Automatic over-the-air firmware update for wireless audio playback devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method, system and computer program product for updating firmware (161) of a wireless audio playback device (10). The method comprises controlling (S2) the wireless audio playback device (10) to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode in a sleep state and transmitting (S3) firmware version information to an external device (20) in the temporary broadcast mode using a first communication protocol (P1). The method further comprises sending (S5) the firmware version information to a remote device (30) by a second communication protocol (P2) and receiving (S6) update data from the remote device (30) by the second communication protocol (P2) by the external device (20). The method further comprises transmitting the update data to the wireless audio playback device (10) by the external device (20) and updating (S8) the firmware of the wireless audio playback device (10) using the update data.

Description

[0001] Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for updating the firmware of a wireless audio playback device and an update system employing the aforementioned method. Background of the Invention

[0004] Wireless audio playback devices, such as wireless headphones, wireless earphones, or wireless speakers, often use short-range wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth to communicate with user devices. The user device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) is used to control the operation of the wireless audio playback device; for example, the user device streams audio content for playback to the wireless audio playback device, where the audio content is stored on the user device or accessed by the user device from a remote device. Similarly, the wireless audio playback device can be used to control the operation of a user device or to send audio picked up by the microphone of the wireless audio playback device to the user device. In one such example, the wireless audio playback device is a set of wireless headphones, where a user can issue voice commands or press buttons on the wireless headphones to, for example, pause audio playback or answer an incoming voice call.

[0005] Furthermore, the user equipment may include proprietary software (e.g., an app installed by the user) for performing more advanced configuration or firmware updates on the connected wireless audio playback device. In some examples, the user downloads and installs an app on his / her smartphone, which connects to the wireless audio playback device using an active Bluetooth connection, allowing the user to, for example, configure the equalization or active noise cancellation of the wireless audio playback device or update the firmware of the wireless audio playback device. Thus, the proprietary software on the user equipment can request update data from a remote device and transmit that update data to the user equipment using, for example, Wi-Fi or a mobile network. The user equipment stores the update data and performs the update of the wireless audio playback device via the active Bluetooth connection.

[0006] The problem with the aforementioned solutions for updating the firmware of wireless audio playback devices is that, in addition to performing a pairing process between the user's device and the wireless audio playback device, the user typically also needs to install proprietary software on his / her user device. Therefore, many users simply do not install proprietary software on their user devices, meaning that the connected wireless audio playback device cannot be updated or undergo other advanced configurations requiring proprietary software. Furthermore, even if the user installs the proprietary software, the user must establish the correct conditions for the update, including turning on the wireless audio playback device, connecting the wireless audio playback device to the user's device, launching the proprietary application when the user's device has network access to the remote device, initiating the update process, and waiting for the update to complete. If a user has many different types of wireless audio playback devices, the user may have to perform the same process for each wireless audio playback device, potentially requiring different proprietary software for each type of wireless audio playback device.

[0007] To avoid the aforementioned problems associated with the labor-intensive process of updating connected wireless audio playback devices, several solutions have been proposed, in which proprietary software runs in the background on the user equipment. When the wireless audio playback device is connected to the user equipment, the proprietary software runs in the background and obtains update data for updating the wireless audio playback device. However, in many cases, the wireless audio playback device cannot be used for playback during the update process and / or the wireless audio playback device must be restarted to perform the update. Therefore, a firmware update process running in the background on the user equipment may interfere with the availability of the wireless audio playback device, or the correct conditions for performing an update in the background without interfering with availability (e.g., the wireless audio playback device is connected to the user equipment but not playing back or recording audio content) may only occur occasionally. For example, an update may only occur when the wireless audio playback device is turned on, wirelessly connected to the user equipment, and not used for audio playback. Invention Overview

[0009] Given the shortcomings of existing solutions, there is a need for an improved method for updating wireless audio playback devices. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide such an improved method and system for performing firmware updates on wireless audio playback devices.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for updating the firmware of a wireless audio playback device is provided. The wireless audio playback device includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate using a first communication protocol, and the wireless audio playback device is operable in a sleep state, in which the wireless transceiver is inactive by default. The method includes controlling the wireless audio playback device to enter a sleep state, and controlling the wireless audio playback device to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode from the sleep state, wherein at least the transmitter of the wireless transceiver is activated in the temporary broadcast mode. The method further includes: transmitting firmware version information indicating the firmware version of the wireless audio playback device to an external device using the first communication protocol while the wireless audio playback device is in the temporary broadcast mode; and controlling the wireless audio playback device to automatically enter a temporary listening mode, wherein at least the receiver of the wireless transceiver is activated in the temporary listening mode.

[0011] For external devices, the method further includes: the external device sending firmware version information to a remote device via a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; the external device receiving update data from the remote device via the second communication protocol, wherein the remote device has determined the update data based on the firmware version information, and wherein the update data includes instructions for updating the firmware of the wireless audio playback device; and the external device sending the update data via the first communication protocol.

[0012] Furthermore, for wireless audio playback devices, the method also includes receiving update data via a first communication protocol by the wireless audio playback device in temporary listening mode, and using the update data to update the firmware of the wireless audio playback device.

