals produced by audio processing component 112g and / or processor 112a. Amplifier 112h can include electronics and / or components configured to amplify audio signals to a level sufficient to drive one or more transducers 114. In some embodiments, for example, amplifier 112h includes one or more switching or class-D power amplifiers. In other embodiments, however, the amplifier includes one or more other types of power amplifiers (e.g., linear-gain power amplifiers, class-A amplifiers, class-B amplifiers, class-AB amplifiers, class-C amplifiers, class-D amplifiers, class-E amplifiers, class-F amplifiers, class-G and / or class-H amplifiers, and / or other suitable types of power amplifiers). In certain embodiments, amplifier 112h includes an appropriate combination of two or more of the above- described types of power amplifiers. Moreover, in some embodiments, individual ones of amplifier 112h correspond to individual ones of transducers 114. In other embodiments, however, electronics 112 includes a single amplifier 112h configured to output amplified audio signals to multiple transducers 114. In some other embodiments, electronics 112 omits amplifier 112h.

[0082] Transducers 114 (e.g., one or more speakers and / or speaker drivers) receive the amplified audio signals from amplifier 112h and present or output the amplified audio signals as sound (e.g., audible sound having frequencies between approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) and 20 kilohertz (kHz)). In some embodiments, transducers 114 can include a single transducer. In other embodiments, however, transducers 114 include multiple audio transducers. In some embodiments, transducers 114 include more than one type of transducer. For example, transducers 114 can include one or more low-frequency transducers (e.g., subwoofers, woofers), mid-frequency transducers (e.g., mid-range speakers, mid-woofers), and one or more high-frequency transducers (e.g., one or more tweeters). As used herein, “low-frequency” can generally refer to audible frequencies below about 500 Hz, “mid-frequency” can generally refer to audible frequencies between about 500 Hz and about 2 kHz, and “high-frequency” can generally refer to audible frequencies above 2 kHz. In certain embodiments, however, one or more transducers 114 include transducers that do not adhere to the foregoing frequency ranges. For example, one of transducers 114 can include a mid-bass transducer configured to output sound at frequencies between approximately 200 Hz and approximately 5 kHz.

[0083] As an illustration, SONOS, INC. currently offers (or has offered for sale) certain playback devices, including, for example, “SONOS ONE,” “PLAY:1,” “PLAY:3,” “PLAY:5,” “PLAYBAR,” “PLAYBASE,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Other suitable playback devices can additionally or alternatively be used for the playback devices of the example embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the playback devices are not limited to the examples or SONOS product offerings described herein. In some embodiments, for example, one or more playback devices 110 comprise a wired or wireless headset (e.g., an over-ear headset, an on-ear headset, an in-ear earpiece). The headset can include a headband coupled to one or more earcups. For example, a first earcup can be coupled to a first end of the headband, and a second earcup can be coupled to a second end of the headband opposite the first end. Each of the one or more earcups can house any portion of the electronic components in the playback device, such as one or more transducers. Moreover, the one or more earcups can include a user interface for controlling operation of the headset, such as for controlling audio playback, volume level, and other functions. The user interface can include any of a variety of control elements, such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, and / or touchscreens. An earpad can be coupled to each of the one or more earcups. The earpad can provide a soft barrier between the user’s head and the one or more earcups to improve user comfort and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surrounding environment (e.g., provide passive noise reduction (PNR)). Additionally (or alternatively), the headset can employ active noise reduction (ANR) techniques to further reduce the user’s perception of external noise during playback.

[0084] In some cases, the headset device can take the form of a hearable device. The hearable device can include those headset devices (e.g., ear-level devices) that are configured to provide hearing enhancement functionality while also supporting playback of media content (e.g., streaming media content from a user device over a PAN, streaming media content from a streaming music service provider over a WLAN and / or cellular network connection, etc.). In some cases, the hearable device can be implemented as an in-ear headset device configured to playback an amplified version of at least some sounds detected from the external environment (e.g., all sounds, select sounds such as human speech, etc.).

[0085] In some embodiments, one or more of the playback devices 110 include a docking station and / or an interface configured to interact with a docking station for personal mobile media playback devices. In some embodiments, the playback devices may be integrated into another device or component, such as a television, lighting equipment, or other devices for indoor or outdoor use. In some embodiments, the playback devices omit a user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, FIG. 1D It is a block diagram of a playback device 110p that includes input / output 111 and electronic components 112 but does not have a user interface 113 or a transducer 114.

[0086] FIG. 1E This is a block diagram of the combined playback device 110q, which includes components related to playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer). FIG. 1A Acoustic-integrated playback device 110a FIG. 1C In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110i are separate playback devices 110 housed in separate housings. However, in some embodiments, the combined playback device 110q comprises a single housing housing both playback devices 110a and 110i. The combined playback device 110q can be configured to differ from the uncombined playback devices (e.g., FIG. 1C Playback device 110a) and / or multiple playback devices paired or combined (e.g., FIG. 1B The playback devices 110a and 110i process and reproduce sound in a manner consistent with the first playback device. In some embodiments, for example, playback device 110a is a full-range playback device configured to present low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency audio content, and playback device 110i is a subwoofer configured to present low-frequency audio content. In some aspects, when combined with the first playback device, playback device 110a is configured to present only the mid-frequency and high-frequency components of a specific audio content, while playback device 110i presents the low-frequency components of the specific audio content. In some embodiments, the combined playback device 110q includes an additional playback device and / or another combined playback device. The following discusses... FIG. 2A - FIG. 3D An embodiment of the additional playback device is described in more detail.

[0087] c. Suitable network microphone device (NMD)

[0088] FIG. 1F It is NMD 120a ( FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The NMD 120a includes one or more voice processing components 124 (hereinafter referred to as "voice components 124") and a playback device 110a. FIG. 1CThe components described herein include a processor 112a, a memory 112b, a power component 112i, and a microphone 115. As described elsewhere herein, the power component 112i may include one or more of the following: a wireless power transmitter (e.g., a laser, an induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (e.g., a photovoltaic cell, an induction coil, etc.), an energy storage component (e.g., a capacitor, a rechargeable battery), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or associated power circuitry. In operation, the NMD 120a may be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to receiving power via a wired connection, or instead of receiving power via a wired connection, the NMD 120a may be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices.

[0089] NMD 120a optionally includes playback device 110a ( FIG. 1C Other components in the NMD 120a, such as user interface 113 and / or transducer 114. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a is configured as a media playback device (e.g., one or more playback devices 110) and also includes, for example, an audio processing component 112g. FIG. 1C The NMD 120a includes one or more of the transducer 114 and / or other playback device components. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as, for example, thermostats, alarm panels, fire and / or smoke detectors, etc. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes a microphone 115, voice processing 124, and the components mentioned above. FIG. 1B The described electronic device 112 comprises only a portion of its components. In some aspects, for example, the NMD120a includes a processor 112a and a memory 112b. FIG. 1B The NMD 120a omits one or more other components of the electronic device 112. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes additional components (e.g., one or more additional sensors, cameras, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers).

[0090] In some embodiments, NMD can be integrated into the playback device. FIG. 1G This is a block diagram of a playback device 110r including an NMD 120d. The playback device 110r may include many or all of the components of the playback device 110a and also includes a microphone 115 and a voice processing unit 124. FIG. 1F The playback device 110r may optionally include an integrated control device 130c. The control device 130c may include, for example, a user interface (e.g., FIG. 1BThe user interface 113 is configured to receive user input (e.g., touch input, voice input) without a separate control device. However, in other embodiments, the playback device 110r receives input from another control device (e.g., ...). FIG. 1B The control device 130a) receives commands. The following section discusses... FIG. 3A - FIG. 3F Additional NMD embodiments are described in more detail.

[0091] Refer again FIG. 1F The microphone 115 is configured to receive signals from the environment (e.g., FIG. 1A The environment 101) and / or the room where the NMD 120a is located acquire, capture, and / or receive sound. Received sound may include, for example, human voices, audio played back by the NMD 120a and / or another playback device, background sounds, ambient sounds, etc. Microphone 115 converts the received sound into electrical signals to generate microphone data. Voice processing 124 receives and analyzes the microphone data to determine if voice input is present in the microphone data. For example, voice input may include an activation word followed by a utterance that includes a user request. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an activation word is a word or other audio cue that indicates user voice input. For example, in an inquiry... During VAS, the user might say the activation word "Alexa". Other examples include using it to invoke... VAS's "Ok, Google" and the calls VAS's "Hey, Siri".

[0092] After detecting the activation word, the speech processing unit monitors microphone data to obtain accompanying user requests in the voice input. User requests may include, for example, commands to control third-party devices, such as a thermostat (e.g., Thermostats), lighting equipment (e.g., PHILIPS) Illumination equipment) or media playback equipment (e.g., (Playback device). For example, a user might say the activation word "Alexa," followed by the voice prompt "Set the thermostat to 68 degrees" to set the temperature in their home (e.g., FIG. 1A (Environment 101). Users might say the same activation word followed by the utterance "Turn on the living room" to turn on the lighting in the living room area of ​​their home. Users can similarly say the activation word followed by a request to play a specific song, album, or music playlist on their home playback devices. (See below for more information.) FIG. 3A - FIG. 3F Find more detailed additional descriptions about receiving and processing voice input data.

[0093] d. Suitable control device

[0094] FIG. 1H is a partial schematic view of a control device 130a FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B ). As used herein, the term "control device" can be used interchangeably with "controller" or "control system." Control device 130a is configured, among other things, to receive user input related to media playback system 100 and, in response, cause one or more devices in media playback system 100 to perform an action or operation corresponding to the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, control device 130a comprises a smartphone (e.g., iPhone TM , Android phone) on which a media playback system controller application software is installed. In some embodiments, control device 130a comprises, for example, a tablet (e.g., iPad TM ), a computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer), and / or another suitable device (e.g., a television, a car stereo head unit, an IoT device). In certain embodiments, control device 130a comprises a dedicated controller for media playback system 100. In other embodiments, as described above with respect to FIG. 1G , control device 130a is integrated into another device in media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of playback devices 110, NMDs 120, and / or other suitable devices configured to communicate over a network).

[0095] Control device 130a comprises electronics 132, user interface 133, one or more speakers 134, and one or more microphones 135. Electronics 132 comprises one or more processors 132a (hereinafter "processors 132a"), memory 132b, software components 132c, and network interface 132d. Processors 132a can be configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access to, control of, and configuration of media playback system 100. Memory 132b can comprise a data storage device that can be loaded with one or more of software components executable by processors 302 to perform these functions. Software components 132c can comprise applications and / or other executable software configured to facilitate controlling media playback system 100. Memory 112b can be configured to store, for example, software components 132c, media playback system controller application software, and / or other data associated with media playback system 100 and a user.

[0096] The network interface 132d is configured to facilitate network communication between the control device 130a and one or more other devices in the media playback system 100 and / or one or more remote devices. In some embodiments, the network interface 132d is configured to operate according to one or more suitable communication industry standards (e.g., infrared, radio, wired standards including IEEE 802.3, wireless standards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11η, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G, LTE). For example, the network interface 132d can be configured to send data to and / or receive data from the playback devices 110, the NMD 120, other devices in the control device 130, FIG. 1B one of the computing devices 106, devices including one or more other media playback systems, etc. The data sent and / or received can include, for example, playback device control commands, state variables, playback zone and / or zone group configurations. For example, based on user input received at the user interface 133, the network interface 132d can send playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from the control device 304 to one or more of the playback devices. The network interface 132d can also send and / or receive configuration changes, such as, for example, adding / removing one or more playback devices to / from a zone, adding / removing one or more zones to / from a zone group, forming a combined or merged player, separating one or more playback devices from a combined or merged player, etc. Additional descriptions of zones and groups can be found below in connection with FIG. 1I - FIG. 1M FIG. 6.

[0097] The user interface 133 is configured to receive user input and can facilitate control of the media playback system 100. The user interface 133 includes media content art 133a (e.g., album cover, lyrics, video), playback status indicators 133b (e.g., elapsed and / or remaining time indicators), media content information areas 133c, playback control areas 133d, and zone indicators 133e. The media content information areas 133c can include displays of relevant information (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, release year) about the currently playing media content and / or media content in a queue or playlist. The playback control areas 133d can include selectable icons (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or another suitable selector) to cause one or more playback devices in a selected playback zone or zone group to perform playback actions such as, for example, play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip to next, skip to previous, enter / exit shuffle mode, enter / exit repeat mode, enter / exit crossfade mode, etc. The playback control areas 133d can also include selectable icons to modify equalization settings, playback volume, and / or other suitable playback actions. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 133 includes a display rendered on a touch screen interface of a smartphone (e.g., iPhone®, Android phone). However, in some embodiments, user interfaces of various formats, styles, and interaction sequences can alternatively be implemented on one or more network devices to provide comparable control access to the media playback system. TM

[0098] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) can be configured to output sound to a user of the control device 130a. In some embodiments, the one or more speakers include separate transducers configured to output low, mid, and / or high frequencies, respectively. In some aspects, for example, the control device 130a is configured as a playback device (e.g., one of the playback devices 110). Similarly, in some embodiments, the control device 130a is configured as an NMD (e.g., one of the NMDs 120), thereby receiving voice commands and other sound via one or more microphones 135.

