Systems and methods for charging a playback device battery

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for charging batteries of audio playback devices. An example method performed by a media playback system includes receiving power from a first power source to charge a first power storage device of a first playback device according to a first charging scheme and receiving power from a second power source to charge a second power storage device of a second playback device according to a second charging scheme. The system receives an instruction to form a group for synchronized audio playback and obtains one or more power parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device. After receiving the instruction to form the group, the system modifies the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters and then receives power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 367,006, filed June 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to consumer products, and more specifically to methods, systems, products, features, services and other elements relating to media playback or some aspect thereof. Background Technology

[0003] Options for accessing and listening to digital audio from external speakers were limited until Sonos began developing a new playback system in 2002. Sonos then 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 systems allow people to experience music from many sources via one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control application installed on a controller (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer, voice input device), people can play back what they want in any room with a networked playback device. Media content (e.g., songs, podcasts, video audio) can be streamed to the playback device, allowing each room with a playback device to play back different media content. Furthermore, rooms can be grouped together to synchronously play back the same media content, and / or the same media content can be listened to synchronously in all rooms. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed technology can be better understood by referring to the following specification, 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.

[0005] Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of an environment having a media playback system configured according to aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0006] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a media playback system and one or more networks.

[0007] Figure 1CA block diagram of the playback device is shown.

[0008] Figure 1D A block diagram of the playback device is shown.

[0009] Figure 1E A block diagram of a network microphone device is shown.

[0010] Figure 1F A block diagram of a network microphone device is shown.

[0011] Figure 1G A block diagram of the playback device is shown.

[0012] Figure 1H A partial schematic diagram of the control device is shown.

[0013] Figures 1I to 1L A schematic diagram of the corresponding media playback system area is shown.

[0014] Figure 1M A schematic diagram of the media playback system area is shown.

[0015] Figure 2A A front isometric view of a playback device configured according to aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0016] Figure 2B It shows Figure 3A The playback device has a gridless front isometric view.

[0017] Figure 2C It shows Figure 2A An exploded view of the playback device.

[0018] Figure 2D This is a diagram of another example housing for a playback device.

[0019] Figure 2E This is a diagram of another example housing for a playback device.

[0020] Figure 3A A front view of a network microphone device configured according to aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0021] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A side isometric view of a network microphone device.

[0022] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exploded view of a network microphone device.

[0023] Figure 3D It shows Figure 3B A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0024] Figure 3E It shows Figures 3A to 3D A block diagram of a network microphone device.

[0025] Figure 3F A schematic diagram of an example voice input is shown.

[0026] Figures 4A to 4D A schematic diagram of a control device at various operational stages according to aspects of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A front view of the control device is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 The message flow diagram of the media playback system is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 An example configuration of a wireless power transmission device according to the disclosed technology is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 An example configuration of a wireless power unit based on the disclosed technology is shown.

[0031] Figure 9 An example method for updating a charging scheme for one or more playback devices, based on the disclosed technology, is shown.

[0032] Figure 10 An example method for enumerating devices in a media playback system, based on the disclosed techniques, is shown.

[0033] Figure 11 An example method for transferring device responsibilities in a media playback system, based on the disclosed technology, is shown.

[0034] Figures 12A to 12D An example of a device charging scheme based on the disclosed technology is shown.

[0035] Figures 13A to 13D An example of a device playback session based on the disclosed technology is shown.

[0036] Figures 14A to 14C Examples of device charging schemes and / or media data transmissions based on the disclosed technology are shown.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, but those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to the arrangements and / or means shown in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0038] I. Overview

[0039] A typical media playback system usually includes one or more playback devices (e.g., playback device 110). Figure 1A These include one or more rechargeable power storage devices or batteries. These rechargeable batteries allow users to use and reuse devices without purchasing new batteries to replace depleted ones. Furthermore, these playback devices typically use standardized charging ports and connector types (e.g., USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, APPLE LIGHTNING®, etc.), enabling them to be charged and recharged without dedicated cables and / or hardware, thus enhancing their portability and usability. In a typical charging scheme, the batteries in these playback devices are charged to their maximum capacity at or near the maximum charge rate allowed by the underlying hardware of the device and charging system, regardless of charging conditions or demand. However, it can be observed that the performance and capacity of batteries made from certain chemicals (e.g., lithium-ion, lithium polymer, nickel metal hydride) may degrade more rapidly depending on charging conditions. For example, it is generally not recommended to charge lithium-ion batteries to 100% because the current and / or voltage need to continue charging the battery beyond a certain threshold (e.g., 95% capacity). Conversely, charging lithium-ion batteries using a low charging rate or "C" rate (e.g., less than or equal to 0.5C, 0.7C, etc.) instead of a high charging rate (e.g., greater than 1.5C, 2C, etc.) can significantly extend battery life. In some cases, playback devices can be combined to create a group for synchronous playback of media content. However, these devices may each have different charging capacities, charging rates, discharging rates, playback responsibilities, etc. Therefore, these playback devices may run out of power or charge at different times during synchronous playback, leading to a degraded performance of the entire media playback system and a reduced user experience.

[0040] The disclosed playback devices, media playback systems, and / or methods can improve battery performance and extend battery life by employing charging profiles or schemes based on device status, device operating parameters, device usage modes, device collection plans / timings, etc., of one or more playback devices. Furthermore, playback devices can utilize playback device group dynamics to offload or share responsibilities among playback devices in a group to extend the battery life of one or more devices. The disclosed media playback system employs different charging schemes for playback devices to reduce battery degradation and maintain or extend battery life. By allowing the battery to be charged according to a dynamic charging scheme configured to reduce battery degradation and extend battery life, the usability of the media playback system for one or more users is improved compared to conventional methods.

[0041] While some of the examples described herein may relate 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 illustrative purposes only. Unless the language of the claims themselves explicitly requires it, the claims should not be construed as requiring any such example actor to perform an action.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally identify similar and / or identical elements. To facilitate discussion of any particular element, one or more of the most significant bits in the reference numerals refer to the drawing in which that element was first introduced. For example, element 110a in reference to... Figure 1A This is the first time it has been introduced and discussed. Many details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the disclosed technology. Therefore, other embodiments may have different details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments of the various disclosed technologies can be practiced without the several details described below.

[0043] II. Suitable operating environment

[0044] Figure 1A This is a partial cross-sectional view of a media playback system 100 distributed in an environment 101 (e.g., a house). The media playback system 100 includes one or more playback devices 110 (each identified as playback devices 110a to 110n), one or more network microphone devices (“NMD”), 120 (each identified as NMD 120a to NMD 120c), and one or more control devices 130 (each identified as control devices 130a and 130b).

[0045] As used herein, the term "playback device" can generally refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data to 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 may include one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers external to the playback device via corresponding wiring or cables.

[0046] Furthermore, 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, the NMD is a standalone device configured primarily for audio detection. In other embodiments, the NMD is incorporated into a playback device (or vice versa).

[0047] 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 the media playback system 100.