[0013] Sleep mode refers to the state of a wireless audio playback device with reduced power consumption compared to its active operating state. Sleep mode can be either off or standby, wherein at least a time-keeping device is active to trigger the wireless audio playback device to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode and / or a temporary listening mode.

[0014] When it comes to transferring data (e.g., firmware version information) from one entity to another (e.g., from a wireless audio playback device to an external device), it means sending data from one entity to another within the same entity.

[0015] A wireless audio playback device is a device capable of receiving audio content indicating an audio signal via a wireless communication protocol and playing back the audio signal using one or more loudspeaker elements or equivalents. A wireless audio playback device can be, for example, a set of wireless headphones, wireless earbuds (for personal listening), or a wireless speaker (for listening in the vicinity of a speaker).

[0016] This invention is based, at least in part, on the understanding that by configuring a wireless audio playback device to automatically enter temporary broadcast and temporary listening modes, the firmware of the wireless audio playback device will be automatically updated with the assistance of an external device without any user interaction. Therefore, the user will use a wireless audio playback device with the latest firmware without having to manually initiate the update process using their own device. Thus, the user device can be used with the wireless audio playback device solely for streaming audio content (from, for example, the user device), while firmware updates are performed via a separate communication path (via an external device). Since most users will not install any required proprietary software on their own devices or use proprietary software to initiate the update process, this invention will enable more frequent updates to the wireless audio playback device, thus enhancing the listening experience.

[0017] In some implementations, the first communication protocol is Bluetooth and / or the second communication protocol is Wi-Fi or a wired communication protocol. Therefore, the method can be implemented in a Bluetooth-enabled wireless audio playback device and a Bluetooth-enabled external device that can also communicate with a remote device using a Wi-Fi or wired connection.

[0018] The external device can be a wireless speaker. Wireless speakers are typically equipped with communication devices for communicating using both a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, while wireless audio playback devices are typically only able to communicate using the first communication protocol.

[0019] In some implementations, controlling the wireless audio playback device to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode includes controlling the wireless audio playback device to periodically enter a temporary broadcast mode and automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode at a predetermined time of day (e.g., at night, such as between 12:00 am and 6:00 am). That is, the wireless audio playback device may periodically attempt to update its firmware, ensuring that it is installed shortly after the latest firmware becomes available, and the wireless audio playback device may initiate the update process when it is anticipated that the wireless audio playback device will not be used (for audio playback). If the wireless audio playback device is used for playback, for example, while attempting to update the firmware, the update process may be postponed to a later time.

[0020] In addition, the wireless audio playback device can be controlled to automatically exit temporary broadcast and temporary listening modes and return to sleep mode, thereby allowing the wireless audio playback device to save power. The wireless audio playback device can exit temporary broadcast and temporary listening modes at the same time or at two different times, with the wireless audio playback device entering sleep mode at the latest occurrence time.

[0021] In some embodiments, the wireless audio playback device can operate in an operational state in which the wireless transceiver is active by default, and the method further includes receiving audio content sent by a user equipment by the wireless audio playback device in the operational state and presenting the audio content to at least one speaker element of the wireless audio playback device in the operational state. That is, the method may include controlling the wireless audio playback device to exit the operational state and enter a sleep state, meaning the audio playback device can be used to play back audio content, after which the wireless audio playback device is placed into a sleep state and updated so that the wireless audio playback device has the latest firmware installed when the user uses the wireless audio playback device in the operational state again.

[0022] In some implementations, the external device is a first external device, and the method further includes transmitting firmware version information to at least one additional external device using a first communication protocol when the wireless audio playback device is in a temporary broadcast mode, and determining that the first external device is associated with an update cost value lower than that of the at least one additional external device, wherein the update cost value of each external device is based on the device attributes or communication attributes of the external device.

[0023] Typically, two or more external devices can receive firmware version information and negotiate with each other to determine the most suitable external device for performing the update process (i.e., the external device associated with the lowest update cost). As a result, the most suitable external device will perform the update process, while at least one additional external device will not participate in the update process.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, an update system is provided comprising a wireless audio playback device and an external device. The wireless audio playback device includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate using a first communication protocol, and the wireless audio playback device can operate in a sleep state, in which the wireless transceiver is inactive by default. The external device is configured to communicate with the wireless audio playback device using the first communication protocol and to communicate with a remote device using a different second communication protocol.

[0025] The wireless audio playback device also includes an audio device controller configured to: control the wireless audio playback device to enter a sleep state; control the wireless audio playback device to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode in the sleep state, in which at least the transmitter of the wireless transceiver is activated; control the wireless audio playback device to transmit firmware version information to an external device using a first communication protocol in the temporary broadcast mode, the firmware version information indicating the firmware version of the wireless audio playback device; and control the wireless audio playback device to automatically enter a temporary listening mode, in which at least the receiver of the wireless transceiver is activated.