[0099] ​One or more microphones 135 can include, for example, one or more condenser microphones, electret condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and / or other suitable types of microphones or transducers. In some embodiments, two or more microphones 135 are arranged to capture location information of an audio source (e.g., speech, audible sounds) and / or configured to facilitate filtering of background noise. Further, in certain embodiments, the control device 130a is configured to operate as a playback device and an NMD. However, in other embodiments, the control device 130a omits one or more speakers 134 and / or one or more microphones 135. For example, the control device 130a can include a device (e.g., a thermostat, an IoT device, a network device) that includes a portion of the electronics 132 and a user interface 133 (e.g., a touchscreen) without any speakers or microphones. Additional control device embodiments are described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 4A - FIG. 4D and FIG. 5 Additional control device embodiments are described in greater detail below with respect to

[0100] e. Suitable playback device configuration

[0101] FIG. 1I - FIG. 1M Example configurations of playback devices in zones and zone groups are shown. Reference is first made to FIG. 1M In one example, a single playback device can belong to a zone. For example, the playback device 110g in the secondary bedroom 101c FIG. 1A In some implementations described below, multiple playback devices can be "joined" to form a "joined pair" that together form a single zone. For example, the playback device 110i (e.g., a left playback device) can be joined to the playback device 1101 (e.g., a right playback device) to form the A zone. The joined playback devices can have different playback responsibilities (e.g., channel responsibilities). In another implementation described below, multiple playback devices can be merged to form a single zone. For example, the playback device 110h (e.g., a front playback device) can be merged with the playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer), and the playback devices 110j and 110k (e.g., left and right surround speakers, respectively) form a single D zone. In another example, the playback devices 110g and 110h can be merged to form the merged group or zone group 108b. The merged playback devices 110g and 110h can not be specifically assigned different playback responsibilities. That is, the merged playback devices 110h and 110i can each play audio content as they would if they were not merged, in addition to synchronizing the playing of the audio content.

[0102] Each zone in the media playback system 100 can be provided for control as a single user interface (UI) entity. For example, zone A can provide a single entity named "Master Bathroom". Zone B can provide a single entity named "Master Bedroom". Zone C can provide a single entity named "Secondary Bedroom".

[0103] Combined playback devices may have different playback responsibilities, such as responsibilities for certain audio channels. For example, such as... FIG. 1I As shown, playback devices 110l and 110m can be combined to produce or enhance the stereo effect of audio content. In this example, playback device 110l can be configured to play the left channel audio component, while playback device 110k can be configured to play the right channel audio component. In some implementations, this stereo combination can be referred to as "pairing".

[0104] Furthermore, the combined playback device can have additional and / or different corresponding speaker drivers. For example... FIG. 1J As shown, a playback device 110h, designated "front," can be combined with a playback device 110i, designated "subwoofer." The front device 110h can be configured to reproduce the mid-to-high frequency range, while the subwoofer device 110i can be configured to reproduce the low frequencies. However, when not combined, the front device 110h can be configured to reproduce the entire frequency range. As another example, FIG. 1K The diagram shows a front device 110h and a subwoofer 110i, which are further combined with the left playback device 110j and the right playback device 110k, respectively. In some implementations, the left device 110j and the right device 110k can be configured to form surround or "satellite" channels for a home theater system. The combined playback devices 110h, 110i, 110j, and 110k can form a single D-zone (…). FIG. 1M ).

[0105] The merged playback devices may not have assigned playback responsibilities, and each playback device can present the full range of audio content that the respective playback device is capable of handling. However, the merged devices can be represented as a single UI entity (i.e., a zone as described above). For example, playback devices 110a and 110n in the main bathroom have a single UI entity for zone A. In one embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110n can each synchronously output the full range of audio content that each respective playback device 110a and 110n is capable of outputting.

[0106] In some embodiments, the NMD is combined or merged with another device to form an area. For example, the NMD 120b may be combined with the playback device 110e, and together they form an area F called the living room. In other embodiments, a standalone network microphone device may exist independently in an area. However, in other embodiments, a standalone network microphone device may not be associated with an area. Additional details regarding associating network microphone devices and playback devices as designated or default devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, previously cited.

[0107] Individual, combined, and / or merged devices can be grouped to form zone groups. For example, see reference. FIG. 1M Area A can be grouped with Area B to form area group 108a, which includes two areas. Similarly, Area G can be grouped with Area H to form area group 108b. As another example, Area A can be grouped with one or more other areas C-I. Areas A-I can be grouped and ungrouped in a variety of ways. For example, three, four, five, or more (e.g., all) of areas A-I can be grouped. When grouped, the areas of individual and / or combined playback devices can play audio synchronously with each other, as described in previously cited U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395. Playback devices can dynamically group and ungroup to form new or different groups of synchronously played audio content.

[0108] In various implementations, a region in the environment can be the default name of a region within a group or a combination of region names within a region group. For example, a name such as "Restaurant + Kitchen" can be assigned to region group 108b. FIG. 1M As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the block group can be assigned a unique name chosen by the user.

[0109] Some data can be stored as one or more state variables in the memory of the playback device (e.g., FIG. 1C In the memory 112b), these state variables are periodically updated and used to describe the state of the playback area, playback device, and / or associated groups of areas. The memory may also include data associated with the state of other devices in the media system and is shared between devices from time to time, such that one or more devices have the latest data associated with the system.

[0110] In some embodiments, the memory can store instances of various variable types associated with a zone. The variable instances can be stored with an identifier (e.g., a tag) corresponding to the type. For example, certain identifiers can be a first type "al" to identify a playback device of a zone, a second type "bl" to identify a playback device that can be incorporated in a zone, and a third type "cl" to identify a zone group that the zone can belong to. As a relevant example, the identifiers associated with the secondary bedroom 101c can indicate that the playback device is the only playback device of Zone C and is not in a zone group. The identifiers associated with the study can indicate that the study is not grouped with other zones but includes incorporated playback devices 110h-110k. The identifiers associated with the dining room can indicate that the dining room is part of the dining room + kitchen zone group 108b and that devices 110b and 110d are grouped FIG. 1L ) As the kitchen is part of the dining room + kitchen zone group 108b, the identifiers associated with the kitchen can indicate the same or similar information. Other example zone variables and identifiers are described below.

[0111] In yet another example, the media playback system 100 can store variables or identifiers representing other associations of zones and zone groups, such as identifiers associated with a region as shown in FIG. 1M A region can involve a zone group and / or a cluster of zones that are not within a zone group. For example, FIG. 1M An upper region 109a including Zone A-D is shown, and a lower region 109b including Zone E-I is shown. In one aspect, a region can be used to invoke a zone group and / or a cluster of zones and / or another cluster of zone groups that share one or more zones. In another aspect, this is different from a zone group that does not share a zone with another zone group. For example, additional examples of techniques for implementing regions can be found in U.S. Application No. 15 / 682,506, filed August 21, 2017, entitled "Room Association Based on Name," and U.S. Patent No. 8,483,853, filed September 11, 2007, entitled "Controlling and manipulating groupings in a multi-zone media system." The relevant disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 can not implement regions, in which case the system can not store variables associated with regions.

[0112] III. Example Systems and Devices

[0113] FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of a playback device 210 configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2Bis a front isometric view of playback device 210 without grille 216e. FIG. 2C is an exploded view of playback device 210. With reference to both FIG. 2A - FIG. 2C , playback device 210 includes a housing 216 that includes an upper portion 216a, a right or first side portion 216b, a lower portion 216c, a left or second side portion 216d, a grille 216e, and a back portion 216f. A plurality of fasteners 216g (e.g., one or more screws, rivets, clips) attach a frame 216h to housing 216. A cavity 216j FIG. 2C in housing 216 is configured to house frame 216h and electronics 212. Frame 216h is configured to carry a plurality of transducers 214 (individually identified as transducers 214a-f in FIG. 2B ). Electronics 212 (e.g., electronics 112 of FIG. 1C ) are configured to receive audio content from an audio source and send electrical signals corresponding to the audio content to transducers 214 for playback.

[0114] Transducers 214 are configured to receive electrical signals from electronics 112 and are also configured to convert the received electrical signals into audible sound during playback. For example, transducers 214a-c (e.g., tweeters) can be configured to output high frequency sound (e.g., sound waves having a frequency greater than about 2 kHz). Transducers 214d-f (e.g., mid-woofers, woofers, mid-range speakers) can be configured to output sound at frequencies lower than transducers 214a-c (e.g., sound waves having a frequency lower than about 2 kHz). In some embodiments, playback device 210 includes a different plurality of transducers than shown in FIG. 2A - FIG. 2C . For example, as described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 3A - FIG. 3C , playback device 210 can include fewer than six transducers (e.g., one, two, three). However, in other embodiments, playback device 210 includes more than six transducers (e.g., nine, ten). Moreover, in some embodiments, all or a portion of transducers 214 are configured to operate as a phased array to desirably adjust (e.g., narrow or widen) a radiation pattern of transducers 214, thereby changing a user’s perception of sound emanating from playback device 210.

[0115] In FIG. 2A - FIG. 2CIn the illustrated embodiment, filter 216i is axially aligned with transducer 214b. Filter 216i is configured to desirably attenuate a predetermined frequency range of the output of transducer 214b to improve the quality of sound collectively output by transducers 214 and the perceived sound field. In some embodiments, however, playback device 210 omits filter 216i. In other embodiments, playback device 210 includes one or more additional filters aligned with transducer 214b and / or at least another one of transducers 214.

[0116] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are front and right isometric side views, respectively, of NMD 320 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 3C is an exploded view of NMD 320. FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3B including user interface 313 of NMD 320. Referring first to FIG. 3A - FIG. 3C NMD 320 includes a housing 316 that includes an upper portion 316a, a lower portion 316b, and a middle portion 316c (e.g., a grille). A plurality of ports, holes, or apertures 316d in upper portion 316a allow sound to pass through one or more microphones 315 FIG. 3C ) located within housing 316. One or more microphones 315 are configured to receive sound via apertures 316d and generate electrical signals based on the received sound. In the illustrated embodiment, a frame 316e FIG. 3C ) of housing 316 surrounds cavities 316f and 316g that are configured to house first transducer 314a (e.g., a tweeter) and second transducer 314b (e.g., a mid-bass cannon, a midrange speaker, a woofer), respectively. In other embodiments, however, NMD 320 includes a single transducer, or more than two (e.g., two, five, six) transducers. In certain embodiments, NMD 320 omits transducers 314a and 314b entirely.

[0117] electronics 312 FIG. 3C include many or all of the components of electronics 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1C In certain embodiments, electronics 312 include components described above with respect to FIG. 1F such as, for example, one or more processors 112a, memory 112b, software components 112c, network interface 112d, etc. In some embodiments, electronics 312 include additional suitable components (e.g., a proximity sensor or other sensor).

[0118] Referring FIG. 3D , the user interface 313 includes a plurality of control surfaces (e.g., buttons, knobs, capacitive surfaces), including a first control surface 313a (e.g., a previous track control), a second control surface 313b (e.g., a next track control), and a third control surface 313c (e.g., a play and / or pause control). A fourth control surface 313d is configured to receive touch inputs corresponding to activation and deactivation of the one or more microphones 315. A first indicator 313e (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or another suitable illuminator) can be configured to illuminate only when the one or more microphones 315 are activated. A second indicator 313f (e.g., one or more LEDs) can be configured to remain constantly lit during normal operation and to flash or otherwise change from constantly lit to indicate that voice activity is detected. In some embodiments, the user interface 313 includes additional or fewer control surfaces and illuminators. In one embodiment, for example, the user interface 313 includes the first indicator 313e and omits the second indicator 313f. Further, in certain embodiments, the NMD 320 includes a playback device and a control device, and the user interface 313 includes a user interface of the control device.

[0119] Referring FIG. 3A - FIG. 3D together , the NMD 320 is configured to receive voice commands from one or more proximate users via the one or more microphones 315. As described above with respect to FIG. 1B , the one or more microphones 315 can acquire, capture, or record sound in the vicinity (e.g., 10 m or less of the NMD 320) and send electrical signals corresponding to the recorded sound to the electronics 312. The electronics 312 can process the electrical signals and can analyze the resulting audio data to determine the presence of one or more voice commands (e.g., one or more activation words). In some embodiments, for example, upon detecting one or more suitable voice commands, the NMD 320 is configured to send a portion of the recorded audio data to another device and / or a remote server (e.g., one or more computing devices 106 of FIG. 1B ) for further analysis. The remote server can analyze the audio data, determine an appropriate action based on the voice command, and send a message to the NMD 320 to perform the appropriate action. For example, a user can say "Sonos, play Michael Jackson." The NMD 320 can record the user's vocal utterance via the one or more microphones 315, determine the presence of the voice command, and send the audio data with the voice command to a remote server (e.g., one or more computing devices 106 of FIG. 1Bone or more servers of the VAS, and / or another suitable service). The remote server can analyze the audio data and determine an action corresponding to the command. The remote server can then send a command to the NMD 320 to perform the determined action (e.g., play back audio content related to Michael Jackson). The NMD 320 can receive the command and play back the audio content related to Michael Jackson from the media content source. As noted above with respect to FIG. 1B the LAN (e.g., network 104), the remote server (e.g., one or more of the remote computing devices 106 of the VAS), or a device or storage coupled to the NMD 320. However, in certain embodiments, the NMD 320 determines and / or performs one or more actions corresponding to one or more voice commands without the need for intervention or participation of an external device, computer, or server. FIG. 1B FIG. 1B

[0120] FIG. 3E is a functional block diagram illustrating additional features of the NMD 320 in accordance with aspects of the application. The NMD 320 includes components configured to facilitate voice command capture, including a voice activity detector component 312k, a beamformer component 3121, an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) and / or auto sound suppression component 312m, an activation word detector component 312n, and a speech / voice conversion component 312o (e.g., speech to text and text to speech). In the illustrated embodiment, the foregoing components 312k-312o are shown as separate components. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the components 312k-312o are subcomponents of the processor 112a. FIG. 3E

[0121] ​​​Beamforming component 3121 and self-speech suppression component 312m are configured to detect an audio signal and determine aspects of the speech input represented in the detected audio signal, such as direction, amplitude, spectrum, etc. Speech activity detector component 312k is operatively coupled to beamforming component 312l and AEC component 312m and is configured to determine one and / or more directions in which speech activity may occur in the detected audio signal. Potential speech directions can be identified by monitoring metrics that distinguish speech from other sounds. Such metrics may include, for example, energy within the speech band relative to background noise and entropy within the speech band, which is a measure of spectral structure. As those skilled in the art will understand, speech typically has lower entropy than most common background noise. Activation word detector component 312n is configured to monitor and analyze the received audio to determine the presence of any activation words (e.g., wake words) in the received audio. Activation word detector component 312n can use activation word detection algorithms to analyze the received audio. If the activation word detector 312n detects an activation word, the NMD 320 can process the speech input contained in the received audio. Example activation word detection algorithms accept audio as input and provide an indication of the presence of activation words in the audio. Many first-party and third-party activation word detection algorithms are known and commercially available. For example, voice service operators may make their algorithms available in third-party devices. Alternatively, algorithms can be trained to detect certain activation words. In some embodiments, the activation word detector 312n runs multiple activation word detection algorithms simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) on the received audio. As mentioned above, different voice services (e.g., Amazon's...) Apple's Or Micro Soft Each can use different activation words to invoke its respective voice service. To support multiple services, the activation word detector 312n can run the received audio in parallel for each supported voice service using the activation word detection algorithm.