[0048] 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 play back the received audio signals or data as sound. One or more NMDs 120 are configured to receive spoken commands, and one or more control devices 130 are configured to receive user input. In response to received spoken commands and / or user input, the media playback system 100 can play back audio via one or more playback devices 110. In some embodiments, the playback devices 110 are configured to initiate playback of media content in response to a trigger. For example, one or more playback devices 110 may be configured to play back a morning playlist when an associated trigger condition is detected (e.g., the presence of a user in the kitchen, detection of coffee machine operation). In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 is configured to synchronously play back audio from a first playback device (e.g., playback device 100a) with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). Reference is made below. Figures 1B to 1L The interaction between the playback device 110, NMD 120 and / or control device 130 of the media playback system 100 configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0049] exist Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, environment 101 includes a home with multiple rooms, spaces, and / or playback zones, comprising (clockwise from the top left corner) 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 may be 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, aircraft), multiple environments (e.g., a combination of a home environment and a vehicle environment), and / or another suitable environment where multi-zone audio may be desired.

[0050] 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, and additional zones may be added or removed to form, for example... Figure 1AThe configuration is shown. Each zone can be named according to different rooms or spaces (e.g., 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 aspects, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In other aspects, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

[0051] exist Figure 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 a bundled playback zone, as a merged playback device, and / or any combination thereof, to synchronously play back audio content. Similarly, in the study 101d, playback devices 110h to 110j can be configured, for example, as individual playback devices among playback devices 110, as one or more bundled playback devices, and / or as one or more merged playback devices to synchronously play back audio content. References below include, for example... Figure 1B and Figure 1E as well as Figures 1I to 1M To describe additional details about the bound playback devices and the merged playback devices.

[0052] In some respects, one or more playback zones in environment 101 may each be playing different audio content. For example, a user may be barbecuing on terrace 101i and listening to hip-hop music played by playback device 110c, while another user is preparing food in kitchen 101h and listening to classical music played by playback device 110b. In another example, playback zones may be playing the same audio content synchronously with another playback zone. For example, a user may be in office 101e listening to playback device 110f playing the same hip-hop music that playback device 110c is playing on terrace 101i. In some respects, the synchronous playback of hip-hop music by playback devices 110c and 110f makes the user perceive that the audio content is playing seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) as it moves between 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,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] To facilitate synchronized playback, in some embodiments, the playback device described herein may be configured to operate in different modes (and / or switch between different modes) such as audio playback group coordinator mode and / or audio playback group member mode. When operating in audio playback group coordinator mode, the playback device may be configured to coordinate playback within a group by 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 in the playback device (e.g., a physical clock or a virtual clock), (iii) sending a portion of the audio content and its playback timing to at least one other playback device (e.g., at least one other playback device operating in audio playback group member mode), (iv) sending timing information (e.g., timing information generated using the clock) to at least one other playback device; and / or (v) synchronizing the 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 audio playback group member mode, the playback device can be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (i) receiving audio content and playback timing of the audio content from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in audio playback group coordinator mode); (ii) receiving timing information from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in audio playback group coordinator mode); and / or (iii) synchronizing the playback of audio content with at least one other playback device by using the playback timing and / or timing information of the audio content.

[0054] a. A suitable media playback system

[0055] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102. For ease of explanation, from... Figure 1B Some devices of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102 are omitted. One or more communication links 103 (hereinafter referred to as "link 103") communicatively couple the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102.

[0056] Link 103 may 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 Wi-Fi 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 telecommunications 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 transmission protocol networks), etc. Cloud network 102 is configured to deliver media content (e.g., audio content, video content, photos, social media content) to media playback system 100 in response to a request sent from media playback system 100 via link 103. In some embodiments, cloud network 102 is also configured to receive data (e.g., voice input data) from media playback system 100 and accordingly send commands and / or media content to media playback system 100.

[0057] Cloud network 102 includes computing devices 106 (identified as first computing device 106a, second computing device 106b, and third computing device 106c, respectively). Computing devices 106 may include various computers or servers, such as media streaming service servers storing audio and / or other media content, voice service servers, social media servers, media playback system control servers, etc. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices 106 include modules of a single computer or server. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices 106 include one or more modules, computers, and / or servers. Furthermore, although cloud network 102 is described in the context of a single cloud network, in some embodiments, cloud network 102 includes multiple cloud networks that include communicatively coupled computing devices. Additionally, although cloud network 102 is described in... Figure 1B The cloud network 102 is shown as having three computing devices 106, but in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 includes fewer (or more) three computing devices 106.

[0058] Media playback system 100 is configured to receive media content from network 102 via link 103. The received media content may include, for example, a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and / or a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). For example, in some examples, media playback system 100 may stream, download, or otherwise obtain data from a URI or URL corresponding to the received media content. Network 104 communicatively couples link 103 to at least a portion of the devices of media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130). Network 104 may include, for example, a wireless network (e.g., a WiFi network, Bluetooth, Z-Wave network, ZigBee, and / or other suitable wireless communication protocol network) and / or a wired network (e.g., including Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and / or other suitable wired communication networks). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, as used herein, “WiFi” can refer to several different communication protocols that transmit at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and / or other suitable frequencies, including, for example, 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, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments, network 104 includes a dedicated communication network used by media playback system 100 to send messages between devices and / or send and receive media content from media content sources (e.g., one or more computing devices 106). In some embodiments, network 104 is configured to be accessible only by devices within media playback system 100, thereby reducing interference and competition with other home appliances. However, in other embodiments, network 104 includes an existing home communication network (e.g., a home Wi-Fi network). In some embodiments, link 103 and network 104 include one or more of the same networks. In some aspects, for example, link 103 and network 104 include telecommunications networks (e.g., LTE networks, 5G networks). Furthermore, in some embodiments, media playback system 100 is implemented without network 104, and devices including media playback system 100 can communicate with each other, for example, via one or more direct or indirect connections, PANs, LANs, telecommunications networks, and / or other suitable communication links.

[0060] In some embodiments, audio content sources may be periodically added to 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 indexing of media items. The media playback system 100 may scan some or all folders and / or directories accessible by the playback device 110 for identifiable media items 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 device 110, the network microphone device 120, and / or the control device 130.

[0061] exist Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110l and 110m comprise group 107a. Playback devices 110l and 110m may be located in different rooms of a home and are grouped together in group 107a on a temporary or permanent basis based on user input received at control device 130a and / or another control device 130 in media playback system 100. When arranged in group 107a, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured to synchronously play back the same or similar audio content from one or more audio content sources. In some embodiments, for example, group 107a includes a binding area where playback devices 110l and 110m respectively include the left and right channels of multi-channel audio content, thereby producing or enhancing the stereo effect of the audio content. In some embodiments, group 107a includes an additional playback device 110. However, in other embodiments, media playback system 100 omits other grouping arrangements of group 107a and / or playback devices 110. The following is for reference. Figure 1I The IM provides further details regarding the grouping and other arrangements of the playback equipment.

[0062] The media playback system 100 includes NMD 120a and NMD 120d, each NMD including one or more microphones configured to receive voice speech from a user. Figure 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, NMD 120a is a standalone device, while NMD 120d is integrated into playback device 110n. For example, NMD 120a is configured to receive voice input 121 from user 123. In some embodiments, NMD 120a sends data associated with the received voice input 121 to a Voice Assistant Service (VAS), which is configured to (i) process the received voice input data and (ii) send corresponding commands to media playback system 100. In some aspects, for example, computing device 106c includes one or more modules and / or servers of a VAS (e.g., a VAS operated by one or more of SONOS®, AMAZON®, GOOGLE®, APPLE®, MICROSOFT®). Computing device 106c can receive voice input data from NMD 120a via network 104 and link 103. In response to receiving voice input data, computing device 106c processes the voice input data (i.e., "play Hey Jude by the Beatles") and determines that the processed voice input includes a command to play the song (e.g., "Hey Jude"). Computing device 106c then sends a command to media playback system 100 to play "Hey Jude" by the Beatles on one or more playback devices 110 from a suitable media service (e.g., via one or more computing devices 106).