[0026] The external device also includes an external device controller configured to: control the external device to send firmware version information to a remote device via a second communication protocol; control the external device to receive update data from the remote device via the second communication protocol, wherein the remote device has determined the update data based on the firmware version information, and wherein the update data includes instructions for updating the firmware of the wireless audio playback device; and control the external device to send update data to the wireless audio playback device. The audio device controller is further configured to control the wireless audio playback device to receive update data via a first communication protocol and use the update data to update the firmware of the wireless audio playback device in temporary listening mode.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the invention, a computer-readable computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer updating the system, cause the computer to perform the method according to a first aspect of the invention. It should be understood that the computer may be a distributed computer, wherein each of the wireless audio playback device and the external device has at least one processor.

[0028] The inventions according to the second and third aspects have the same or equivalent benefits as the inventions according to the first aspect. Any function described with respect to the method may have corresponding features in a system or device or computer program product. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0030] These and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a wireless audio playback device according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an external device according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 3Communication between a wireless audio playback device, an external device, and a remote device during a firmware update process is illustrated according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a flowchart describing a method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5a This is a timeline showing the operation of the wireless audio playback device and external devices during the update process, according to some implementations.

[0036] Figure 5b This is an alternative timeline showing the operation of the wireless audio playback device and external devices during the update process, according to some implementations.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a block diagram illustrating the negotiation process between at least two external devices.

[0038] Detailed description of the present preferred embodiments

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a wireless audio playback device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless audio playback device 10 can be a set of wireless headphones, over-ear headphones, or in-ear headphones, or any type of audio device suitable for personal listening. Alternatively, the wireless audio playback device 10 can be a wireless loudspeaker adapted to emit sounds perceived by one or more individuals in the environment. The wireless audio playback device 10 can be a portable device, meaning it is small and light, allowing a user to carry the wireless audio playback device 10 and use it in different locations.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wireless audio playback device 10 further includes one or more microphones (not shown), wherein the wireless audio playback device 10 can be used as a headset for audio playback using one or more amplifier elements and audio pickup using one or more microphones.

[0041] The wireless audio playback device 10 is powered by a power source 13. The power source 13 may include a rechargeable battery and / or a replaceable battery, and the power source 13 is configured to power components of the wireless audio playback device 10. For example, the power source 13, which includes a battery, allows users to use the wireless audio playback device 10 at home, outdoors, in the gym, or while commuting without being connected to the public power grid.

[0042] The wireless audio playback device 10 includes a transceiver unit 14, which includes an RF receiver 141 and an RF transmitter 142. The RF receiver 141 and RF transmitter 142 are configured to enable wireless communication using a first communication protocol. That is, using the transceiver 14, the wireless audio playback device 10 sends data to and receives data from external devices via the first communication protocol.

[0043] Therefore, the wireless audio playback device 10 can, for example, use transceiver 14 to receive and transmit audio content via a first communication protocol. For example, a user device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or laptop) can connect to the wireless audio playback device 10 and send audio content to it, whereby the wireless audio playback device 10 presents the audio content as one or more amplifier signals, which are then fed to one or more amplifier elements 11 of the wireless audio playback device 10. Similarly, the wireless audio playback device 10 can use the first communication protocol to send data to the user device (e.g., data associated with audio picked up by the microphone of the wireless audio playback device 10). The audio content indicates one or more audio signals. For example, the audio content may be associated with a mono audio format, a stereo audio format, or a spatial audio format.

[0044] In some implementations, the first communication protocol is the Bluetooth communication protocol, wherein transceiver 14 is a Bluetooth transceiver. The Bluetooth communication protocol may be the Bluetooth-low-energy (BLE) communication protocol, with a communication range of approximately 10 to 30 meters (depending on the presence of walls or other obstacles).

[0045] The wireless audio playback device 10 also includes a processor 12 for controlling the operation of the wireless audio playback device 10. That is, the processor 12 is a controller or includes a controller. For example, the processor 12 also performs audio processing on the received audio content, wherein the audio processing includes at least one of the following: presenting the audio content as one or more loudspeaker feed signals, applying equalization, performing active or passive noise cancellation, and applying one or more filters.

[0046] The processor 12 can also control the activation / deactivation and / or operation of the transceiver 14, process data in the data storage unit 16, and / or control the power state of the wireless audio playback device 10, including turning off the wireless audio playback device 10, putting the wireless audio playback device 10 into sleep mode, putting the wireless audio playback device 10 into temporary broadcast mode, and / or putting the wireless audio playback device 10 into temporary listening mode. The processor 12 can be configured to control the wireless audio playback device 10 to automatically enter sleep mode when the wireless audio playback device is not in use. In one embodiment, the wireless audio playback device 10 also includes a proximity sensor or motion sensor (not shown) that communicates with the processor 12 and enables the processor 12 to determine whether the wireless audio playback device 10 is in use.