[0122] The voice / text conversion component 312o facilitates processing by converting speech in voice input into text. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 may include speech recognition software trained for a specific user or a specific set of users associated with a household. Such speech recognition software can implement speech processing algorithms tuned to a specific speech profile. Tuning to a specific speech profile can require fewer computationally intensive algorithms compared to traditional voice activity services, which typically sample from a broad user base and diverse requests not tailored to media playback systems.

[0123] FIG. 3FThis is a schematic diagram of an example voice input 328 captured by an NMD 320 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Voice input 328 may include an activation word portion 328a and a speech production portion 328b. In some embodiments, the activation word 557a may be associated with AMAZON. The associated known activation word is, for example, “Alexa.” However, in other embodiments, voice input 328 may not include an activation word. In some embodiments, the network microphone device may output an audible and / or visual response when the activation word portion 328a is detected. Additionally or alternatively, the NMB may output an audible and / or visual response after processing voice input and / or a series of voice inputs.

[0124] The speech output portion 328b may include, for example, one or more spoken commands (separately identified as first command 328c and second command 328e) and one or more spoken keywords (separately identified as first keyword 328d and second keyword 328f). In one example, the first command 328c may be a command to play music such as a specific song, album, playlist, etc. In this example, the keyword may be one or more words identifying the section of one or more pieces of music to be played, such as... FIG. 1A The living room and dining room are shown. In some examples, the speech output section 328b may include other information, such as pauses detected between words spoken by the user (e.g., non-speech periods), such as... FIG. 3F As shown in the diagram. Pauses can be used within the speech output section 328b to delineate the location of individual commands, keywords, or other information spoken by the user.

[0125] In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is configured to temporarily reduce the volume of its playing audio content when an activation word portion 557a is detected. The media playback system 100 can restore the volume after processing voice input 328, such as... FIG. 3F As shown in the figure. This process can be referred to as dodging, an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0126] FIG. 4A - FIG. 4D This is a control device 430 that displays the corresponding user interface in various operating states. FIG. 1H A schematic diagram of a control device 130a, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a dedicated control device, an IoT device, and / or other suitable devices. The first user interface is shown in 431a. FIG. 4AThe lower display area 433f includes a display name 433a (i.e., "room"). The selected group area 433b displays audio content information (e.g., artist name, track name, album cover) of the audio content being played in the selected group and / or zone. Group areas 433c and 433d display the corresponding group and / or zone name, and audio content information of the audio content being played or played next in the playback queue of the corresponding group or zone. The audio content area 433e includes information related to the audio content in the selected group and / or zone (i.e., the group and / or zone indicated in the selected group area 433b). The lower display area 433f is configured to receive touch input to display one or more other user interface displays. For example, if a user selects "Browse" in the lower display area 433f, the control device 430 can be configured to output multiple music services 433g (e.g., Spotify, Tuneln Radio, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, TV, Local Music, Line Input) that the user can browse and select media content from for playback via one or more playback devices (e.g., FIG. 1A Playback is performed on one of the playback devices 110. Alternatively, if the user selects "My Sonos" in the lower display area 433f, the control device 430 can be configured to output a third user interface display 431c. FIG. 4C The first media content area 433h may include graphic representations (e.g., album art) corresponding to individual albums, radio stations, or playlists. The second media content area 433i may include graphic representations (e.g., album art) corresponding to individual songs, tracks, or other media content. If the user selects graphic representation 433j ( FIG. 4C If so, the control device 430 can be configured to start playing back the audio content corresponding to the graphic representation 433j and output a fourth user interface display 431d, which includes a magnified version of the graphic representation 433j, media content information 433k (e.g., track name, artist, album), transfer controls 433m (e.g., play, previous track, next track, pause, volume), and an indication 433n of the currently selected group and / or zone name.

[0127] FIG. 5This is a schematic diagram of a control device 530 (e.g., a laptop computer, desktop computer). The control device 530 includes a transducer 534, a microphone 535, and a camera 536. The user interface 531 includes a transmission control area 533a, a playback status area 533b, a playback area 533c, a playback queue area 533d, and a media content source area 533e. The transmission control area includes one or more controls for controlling media playback, including, for example, volume, previous track, play / pause, next track, repeat, shuffle, track position, fade in / out, equalization, etc. The audio content source area 533e includes a list of one or more media content sources from which the user can select media items for playback and / or add them to the playback queue.

[0128] Playback area 533b may include media playback system 100 ( FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The graphical representation of a playback area is described. In some embodiments, the graphical representation of a playback area may be optional to bring up additional selectable icons for managing or configuring playback areas in the media playback system, such as creating combined areas, creating area groups, separating area groups, renaming area groups, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, a “group” icon is provided within each graphical representation of a playback area. The “group” icon provided within the graphical representation of a specific area may be selectable to bring up options to select one or more other areas in the media playback system to be grouped with the specific area. Once grouped, playback devices in areas already grouped with the specific area can be configured to play audio content synchronously with playback devices in the specific area. Similarly, a “group” icon may be provided within the graphical representation of an area group. In the illustrated embodiment, the “group” icon may be selectable to bring up options to deselect one or more areas in an area group to be removed from the area group. In some embodiments, the control device 530 includes additional interactions and implementations for grouping and ungrouping areas via the user interface 531. In some embodiments, the representation of the playback area in playback area region 533b can be dynamically updated as the playback area or zone configuration is modified.

[0129] The playback status area 533c includes a graphical representation of the audio content currently playing, previously played, or scheduled to play next in the selected playback area or group. The selected playback area or group can be visually distinguished on the user interface, such as within playback area area 533b and / or playback queue area 533d. The graphical representation may include track title, artist name, album name, album year, track length, and other relevant information useful to the user in knowing when to control the media playback system 100 via user interface 531.

[0130] Playback queue area 533d includes a graphical representation of the audio content in the playback queue associated with the selected playback zone or group. In some embodiments, each playback zone or group may be associated with a playback queue containing information corresponding to zero or more audio items for playback by the playback zone or group. For example, each audio item in the playback queue may include a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), or some other identifier that may be used by playback devices in the playback zone or group to locate and / or retrieve audio items from a local or networked audio content source for possible playback by the playback device. In some embodiments, for example, a playlist may be added to the playback queue, wherein information corresponding to each audio item in the playlist may be added to the playback queue. In some embodiments, audio items in the playback queue may be saved as a playlist. In some embodiments, the playback queue may be empty or filled but “unused” when the playback zone or group is continuously playing streaming audio content, such as internet broadcasts that can continue playing until otherwise stopped, rather than discrete audio items with playback duration. In some embodiments, the playback queue may include internet broadcast and / or other streaming audio content items and be in "use" while these items are being played in the playback area or block.

[0131] When a playback zone or group is "grouped" or "ungrouped," the playback queues associated with the affected playback zone or group can be cleared or reassociated. For example, if a first playback zone, which includes a first playback queue, is grouped with a second playback zone, which includes a second playback queue, the created group can have associated playback queues that are initially empty and contain audio items from the first playback queue (e.g., if the second playback zone is added to the first playback zone), contain audio items from the second playback queue (e.g., if the first playback zone is added to the second playback zone), or a combination of audio items from the first and second playback queues. Subsequently, if the created group is degrouped, the resulting first playback zone can be reassociated with the previous first playback queue or associated with a new playback queue that is empty or contains audio items from the playback queues associated with the created group before the created group was degrouped. Similarly, the resulting second playback zone can be reassociated with the previous second playback queue, or with an empty new playback queue, or contain audio items from the playback queue associated with the established block before the established block is grouped.

[0132] FIG. 6 This shows the media playback system 100 ( FIG. 1A - FIG. 1M The message flow diagram for data exchange between devices.

[0133] At step 650a, the media playback system 100 receives an instruction via control device 130a for selected media content (e.g., one or more songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, videos, radio stations). The selected media content may include, for example, locally stored on one or more devices connected to the media playback system (e.g., FIG. 1C Media items on audio source 105 and / or stored on one or more media service servers ( FIG. 1B The media item on one or more of the remote computing devices 106. In response to receiving an instruction to select media content, the control device 130a sends a message 651a to the playback device 110a to add the selected media content to the playback queue on the playback device 110a. FIG. 1A - FIG. 1C ).

[0134] At step 650b, playback device 110a receives message 651a and adds the selected media content to the playback queue for playback.

[0135] At step 650c, control device 130a receives input corresponding to a command for playing back the selected media content. In response to receiving the input corresponding to the command for playing back the selected media content, control device 130a sends message 651b to playback device 110a, causing playback device 110a to play back the selected media content. In response to receiving message 651b, playback device 110a sends message 651c requesting the selected media content to first computing device 106a. In response to receiving message 651c, first computing device 106a sends message 651d including data corresponding to the requested media content (e.g., audio data, video data, URL, URI).

[0136] At step 650d, playback device 110a receives message 651d containing data corresponding to the requested media content and plays back the associated media content.

[0137] At step 650e, playback device 110a may optionally cause one or more other devices to play back the selected media content. In one example, playback device 110a is one of a combination of two or more players. FIG. 1M Playback device 110a can receive selected media content and send all or part of the media content to other devices in the group. In another example, playback device 110a is the coordinator of the group and is configured to send and receive timing information from one or more other devices in the group. One or more other devices in the group can receive selected media content from first computing device 106a and start playing back the selected media content in response to a message from playback device 110a, so that all devices in the group play back the selected media content synchronously.

[0138] IV. Wireless power transmission equipment and related systems and methods

[0139] Audio playback devices capable of receiving wireless power offer several distinct advantages over traditional wired devices. For example, there's no need to run unsightly power cords through walls or hide them under furniture. Wireless power transmission also allows users to more easily reposition devices within their home or room without disconnecting or rewiring power cords. To achieve this, one or more wireless power transmitter devices can be provided near the audio playback device, in which a wireless power receiver is located. Such transmitter devices can include another playback device (e.g., a soundbar, subwoofer, or any playback device with a wired power connection) or a non-playback device (e.g., a power hub that provides wireless power to the playback device without driving its own audio output). In some examples, one or more playback devices can include both a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter, allowing these devices to be used in either configuration, or in some examples, simultaneously in both configurations (e.g., as a "repeater," where the device receives wireless power from an external transmitter device and transmits wireless power to an external receiver device). In some cases, multiple such playback devices can transmit wireless power to each other in a mesh configuration, where specific device-to-device transmissions are selected to provide the desired power levels, device performance, and user experience.

[0140] As used herein, a “wireless power transmitter” or “transmitter device” includes any device (or component of a device) capable of transmitting wireless power that can be received and recovered by a suitable receiver device. Similarly, a “wireless power receiver” or “receiver device” includes any device (or component of a device) capable of receiving wireless power from a remote transmitter device and using said power to operate one or more components of a receiver device (e.g., powering at least one amplifier of a playback device). In various examples, a single playback device (or other device) may be both a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, while in other examples, a particular device may be a transmitter device only or a receiver device only.

[0141] In the various examples disclosed herein, such wireless power transmission may include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission. As used herein, medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission includes wireless power transmission over a distance greater than about 10 cm, or in some examples, a distance greater than about 50 cm or greater than about 1 m. For example, in some examples, during wireless power transmission, the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver may be separated from each other by at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m.

[0142] As described elsewhere in this document, such medium- or long-range wireless power transmission technologies include radiating technologies (e.g., lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such electromagnetic radiation propagation from a transmitter device toward a receiver device). In various examples, the wireless power receiver in this case may include a photovoltaic cell, a diode, an antenna (e.g., a silicon rectifier antenna), or other suitable hardware that can convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. Similarly, in this case, the wireless power transmitter may include a light source, such as a laser, a microwave source, an antenna (e.g., a directional antenna, a phased array antenna, etc.), or other suitable electromagnetic radiation source.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, such medium- or long-range wireless power transmission may include non-radiative transmission, such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magneto-coupling, etc.). In such cases, both the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver may include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), or a rotating armature thereon carrying a magnet (e.g., in the case of magneto-coupling).