[0063] b. Suitable playback equipment

[0064] Figure 1CThis is a block diagram of a playback device 110a including input / output 111. Input / output 111 may include analog I / O 111a (e.g., one or more cabling, cables, and / or other suitable communication links configured to carry analog signals) and / or digital I / O 111b (e.g., one or more cabling, cables, or other suitable communication links configured to carry digital signals). In some embodiments, analog I / O 111a is an audio input connection, which may include, for example, an automatically detected 3.5mm audio input connection. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes a Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format (S / PDIF) communication interface and / or cable and / or Toshiba Link (TOSLINK) cable. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes an High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface and / or cable. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes one or more wireless communication links, which may include, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared, WiFi, Bluetooth, or another suitable communication protocol. In some embodiments, analog I / O 111a and digital I / O 111b include interfaces (e.g., ports, plugs, jacks) that are configured to receive connectors for cables transmitting analog and digital signals, respectively, without necessarily including cables.

[0065] 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, wiring, PAN, Bluetooth connection, self-organizing wired or wireless communication network and / or other 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.

[0066] 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 is configured to receive audio from an audio source (e.g., a local audio source 105) via input / output 111, and via network 104 (…). Figure 1B The playback device 110a receives audio from one or more computing devices 106a to 106c, amplifies the received audio, and outputs the amplified audio via one or more 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 can be used as an NMD configured to receive voice input from a user and perform one or more operations accordingly based on the received voice input.

[0067] exist Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 112 includes one or more processors 112a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 112a"), memory 112b, software component 112c, network interface 112d, one or more audio processing components 112g (hereinafter referred to as "audio component 112g"), one or more audio amplifiers 112h (hereinafter referred to as "amplifier 112h"), and power supply 112i (e.g., one or more power supplies, power cables, power outlets, batteries, induction coils, Power over Ethernet (PoE) interfaces, and / or other suitable power sources). In some embodiments, the electronic device 112 may optionally include one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging bases).

[0068] As described in more detail elsewhere herein, in some examples, the power component 112i may include one or more of the following: a wireless power transmitter (e.g., a laser, induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (e.g., a photovoltaic cell, 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 may be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally or alternatively, the playback device 110a may be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices as an alternative to or supplement to receiving power via a wired connection.

[0069] Processor 112a may include clock-driven computing components configured to process data, and memory 112b may include a computer-readable medium (e.g., a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, or data storage loaded with one or more software components 112c) configured to store instructions for performing various operations and / or functions. Processor 112a is configured to execute instructions stored in memory 112b to perform one or more operations. Such operations may include, for example, causing playback device 110a to access an audio source (e.g., computing devices 106a to 106c). Figure 1B The playback device 110a retrieves audio information from one or more of the playback devices 110 and / or another playback device in the playback devices 110. In some embodiments, operation also includes causing the playback device 110a to send audio information to another playback device in the playback devices 110a and / or another device (e.g., one of the NMD 120). Some embodiments include operation of pairing the playback device 110a with another playback device in one or more of the playback devices 110 to enable a multi-channel audio environment (e.g., stereo pair, bonded area).

[0070] Processor 112a can also be configured to perform operations that synchronize the playback of audio content between playback device 110a and another playback device among one or more playback devices 110. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, during synchronized playback of audio content on multiple playback devices, the listener will preferably not perceive any time delay difference between playback device 110a and the playback of audio content by another playback device 110 or multiple other playback devices 110. Additional details regarding audio playback synchronization between playback devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which is incorporated above by reference.

[0071] In some embodiments, memory 112b is also configured to store data associated with playback device 110a, such as one or more zones and / or zones that playback device 110a is a member of, audio sources accessible to playback device 110a, and / or playback queues that playback device 110a (and / or another of one or more playback devices) can associate with. The stored data may include one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe the state of playback device 110a. Memory 112b may also include data associated with the state of one or more devices in other devices of media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, control device 130). In some aspects, for example, state data is shared among at least a portion of the devices in media playback system 100 during predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds), such that one or more devices have the most up-to-date data associated with media playback system 100.

[0072] Network interface 112d is configured to facilitate playback device 110a with a data network (e.g., link 103 and / or network 104). Figure 1B Data transmission between one or more other devices on the network interface 112d. The network interface 112d is configured to send and receive data corresponding to media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photos) and other signals including digital packet data (e.g., non-transitory signals) containing an Internet Protocol (IP)-based source address and / or an IP-based destination address. The network interface 112d can parse the digital packet data, enabling the electronic device 112 to correctly receive and process data destined for the playback device 110a.

[0073] exist Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiment, network interface 112d includes one or more wireless interfaces 112e (hereinafter referred to as "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, NMD 120, and / or control devices 130) according to a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE), which are communicatively coupled to network 104. Figure 1B In some embodiments, network interface 112d may optionally include wired interface 112f (e.g., an interface or receptacle configured to receive network cables such as Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and / or Thunderbolt cables), which is configured to communicate with other devices via a wired connection according to a suitable wired communication protocol. In some embodiments, network interface 112d includes wired interface 112f and does not include wireless interface 112e. In some embodiments, electronic device 112 completely excludes network interface 112d and sends and receives media content and / or other data via another communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0074] Audio processing component 112g is configured to process and / or filter data comprising media content received by electronic device 112 (e.g., via input / output 111 and / or network interface 112d) to generate an output audio signal. In some embodiments, audio processing component 112g may include, for example, one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other suitable audio processing components, modules, circuitry, etc. In some embodiments, one or more audio processing components 112g may include one or more sub-components of processor 112a. In some embodiments, electronic device 112 omits audio processing component 112g. In some aspects, for example, processor 112a executes instructions stored in memory 112b to perform audio processing operations to generate an output audio signal.

[0075] Amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify an audio output signal generated by audio processing component 112g and / or processor 112a. Amplifier 112h may include electronic devices and / or components configured to amplify the audio signal 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. However, in other embodiments, 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 some embodiments, amplifier 112h includes a suitable combination of two or more of the aforementioned types of power amplifiers. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each amplifier in amplifier 112h corresponds to a respective transducer in transducer 114. However, in other embodiments, electronic device 112 includes a single amplifier in amplifier 112h configured to output the amplified audio signal to a plurality of transducers 114. In some other embodiments, the amplifier 112h is omitted from the electronic device 112.

[0076] Transducer 114 (e.g., one or more loudspeakers and / or loudspeaker drivers) receives amplified audio signals from amplifier 112h and presents or outputs the amplified audio signals as sound (e.g., audible sound waves with frequencies between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz). In some embodiments, transducer 114 may include a single transducer. However, in other embodiments, transducer 114 includes multiple audio transducers. In some embodiments, transducer 114 includes more than one type of transducer. For example, transducer 114 may include one or more low-frequency transducers (e.g., subwoofers, woofers), mid-frequency transducers (e.g., mid-frequency transducers, mid-frequency woofers), and one or more high-frequency transducers (e.g., one or more tweeters). As used herein, “low frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies below about 500 Hz, “mid frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies between about 500 Hz and about 2 kHz, and “high frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies above 2 kHz. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the transducers 114 include transducers that do not adhere to the aforementioned frequency range. For example, one of the transducers 114 may include a mid-frequency bass transducer configured to output sound at a frequency between about 200 Hz and about 5 kHz.