[0047] The operation of processor 12 can be described at least in part by firmware 161 stored in data storage unit 16. For example, firmware 161 includes data specifying details of presenting audio content to amplifier element 11, processing the audio content or the presented amplifier signal, and / or performing active or passive noise cancellation. It should be understood that firmware 161 of wireless audio playback device 10 can at least partially define any operation of wireless audio playback device 10 or its components. In many applications, it is desirable to make as many operations of components as possible configurable based on firmware 161 to enable updates to wireless audio playback device 10 without performing physical repairs, component replacements, and / or complete replacement of wireless audio playback device 10. The non-exhaustive list of operations that may be at least partially defined by firmware 161 includes audio processing algorithms (e.g., filtering, delay, equalization, or reverb), processing related to active noise cancellation (ANC) or transparency, processing of microphone signals, detection of user interfaces (e.g., touch buttons or other controls of the wireless audio playback device 10), communication via a first communication protocol, and settings for any components of the wireless audio playback device 10 (e.g., amplifiers of the loudspeaker elements, transceiver 14, and data storage unit 16).

[0048] In some embodiments, the wireless audio playback device 10 further includes an auxiliary data storage location 162. The auxiliary data storage location 162 may be located in a separate data storage unit of the wireless audio playback device 10 or in a partition of data storage unit 16, which also stores firmware 161. The auxiliary data storage location 162 is used, for example, for temporarily storing audio content (i.e., acting as a buffer) and / or for storing update data used to update firmware 161 to a new firmware version.

[0049] Further reference Figure 2The diagram illustrates a block diagram of an external device 20 according to some embodiments. The external device 20 may be a smart speaker or a wireless speaker, which includes at least one amplifier element 21 for outputting sound to the environment of the external device 20. In contrast to the wireless audio playback device 10 described above, the external device 20 may be intended for stationary use. For example, the external device 20 is a wireless speaker that is powered by connecting its power connector 23 to a public electrical grid. Alternatively or additionally, the external device 20 is powered by a rechargeable or replaceable battery. In some embodiments, the external device 20 has a weight exceeding 1 kg, 3 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, or 18 kg. For example, the external device 20 is a stationary device powered solely by a public electrical grid and has a weight exceeding 4 kg.

[0050] External device 20 may include one or more microphones (not shown) for picking up sound, such as the user's voice.

[0051] The external device 20 includes a processor 22 configured to control the operation (e.g., activation / deactivation) of at least one transceiver 24a, 24b of the external device 20 and / or perform audio processing of audio content that will be presented to at least one loudspeaker element 21 or has been picked up by one or more microphones.

[0052] External device 20 is configured to communicate using a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. In some embodiments, external device 20 includes a first transceiver 24a and a second transceiver 24b for communicating using the first and second communication protocols, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second communication protocols are supported by the same transceiver 24a, which can communicate simultaneously or interchangeably using both protocols. The first communication protocol is a wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth), while the second communication protocol is a wired or wireless communication protocol, such as a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of: wired communication using a wired communication protocol (e.g., Ethernet protocol), wireless communication using Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11, wireless communication using ZigBee, wireless communication using Z-Wave, and wireless communication over a cellular network (e.g., LTE or 5G).

[0053] In some implementations, the second communication protocol is a wireless or wired communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. In one such implementation, the first communication protocol is a Bluetooth communication protocol (e.g., BLE), while the second communication protocol is a Wi-Fi communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi of type b, g, n, ac, or ax). The external device 20 may be a fixed wireless speaker, such as a Wi-Fi speaker, which uses both Bluetooth (e.g., to receive audio content from a user device) and Wi-Fi (e.g., to receive streamed audio content from a remote device implementing an online music streaming service) to provide connectivity.

[0054] The processor 22 can also be configured to control at least one transceiver 24a, 24b to receive firmware version information from the wireless audio playback device 10 and transmit the information to a remote device using a second communication protocol. Optionally, the external device 20 includes a data storage unit 26 for temporarily storing firmware version information from the wireless audio playback device 10 and / or update data intended for use with the wireless audio playback device 10.

[0055] Figure 3 The communication between the wireless audio playback device 10 and the external device 20 during the update process is illustrated. Further reference... Figure 1 , Figure 2 And the method describing the present invention Figure 4 The flowchart is now presented, and the details of the update process will be given.

[0056] In step S1, the wireless audio playback device 10 is controlled to enter a sleep state. For example, after the wireless audio playback device 10 has been in an operational state, it enters a sleep state, which includes receiving audio content sent to the wireless audio playback device 10 from the user equipment and playing back the audio content via the loudspeaker element 11 of the wireless audio playback device 10. In the sleep state, at least the transceiver unit 14 of the wireless audio playback device 10 is inactive by default, and the processor 12 (and other components) of the wireless audio playback device 10 can enter an idle or off state.

[0057] In step S2, the wireless audio playback device 10 is configured to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode. For example, the wireless audio playback device 10 is configured to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the wireless audio playback device 10 entered sleep mode. Alternatively, the wireless audio playback device 10 is configured to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode at a predetermined time during the day or week. For example, the wireless audio playback device 10 is configured to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode at night (e.g., between midnight and 6:00 AM). In some embodiments, the wireless audio playback device 10 is configured to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode when it is expected that the wireless audio playback device 10 will not be used (e.g., this can be achieved by saving a record of the time the wireless audio playback device 10 was used).