[0144] a. Suitable wireless power transmission device components

[0145] FIG. 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a wireless power transfer (WPT) device 700. In some examples, device 700 may be coupled to, integrated into, or included in a playback device (e.g., FIG. 1C Playback device 110a), NMD (e.g., FIG. 1F In the NMD 120a or other suitable device.

[0146] refer to FIG. 7 The WPT device 700 includes one or more processors 702, a network interface 704, and a memory 706. These may be similar to, equivalent to, or include the above references. FIG. 1C and FIG. 1F The processor 112a, network interface 112d, and memory 112b are described. In various examples, the wireless power transmission device 700 may include any or all of the features of the playback device 110a or NMD 120a previously described herein. In some examples, the network interface 704 may include one or more transceivers configured to communicate via at least one Wi-Fi network and / or at least one Bluetooth network.

[0147] The WPT device 700 optionally includes a wired power input port 708 configured to be electrically coupled to a wired power source 710 (e.g., via a 110 / 220V wall power supply, USB-C charger, etc.), such as an AC power port or a USB port (e.g., a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-B port, a USB Type-C port, etc.). The power input port 708 can be directly coupled (e.g., via a cable) to a household power outlet (e.g., to receive AC power) or indirectly coupled via a power adapter (e.g., a device that converts AC power from a household power outlet to DC power). In some examples, the wired power input port 708 is omitted, and the WPT device 700 operates solely based on power wirelessly received from an external transmitter device and / or energy generated via the energy harvester 716.

[0148] The WPT device 700 also includes an energy storage component 712, which can take the form of a rechargeable battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, or any other suitable component capable of storing energy. The energy storage component 712 can be configured to store energy and facilitate the operation of the device (e.g., powering one or more amplifiers in the playback device). In this regard, the energy storage component 712 can be a battery with chemistry that facilitates battery charging, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), etc. The battery size can be designed such that the processor 702 and other components of the WPT device 700 can operate solely on battery power for an extended period of time without requiring battery charging. For example, the battery can have a capacity of 20 watt-hours (Wh), which facilitates continuous audio playback for at least 4 hours on battery power alone. The battery can be charged using power from one or more other components in the device 700 (e.g., wired power input port 708, wireless power receiver 720, energy harvester 716, etc.).

[0149] As previously described, in some examples, the wireless power device 700 may include an audio playback component 714 (e.g., one or more transducers, audio processing circuitry, microphones, voice processing circuitry, etc.), and thus the WPT device 700 may include, or be part of, an audio playback device or a network microphone device as described elsewhere herein. In various examples, such an audio playback device may be a soundbar, subwoofer, headphone device, audible device, portable audio playback device, architectural playback device, or video playback device.

[0150] The WPT device 700 optionally includes one or more energy harvesters 716. Energy harvesters 716 may include devices configured to harvest energy from energy sources in the environment, such as solar, thermal, wind, salinity gradients, kinetic, acoustic, etc. For example, an energy harvester 716 may include one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert received light into voltage. Any of a variety of energy harvesters 716 may be included in the WPT device 700. Examples of such energy harvesters include photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, micro wind turbines, piezoelectric crystals, electroacoustic transducers, and kinetic energy harvesters.

[0151] The WPT device also includes a wireless power transmitter 718, a wireless power receiver 720, and a power circuit 722. In operation, the WPT device 700 can receive wireless power from an external transmitter via the receiver 720 and can transmit wireless power to an external receiver via the transmitter 720. The power circuit 722 controls some or all of the functions associated with these operations.

[0152] The wireless power transmitter 718 may include any component or combination of components capable of transmitting wireless power to an external wireless power receiving device. This wireless power transmission may include medium- or long-range wireless power transmission, for example, configured to provide effective power transmission where the transmitter and receiver are separated from each other by a distance greater than about 10 cm, or in some examples greater than about 50 cm or greater than about 1 m. In various examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 may transmit power via radiation techniques, such as using lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such techniques involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter device to the receiver device. In various embodiments, this electromagnetic radiation may be directional (e.g., directed towards one or more receiver devices) or omnidirectional (e.g., radiated substantially in all directions from the wireless power transmitter 718). In various examples, in this case, the wireless power transmitter 718 may include a light source, such as a laser, a microwave source, an antenna (e.g., a directional antenna, a phased array antenna, etc.), or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, the wireless power transmitter 718 may include one or more steering components configured to guide, focus, or manipulate wireless power. Such steering components may include, for example, one or more lenses, mirrors, directional antennas, or other suitable components.

[0153] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless power transmitter 718 may be configured to transmit wireless power using non-radiative techniques, such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magneto-coupling, etc.). In such cases, the wireless power transmitter 718 may include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), a rotating armature carrying a magnet thereon (e.g., in the case of magneto-coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of wirelessly receiving power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0154] The wireless power receiver 720 may include any component or structure configured to receive power wirelessly (e.g., via inductance, resonance, radiation, etc.) from an external wireless transmitter device. As previously described, such wireless power transmission may include medium- or long-range wireless power transmission, for example configured to provide effective power transmission where the transmitter and receiver are separated by a distance greater than about 10 cm, or in some examples greater than about 50 cm or greater than about 1 m. In various examples, the wireless power receiver 720 may receive power via radiation techniques, such as lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such techniques involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter device to the receiver device. In such cases, the wireless power receiver 720 may include an optical receiver, such as a diode, photovoltaic cell, antenna (e.g., a silicon rectifier diode antenna), or other suitable hardware that can convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

[0155] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless power receiver 720 may be configured to receive wireless power using non-radiative techniques, such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magneto-coupling, etc.). In such cases, the wireless power receiver 720 may include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), a rotating armature carrying a magnet thereon (e.g., in the case of magneto-coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of wirelessly receiving power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0156] Continue to refer to FIG. 7The WPT device 700 may include a power circuit 722 configured to receive power from an energy storage component 712, a wired power input 708, and / or a wireless power receiver 720, and use the power received therefrom to drive an amplifier and / or an electroacoustic transducer having an audio output based on the source audio. The power circuit 722 may be configured to perform any of a variety of power-related tasks, including, for example, one or more of the following: (1) power conversion (e.g., AC-AC conversion, AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, and / or DC-DC conversion); (2) power regulation; (3) battery charging; and / or (4) power monitoring (e.g., battery monitoring). Examples of electrical components that may be integrated into the power circuit 722 include transformers, rectifiers, inverters, converters, regulators, battery chargers, and / or power management integrated circuits (PMICs). In some examples, such a power circuit 722 may be integrated into either or both of the wireless power transmitter 718 and the wireless power receiver 720.

[0157] In some examples, power circuitry 722 may include battery circuitry for facilitating monitoring of battery status. In these examples, the battery circuitry may identify battery status information, including information about one or more of the following battery states: state of charge (SoC), temperature, lifetime, and / or internal impedance. The battery circuitry may transmit the battery status information to, for example, a processor 702.

[0158] The power circuit 722 may include a regulating circuit that facilitates the conversion of a variable voltage quantity (e.g., a variable voltage from a battery, a variable voltage from an energy harvester, etc.) into a stable DC voltage. For example, the regulating circuit may include a switching regulator circuit, such as a buck switching regulator circuit, a boost switching regulator circuit, a buck-boost switching regulator circuit, a flyback switching regulator circuit, a resonant switching regulator circuit, etc. The regulating circuit may include one or more linear voltage regulators, such as low dropout (LDO) regulators. The regulating circuit can be configured to output one or more fixed DC voltages (e.g., ±5V, ±12V) or AC voltages.

[0159] b. Wireless power set examples

[0160] FIG. 8 The interaction between power groups is illustrated, which include multiple WPT devices capable of transferring power and / or data between each other. FIG. 8 In the example shown, the group includes a power group coordinator 800, a first power group member 850a, and a second power group member 850b. Each of the power group coordinator 800 and power group members 850a and 850b may include the above-mentioned references. FIG. 7The WPT device 700 describes some or all of the components. In some examples, some or all of these devices may include or be audio playback devices. Although the group shown includes three devices, in various examples there may be one, two, four, five or more power group members (not shown).

[0161] As used herein, a "power group" may include two or more devices configured to wirelessly transmit power therebetween. In the illustrated example, coordinator 800 (e.g., via wireless power transmitter 718) transmits wireless power to each of a first power group member 850a and a second power group member 850b. Furthermore, the first group member 850a transmits wireless power to the second group member 850b. In an alternative example, the power group coordinator 800 may transmit wireless power to all members of a fewer than one power group, wherein one or more group members 850 transmit power to other group members 850, such that each device in the group receives wireless power from or transmits wireless power to at least one other device in the group.

[0162] In the example shown, the power group coordinator 800 does not include a wireless power receiver 720, and it is connected to a wired power source 710. However, in other cases, the power group coordinator 800 may not be connected to the wired power source 710, and it may be powered itself solely via wireless power transmission and / or energy harvesting. In some examples, one or more of the power group members 850 may be connected to a wired power source, rather than receiving wireless power from other group members or as an addendum to receiving wireless power from other group members.

[0163] As used herein, a "power group coordinator" may include wireless power transmission devices configured to send instructions to one or more power group members to initiate, stop, or modulate wireless power transmissions among them. For example, a power group coordinator may cause a first power group member 850a to initiate a wireless power transmission to a second power group member 850b. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, in some examples, wireless power transmissions may be initiated, stopped, or modified based on multiple parameters, such as the device's battery level, the rate or frequency of wireless power received at the device, audio recharge level, etc. In some examples, such parameters may be determined by or sent to a power group coordinator 800, which may then determine any appropriate modifications to the wireless power transmissions within the group and may send instructions to group members accordingly.

[0164] In at least some cases, there may be no power coordinator. In such cases, each wireless power transmission device can independently determine whether, how, and when to receive wireless power from any external transmitter or transmit wireless power to any external receiver.

[0165] As previously described, in some examples, multiple audio playback devices can be grouped together for synchronized audio playback (e.g., as a binding zone). In such cases, one of the playback devices can be the coordinator of the group and can send and receive timing information from one or more other devices in the group. In various examples, the power group can be the same as the audio playback group. Alternatively, the power group can be at least partially different from any audio playback group. In at least some examples, the power group coordinator 800 can also act as the audio playback group coordinator. In such cases, the power group coordinator 800 can send timing data or other information to group members via a wireless network and / or via data incorporated into the wireless power signal, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. Alternatively, the power group coordinator 800 and the audio playback group coordinator can be different devices. In other examples, a power group can be formed without any audio playback grouping occurring, in which case there may be no audio playback group coordinator.

[0166] V. Example of Wireless Power Transmission Scenarios

[0167] FIG. 9A - FIG. 9X Various example scenarios in which wireless power transfer devices and associated methods can be employed are illustrated. The scenarios described herein are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that countless variations exist where wireless power transfer can be effectively used for audio playback and other applications. These examples illustrate interactions between power groups, where wireless power is transferred between group members arranged in various different ways. In various examples, the specific configuration of wireless power transfer within the power group may be predetermined or may be dynamically selected or determined, at least in part, based on relevant parameters such as: the stored energy levels of some or all devices, the power consumption rate of some or all devices, the wireless power reception rate at some or all devices, the relative positions of some or all devices, usage parameters such as the presence or absence of a user, or any other parameters related to power storage, power transfer, or power consumption.

[0168] exist FIG. 9A In this setup, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905. For example, the first WPT device 901 may be a soundbar with a wired power input or other such audio playback device. Optionally, the first WPT device 901 may be integrated into or (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) communicatively coupled to a video playback device 907, such as a television. The second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905 may be audio playback devices configured to provide surround sound audio (e.g., the second WPT device 903 may be a left rear surround, and the third WPT device 905 may be a right rear surround).

[0169] exist FIG. 9A In the scenario shown, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to each of the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905. FIG. 9B In the scenario shown, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power only to the first WPT device 903, which in turn transmits wireless power to the second WPT device 905. In this configuration, the first WPT device 903 acts as a "repeater," receiving wireless power from the first WPT device 901 and then transmitting it to the third WPT device 905.

[0170] exist FIG. 9C In the scenario shown, the user has moved into the transmission path between the first WPT device 901 and the second WPT device 903. Because the user's position may obstruct the wireless power transmission between the first WPT device 901 and the second WPT device 903, the rate of wireless power received at the second WPT device 903 may decrease. To continue supplying power to the first WPT device 903, the first WPT device 901 can instead transmit wireless power to a third WPT device 905, which in turn transmits wireless power to the second WPT device 903.

[0171] In some examples, this conversion can be achieved based on determining that the rate or level of wireless power received at the second WPT 903 has decreased or fallen below a predetermined threshold. Additionally or alternatively, additional sensors can be used to detect the presence of a user (or other object) obstructing the line of sight between the first WPT device 901 and the second WPT device 903.

[0172] FIG. 9D Another arrangement is shown in which the first WPT 901 also provides wireless power to the video display device 907. This wireless power transmission can replace, or supplement, any wired power supplied to the video display device 907.

[0173] exist FIG. 9E In this configuration, another WPT device 909 (e.g., an audio playback device with its own wired power supply) provides wireless power to the second WPT device 903 independently, while the first WPT device 901 provides wireless power to the third WPT 905. In some examples, the WPT device 911 may be a subwoofer or other audio playback device with a wired power input.