[0077] For example, SONOS currently offers (or has offered) 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 may be used additionally or alternatively to implement the playback devices of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the playback devices are not limited to the examples described herein or to SONOS’s product offerings. In some embodiments, for example, one or more playback devices 110 include wired or wireless headphones (e.g., ear-hook headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones). The headphones may include a headband coupled to one or more earcups. For example, a first earcup may be coupled to a first end of the headband, and a second earcup may be coupled to a second end of the headband opposite the first end. Each of the one or more earcups may house any portion of the electronic components in the playback device, such as one or more transducers. Additionally, the one or more earcups may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the headphones (e.g., for controlling audio playback, volume levels, and other functions). The user interface may include any of a variety of control elements, such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, and / or touchscreens. Ear pads may be coupled to each of one or more earcups. The ear pads may provide a soft barrier between the user's head and one or more earcups to improve user comfort and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surrounding environment (e.g., providing passive noise cancellation (PNR)). Additionally (or alternatively), the headphones may employ active noise cancellation (ANR) technology to further reduce the user's perception of external noise during playback.

[0078] In some cases, headphone devices can take the form of audible devices. Audible devices can include those headphone devices (e.g., ear-level devices) configured to provide hearing enhancement while also supporting playback of media content (e.g., streaming media content from a user device via a PAN, streaming media content from a music service provider via WLAN and / or cellular network connections, etc.). In some cases, audible devices can be implemented as in-ear headphone devices configured to play back amplified versions of at least some sounds detected from the external environment (e.g., all sounds, selected sounds such as human speech, etc.).

[0079] In some embodiments, one or more playback devices 110 include a docking station and / or an interface configured to interact with a docking station of a personal mobile media playback device. In some embodiments, the playback device may be part of another device or component, such as a television, lighting equipment, or some other device used indoors or outdoors. In some embodiments, the playback device omits a user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, Figure 1D It is a block diagram of a playback device 110p that includes input / output 111 and electronic devices 112 but does not have a user interface 113 or a transducer 114.

[0080] Figure 1E This is a block diagram of a bound playback device 110q, which includes components associated with playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer). Figure 1A Acoustically bonded playback device 110a ( Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110i are separate playback devices 110 housed in a single housing. However, in some embodiments, a bundled playback device 110q comprises a single housing housing both playback devices 110a and 110i. The bundled playback device 110q can be configured to function differently from the unbundled playback devices (e.g., Figure 1C Playback device 110a) and / or paired or bound playback devices (e.g., Figure 1B The playback devices 110a and 110i process and reproduce sound in a manner consistent with the playback devices 110a and 110i. 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, playback device 110a, when paired with a first playback device, 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 paired playback device 110q includes an additional playback device and / or another paired playback device. Reference is made below. Figures 2A to 3D An embodiment of the accessory playback device is described in more detail.

[0081] c. Suitable Network Microphone Equipment (NMD)

[0082] Figure 1F It is NMD 120a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B The NMD 120a includes one or more speech processing components 124 (hereinafter referred to as "speech components 124") and a reference playback device 110a. Figure 1CThe description includes several components including processor 112a, memory 112b, power assembly 112i, and microphone 115. As described elsewhere herein, power assembly 112i may include one or more of the following: a wireless power transmitter (e.g., a laser, induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (e.g., a photovoltaic cell, induction coil, etc.), an energy storage assembly (e.g., a capacitor, a rechargeable battery), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or associated power circuitry. In operation, NMD 120a can be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally or alternatively, as a supplement to or alternative to receiving power via a wired connection, NMD 120a may also be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices.

[0083] NMD 120a optionally includes, but is also included in, playback device 110a ( Figure 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, one or more audio processing components 112g. Figure 1C The NMD 120a includes a transducer 114 and / or other playback device components. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as thermostats, alarm panels, fire and / or smoke detectors, etc. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes a microphone 115, voice processing 124, and only the components mentioned above. Figure 1B The described electronic device 112 is part of a set of components. In some aspects, for example, NMD 120a includes a processor 112a and a memory 112b. Figure 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 sensors, cameras, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers).

[0084] In some embodiments, NMD can be integrated into the playback device. Figure 1G This is a block diagram of a playback device 110r including the 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. Figure 1F The playback device 110r may optionally include an integrated control device 130c. The control device 130c may, for example, include a user interface (e.g., Figure 1B The 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., Figure 1B The control device 130a) receives commands. See below for reference. Figures 3A to 3F The additional NMD implementation is described in more detail.

[0085] Refer again Figure 1F The microphone 115 is configured to receive signals from the environment (e.g., Figure 1A The environment 101) and / or the room where the NMD 120a is located acquire, capture, and / or receive sound. The received sound may include, for example, spoken words, audio played back by the NMD 120a and / or another playback device, background speech, ambient sounds, etc. The microphone 115 converts the received sound into electrical signals to generate microphone data. The 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, when querying AMAZON® VAS, a user might say the activation word “Alexa.” Other examples include “Ok, Google” for invoking GOOGLE® VAS and “Hey, Siri” for invoking APPLE® VAS.

[0086] After detecting the activation word, the voice processing unit 124 monitors microphone data accompanying the user request in the voice input. The user request may include, for example, a command to control a third-party device, such as a thermostat (e.g., a NEST® thermostat), a lighting device (e.g., a PHILIPS HUE® lighting device), or a media playback device (e.g., a Sonos® playback device). For example, the user might say the activation word “Alexa” and then say the phrase “set the thermostat to 68 degrees” to set up their home (e.g., Figure 1A The temperature in environment 101). The user might say the same activation word, then say "light up the living room" to turn on the lighting in the living room area of ​​the home. Similarly, the user could say the activation word and then request that a specific song, album, or music playlist be played on the home's playback devices. See below for reference. Figures 3A to 3F More detailed descriptions of receiving and processing voice input data can be found.

[0087] d. Suitable control equipment

[0088] Figure 1H It is control equipment 130a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1BA partial schematic diagram of the media playback system 100. As used herein, the term "control device" may be used interchangeably with "controller" or "control system". Among other features, the control device 130a is also configured to receive user input in relation to the media playback system 100 and, in response, cause one or more devices in the media playback system 100 to perform actions or operations corresponding to the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 130a includes a smartphone (e.g., iPhone™, Android phone) on which media playback system controller application software is installed. In some embodiments, the control device 130a includes, for example, a tablet computer (e.g., iPad™), a computer (e.g., laptop computer, desktop computer), and / or other suitable devices (e.g., television, automotive head unit, IoT device). In some embodiments, the control device 130a includes a dedicated controller for the media playback system 100. In other embodiments, as described above regarding... Figure 1G As described, control device 130a is integrated into another device in media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120 and / or other suitable devices configured to communicate via a network).

[0089] Control device 130a includes electronics 132, a user interface 133, one or more speakers 134, and one or more microphones 135. Electronics 132 includes one or more processors 132a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 132a"), memory 132b, software components 132c, and a network interface 132d. Processor 132a may be configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access to, control of, and configuration of media playback system 100. Memory 132b may include data storage that may be loaded with one or more software components executable by processor 302 to perform those functions. Software components 132c may include applications and / or other executable software configured to facilitate control of media playback system 100. Memory 112b may 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 the user.