[0058] In step S3, the wireless audio playback device 10 transmits firmware version information to the external device 20 using a first communication protocol P1 (e.g., Bluetooth). To achieve this, the wireless audio playback device 10 is in a temporary broadcast mode, wherein at least the transmitter 142 of the transceiver unit 14 is active. For example, the firmware version information is broadcast as a Bluetooth beacon, which is received by the external device 20. The firmware version information indicates at least one of the following: the model (or type) of the wireless audio playback device 10 and the current firmware version of the wireless audio playback device 10. Optionally, the wireless audio playback device 10 may also transmit usage analysis data and / or additional data indicating, for example, the battery charge level of the wireless audio playback device 10, to the external device 20.

[0059] In step S4, the wireless audio playback device 10 is controlled to automatically enter a temporary listening mode, in which at least the receiver 141 of the wireless audio playback device 10 is active. The temporary listening mode may at least partially overlap with the temporary broadcast mode in time and / or the temporary listening mode may begin after the temporary broadcast mode has ended.

[0060] At step S5, external device 20 transmits firmware version information to remote device 30 via the second communication protocol P2. Alternatively, external device 20 determines that it cannot continue the update process (e.g., remote device 30 may be unreachable), and thus, external device 20 sends a notification to wireless audio playback device 10 that no external device 30 is available.

[0061] In addition, external device 20 can be configured to send an acknowledgment notification to wireless audio playback device 10 once it receives firmware version information.

[0062] Remote device 30 can be a remote server or cloud implementation that provides firmware update services. Remote device 30 analyzes firmware version information and determines if a new firmware version is available. If a new firmware version is available, remote device 30 transmits the update data to external device 20 via the second communication protocol P2. If no new firmware version is available (e.g., the firmware version information can indicate that the installed firmware is the latest firmware), remote device 30 transmits a notification to external device 20 that no update is available via the second communication protocol P2.

[0063] At step S6, external device 20 receives update data from remote device 30 (or receives a notification that no update is available), and at step S7a, external device 20 sends update data to wireless audio playback device 10 (or receives a notification that no update is available). At step S7b, wireless audio playback device 10 receives update data via the first communication protocol P1. In some embodiments, the update data is at least temporarily stored in the data storage unit 26 of external device 20. For example, the update data is stored until it can be transmitted to wireless audio playback device 10.

[0064] To conserve power, the wireless audio playback device 10 will remain in temporary broadcast and temporary listening modes only for a predetermined duration. For example, after broadcasting firmware version information, the wireless audio playback device 10 enters temporary listening mode and remains in temporary listening mode for less than 10 seconds, such as less than 5 seconds or less than 1 second. If no data is transmitted from external device 20 to the wireless audio playback device 10 during this period, the wireless audio playback device 10 can return to sleep mode, and if data is transmitted from external device 20, the wireless audio playback device 10 can remain in temporary listening mode until the data transmission is complete. It should be understood that transmitting update data from external device 20 to the wireless audio playback device 10 may take up to 1 minute, or even several minutes or more than 10 minutes, depending on the size of the update data. The wireless audio playback device 10 can then attempt a new update process at a later time, such as after a predetermined elapsed time (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour) since the first update process was attempted.

[0065] In some implementations, after the firmware version information is transmitted to the external device 20 in step S3, the method proceeds to step S41, where step S41 involves controlling the wireless audio playback device 10 to automatically exit the temporary broadcast mode. Since the wireless audio playback device 10 may not need to send any further information, it can exit the temporary broadcast mode immediately after broadcasting the firmware version information.

[0066] Similarly, if at least one of the following events occurs, the wireless audio playback device 10 is controlled to exit the temporary listening mode (and possibly also the temporary broadcast mode) and return to the sleep state in step S81: (a) a predetermined time has elapsed since the wireless audio playback device 10 entered / exited the temporary broadcast mode or the temporary listening mode; (b) the wireless audio playback device 10 receives a notification that no updates are available; (c) the wireless audio playback device 10 receives a notification that no external device 20 is available; (d) no acknowledgment notification is received during the predetermined elapsed time since the wireless audio playback device 10 entered / exited the temporary broadcast mode or the temporary listening mode; and (e) updated data has been received.

[0067] At step S8, the firmware of the wireless audio playback device 10 is updated. The firmware can be updated while the wireless audio playback device 10 is in temporary broadcast mode and / or temporary listening mode, or it can be updated after the wireless audio playback device 10 has exited temporary broadcast mode or temporary listening mode but before returning to sleep mode. After step S8, the method repeats step S1, which includes controlling the wireless audio playback device 10 to enter sleep mode.

[0068] Optionally, the wireless audio playback device 10 may reboot after the update is complete and / or return to sleep mode after rebooting or firmware update completion. Furthermore, if a user begins using the wireless audio playback device 10, the firmware update can be aborted, and thus resumed when the wireless audio playback device 10 is no longer used and, for example, returns to sleep mode.