[0174] exist FIG. 9FIn the scenario shown, the user has moved into line of sight between WPT device 909 and the second WPT 903. In response, the wireless power transmission configuration can be modified. For example, the first WPT device 901 can be changed to transmit wireless power to the second WPT 903, while WPT device 909 transmits wireless power to the third WPT device 905.

[0175] FIG. 9G A configuration is shown in which the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905 are powered only by the WPT device 909, without any wireless power transmitted from the first WPT 901. FIG. 9H The illustration shows a scenario where the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905 are far from WPT 909 and close to the first WPT 901. In response, the first WPT 901 can initiate wireless power transmissions to the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905, and the WPT device 909 can stop wireless power transmissions. For example, as the level of wireless power received at some devices decreases, the system can reconfigure the transmission so that different devices begin to transmit wireless power to those devices.

[0176] FIG. 9I - FIG. 9K A configuration is shown in which a first WPT device 901, a second WPT device 903, and a third WPT device 905 are connected via two additional WPT devices 911 and 913. These additional WPT devices 911 and 913 can be, for example, left front and right front surround playback devices. FIG. 9I In the example shown, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to all four WPT devices 903, 905, 911, and 913. FIG. 9J In the example shown, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to the first WPT device 903 and the second WPT device 905, but the additional WPT devices 911 and 913 do not receive wireless power from other devices. In at least some cases, devices 911 and 913 may be audio playback devices powered via a wired connection and optionally cannot receive wireless power from external transmitter devices. FIG. 9K In the example shown, WPT devices 911 and 913 transmit wireless power to the first WPT device 903 and the second WPT device 905, respectively.

[0177] Now for reference FIG. 9L An additional WPT 909 (e.g., a subwoofer or other playback device, optionally having a wired power connection) transmits wireless power to the first WPT device 903 and the second WPT device 905, while the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 911 and 913. FIG. 9MA similar configuration is shown, except that the additional WPT device 909 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 903 and 911, and the first WPT 901 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 905 and 913. FIG. 9N In this configuration, the additional WPT device 909 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 903, 905, and 911, while the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power only to WPT 913. This switching can occur as a result of a user moving to obstruct the line of sight between WPT devices 909 and 913, or based on other parameters.

[0178] exist FIG. 9O In the arrangement shown, the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905 are connected to a wired power source, while WPT device 909 wirelessly powers WPT device 911, and the first WPT device 901 wirelessly powers WPT device 913. FIG. 9P A similar arrangement is shown, except that WPT device 909 neither transmits nor receives wireless power, and a second WPT device 903 (connected to a wired power input) wirelessly powers WPT device 911. In some examples, when the user moves WPT device 909 to a new location further away from WPT device 911, the system can... FIG. 9O The layout was changed to FIG. 9P The arrangement.

[0179] FIG. 9Q A similar configuration is shown, except that WPT device 909 (which can be a subwoofer or other device with a wired connection) wirelessly powers WPT devices 903 and 911, while WPT devices 905 and 913 each have their own wired power connections. FIG. 9R In the arrangement shown, WPT device 909 is moved away from WPT devices 903 and 911 (or alternatively, by completely removing WPT device 909 or by losing power to WPT device 909), and in response, the power supply can be adjusted by transmitting wireless power from the third WPT device 905 to the second WPT device 903 and by transmitting wireless power from the first WPT device 901 to the WPT device 911.

[0180] exist FIG. 9S In the illustrated arrangement, WPT devices 909 and 915 can each take the form of audio playback devices (e.g., subwoofers) with wired power connections. These devices provide wireless power to the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905, respectively, while the first WPT device 901 provides wireless power to WPT devices 911 and 913. FIG. 9TIn the alternative configuration shown, WPT devices 909 and 915 each power two WPT devices, and no wireless power is transmitted from the first WPT device 901. This transition (from...) FIG. 9S Arrangement to FIG. 9T The arrangement can be based, for example, by moving WPT devices 911 and 913 closer to the corresponding WPT devices 909 and 915, or by changing the power level or other state of the first WPT device 901.

[0181] exist FIG. 9U and FIG. 9V In the example shown, the first playback device 901 (e.g., a soundbar with a wired power connection) is replaced with a WPT device 917 without a wired power connection. FIG. 9U As shown, WPT device 909 (e.g., a subwoofer with a wired power connection) can power each of WPT devices 903, 905, 911, and 917. However, because the user is obstructing the line of sight between WPT device 909 and WPT device 913, no power is sent to WPT device 913. FIG. 9V In response to an indication from WPT device 913 that its battery is low, that the receiver has stopped receiving power, or other such instructions, the third WPT device 905 sends wireless power to WPT device 913.

[0182] FIG. 9W and FIG. 9X An example is shown where a WPT hub device 919 provides wireless power to a second WPT device 903 and a third WPT device 905. In some examples, the WPT hub device 919 may be a standalone device without audio playback capabilities, but has a wired power input and is configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external receiver devices. In some examples, the WPT hub device 919 may be an architectural feature configured to be integrated into a structure (e.g., mounted on a ceiling, mounted on a wall, integrated into furniture such as a TV cabinet, etc.). In some examples, the WPT hub device 919 may power external WPT devices and may also communicate with at least a first WPT 901. In the example shown, the first WPT 901 transmits data to the WPT hub device 919, which in turn provides wireless power to the second WPT device 903 and the third WPT device 905. FIG. 9XIn the example shown, WPT hub device 919 receives data from one or more external devices (e.g., one or more remote computing devices, other local devices, etc.) and may optionally transmit data to the first WPT 901 and / or any other device. In some cases, based on the received data, WPT hub device 919 may initiate, stop, or modify wireless power transmissions to nearby receiver devices.

[0183] VI. Example methods for managing wireless power transmission equipment

[0184] FIG. 10 - FIG. 19 An example method for managing wireless power transmission (WPT) devices, such as audio playback devices in which a wireless power transmitter and / or wireless power receiver are integrated, is shown. The method described herein can be derived from, for example... FIG. 7 WPT equipment 700, FIG. 8 Power group coordinator 800 or power group member 850a-b, FIG. 1A NMD 103a or such FIG. 2A The playback device 120 or similar device is used to perform the operation. In various examples, the boxes shown can be modified, combined, subdivided, or executed in an order different from that shown and described herein.

[0185] a. Baseband delivery of wireless power to modulate wireless power transmission

[0186] In some cases, it can be useful to modify the transmission of wireless power based on the rate, level, or amount of wireless power received by one or more external receiving devices. Example method 1000 begins at box 1002, wherein wireless power is transmitted from a transmitting device to one or more external devices. The transmitting device may be, for example, an audio playback device incorporating a wireless power transmitter, and / or the external devices may be audio playback devices incorporating a wireless power receiver. In some examples, the one or more external devices are spaced at least approximately 10 cm, approximately 50 cm, or approximately 1 m from the transmitting device.

[0187] In box 1004, the transmitter device receives power reception parameters corresponding to one or more external devices. In various examples, the power reception parameters may include an indication of the power received by the external device. This indication may be the rate at which wireless power is received, the total amount of wireless power received, or a binary indicator of whether the external device is currently (or has recently) received wireless power. In some examples, the power reception parameters include an indication of the energy storage level (e.g., battery level) of one or more external devices.

[0188] Method 1000 proceeds to block 1006, modifying wireless power transmission at least in part based on power reception parameters. For example, modifying wireless power transmission may include temporarily suspending wireless power transmission for a period of time, and resuming wireless power transmission after that period. Such a temporary suspension may be useful, for example, if a user temporarily blocks the wireless power transmission path between devices.

[0189] Additionally or alternatively, modifying wireless power transmission may include altering the directional output of the wireless power (e.g., using an adjustable lens, mirror, antenna, etc.). In some cases, real-time or near-real-time feedback on the wireless power received from an external device may be provided, and this feedback may be used to manipulate or otherwise alter the directional output of the wireless power to ensure that the external device receives sufficient power via the wireless power output.

[0190] In some examples, modifying wireless power transmission includes sending wireless power to one or more second external devices other than the first external device. For example, if the first device stops receiving wireless power from the transmitter device, the transmitter device may instead transmit wireless power to the second external device. Optionally, the second external device may be configured to then provide wireless power to the first external device (e.g., in a "relay" configuration). In at least some examples, modifying wireless power transmission includes completely stopping the transmission of wireless power.

[0191] b. Wireless power receiver device placement guidance

[0192] In some cases, guiding the user with respect to the relative positioning of the wireless power transmitter and receiver equipment can be useful. Example method 1100 begins at box 1102, where output instructions facilitate the placement of the wireless power receiver equipment. For a given wireless power transmitter and receiver equipment, certain relative positions may be more advantageous for receiving wireless power transmissions. Therefore, providing guidance on where the intended wireless power receiver equipment should be positioned (e.g., in the form of output from the transmitter equipment) can be useful.

[0193] In various examples, guidance can take the form of a visual or auditory representation of the appropriate placement location within the environment. For example, instructions or guidance may include audible output, such as real-time or near-real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of one or more second devices. Additionally or alternatively, guidance may include one or more positioning guides, such as optical projections. As an example, an optical pattern may be projected into the environment, visually indicating the desired locations (e.g., those with a clear line of sight to the transmitting device) for the user to view. In some examples, such guidance may be presented as an augmented reality visualization (e.g., displayed via a control device) indicating the desired placement location of the receiving device within the environment. In some cases, the desired placement location can be determined by scanning the environment, for example, using a camera coupled to a control device or other suitable imaging device. Images, videos, or other data about the environment can be analyzed to determine the desired relative positions of the transmitting and receiving devices.

[0194] In at least some cases, the instructions may indicate the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving wireless power (e.g., from a wireless power transmitter). In various examples, the instructions may indicate a location at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m from the transmitter device.

[0195] While such indicated placement locations may depend wholly or partially on planned or determined wireless power transmission parameters, in some examples, the instructions indicate one or more locations of one or more second devices based at least in part on the planned acoustic performance of one or more second devices at one or more locations. For example, if a receiver device can perform particularly well in terms of acoustic performance at a given location, then that location may be preferred, even if it is not the optimal location for wireless power transmission, because improved acoustic performance can reduce the power consumption of the device, thereby causing an overall optimization of the device's operating time by positioning the device in an acoustically advantageous location.

[0196] Method 1100 continues in block 1104, wherein wireless power is transmitted to a receiving device. In some examples, the transmitting device may receive power reception parameters indicating acceptable placement of the receiving device. Additionally or alternatively, the method may also include outputting an indicator to a user indicating successful placement of one or more receiving devices. In various examples, the indicator may include at least one of: (i) a light, (ii) a sound, or (iii) a notification output via a control device.

[0197] c. Modulation of device operation based on received wireless power

[0198] As described elsewhere in this document, in some cases, the power received at a wireless receiver device may vary over time. Therefore, it can be useful to modify the operation of the receiver device based on the received wireless power. Example method 1200 begins at block 1202, where wireless power is received from an external transmitter device. In block 1204, the device transmits wireless power to an external receiver device. In some cases, the external transmitter device and the external receiver device can be different, allowing the device to act as a repeater by receiving wireless power from one device and providing wireless power to another.

[0199] Method 1200 proceeds to block 1206, wherein, after detecting a change in wireless power received from an external transmitter device, the transmission of wireless power to an external receiver device is modified. For example, if the wireless power level decreases (e.g., the rate of power reception decreases), then the wireless power transmitted to the external receiver device can be modified. In various examples, such modification may include stopping or suspending wireless power transmission, and / or reducing the rate of wireless power transmission. Additionally or alternatively, modifying wireless power transmission may include redirecting the wireless power transmission to a different second external receiver device.

[0200] In some examples, the device is a first audio playback device, the external transmitter device is a second audio playback device, and the first and second audio playback devices are configured to play back audio synchronously (e.g., the first and second audio playback devices are grouped together for audio playback). In some examples, the external receiver device may be a third audio playback device, and the first and second audio playback devices may be configured to play back audio synchronously (e.g., the first and third audio playback devices are grouped together for audio playback).

[0201] The method may also include sending a signal to a second external transmitter device, such as a signal indicating that the level of wireless power being received has decreased. After sending the signal, the second external transmitter device may initiate a wireless power transfer, causing the device to begin receiving wireless power from the second external transmitter device.

[0202] d. Reducing power consumption in low power states

[0203] When a WPT device reaches a low power state, reducing power consumption to extend device operating time and avoid the unpleasant user experience of unexpected device "dropping out" can be necessary or beneficial. An example method 1300 begins at box 1302, where wireless power is received at the device. In box 1304, the method monitors the device's energy storage level (e.g., battery charge level or percentage, estimated remaining operating time, etc.).

[0204] In block 1306, the method relates to modulating device operation based on received wireless power and / or energy storage levels. For example, if the battery charge level indicates reduced device operating time under normal operating conditions, device operation can be modulated to extend the planned device operating time (e.g., by entering a low-power or standby state).

[0205] In some examples, the device is an audio playback device, and the modulation operations of the device include modulating the audio playback, such as reducing the volume of the audio playback and / or reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback. Furthermore, in some examples, modulating the audio playback may include routing at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content to a second audio playback device for synchronized playback. Since playing back low-frequency content is particularly power-intensive, mitigating the playback burden on at least a portion of such low-frequency audio content can be especially useful.

[0206] Additionally or alternatively, the modulation operation of the device may include disabling at least one microphone of the device. In some cases, this may include disabling access to any associated voice assistant services linked to the device.