[0090] Network interface 132d is configured to facilitate network communication between control device 130a and one or more other devices and / or one or more remote devices in media playback system 100. In some embodiments, 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, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G, LTE). For example, network interface 132d may be configured to communicate with playback device 110, NMD 120, other devices in control device 130, Figure 1B The network interface 132d sends and / or receives data from one of the computing devices 106, including one or more other media playback systems. The sent and / or received data may include, for example, playback device control commands, status variables, playback zone and / or zone group configurations. For example, based on user input received at user interface 133, network interface 132d can send playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from control device 304 to one or more playback devices. Network interface 132d can also send and / or receive configuration changes, such as adding or removing one or more playback devices from a zone, adding or removing one or more zones from a zone group, forming a bundled or merged player, separating one or more playback devices from a bundled or merged player, etc. See below for further details. Figures 1I to 1M Additional descriptions for regions and groups were found.

[0091] User interface 133 is configured to receive user input and facilitate control of media playback system 100. User interface 133 includes media content art 133a (e.g., album art, lyrics, video), playback status indicators 133b (e.g., elapsed time and / or remaining time indicators), media content information area 133c, playback control area 133d, and zone indicators 133e. Media content information area 133c may include a display of relevant information (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, release year) about the currently playing media content and / or media content in the queue or playlist. Playback control area 133d may include optional icons (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or another suitable selector) to cause one or more playback devices in the selected playback zone or group of zones to perform playback actions, such as play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip to the next, skip to the previous, enter / exit shuffle mode, enter / exit repeat mode, enter / exit crossfade mode, etc. The playback control area 133d may also include selectable icons for modifying respective balance settings, playback volume, and / or other suitable playback actions. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 133 includes a display presented on a touchscreen interface of a smartphone (e.g., an iPhone™, an Android phone). However, in some embodiments, alternative user interfaces with different formats, styles, and interaction sequences may be implemented on one or more network devices to provide similar control access to the media playback system.

[0092] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) may be configured to output sound to a user of control device 130a. In some embodiments, the one or more speakers include respective transducers configured to output low-frequency, mid-frequency, and / or high-frequency frequencies accordingly. In some aspects, for example, control device 130a is configured as a playback device (e.g., one of playback devices 110). Similarly, in some embodiments, control device 130a is configured as an NMD (e.g., one of NMDs 120) that receives voice commands and other sounds via one or more microphones 135.

[0093] One or more microphones 135 may 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 sound) and / or configured to facilitate filtering of background noise. Furthermore, in some embodiments, control device 130a is configured to function as a playback device and NMD. However, in other embodiments, control device 130a omits one or more speakers 134 and / or one or more microphones 135. For example, control device 130a may include a device (e.g., thermostat, IoT device, network device) that includes a portion of electronics 132 and a user interface 133 (e.g., touchscreen) without any speakers or microphones. References below... Figures 4A to 4D as well as Figure 5 An embodiment of the additional control device is described in more detail.

[0094] e. Suitable playback equipment configuration

[0095] Figures 1I to 1M Example configurations of playback devices in zones and zones are shown. First refer to... Figure 1M In one example, a single playback device can belong to one zone. For example, secondary bedroom 101c ( Figure 1A Playback device 110g in the diagram can belong to zone C. In some implementations described below, multiple playback devices can be "bonded" to form a "bonded pair" that together form a single zone. For example, playback device 110l (e.g., a left playback device) can be bonded to playback device 110l (e.g., a left playback device) to form zone A. The bonded 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, playback device 110h (e.g., a front playback device) can be merged with playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer) and playback devices 110j and 110k (e.g., left and right surround speakers, respectively) to form a single zone D. In another example, playback devices 110g and 110h can be merged to form a merged group or zone group 108b. The merged playback devices 110g and 110h may not be specifically assigned different playback responsibilities. That is, in addition to synchronously playing back audio content, the merged playback devices 110h and 110i can each play back audio content as if they were not merged.

[0096] 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 be provided as a single entity named "Master Bathroom". Zone B can be provided as a single entity named "Master Bedroom". Zone C can be provided as a single entity named "Secondary Bedroom".

[0097] The bound playback device can have different playback responsibilities, such as the responsibility of certain audio channels. For example, such as... Figure 1I As shown, playback devices 110l and 110m can be paired to produce or enhance the stereo effect of audio content. In this example, playback device 110l can be configured to play back the left channel audio component, while playback device 110k can be configured to play back the right channel audio component. In some implementations, this stereo pairing may be referred to as "pairing".

[0098] Furthermore, the bundled playback device may have additional and / or different corresponding speaker drivers. For example... Figure 1J As shown, a playback device 110h named "front" can be paired with a playback device 110i named "sub". The front device 110h can be configured to display a mid-to-high frequency range, while the sub device 110i can be configured to display low frequencies. However, when not paired, the front device 110h can be configured to display the entire frequency range. As another example, Figure 1K The diagram also shows a front device 110h and a sub-device 110i, respectively bound to the left playback device 110j and the right playback device 110k. 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 bound playback devices 110h, 110i, 110j, and 110k can form a single D-zone (…). Figure 1M ).

[0099] The merged playback devices may not have assigned playback responsibilities, but each can present the full range of audio content that the respective playback device is capable of providing. 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 frequency range of audio content that each respective playback device 110a and 110n is capable of processing.

[0100] In some embodiments, the NMD is paired with or merged with another device to form a zone. For example, the NMD 120b may be paired with the playback device 110e, and together they form zone F, referred to as the living room. In other embodiments, a standalone network microphone device may be in its own zone. However, in other embodiments, a standalone network microphone device may not be associated with a zone. Additional details regarding associating a network microphone device and a playback device as a designated or default device can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, which was previously cited.

[0101] Individual, bundled, and / or merged devices can be grouped together to form partitions. For example, see reference. Figure 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 through I. Areas A through I can be grouped and ungrouped in various ways. For example, three, four, five, or more (e.g., all) of areas A through I can be grouped together. When grouped, the areas of the individual and / or bundled playback devices can play back audio synchronously with each other, as described in the 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 back audio content.

[0102] In various implementations, a region within an environment can be the default name of a region within a group or a combination of region names within a region group. For example, region group 108b could be assigned a name such as "Restaurant + Kitchen". Figure 1M As shown. In some embodiments, the block group can be assigned a unique name chosen by the user.

[0103] Some data can be stored as one or more state variables in the memory of the playback device (e.g., Figure 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, so that one or more devices have the latest data associated with the system.

[0104] In some embodiments, the memory may store instances of various variable types associated with a state. Variable instances may be stored along with identifiers (e.g., tags) corresponding to the type. For example, some identifiers may be a first type "a1" for identifying playback devices in a zone, a second type "b1" for identifying playback devices that can be bound to a zone, and a third type "c1" for identifying the zone group to which the zone may belong. As a related example, an identifier associated with secondary bedroom 101c may indicate that the playback device is the only playback device in zone C and is not in a zone group. An identifier associated with the study may indicate that the study is not grouped with other zones, but includes bound playback devices 110h to 110k. An identifier associated with the dining room may indicate that the dining room is part of the dining room + kitchen zone group 108b and that devices 110b and 110d are grouped (…). Figure 1L Since the kitchen is part of the dining room + kitchen area group 108b, identifiers associated with the kitchen can indicate the same or similar information. Other example area variables and identifiers are described below.

[0105] In yet another example, the media playback system 100 may represent other associated variables or identifiers for zones and zone groups, such as identifiers associated with zones, like... Figure 1M As shown. A region can involve blocks and / or clusters of blocks that are not within a single block. For example, Figure 1M An upper zone 109a comprising zones A through D and a lower zone 109b comprising zones E through I are shown. In one aspect, a zone can be used to invoke a group of zones and / or a cluster of zones that share another cluster. In another aspect, this differs from a group of zones that does not share a zone with another group of zones. Further examples of techniques for implementing zones can be found, for example, 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.” Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 may not implement zones, in which case the system may not store variables associated with zones.