[0069] It should be understood that Figure 4 The flowchart is merely exemplary, and the order of many steps can vary. For example, step S4 can occur before, before, or simultaneously with step S2, or after, for example, after step S5 or S6. Furthermore, step S41 can occur at any time after S3, and S81 can occur at any time after S7b; for example, steps S41 and S81 can occur after step S8. In another example, controlling the wireless audio playback device 10 to enter a sleep state at step S1 can involve one or more of steps S41 and S81, meaning that controlling the wireless audio playback device 10 to enter a sleep state can involve controlling the wireless audio playback device 10 to exit at least one of temporary broadcast mode and temporary listening mode.

[0070] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A different timeline of various events occurring in the wireless audio playback device 10 and the external device 20 during the update process is depicted. Figure 5a and Figure 5bIn the figure, events occurring in the external device 20 are depicted above the timeline, while events occurring in the wireless audio playback device 10 are depicted below the timeline.

[0071] Reference Figure 5a and Figure 3 , the wireless audio playback device 10 is in its sleep state S when time t<t1, and at time t=t1, the wireless audio playback device 10 enters the temporary broadcast mode B. During the temporary broadcast mode B, the wireless audio playback device 10 transmits (broadcasts) firmware version information via the first communication protocol P1, and the external device 20 receives the firmware version information of the wireless audio playback device 10 during RP1.

[0072] After RP1, the external device 20 enters a negotiation phase N with at least one additional external device 20. The negotiation phase N will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6

[0073] At t=t2, the wireless audio playback device 10 enters the temporary listening mode L, and between t=t2 and t=t3, the wireless audio playback device 10 is in the temporary broadcast and listening mode B / L. At t=t3, the wireless audio playback device 10 only exits the temporary broadcast mode B, and remains in the temporary listening mode L to wait for update data (or a notification that no update is available) from the external device 20. Meanwhile, the external device 20 has transmitted firmware update information to the remote device 30 using the second communication protocol P2 during TP2, and received update data (or a notification that no update is available) from the remote device 30 using the second communication protocol P2 during RP2.

[0074] When the wireless audio playback device 10 is in the temporary listening mode between t=t2 and t=t4, the external device 20 starts transmitting firmware update data (or a notification that no update is available) to the wireless audio playback device 10 using the first communication protocol P1 during TP1, whereby at t=t4, the wireless audio playback device 10 starts the process U of updating the firmware.

[0075] ​Note that during TP1, the transmission of update data from external device 20 to wireless audio playback device 10 can continue beyond t = t4. While some firmware updates require the complete firmware update data to be locally available on wireless audio playback device 10, some updates are performed using active communication with external device 20. For example, external device 20 transmits firmware update data to wireless audio playback device 10 in parts, where wireless audio playback device 10 performs a partial firmware update with each part of the firmware data. In another example, external device 20 can assist wireless audio playback device 10 in performing a firmware update by extracting firmware update instructions or otherwise processing at least a portion of the firmware update data and transmitting the extracted instructions or processed firmware update data to wireless audio playback device 10.

[0076] To this end, some implementations involve the wireless audio playback device 10 maintaining a temporary listening mode and / or a temporary broadcast mode during at least a portion of the firmware update process U to send and / or receive data from the external device 20. For example, when the first part of the firmware update has been completed, the wireless audio playback device 10 may send a notification to the external device 20 indicating the need for update data associated with the next part of the firmware update process U. Alternatively, the complete firmware update data is locally available on the wireless audio playback device 10, thereby allowing the update process U to involve disabling the transceiver 14 of the wireless audio playback device 10 to conserve power.

[0077] Between t=t5 and t=t6, the wireless audio playback device 10 performs a reboot process R, and at t=t6, the wireless audio playback device 10 re-enters sleep state S after a new firmware version is installed.

[0078] Reference Figure 5b and Figure 3 An alternative schedule is depicted to indicate the predetermined intermediate time period. The start of the temporary listening mode L can be intentionally delayed (relative to...). Figure 5a (Regarding the timing schedule) until the point in time after the wireless audio playback device 10 has exited temporary broadcast mode B. For example, in Figure 5b As seen in the diagram, the wireless audio playback device 10 enters temporary broadcast mode B at t=t1, and at t=t 退出 Exit temporary broadcast mode B at point t, where t 退出 This occurs sometime before the wireless audio playback device 10 enters temporary listening mode L at point t2. That is, at point t... 退出 A predetermined intermediate time period is defined between t2 and t3, which may correspond to the expected time required for the external device 20 to recover using updated data or notifications. During this predetermined intermediate time period, the wireless audio playback device 10 may return to sleep state S to conserve power. Similar to... Figure 5a The scheduled timetable, Figure 5b In the scheduled timetable, the wireless audio playback device 10 continues by starting the update process U at t=t4, restarting at t=t5, and returning to sleep at t=t6.