[0207] In at least some cases, the modulation operation of the device may include initiating wireless power transmission by different external transmitter devices. As another example, device operation may be modulated by outputting an alarm indicating low wireless power reception to the user (e.g., an audible alarm, an instruction via a control device, a flashing light, etc.). In response, the user may reposition the device, relocate the transmitter device, or make other modifications to the environment to improve wireless power reception at the device.

[0208] e. Grouping playback devices based on wireless power transmission

[0209] In some cases, the grouping (e.g., combination) of audio playback devices for synchronized playback can be based at least in part on wireless power transmission between the playback devices. An example method 1400 begins at block 1402, in which audio is synchronized via a first playback device and a second playback device.

[0210] In block 1404, the first playback device receives an indication of reduced wireless power reception at the second playback device. In block 1406, the operation of the first playback device is modulated. For example, because the second playback device has reduced power, its audio playback can be modified (e.g., reduced volume, reduced bass output, etc.). To reduce or eliminate any mismatch between the two devices (e.g., when the first and second devices are configured to operate as left surround and right surround), the operation of the first playback device can be modulated in response to the condition of the second playback device.

[0211] In some examples, modulation operations of the first playback device may include modulating the audio playback to correspond to audio playback via the second playback device, such as reducing the volume of the audio playback, reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback, etc. In some cases, at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content may be routed from the first playback device to a third audio playback device for synchronized playback.

[0212] The modulation operation of the device may optionally include wirelessly transmitting power to the second audio playback device via a wireless power transmitter. This power transmission can compensate for low power reception of the second playback device, thereby maintaining audio playback conditions.

[0213] In at least some cases, the modulation operation of the first playback device may include outputting an alarm (e.g., an audible or visual indication) at the second playback device to indicate low wireless power reception.

[0214] f. Reducing charging time with standby mode

[0215] To save power and reduce the amount of time required to fully charge a WPT device, it can be useful to intelligently utilize standby mode or other low-power states. An example method 1500 begins at box 1502, where usage parameters are received or determined via a device (e.g., a wireless power receiver device).

[0216] In various examples, the parameter used can be any parameter that indicates or is based on device usage. For example, the parameter used can be based at least in part on scheduled device operating time and / or the detected presence of a user. The presence of a user can be detected via, for example, sound detection, ultrasonic detection, optical detection (e.g., infrared sensors), patterns of received wireless power (e.g., a temporary decrease in received wireless power can indicate a user crossing the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver devices), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or any other suitable parameter or sensing technology. In some embodiments, the parameter used indicates whether the device is currently being used for audio playback. Additionally or alternatively, the parameter used indicates whether the device can safely transition to standby mode (e.g., during off-hours when the device has not been activated by a user in its history).

[0217] In box 1504, wireless power is received at the device, and in box 1506, device operation is modulated at least in part based on usage parameters. In various examples, the modulation operation of the device may include switching the device to a low power state, disabling one or more microphones of the device, or modulating the playback of audio content (e.g., lowering the volume, pausing or stopping audio playback, reducing low-frequency output, etc.).

[0218] In some examples, the operation of the modulation device includes switching the device from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, wherein the schedule includes staggered periods of low-power states of multiple devices, such that at any given time, at least one of the multiple devices is active. In some cases, the device may be woken up from a low-power state (e.g., switched back to an active state) based on scheduling, instructions from other devices (e.g., an indication that a user has activated another playback device), or other such usage parameters.

[0219] In some examples, parameters used include user sleep indicators. For instance, the device's microphone can be used to detect the user's sleep by receiving sleep indicators from another device, such as a fitness band. In this case, modifying the device's actions could include one or more of the following: dimming the lights, turning off the lights, delaying or canceling software updates, or suppressing audio output so as not to disturb the user's sleep.

[0220] g. Data transmission using wireless power signals

[0221] As described elsewhere in this article, in some cases, wireless power signals can be used to transmit data for communication between WPT devices. FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 A method for transmitting and receiving wireless power signals incorporating data is shown. Now turn to... FIG. 16 Method 1600 begins in block 1602, where a wireless power signal is transmitted via a transmitting device. In block 1604, the wireless power signal is modulated to carry data therein. In some examples, the signal may be modulated before any transmission, while in other cases, the wireless power signal may be transmitted initially without any modulation for data transmission, and after a period of time, the signal may be modulated to carry data therein. At least one of the following can be used to modulate the wireless power signal to carry data: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, spread spectrum modulation, or any other suitable modulation technique.

[0222] In various examples, the data incorporated may include one or more of the following: battery level indication of the transmitter or receiver device, identification information of the transmitter device, synchronization data, audio playback synchronization data, or audio content metadata. Examples of synchronization data transmitted between devices in a media playback system can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 013,069 (Agent's File No. 19-1008p), filed April 21, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0223] In some examples, the wireless power signal is a first wireless power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the wireless power transmitter can transmit a second wireless power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme. For example, the modulation scheme used to modulate the wireless power signal can be modified (e.g., providing less data transmission compared to power transmission, or vice versa) based at least in part on the energy storage level of the transmitter equipment.

[0224] The transmitted data may optionally include instructions to the receiving device to modulate its operation, such as dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters. This may be particularly suitable if the receiving device is determined to be in a low-power state.

[0225] Turning FIG. 17 Method 1700 illustrates an example method for receiving a wireless power signal in which data is carried. In block 1702, a receiver device receives a wireless power signal modulated to carry data from an external transmitter device. The wireless power signal can be modulated to carry data using at least one of the following techniques: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, spread spectrum modulation, or any other suitable modulation technique.

[0226] At box 1704, data is recovered using wireless power signals (e.g., the wireless power signals can be demodulated to recover the data). In various examples, the data may include some or all of the following: battery level indication of the external transmitter device, identification information of the external transmitter device, synchronization data, audio playback synchronization data, or audio content metadata.

[0227] Method 1700 proceeds to block 1706, where power is recovered from the wireless power signal. For example, the power recovered from the wireless power signal can be used to drive one or more amplifiers in an audio playback device, or otherwise assist in the operation of a receiver device.

[0228] In box 1708, the operation of the receiver device is modulated based on the received data. For example, such modulation may include dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters of the receiver device. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the data may be transmitted to an external receiver device, such that the receiver device acts as an intermediary relaying data from an external transmitter device to an external receiver device. In some examples, the receiver device also includes a wireless power transmitter and may transmit wireless power signals to the external receiver device. The wireless power signals may be modulated as described above to carry at least a portion of the data.

[0229] h. Playback device grouping based on wireless power transmission

[0230] In some cases, the grouping of playback devices can be automatically modified based on wireless power transmissions. For example, methods 1800 and 1900 relate to methods for managing temporary playback device groups based at least in part on wireless power transmissions between them. Method 1800 begins at block 1802, where wireless power is received from a second playback device at a first playback device. In block 1804, the first playback device is configured to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device (e.g., forming a group that includes at least the first and second playback devices).

[0231] In some examples, the method also includes stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device and removing the first playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power. This cessation of received wireless power can indicate that the second playback device has been removed from the environment (e.g., relocated to another part of the user's home), and similarly, removing the second playback device from the audio playback group may be appropriate. Additionally or alternatively, the second playback device may be removed from the group for the same reason after stopping receiving wireless power from it.

[0232] In at least some cases, after the first playback device and the second playback device are grouped together, the operation of the first playback device can be modified. For example, such modification may include adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device (e.g., increasing or decreasing the output of low-frequency audio content).

[0233] Turn now FIG. 19 Method 1900 begins at block 1902, wherein audio content is played back synchronously via a first playback device and a second playback device. This may include forming a group comprising at least a first playback device and a second playback device. In block 1904, the first playback device receives wireless power from the second playback device.

[0234] Next, in box 1906, the first playback device stops receiving wireless power from the second playback device. Following this cessation, the first playback device is configured to no longer synchronize audio content playback with the second playback device (e.g., the devices are not grouped or combined). In some examples, after the first playback device stops receiving wireless power, either the first or second playback device can be removed from the group.

[0235] In at least some cases, the operation of the first playback device can be modified after the first and second playback devices are degrouped. For example, such modification may include adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device (e.g., increasing or decreasing the output of low-frequency audio content).

[0236] VII. Examples

[0237] For example, the present technology is illustrated according to various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of aspects of the present technology are described as numbered examples. These are provided as examples and do not limit the present technology. Note that any dependent examples can be combined in any combination and placed in the corresponding independent examples. Other examples can be presented in a similar manner.

[0238] Example 1: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power transmitter; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform an operation including: causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to one or more external receiver devices.

[0239] Example 2: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power receiver; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform an operation including: receiving wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices via the wireless power receiver.

[0240] Example 3: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter.

[0241] Example 4: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an energy storage component coupled to a wireless power receiver.

[0242] Example 5: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component includes a rechargeable battery.

[0243] Example 6: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component includes a capacitor.

[0244] Example 7: The device according to any one of the examples herein also includes an energy harvester.

[0245] Example 8: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy harvester is configured to obtain power from an energy source in the environment.

[0246] Example 9: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy harvester is configured to harvest energy from at least one of the following: solar energy, thermal energy, or kinetic energy.

[0247] Example 10: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy harvester comprises at least one of the following: a photovoltaic cell, a thermoelectric generator, or a piezoelectric crystal.

[0248] Example 11: The device according to any one of the examples herein further includes a wired power input configured to receive power via a wired electrical connection.

[0249] Example 12: The device according to any one of the examples herein further includes a network interface.

[0250] Example 13: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the network interface is configured to communicate via at least one Wi-Fi network.

[0251] Example 14: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the network interface is configured to communicate via at least one Bluetooth network.

[0252] Example 15: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device.

[0253] Example 16: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers.

[0254] Example 17: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes one or more audio transducers.

[0255] Example 18: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises at least one of the following: a soundbar, a subwoofer, a headphone device, a portable audio playback device, an architectural playback device, or a video playback device.

[0256] Example 19: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0257] Example 20: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0258] Example 21: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter includes a laser.

[0259] Example 22: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter includes a microwave source.

[0260] Example 23: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter includes a conductive coil.

[0261] Example 24: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power via one or more of the following: inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetic coupling, microwave, infrared, or laser.

[0262] Example 25: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is a medium-range or long-range wireless power transmitter.

[0263] Example 26: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power at a distance greater than about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0264] Example 27: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver is configured to receive wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0265] Example 28: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver is configured to receive wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0266] Example 29: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver includes a photovoltaic cell.

[0267] Example 30: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver includes a diode.

[0268] Example 31: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver includes a conductive coil.

[0269] Example 32: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver is configured to receive wireless power via one or more of the following: inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetic coupling, microwave, infrared, or laser.

[0270] Example 33: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver is a medium-range or long-range wireless power receiver.

[0271] Example 34: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver is configured to receive wireless power at a distance greater than about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0272] Example 35: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, wherein the one or more external devices include a second audio playback device, and wherein the first audio playback device is configured to play back audio content synchronously with the second audio playback device.

[0273] Example 36: A method comprising transmitting wireless power to one or more external receiver devices via a wireless power transmitter.

[0274] Example 37: A method comprising receiving wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices via a wireless power receiver.

[0275] Example 38: A method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the method includes transmitting wireless power to one or more external receiver devices and receiving wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices.

[0276] Example 39: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes storing energy via an energy storage component using the received wireless power.

[0277] Example 40: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component includes a rechargeable battery.

[0278] Example 41: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component includes a capacitor.

[0279] Example 42: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes harvesting energy via one or more energy harvesters.

[0280] Example 43: The method according to any one of the examples in this article, wherein energy harvesting includes obtaining electricity from an energy source in the environment.

[0281] Example 44: The method according to any one of the examples in this article, wherein energy harvesting includes obtaining energy from at least one of the following: solar energy, thermal energy or kinetic energy.

[0282] Example 45: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy harvester comprises at least one of the following: a photovoltaic cell, a thermoelectric generator, or a piezoelectric crystal.

[0283] Example 46: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes receiving power via a wired electrical connection.

[0284] Example 47: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes communicating with one or more external devices via a network interface.

[0285] Example 48: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein communication via a network interface includes communication via a WIFI network.

[0286] Example 49: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein communication via a network interface includes communication via a Bluetooth network.

[0287] Example 50: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes playing back audio via one or more amplifiers of the device.

[0288] Example 51: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes at least one of the following: a soundbar, a subwoofer, a headphone device, a portable audio playback device, an architectural playback device, or a video playback device.

[0289] Example 52: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes transmitting wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0290] Example 53: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes transmitting wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0291] Example 54: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes emitting light.

[0292] Example 55: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes transmitting microwaves.

[0293] Example 56: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes supplying current to a conductive coil.

[0294] Example 57: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes transmitting wireless power via one or more of the following: inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetic coupling, microwave, infrared, or laser.

[0295] Example 58: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes transmitting wireless power over medium or long distances.

[0296] Example 59: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein transmitting wireless power includes transmitting wireless power over a distance greater than about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0297] Example 60: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0298] Example 61: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0299] Example 62: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving light at the photovoltaic cell.

[0300] Example 63: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving light at a diode.

[0301] Example 64: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving an induced current in a conductive coil.

[0302] Example 65: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving wireless power via one or more of the following: inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetic coupling, microwave, infrared or laser.

[0303] Example 66: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver is a medium-range or long-range wireless power receiver.

[0304] Example 67: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices at a medium or long range.

[0305] Example 68: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein receiving wireless power includes receiving wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices at a distance greater than about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0306] Example 69: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, wherein the one or more external devices include a second audio playback device, and the method further includes synchronously playing back audio content via the first audio playback device and the second audio playback device.