[0106] III. Example Systems and Devices

[0107] Figure 2A This is a front isometric view of the playback device 210 configured according to aspects of the disclosed technology. Figure 2B This is a front isometric view of the playback device 210 without the grille 216e. Figure 2C This is an exploded view of playback device 210. Please refer to it. Figures 2A to 2C The playback device 210 includes a housing 216, which includes an upper portion 216a, a right side portion or first side portion 216b, a lower portion 216c, a left side portion or second side portion 216d, a grille 216e, and a rear portion 216f. Multiple fasteners 216g (e.g., one or more screws, rivets, clips) attach a frame 216h to the housing 216. A cavity 216j within the housing 216 ( Figure 2C The frame 216h is configured to receive the frame 216h and the electronic equipment 212. The frame 216h is configured to carry multiple transducers 214 (in... Figure 2B Each of these is individually identified as transducer 214a to 214f. Electronic device 212 (e.g., Figure 1C The electronic device 112 is configured to receive audio content from an audio source and send an electrical signal corresponding to the audio content to a transducer 214 for playback.

[0108] Transducer 214 is configured to receive electrical signals from electronic device 112 and is also configured to convert the received electrical signals into audible sound during playback. For example, transducers 214a to 214c (e.g., tweeters) can be configured to output high-frequency sound (e.g., sound waves with frequencies greater than about 2 kHz). Transducers 214d to 214f ​​(e.g., mid-range woofers, woofers, mid-range speakers) can be configured to output sound at frequencies lower than those of transducers 214a to 214c (e.g., sound waves with frequencies lower than about 2 kHz). In some embodiments, playback device 210 includes... Figures 2A to 2C The transducers shown are different from multiple transducers. For example, see the following reference. Figures 3A to 3C In more detail, playback device 210 may include fewer than six transducers (e.g., one, two, or three). However, in other embodiments, playback device 210 includes more than six transducers (e.g., nine or ten). Furthermore, in some embodiments, all or some of the transducers 214 are configured as phased arrays to ideally adjust (e.g., narrow or widen) the radiation pattern of the transducers 214, thereby altering the user's perception of sound emitted from playback device 210.

[0109] exist Figures 2A to 2CIn the illustrated embodiment, filter 216i is axially aligned with transducer 214b. Filter 216i can be configured to ideally attenuate a predetermined frequency range of the output of transducer 214b to improve the sound quality and perceived sound level of the combined output of transducers 214. However, in some embodiments, 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 one other transducer in transducers 214.

[0110] In some examples, playback device 210 may be configured as a portable playback device (e.g., an ultra-portable playback device) that includes an internal power supply. Figure 2D An example housing 241 of such a portable playback device is shown. As shown, the housing 241 of the portable playback device includes a user interface in the form of a control area 242 at the top 244 of the housing 330. The control area 242 may include capacitive touch sensors for controlling audio playback, volume levels, and other functions. The housing 241 of the portable playback device may be configured to engage with a charging dock 246 connected to an external power source via a cable 248. The charging dock 246 may be configured to provide power to the portable playback device to recharge its internal battery. In some examples, the charging dock 246 may include a group of one or more conductive contacts (not shown) located on the top of the charging dock 246 that engage with conductive contacts (not shown) on the bottom of the housing 241. In other examples, the charging dock 246 may provide power to the portable playback device from the cable 248 without using conductive contacts. For example, the charging dock 246 may wirelessly charge the portable playback device via one or more induction coils integrated into each of the charging dock 246 and the portable playback device.

[0111] In some examples, the playback device 210 may take the form of wired and / or wireless headphones (e.g., ear-hook headphones, on-ear headphones, or in-ear headphones). For example, Figure 2E An example housing 250 for an implementation of such a playback device 210 is shown. As shown, the housing 250 includes a headband 252 that couples a first earphone 254a to a second earphone 254b. Each of the earphones 254a and 254b may house any portion of the electronic components in the playback device, such as one or more speakers and one or more microphones. In some cases, the housing 250 may surround or carry one or more microphones. Furthermore, one or more of the earphones 254a and 254b may include a control area 258 for controlling audio playback, volume levels, and other functions. The control area 258 may include any combination of capacitive touch sensors, buttons, switches, and dials. Figure 2DAs shown, housing 250 may also include ear pads 256a and 256b, respectively coupled to earphones 254a and 254b. Ear pads 256a and 256b may provide soft barriers between the user's head and earphones 254a and 254b, respectively, to improve user comfort and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surrounding environment (e.g., passive noise cancellation (PNR)). In some embodiments, wired and / or wireless earphones may be ultra-portable playback devices powered by internal energy and weighing less than 50 ounces.

[0112] In some examples, playback device 210 may take the form of an in-ear headphone device. It should be understood that playback device 210 may also take the form of other wearable devices separate from and spaced apart from the headphones. Wearable devices may include those configured to be worn around a part of a subject (e.g., head, neck, torso, arm, wrist, fingers, leg, ankle, etc.). For example, playback device 210 may take the form of a pair of glasses including a front portion of a frame (e.g., configured to hold one or more lenses), a first temple rotatably coupled to the front portion of the frame, and a second temple rotatably coupled to the front portion of the frame. In this example, the glasses may include one or more transducers integrated into at least one of the first and second temples and configured to project sound to the subject's ear.

[0113] While specific implementations of the playback device and network microphone device have been described herein, various configurations of the device exist, including but not limited to devices without a UI, microphones in different locations, multiple microphone arrays positioned in different arrangements, and / or any other configuration suitable for the requirements of a given application. For example, the UI and / or microphone arrays may be implemented in playback devices and / or computing devices other than those described herein. Furthermore, although a specific example of playback device 210 has been described with reference to MPS 100, those skilled in the art will recognize that the playback device described herein can be used in a variety of different environments, including (but not limited to) environments with more and / or fewer elements, without departing from the invention. Similarly, the MPS described herein can be used with a variety of different playback devices.

[0114] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are, respectively, a front isometric side view and a right isometric side view of the NMD 320 configured according to embodiments of the disclosed technology. Figure 3C This is an exploded view of the NMD 320. Figure 3D yes Figure 3B This is an enlarged view of a portion of the NMD 320 user interface 313. First refer to... Figures 3A to 3CThe NMD 320 includes a housing 316, which includes an upper portion 316a, a lower portion 316b, and a middle portion 316c (e.g., a grille). Multiple ports, holes, or apertures 316d in the upper portion 316a allow sound to pass through one or more microphones 315 located within the housing 316. Figure 3C One or more microphones 315 are configured to receive sound via aperture 316d and generate electrical signals based on the received sound. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 316e of the housing 316 ( Figure 3C Surrounding cavities 316f and 316g, which are configured to respectively house a first transducer 314a (e.g., a tweeter) and a second transducer 314b (e.g., a mid-range woofer, a mid-range speaker, and a woofer). However, in other embodiments, the NMD 320 includes a single transducer or more than two (e.g., two, five, or six) transducers. In some embodiments, the NMD 320 omits transducers 314a and 314b entirely.