[0079] Optionally, external device 20 sends an acknowledgment notification during RP1, which is received by wireless audio playback device 10 during RP1. In response to receiving the acknowledgment notification, the wireless audio playback device can immediately re-enter sleep state S until time t2 or the (expected) start of TP1. Since the optional negotiation N and the interaction with remote device 30 during TP2 and RP2 will take some time for external device 20, wireless audio playback device 10 can enter sleep state S until the expected time for external device 20 to send firmware update data, thus saving power. To receive the acknowledgment notification, wireless audio playback device 10 can be controlled to automatically enter temporary broadcast and listen mode B / L at t=t1.

[0080] It should also be noted that any operation of the wireless audio playback device 10 and the external device 20 (and the remote device 30), such as that described above... Figure 5a and Figure 5b The described operation can be suspended or at least postponed because the user begins using the wireless audio playback device 10. That is, even if the update process has been initiated, the user can still use the wireless audio playback device 10 when needed.

[0081] Further reference Figure 6 The text describes communication during negotiation phase N, in which the wireless audio playback device 10 transmits firmware version information to at least two external devices 20a, 20b (e.g., a first external device 20a and at least one additional external device 20b). In some embodiments, the wireless audio playback device 10 is within communication range of more than one external device 20a, 20b capable of receiving firmware version information. For example, at least two wireless speakers may be within communication range of the wireless audio playback device 10, where the wireless speakers act as external devices 20a, 20b.

[0082] When external devices 20a and 20b have received firmware update information from the wireless audio playback device 10 during RP1, the first external device 20a and at least one additional external device initiate a negotiation process N using the first communication protocol P1 and / or the second communication protocol P2. During negotiation phase N, it is determined which of the at least two external devices 20a and 20b should continue the update process and, for example, transmits the firmware version information to the remote device 30.

[0083] During the negotiation process N, an update cost is determined for each of at least two external devices 20a, 20b. The update cost is given by a function having at least one variable based on the device attributes and / or communication attributes of the external devices 20a, 20b.

[0084] Device attributes can be at least one attribute selected from the group consisting of: the power type of external devices 20a and 20b (e.g., battery-powered or externally powered), the battery charge level, the processing power of external devices 20a and 20b, the amount of data storage available in external devices 20a and 20b, the second communication protocol P2 used by the external devices, and whether external devices 20a and 20b are capable of performing update processes while being used for other tasks (e.g., audio playback).

[0085] The communication attribute can be at least one attribute selected from the group consisting of: a signal strength indicator for communication with the wireless audio playback device 10 and a signal strength indicator for communication with the remote device 30.

[0086] Update cost refers to the cost in terms of energy consumption and / or estimated time required to perform the update process. For example, compared to external devices 20a and 20b that are powered by an external power source, have a high signal strength for communicating with the wireless audio playback device 10, and can perform the update process in the background while performing other functions (such as audio playback), external devices 20a and 20b that are powered by a battery, have a low signal strength for communicating with the wireless audio playback device 10, and must stop their current audio playback to perform the update will be associated with a higher update cost.

[0087] During the negotiation process, each external device 20a, 20b determines its update cost and sends the update cost (using either the first communication protocol P1 or the second communication protocol P2) to other external devices 20a, 20b. External devices 20a, 20b perform a comparison of the update costs to determine which external device 20a, 20b is associated with the lowest update cost and should continue the update process. Alternatively, each external device sends its device attributes and / or communication attributes to another external device, which calculates the update cost and performs a comparison of the update costs to determine which external device 20a, 20b is associated with the lowest update cost and should continue the update process.

[0088] Once the external devices 20a and 20b associated with the lowest update cost have been identified, the identified external devices 20a and 20b are notified to continue the update process by initiating TP2 and communicating with the remote device 30.

[0089] Note that the negotiation phase N and the communication between the first external device 20a and the additional external device 20b are entirely optional. For example, without the negotiation phase N, each external device 20a, 20b continues the update process without considering any other external device that also receives firmware version information from the wireless audio playback device 10. Thus, the external devices 20a, 20b that first transmit firmware update data to the wireless audio playback device 10 or are notified that no update is available continue the update process.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, at least one of the first external device 20a and the additional external device 20b may send an acknowledgment notification to the wireless audio playback device 10 upon receiving firmware version information, thereby allowing the wireless audio playback device 10 to temporarily enter a sleep state until the expected updated data becomes available.