[0307] Example 70: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power transmitter; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform operations including: causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices; receiving power reception parameters from the one or more external devices via a network interface; and, upon receiving the power reception parameters, causing the wireless power transmitter to modify the wireless power transmission.

[0308] Example 71: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power receiving parameters include an indication of wireless power received at one or more external devices.

[0309] Example 72: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power reception parameter includes an indication of the level of wireless power received at one or more external devices.

[0310] Example 73: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power receiving parameters include battery power indications of one or more external devices.

[0311] Example 74: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, and wherein the one or more external devices include one or more second audio playback devices.

[0312] Example 75: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying wireless power transmission includes stopping the transmission of wireless power.

[0313] Example 76: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying wireless power transmission includes temporarily suspending wireless power transmission for a period of time; and resuming wireless power transmission after said period of time.

[0314] Example 77: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying wireless power transmission includes changing the directional output of the wireless power.

[0315] Example 78: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission includes transmitting wireless power to one or more second external devices other than the first external device.

[0316] Example 79: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the one or more external devices are spaced apart from the device by at least about 10 cm, about 50 cm or about 1 m.

[0317] Example 80: A method comprising: transmitting wireless power from a transmitter device to one or more external devices; receiving power reception parameters of the one or more external devices at the transmitter device via a network interface; and, upon receiving the power reception parameters, causing modification of the transmission of wireless power from the transmitter device.

[0318] Example 81: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power receiving parameters include an indication of wireless power received at one or more external devices.

[0319] Example 82: According to any of the methods described in the examples herein, the power reception parameter includes an indication of the level of wireless power received at one or more external devices.

[0320] Example 83: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power receiving parameters include battery power indications of one or more external devices.

[0321] Example 84: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the transmitter device includes a first audio playback device, and wherein the one or more external devices include one or more second audio playback devices.

[0322] Example 85: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying wireless power transmission includes stopping the transmission of wireless power.

[0323] Example 86: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying wireless power transmission includes temporarily suspending wireless power transmission for a period of time; and resuming wireless power transmission after said period of time.

[0324] Example 87: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission includes changing the directional output of the wireless power.

[0325] Example 88: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission includes transmitting wireless power to one or more second external devices that are different from the first external device.

[0326] Example 89: According to any one of the examples herein, the one or more external devices are spaced at least about 10 cm, about 50 cm or about 1 m from the device.

[0327] Example 90: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power transmitter; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform operations including: outputting instructions to facilitate the placement of one or more second devices; and causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to one or more second devices.

[0328] Example 91: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions include audible output.

[0329] Example 92: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the audible output includes real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of the one or more second devices.

[0330] Example 93: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions include one or more positioning guides.

[0331] Example 94: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions include optical projection.

[0332] Example 95: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output instructions include displaying an augmented reality visualization via a control device.

[0333] Example 96: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving wireless power.

[0334] Example 97: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate the location of one or more second devices adapted to receive wireless power from a wireless transmitter.

[0335] Example 98: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate one or more locations of one or more second devices based at least in part on the expected acoustic performance of one or more second devices at one or more locations.

[0336] Example 99: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes receiving power receiving parameters indicating the acceptable placement of the one or more second devices.

[0337] Example 100: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes outputting an indicator to the user indicating that one or more second devices have been successfully placed.

[0338] Example 101: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the indicator includes at least one of: (i) a light, (ii) a sound, or (iii) a notification output via a control device.

[0339] Example 102: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate a location at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m away from the device.

[0340] Example 103: A method comprising: outputting instructions via a wireless power transmitter device to facilitate the placement of one or more wireless power receiver devices; and transmitting wireless power to one or more wireless power receiver devices.

[0341] Example 104: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instruction includes audible output.

[0342] Example 105: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the audible output includes real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of one or more wireless power receiver devices.

[0343] Example 106: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions include one or more positioning guides.

[0344] Example 107: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output instruction includes optical projection of one or more placement indicators.

[0345] Example 108: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output instruction includes displaying an augmented reality visualization via a control device.

[0346] Example 109: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving wireless power.

[0347] Example 110: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate the location of one or more wireless power receiver devices adapted to receive wireless power from a wireless transmitter device.

[0348] Example 111: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions indicate one or more locations of one or more wireless power receiver devices based at least in part on the expected acoustic performance of one or more wireless power receiver devices at one or more locations.

[0349] Example 112: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes receiving power reception parameters indicating the acceptable placement of one or more wireless power receiver devices.

[0350] Example 113: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes outputting an indicator to a user indicating the successful placement of one or more wireless power receiver devices.

[0351] Example 114: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the indicator includes at least one of: (i) a light, (ii) a sound, or (iii) a notification output via a control device.

[0352] Example 115: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instruction indicates a position at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m from the wireless power transmitter.

[0353] Example 116: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power receiver; a wireless power transmitter; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform operations including: receiving power from an external transmitter device via the wireless power receiver; transmitting wireless power to an external receiver device other than the external transmitter device; and modifying the wireless power transmission after a change in the power received via the wireless power receiver.

[0354] Example 117: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the external transmitter device and the external receiver device are different.

[0355] Example 118: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the change in received power includes a reduction in the rate at which power is received.

[0356] Example 119: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission by the wireless power transmitter includes stopping the wireless power transmission by the wireless power transmitter.

[0357] Example 120: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission by the wireless power transmitter includes redirecting the wireless power transmission to a second, different external receiver device.

[0358] Example 121: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission by causing the wireless power transmitter includes reducing the rate of the wireless power transmission by causing the wireless power transmitter to reduce the rate of the wireless power transmission.

[0359] Example 122: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, wherein the external transmitter device includes a second audio playback device, and wherein the first audio playback device is configured to synchronously play back audio content with the second audio playback device.

[0360] Example 123: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, wherein the external receiver device includes a third audio playback device, and wherein the first audio playback device is configured to synchronously play back audio content with the third audio playback device.

[0361] Example 124: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes: transmitting a signal to a second external transmitter device; and receiving wireless power from the second external transmitter device after transmitting the signal.

[0362] Example 125: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the second external transmitter device includes an audio playback device.

[0363] Example 126: A method comprising: receiving wireless power from an external transmitter device at a first device; transmitting the wireless power to an external receiver device via the first device; and modifying the wireless power transmission to the external receiver device after a change in the power received from the external transmitter device.

[0364] Example 127: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the external receiver device and the external transmitter device are different.

[0365] Example 128: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the change in received power includes a reduction in the rate at which power is received.

[0366] Example 129: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the transmission of wireless power includes stopping the transmission of wireless power.

[0367] Example 130: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the transmission of wireless power includes redirecting the wireless power transmission to a different second external receiver device.

[0368] Example 131: Modifying the transmission of wireless power according to any one of the examples herein includes reducing the rate of wireless power transmission.

[0369] Example 132: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, wherein the external transmitter device includes a second audio playback device, and the method further includes synchronously playing back audio content via the first audio playback device and the second audio playback device.

[0370] Example 133: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, wherein the external receiver device includes a third audio playback device, and the method further includes synchronously playing back audio content via the first audio playback device and the third audio playback device.

[0371] Example 134: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes: transmitting a signal to a second external transmitter device; and receiving wireless power from the second external transmitter device after transmitting the signal.

[0372] Example 135: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the second external transmitter device includes an audio playback device.

[0373] Example 136: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power receiver; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform operations including: receiving wireless power via the wireless power receiver; and modulating the operation of the apparatus based on the received wireless power.

[0374] Example 137: The device according to any one of the examples herein further includes an energy storage component, and the operation further includes: monitoring the level of the energy storage component; and modulating the operation of the device based on the power level.

[0375] Example 138: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes modulated audio playback.

[0376] Example 139: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0377] Example 140: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback.

[0378] Example 141: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes routing at least a portion of low-frequency audio content to a second audio playback device for synchronized playback.

[0379] Example 142: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes disabling at least one microphone of the device.

[0380] Example 143: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes causing different external transmitter devices to initiate wireless power transmission.

[0381] Example 144: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes outputting an alarm to a user indicating low wireless power reception.

[0382] Example 145: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output alarm includes an audible indication of low wireless power reception or a visual indication of low wireless power reception.

[0383] Example 146: A method comprising: receiving wireless power at a device; and modulating operation of the device based on the received wireless power.

[0384] Example 147: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes: monitoring the level of the energy storage component of the device; and modulating the operation of the device based on the power level.

[0385] Example 148: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes modulated audio playback.

[0386] Example 149: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0387] Example 150: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback.

[0388] Example 151: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes a first audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes routing at least a portion of low-frequency audio content to a second audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0389] Example 152: According to any one of the examples herein, the modulation operation of the device includes disabling at least one microphone of the device.

[0390] Example 153: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes causing a different external transmitter device to initiate wireless power transmission.

[0391] Example 154: According to any one of the examples herein, the modulation operation of the device includes outputting an alarm to the user indicating low wireless power reception.

[0392] Example 155: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output alarm includes an audible indication of low wireless power reception or a visual indication of low wireless power reception.

[0393] Example 156: A first playback device includes: one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers; a wireless power receiver; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the first playback device to perform operations including: synchronously playing back audio content with a second playback device; receiving an instruction for reduced wireless power reception at the second playback device; and, upon receiving the instruction, modulating the operation of the first playback device.

[0394] Example 157: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes modulating audio playback to correspond to audio playback via a second playback device.

[0395] Example 158: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0396] Example 159: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback.

[0397] Example 160: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes routing at least a portion of low-frequency audio content to a third audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0398] Example 161: The device according to any one of the examples herein further includes a wireless power transmitter, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes wirelessly transmitting power to a second audio playback device via the wireless power transmitter.

[0399] Example 162: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output alarm includes an audible indication of low wireless power reception or a visual indication of low wireless power reception.

[0400] Example 163: A method comprising: synchronously playing back audio via a first playback device and a second playback device; receiving at the first playback device an instruction for reduced wireless power reception at the second playback device; and, upon receiving the instruction, modulating the operation of the first playback device.

[0401] Example 164: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes modulating audio playback to correspond to audio playback via a second playback device.

[0402] Example 165: According to any one of the examples herein, the modulation operation of the first playback device includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0403] Example 166: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback.

[0404] Example 167: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes routing at least a portion of low-frequency audio content to a third audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0405] Example 168: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the first playback device includes wirelessly transmitting power from the first audio playback device to the second audio playback device via a wireless power transmitter.

[0406] Example 169: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the output alarm includes an audible indication of low wireless power reception or a visual indication of low wireless power reception.

[0407] Example 170: An apparatus comprising: a wireless power receiver; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform operations including: receiving or determining usage parameters; receiving wireless power via the wireless power receiver; and modulating the operation of the apparatus based on the usage parameters.

[0408] Example 171: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the usage parameters are based at least in part on the scheduled device operating time.

[0409] Example 172: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the usage parameters are based at least in part on the detection of the presence of a user.

[0410] Example 173: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the detection of the presence of a user is based on at least one of: acoustic detection or optical detection.

[0411] Example 174: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the detection of the presence of a user is based on at least one of: ultrasonic detection or infrared detection.

[0412] Example 175: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the detection of the presence of a user is based on a pattern of received wireless power.

[0413] Example 176: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein a temporary reduction in the received wireless power indicates the detection of the presence of a user.

[0414] Example 177: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the detection of the presence of a user is based on a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0415] Example 178: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes switching the device to a low power state.

[0416] Example 179: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes disabling one or more microphones of the device.

[0417] Example 180: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes the playback of modulated audio content.

[0418] Example 181: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein playback of modulated audio content includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0419] Example 182: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein playback of modulated audio content includes pausing or stopping audio playback.

[0420] Example 183: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes switching the device from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, wherein the schedule includes staggered periods of low-power states of a plurality of devices, such that at any given time, at least one of the plurality of devices is in an active state.

[0421] Example 184: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the usage parameters include a user sleep indicator, and wherein modifying the device includes one or more of the following: dimming the lights, turning off the lights, delaying or abandoning a software update, or suppressing audio output.

[0422] Example 185: A method comprising: receiving or determining usage parameters via a device; receiving wireless power via a wireless power receiver of the device; and modulating operation of the device based on the usage parameters.

[0423] Example 186: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the parameter used is at least partially based on the scheduled device operating time.

[0424] Example 187: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the use parameter is based at least in part on the detection of the presence of a user.

[0425] Example 188: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the presence of a user is detected by at least one of the following: acoustic detection or optical detection.

[0426] Example 189: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the presence of a user is detected by at least one of the following: ultrasonic detection or infrared detection.

[0427] Example 190: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the detection of the presence of a user is based on a pattern of received wireless power.

[0428] Example 191: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the temporary reduction in received wireless power indicates the detection of the presence of a user.

[0429] Example 192: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the detection of the presence of a user is based on a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0430] Example 193: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes switching the device to a low power state.

[0431] Example 194: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes disabling one or more microphones of the device.

[0432] Example 195: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the device includes an audio playback device, and wherein the modulation operation of the device includes the playback of modulated audio content.

[0433] Example 196: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein playback of modulated audio content includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0434] Example 197: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein playback of modulated audio content includes pausing or stopping audio playback.

[0435] Example 198: According to any one of the examples herein, the modulation operation of the device includes switching the device from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, wherein the schedule includes staggered periods of low-power states of a plurality of devices, such that at least one of the plurality of devices is active at any given time.