[0115] Electronic equipment 312 ( Figure 3C This includes components configured to drive transducers 314a and 314b, and is also configured to analyze audio information corresponding to electrical signals generated by one or more microphones 315. In some embodiments, for example, electronic device 312 includes the components referenced above. Figure 1C The electronic device 112 described includes many or all of its components. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 includes the components referenced above. Figure 1F The components described include, for example, one or more processors 112a, memory 112b, software components 112c, network interface 112d, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 includes additional suitable components (e.g., proximity sensors or other sensors).

[0116] refer to Figure 3DThe user interface 313 includes multiple control surfaces (e.g., buttons, knobs, capacitive surfaces), including a first control surface 313a (e.g., previous control), a second control surface 313b (e.g., next control), and a third control surface 313c (e.g., playback and / or pause control). A fourth control surface 313d is configured to receive touch input corresponding to the activation and deactivation of one or more microphones 315. A first indicator 313e (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or another suitable illuminator) may be configured to illuminate only when one or more microphones 315 are activated. A second indicator 313f (e.g., one or more LEDs) may be configured to remain constantly lit during normal operation and flash or otherwise change from constantly lit to indicate detected voice activity. 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, omitting the second indicator 313f. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the NMD 320 includes a playback device and a control device, and the user interface 313 includes a user interface for the control device.

[0117] Let's refer to each other. Figures 3A to 3D The NMD 320 is configured to receive voice commands from one or more adjacent users via one or more microphones 315. (As mentioned above...) Figure 1B As described, one or more microphones 315 can acquire, capture, or record sound in the vicinity (e.g., an area within 10m or less of the NMD 320) and transmit electrical signals corresponding to the recorded sound to an electronic device 312. The electronic device 312 can process the electrical signals and 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, after detecting one or more appropriate voice commands, the NMD 320 is configured to transmit a portion of the recorded audio data to another device and / or a remote server (e.g., Figure 1B One or more computing devices 106 are used for further analysis. The remote server can analyze the audio data, determine the appropriate action based on the voice command, and send a message to the NMD 320 to execute the appropriate action. For example, a user can say, "Sonos, play Michael Jackson." The NMD 320 can record the user's voice utterance via one or more microphones 315, determine the presence of the voice command, and send the audio data containing the voice command to the remote server (e.g., ...). Figure 1BOne or more remote computing devices 106, one or more servers of VAS, and / or another suitable server. The remote server can analyze the audio data and determine the 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 audio content related to Michael Jackson from the media content source. As mentioned above... Figure 1B As described, suitable content sources may include those via a LAN (e.g., Figure 1B Network 104) communication devices or storage, remote servers (e.g.,) are grounded and coupled to the NMD 320. Figure 1B One or more remote computing devices 106, etc. However, in some embodiments, the NMD 320 determines and / or executes one or more actions corresponding to one or more voice commands without the intervention or participation of external devices, computers, or servers.

[0118] Figure 3E This is a functional block diagram illustrating additional features of the NMD 320 according to aspects of this disclosure. The NMD 320 includes components configured to facilitate voice command capture, including a voice activity detector component 312k, a beamformer component 312l, an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) and / or self-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). Figure 3E In the illustrated embodiments, the aforementioned components 312k to 312o are shown as separate components. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the components 312k to 312o are sub-components of the processor 112a.

[0119] Beamforming and self-speech suppression components 312l and 312m are configured to detect audio signals and determine aspects of the speech input represented in the detected audio signals, such as direction, amplitude, spectrum, etc. A speech activity detector (AEC) component 312k is operatively coupled to beamforming component 312l and AEC component 312m and is configured to determine the direction and / or multiple 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, the energy within the speech band relative to background noise and the entropy within the speech band, which is a measure of spectral structure. As those skilled in the art will understand, speech typically has an entropy lower than that of most common background noise.

[0120] The activation word detector component 312n is configured to monitor and analyze received audio to determine the presence of any activation words (e.g., wake words) in the received audio. The activation word detector component 312n can use an activation word detection algorithm 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 can use their algorithms for 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 ALEXA®, Apple's SRI®, or Microsoft's CORTANA®) can each use different activation words to invoke their respective voice services. To support multiple services, the activation word detector 312n can run the received audio in parallel for each supported speech service using the activation word detection algorithm.

[0121] 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 be tuned to a speech processing algorithm for a specific speech profile. Tuning to a specific speech profile may require less computationally intensive algorithms compared to traditional voice activity services, which typically sample from a broad user base and diverse requests not targeted at media playback systems.

[0122] Figure 3F This is a schematic diagram of example voice input 328 captured by an NMD 320 according to aspects of this disclosure. Voice input 328 may include an activation word portion 328a and a speech utterance portion 328b. In some embodiments, the activation word 328a may be a known activation word associated with AMAZON's ALEXA®, such as "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 upon detecting the activation word portion 328a. Additionally or alternatively, the NMB may output an audible and / or visual response after processing voice input and / or a series of voice inputs.

[0123] The speech portion 328b may include, for example, one or more spoken commands (each identified as a first command 328c and a second command 328e) and one or more spoken keywords (each identified as a first keyword 328d and a second keyword 328f). In one example, the first command 328c may be a command for playing music (e.g., a specific song, album, playlist, etc.). In this example, the keyword may be a region that identifies one or more areas of music to be played (e.g., Figure 1A One or more words (shown in the living room and dining room). In some examples, the speech utterance portion 328b may include other information, such as pauses detected between words spoken by the user (e.g., non-speech periods), such as... Figure 3F As shown. Pauses can be used within the speech utterance section 328b to delineate the location of individual commands, keywords, or other information spoken by the user.

[0124] In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is configured to temporarily reduce the volume of the playing audio content when an activation word portion 557a is detected. The media playback system 100 can restore the volume after processing the voice input 328, such as... Figure 3F As shown. Such a process can be referred to as circumvention, an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0125] Figures 4A to 4D The control device 430 displays the corresponding user interface for various operating states (e.g., Figure 1H A schematic diagram of a control device 130a, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a dedicated control device, an IoT device, and / or another suitable device. The first user interface displays 431a ( Figure 4AThe display area 433a includes a display name (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 area. Group areas 433c and 433d display the corresponding group and / or area name, as well as audio content information of the audio content being played or about to be played in the playback queue of the corresponding group or area. The audio content area 433e includes information related to the audio content in the selected group and / or area (i.e., the group and / or area 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 a second user interface display 431b that includes multiple music services 433g (e.g., Spotify, Tunein Radio, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, TV, Local Music, Line Input) through which the user can browse and select media content for playback via one or more playback devices (e.g., ...). Figure 1A Playback is performed using 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. Figure 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 ( Figure 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 an enlarged version of the graphic representation 433j, media content information 433k (e.g., track name, artist, album), send controls 433m (e.g., play, previous, next, pause, volume), and an indication 433n of the currently selected group and / or zone name.

[0126] Figure 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, play / pause, next, 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.

[0127] Playback area 533b may include media playback system 100 ( Figure 1A and Figure 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 optional icons for managing or configuring playback areas in a media playback system, such as creating bound areas, creating area groups, detaching area groups, renaming area groups, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, a “grouping” icon is provided within each graphical representation of a playback area. The “grouping” icon provided within the graphical representation of a specific area may be optional to bring up an option for selecting 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 “grouping” icon may be provided in the graphical representation of an area group. In the illustrated embodiment, the “grouping” icon may be optional to bring up an option for not selecting one or more areas in the 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 a user interface 531. In some embodiments, the representation of the playback area in playback area region 533b can be dynamically updated when the playback area or region group configuration is modified.