Claims

1. A method for updating the firmware (161) of a wireless audio playback device (10), wherein, The wireless audio playback device (10) includes a transceiver unit (14) configured to communicate using a first communication protocol (P1), wherein the wireless audio playback device (10) is capable of operating in a sleep state, in which the transceiver unit (14) is inactive by default, and the method includes: Control the wireless audio playback device (10) to enter the sleep state; The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode in the sleep state, in which at least the transmitter (142) of the transceiver unit (14) is activated; When the wireless audio playback device (10) is in the temporary broadcast mode, the firmware version information is transmitted to the external device (20) using the first communication protocol (P1), and the firmware version information indicates the firmware version of the wireless audio playback device (10). The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically enter a temporary listening mode, in which at least the receiver (141) of the transceiver unit (14) is activated; The external device (20) sends the firmware version information to the remote device (30) through a second communication protocol (P2) different from the first communication protocol (P1); The external device (20) receives update data from the remote device (30) via the second communication protocol (P2), wherein the remote device (30) has determined the update data based on the firmware version information, and wherein the update data includes instructions for updating the firmware of the wireless audio playback device (10); The update data is sent by the external device (20) via the first communication protocol (P1); The wireless audio playback device (10) in the temporary listening mode receives the updated data via the first communication protocol (P1); and The firmware of the wireless audio playback device (10) is updated using the updated data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first communication protocol (P1) is the Bluetooth communication protocol.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The second communication protocol (P2) is a Wi-Fi communication protocol or a wired communication protocol.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second communication protocol (P2) is a Wi-Fi communication protocol or a wired communication protocol.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Controlling the wireless audio playback device (10) to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode and the temporary listening mode includes: Control the wireless audio playback device (10) to periodically enter the temporary broadcast mode and the temporary listening mode.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The external device (20) is a wireless speaker.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The external device (20) is a wireless speaker.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 and 7, further comprising: The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically exit the temporary broadcast mode and the temporary listening mode, and return to the sleep state after a predetermined elapsed time since the wireless audio playback device (10) entered the temporary broadcast mode or the temporary listening mode.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically exit the temporary broadcast mode and the temporary listening mode, and return to the sleep state after a predetermined elapsed time since the wireless audio playback device (10) entered the temporary broadcast mode or the temporary listening mode.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, 7 and 9, wherein, Controlling the wireless audio playback device (10) to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode includes: The wireless audio playback device is controlled to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode at a predetermined time during the day.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Controlling the wireless audio playback device (10) to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode includes: The wireless audio playback device is controlled to automatically enter the temporary broadcast mode at a predetermined time during the day.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The scheduled time of the day is between 12:00 am and 6:00 am.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The scheduled time of the day is between 12:00 am and 6:00 am.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The scheduled time of the day is between 2:00 am and 4:00 am.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, 7, 9 and 11-13, wherein, The wireless audio playback device (10) can also operate in an operational state, in which the transceiver unit (14) is active by default, and the method further includes: The wireless audio playback device (10) in the aforementioned operating state receives audio content sent by the user equipment; and The audio content is presented to at least one amplifier element of the wireless audio playback device (10) in the operating state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, 7, 9 and 11-13, wherein, The external device (20) is a first external device (20a), and the method further includes: When the wireless audio playback device (10) is in the temporary broadcast mode, firmware version information is transmitted to at least one additional external device (20b) using the first communication protocol (P1); and The first external device (20a) is determined to be associated with a lower replacement cost value than the at least one additional external device (20b); The update cost value of each of the first external device (20a) and the at least one additional external device (20b) is based on the device attribute or the communication attribute of the external device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, 7, 9 and 11-13, in, Controlling the wireless audio playback device (10) to enter the temporary broadcast mode includes controlling the wireless audio playback device (10) to enter the temporary broadcast mode at a first time point t1. The control of the wireless audio playback device (10) to enter the temporary listening mode includes controlling the wireless audio playback device (10) to enter the temporary listening mode at a second time point t2, and Where t2 is greater than or equal to t1.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Control the wireless audio playback device (10) at the third time point t 退出 Automatically exit the temporary broadcast mode. wherein t1<t 退出 <t2, such that t 退出 and t2 are separated by a predetermined intermediate time period.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically re-enter the sleep state during the predetermined intermediate time period.

20. An update system, comprising: A wireless audio playback device (10) includes a transceiver unit (14) configured to communicate using a first communication protocol (P1), wherein the wireless audio playback device (10) is capable of operating in a sleep state, in which the transceiver unit (14) is inactive by default, and An external device (20) is configured to communicate with the wireless audio playback device (10) using a first communication protocol (P1) and with a remote device (30) using a different second communication protocol (P2). The wireless audio playback device (10) further includes an audio device controller, which is configured to: Control the wireless audio playback device (10) to enter the sleep state. The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically enter a temporary broadcast mode in the sleep state. In the temporary broadcast mode, at least the transmitter (142) of the transceiver unit (14) is activated, and The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to transmit firmware version information to an external device (20) via the transmitter (142) using the first communication protocol (P1) in the temporary broadcast mode. The firmware version information indicates the firmware version of the wireless audio playback device (10). The wireless audio playback device (10) is controlled to automatically enter a temporary listening mode, in which at least the receiver (141) of the transceiver unit (14) is activated. The external device (20) further includes an external device controller, which is configured to: The external device (20) is controlled to send the firmware version information to the remote device (30) via the second communication protocol (P2). The external device (20) is controlled to receive update data from the remote device (30) via the second communication protocol (P2), wherein the remote device (30) has determined the update data based on the firmware version information, and wherein the update data includes instructions for updating the firmware (161) of the wireless audio playback device (10), and The external device (20) is controlled to send the update data to the wireless audio playback device (10). The audio device controller is further configured as follows: Control the wireless audio playback device (10) to receive the updated data via the first communication protocol (P1) in the temporary listening mode, and The firmware (161) of the wireless audio playback device (10) is updated using the updated data.

21. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer updating a system, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-19.

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