[0436] Example 199: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the usage parameters include a user sleep indicator, and wherein modifying the operation of the device includes one or more of the following: dimming the light, turning off the light, delaying or abandoning a software update, or suppressing audio output.

[0437] Example 200: An apparatus comprising: a wireless signal transmitter configured to transmit wireless power signals; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the playback apparatus to perform an operation including: causing the wireless signal transmitter to transmit wireless power signals modulated to carry data.

[0438] Example 201: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes instructions for operation of the receiver device modulation device.

[0439] Example 202: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions include instructions to dim one or more lights, disable one or more microphones, or modify one or more audio playback parameters.

[0440] Example 203: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes a battery power indication.

[0441] Example 204: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes identification information of the device.

[0442] Example 205: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes synchronization data.

[0443] Example 206: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0444] Example 207: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio content metadata.

[0445] Example 208: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein at least one of the following is used to modulate a wireless power signal to carry data: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0446] Example 209: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power signal includes a first wireless power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the operation further includes causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit a second wireless power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme.

[0447] Example 210: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes monitoring the energy storage level of the device and modifying the modulation scheme for modulating the wireless power signal based at least in part on the energy storage level.

[0448] Example 211: A method comprising: transmitting a wireless power signal via a device; modulating the wireless power signal to carry data therein.

[0449] Example 212: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes instructions to the receiver device to modulate device operation.

[0450] Example 213: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the instructions include instructions to dim one or more lights, disable one or more microphones, or modify one or more audio playback parameters.

[0451] Example 214: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes a battery power indication.

[0452] Example 215: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes identification information of the device.

[0453] Example 216: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes synchronization data.

[0454] Example 217: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0455] Example 218: The method according to any one of the examples in this article, wherein the data includes audio content metadata.

[0456] Example 219: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modulating the wireless power signal includes using at least one of the following: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0457] Example 220: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power signal includes a first wireless power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, the method further includes transmitting a second wireless power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme.

[0458] Example 221: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes monitoring the energy storage level of the device and modifying the modulation scheme for modulating the wireless power signal based at least in part on the energy storage level.

[0459] Example 222: An apparatus includes: a wireless signal receiver configured to receive wireless power signals; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the playback apparatus to perform operations including: receiving wireless power signals modulated to carry data from an external transmitter device; and modulating the operation of the apparatus based on the data.

[0460] Example 223: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes restoring power from a wireless power signal.

[0461] Example 224: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes using power from a wireless power signal to drive one or more amplifiers.

[0462] Example 225: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes recovering data from wireless power signals.

[0463] Example 226: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the modulation operation of the device includes dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters.

[0464] Example 227: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes a battery power indication of an external transmitter device.

[0465] Example 228: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes identification information of an external transmitter device.

[0466] Example 229: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes synchronization data.

[0467] Example 230: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0468] Example 231: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio content metadata.

[0469] Example 232: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein at least one of the following is used to modulate a wireless power signal to carry data: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0470] Example 233: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external receiving device.

[0471] Example 234: The device according to any one of the examples herein further includes a wireless power transmitter, and the operation further includes causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit a wireless power signal to an external receiving device, the wireless power signal being modulated to carry at least a portion of the data.

[0472] Example 235: A method comprising: receiving, at a receiver device, a wireless power signal modulated to carry data from an external transmitter device; recovering the data using the wireless power signal; and modulating the operation of the receiver device based on the data.

[0473] Example 236: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes recovering power from a wireless power signal.

[0474] Example 237: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes using power from a wireless power signal to drive one or more amplifiers.

[0475] Example 238: According to any one of the examples herein, the modulation operation of the receiver device includes dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters.

[0476] Example 239: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes a battery power indication of an external transmitter device.

[0477] Example 240: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes identification information of an external transmitter device.

[0478] Example 241: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes synchronization data.

[0479] Example 242: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0480] Example 243: The method according to any one of the examples in this article, wherein the data includes audio content metadata.

[0481] Example 244: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modulating a wireless power signal to carry data includes using at least one of the following: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0482] Example 245: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes transmitting at least a portion of the data to a second external receiving device.

[0483] Example 246: According to any one of the examples herein, a wireless power signal is transmitted from the receiver device to a second external receiver device, the wireless power signal being modulated to carry at least a portion of the data.

[0484] Example 247: A first playback device for playing back audio via a plurality of audio transducers, comprising: one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers; a wireless power receiver; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the first playback device to perform operations including: receiving wireless power from a second playback device; and, upon receiving wireless power, configuring the first playback device to play back audio content synchronously with the second playback device.

[0485] Example 248: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein configuring the first playback device to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device includes forming a group.

[0486] Example 249: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device and removing the first playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0487] Example 250: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device, and removing the second playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0488] Example 251: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes the operation of modifying the first playback device after configuring the first playback device to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device.

[0489] Example 252: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation of modifying the first playback device includes adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device.

[0490] Example 253: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the operation of the first playback device includes reducing the output of low-frequency audio content.

[0491] Example 254: A method comprising: receiving wireless power from a second playback device at a first playback device; and, upon receiving the wireless power, configuring the first playback device to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device.

[0492] Example 255: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein configuring the first playback device to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device includes forming a group.

[0493] Example 256: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device, and removing the first playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0494] Example 257: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device, and removing the second playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0495] Example 258: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes modifying the first playback device after configuring the first playback device to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device.

[0496] Example 259: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation of modifying the first playback device includes adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device.

[0497] Example 260: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the operation of the first playback device includes reducing the output of low-frequency audio content.

[0498] Example 261: A first playback device for playing back audio via a plurality of audio transducers, comprising: one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers; a wireless power receiver; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the first playback device to perform operations including: synchronously playing back audio content with the second playback device via the one or more amplifiers; receiving wireless power from the second playback device; stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device; and, after stopping receiving wireless power, configuring the first playback device to no longer synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device.

[0499] Example 262: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein synchronous playback of audio content with a second playback device includes forming a group.

[0500] Example 263: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes removing the first playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0501] Example 264: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes removing the second playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0502] Example 265: The operation of the device according to any one of the examples herein further includes the operation of modifying the first playback device after configuring the first playback device to no longer synchronize audio content playback with the second playback device.

[0503] Example 266: The device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation of modifying the first playback device includes adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device.

[0504] Example 267: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the operation of the first playback device includes increasing the output of low-frequency audio content.

[0505] Example 268: A method comprising: synchronously playing back audio content with a second playback device via a first playback device; receiving wireless power from the second playback device at the first playback device; stopping receiving wireless power from the second playback device; and, after stopping receiving wireless power, configuring the first playback device to no longer synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device.

[0506] Example 269: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein synchronous playback of audio content with a second playback device includes forming a group.

[0507] Example 270: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes removing the first playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0508] Example 271: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes removing the second playback device from the group after stopping receiving wireless power.

[0509] Example 272: The method according to any one of the examples herein further includes modifying the first playback device after configuring the first playback device to no longer synchronize audio content playback with the second playback device.

[0510] Example 273: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the operation of modifying the first playback device includes adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device.

[0511] Example 274: The method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein modifying the operation of the first playback device includes increasing the output of low-frequency audio content.

[0512] Example 275: A method comprising: performing an operation according to any one of the examples herein.

[0513] Example 276: A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including the method according to any one of the examples herein.

[0514] VIII. Conclusion

[0515] The above discussion of wireless power transmission equipment, playback equipment, controller equipment, playback zone configurations, and media / audio content sources provides only some examples of operating environments in which the following functions and methods can be implemented. Other operating environments and configurations of wireless power transmission equipment, media playback systems, playback devices, and network equipment not explicitly described herein may also be applicable and suitable for the implementation of the functions and methods.

[0516] The above description discloses, in particular, various example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of art, including components such as firmware and / or software executed on hardware. It should be understood that such examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all firmware, hardware, and / or software aspects or components may be implemented solely in hardware, solely in software, solely in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Therefore, the examples provided are not the only ways to implement such systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or articles of art.

[0517] Furthermore, the reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. This phrase appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and individual or alternative embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0518] This specification is presented primarily using illustrative representations of environments, systems, processes, steps, logic blocks, handling, and other symbolic representations directly or indirectly similar to the operation of data processing devices coupled to a network. These process descriptions and representations are generally used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that certain embodiments of the invention may be practiced without certain specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the description of the foregoing embodiments.

[0519] When any appended claim is interpreted to cover purely software and / or firmware implementations, at least one element in at least one example is hereby explicitly defined as including tangible, non-transitory media for storing the software and / or firmware, such as memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc.

Claims

1. A method for use in a device including an audio playback device, the method comprising: Receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices via a wireless power receiver; as well as The operation of the device is modulated based on the received wireless power, wherein the operation of the device is modulated including at least one of the following: Modulated audio playback; Lower the audio playback volume; Reduce low-frequency output during audio playback; At least a portion of the low-frequency audio content is routed to a second audio playback device for synchronized playback; Disable at least one microphone of the device; Output an alarm to the user indicating low wireless power reception.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein modulating the operation of the device further includes causing different external transmitter devices to initiate wireless power transmissions to the device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein initiating wireless power transmission by different external transmitter devices comprises: Send a signal to the second external transmitter device; as well as After transmitting the signal, wireless power is received from the second external transmitter device.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising modulating the operation of the device based on the level of the energy storage components of the device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a first playback device configured to synchronously play back audio with a second playback device, the method further comprising: Audio is played back synchronously via the first playback device and the second playback device; Receive at the first playback device an indication of reduced wireless power reception at the second playback device; as well as Upon receiving the instruction, the first playback device modulates the operation of the second playback device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein modulating the operation of the device includes wirelessly transmitting power from the first playback device to the second playback device via a wireless power transmitter.

7. A method for an apparatus, the method comprising: Receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices via a wireless power receiver; as well as The device receives or determines usage parameters that are at least partially based on the detected presence of a user. The operation of the device is modulated based on the usage parameters and the received wireless power.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the usage parameters are at least partially based on the scheduled device operating time.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the detected user presence is based on at least one of the following: Acoustic or optical detection The mode of received wireless power, A temporary reduction in received wireless power, and Received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The acoustic detection includes ultrasonic detection, and / or The optical detection includes infrared detection.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the usage parameters include a user sleep indicator, and wherein modifying the operation of the device includes one or more of the following: dimming the lights, turning off the lights, delaying or abandoning a software update, or suppressing audio output.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein modulating the operation of the device includes switching the device from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, wherein the schedule includes staggered periods of low-power states of a plurality of devices such that at least one of the plurality of devices is active at any given time.

13. A method for a first playback device, the method comprising: The external transmitter is a secondary playback device. Receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices via a wireless power receiver; as well as Based on the received wireless power, the first playback device is configured to play back audio content synchronously with the second playback device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein configuring the first playback device to synchronously play back audio content with the second playback device includes forming a group.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising stopping receiving the wireless power from the second playback device, and after stopping receiving the wireless power, removing one of the first playback device and the second playback device from the group.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The device transmits wireless power to the second device; Receive power reception parameters from one or more external devices via the network interface of the device; Upon receiving the power reception parameters, the transmission of wireless power from the device is modified.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission includes changing the directional output of the wireless power.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission includes transmitting wireless power to one or more second external devices other than the first external device.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising causing the one or more second external devices to transmit wireless power to the one or more first external devices.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein modifying the wireless power transmission comprises at least one of the following: Stop wireless power transmission; The wireless power transmission is temporarily suspended for a period of time; and the wireless power transmission is resumed after the period of time; and Reduce the rate of wireless power transmission.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the wireless power received from the one or more external transmitter devices is modulated as a wireless power signal to carry data, the method further comprising: Recover the data carried by the wireless power signal; as well as Based on the data, the operation of the device is modulated.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising transmitting a wireless power signal from the receiving device to a second external receiving device, the wireless power signal being modulated to carry at least a portion of the data.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein modulating the wireless power signal comprises using at least one of the following: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the wireless power signal comprises a first wireless power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the method further comprises transmitting a second wireless power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising modifying the modulation scheme used to modulate the wireless power signal based on the energy storage level of the device.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the data comprises one or more of the following: Instructions used for operating the modulation equipment of the receiver device; Commands for dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters; Battery power indicator; The device's identification information; Audio playback synchronized data; Audio content metadata.

27. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises: Determine one or more suitable locations for one or more wireless power receiver devices and / or one or more wireless power transmitter devices, the one or more locations being adapted to wirelessly transmit power from the one or more wireless transmitter devices to the one or more wireless receiver devices; as well as Output instructions to facilitate the placement of at least one of the following: One or more wireless power receiver devices; as well as One or more wireless power transmitter devices.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more locations are determined based on the expected acoustic performance of the one or more wireless power receiver devices and / or the one or more wireless power transmitter devices at the one or more locations.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24 or 28, further comprising outputting at least one of the following: Audible output; Real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of the one or more wireless power receiver devices; One or more location wizards; One or more optical projections for placing indicators; Augmented reality visualizations displayed via control devices.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the determined one or more locations include at least one wireless power receiver located at least 10 cm, at least 50 cm, or at least 1 m from the wireless power transmitter.

31. The method of claim 27, further comprising determining, based on received power reception parameters, that the placement of the one or more wireless power receiver devices is acceptable.

32. The method of claim 16, wherein the power receiving parameters include at least one of the following: Indication of wireless power received at the one or more external devices; An indication of the wireless power level received at the one or more external devices; or Battery power indication of one or more external devices.

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