[0128] The playback status area 533c includes a graphical representation of the audio content currently playing, previously played, or scheduled for next playback in the selected playback area or group. The selected playback area or group can be visually distinguished on the user interface, for example, within playback area area 533b and / or playback queue area 533d. The graphical representation may include track name, artist name, album name, album year, track length, and other relevant information that would be useful to the user when controlling the media playback system 100 via the user interface 531.

[0129] 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 played back by that 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 can be used by the playback device in the playback zone or group to locate and / or retrieve the audio item from a local or networked audio content source, possibly for 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 (e.g., internet radio, which may continue playing until stopped), rather than discrete audio items with playback duration. In some embodiments, the playback queue may include Internet radio and / or other streaming audio content items, and is in "use" when the playback zone or zone group is playing these items.

[0130] 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, and a second playback zone, which includes a second playback queue, are grouped together, the created group may have an associated, initially empty playback queue containing audio items from the first playback queue (e.g., if the second playback zone is added to the first playback zone), or containing audio items from the second playback queue (e.g., if the first playback zone is added to the second playback zone), or containing a combination of audio items from both the first and second playback queues. Subsequently, if the created group is ungrouped, the resulting first playback zone may be reassociated with the previous first playback queue, or associated with a new playback queue that is empty, or contains audio items from playback queues associated with a group created before the created group was ungrouped. Similarly, the resulting second playback zone can be reassociated with the previous second playback queue, or with a new playback queue that is empty or contains audio items from the playback queue associated with the block that was created before the block was degrouped.

[0131] Figure 6 This shows the media playback system 100 ( Figures 1A to 1M The message flow diagram for data exchange between devices.

[0132] At step 650a, the media playback system 100 receives an instruction for selected media content (e.g., one or more songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, videos, radio stations) via control device 130a. The selected media content may, for example, include one or more devices connected to the media playback system (e.g., Figure 1C Media items stored locally on the audio source 105, and / or one or more media service servers ( Figure 1B The media items are stored on one or more remote computing devices (106). In response to receiving an instruction to select media content, the control device 130a sends message 651a to the playback device 110a. Figures 1A to 1C This allows you to add the selected media content to the playback queue on playback device 110a.

[0133] At step 650b, playback device 110a receives message 651a and adds the selected media content to the playback queue for playback.

[0134] At step 650c, control device 130a receives input corresponding to a command to play back the selected media content. In response to receiving input corresponding to the command to play back the selected media content, control device 130a sends message 651b to playback device 110a, instructing playback device 110a to play back the selected media content. In response to receiving message 651b, playback device 110a sends message 651c to first computing device 106a, requesting the selected media content. In response to receiving message 651c, first computing device 106a sends message 651d, which includes data corresponding to the requested media content (e.g., audio data, video data, URL, URI).

[0135] At step 650d, playback device 110a receives message 651d containing data corresponding to the requested media content and plays back the associated media content.

[0136] 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 two or more players ( Figure 1MOne of the binding areas of the group. Playback device 110a can receive the selected media content and send all or part of the media content to other devices in the binding area. 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 the selected media content from the first computing device 106a and, in response to a message from playback device 110a, begin playing back the selected media content, causing all devices in the group to play back the selected media content synchronously.

[0137] IV. Wireless power transmission equipment and related systems and methods

[0138] Audio playback devices capable of receiving wireless power offer several distinct advantages over conventional wired equipment. For example, there's no need to hide power lines by running them through walls or under furniture. Wireless power transmission also allows users to more easily reposition devices within their home or room without disconnecting or rewiring power lines. To achieve this, one or more wireless power transmitter devices can be provided near the audio playback device, in which it has a wireless power receiver. 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 the audio output itself). 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 cases, 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.

[0139] 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 that power to operate one or more components of the receiver device (e.g., to power 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 either a transmitter device or a receiver device only.

[0140] 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 and long-range wireless power transmission includes wireless power transmission over a distance greater than about 10 cm (or, in some examples, greater than about 50 cm or greater than about 1 m). For example, in some cases, the wireless power transmitter device and the wireless power receiver device may be separated from each other by at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m during the wireless power transmission.

[0141] 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 propagating from a transmitter device to 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 rectifier antenna), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. Similarly, the wireless power transmitter in this case 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.

[0142] 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, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In this case, both the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver may include conductive coils (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), or rotating armatures on which magnets are carried (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling).

[0143] a. Suitable wireless power transmission equipment components

[0144] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a wireless power transfer (WPT) device 700. In some examples, device 700 may be coupled to a playback device (e.g., Figure 1C Playback device 110a), NMD (e.g., Figure 1F NMD 120a) or other suitable devices, integrated into or included in these devices.

[0145] refer to Figure 7 The WPT device 700 includes one or more processors 702, a network interface 704, and a memory 706. These devices can communicate with the components described above. Figure 1C and Figure 1FThe processor 112a, network interface 112d, and memory 112b described are similar to, identical to, or include these devices. 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.

[0146] The WPT device 700 optionally includes a wired power input port 708, which is configured to be electrically coupled (e.g., via a 110 / 220V wall power supply, USB-C charger, etc.) to a wired power source 710, such as an AC power port or a USB port (e.g., a USB Class A port, USB Class B port, USB Class C port, etc.). The power input port 708 can be coupled (e.g., via a cable) to a household power outlet (e.g., to receive AC power) directly or 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.

[0147] The WPT device 700 also includes an energy storage component 712, which may 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 of the playback device). In this respect, the energy storage component 712 may be a battery with a chemical composition that facilitates recharging, 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 independently on battery power for extended periods without recharging. For example, the battery may have a capacity of 20 watt-hours (Wh), facilitating continuous audio playback for at least 4 hours on battery power. 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.).

[0148] 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.

[0149] The WPT device 700 optionally includes one or more energy harvesters 716. Energy harvesters 716 may include devices configured to obtain electricity from energy sources in the environment, such as solar, thermal, wind, salinity gradients, kinetic, acoustic, etc. For example, energy harvester 716 may include one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert received light into voltage. The WPT device 700 may include any of a variety of energy harvesters 716. Examples of such energy harvesters include photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, micro wind turbines, piezoelectric crystals, electroacoustic transducers, and kinetic energy harvesters.

[0150] 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 device via the receiver 720 and can transmit wireless power to an external receiver device via the transmitter 718, wherein the power circuit 722 controls some or all of the functions associated with these operations.

[0151] The wireless power transmitter 718 may include any component or combination of components capable of transmitting wireless power to an external wireless power receiver device. This wireless power transmission may include medium- or long-range wireless power transmission, for example, configured to provide effective power transmission when the transmitter and receiver are more than about 10 cm apart (or in some examples more than about 50 cm or more than about 1 m). In various examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 may transmit power via radiation techniques (e.g., 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 from the wireless power transmitter 718 in substantially all directions). In various examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 may include a light source, such as a laser, microwave source, 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 redirect the wireless power. Such steering components may include, for example, one or more lenses, mirrors, directional antennas, or other suitable components.

[0152] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless power transmitter 718 may be configured to transmit wireless power using non-radiative techniques (e.g., electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.)). In this case, 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 thereon carrying a magnet (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of wirelessly receiving power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0153] The wireless power receiver 720 may include any component or structure configured to wirelessly receive power from an external wireless transmitter device (e.g., via inductance, resonance, radiation, etc.). As previously described, such wireless power transmission may include medium- or long-range wireless power transmission, for example, configured to provide effective power transmission when the transmitter and receiver are more than about 10 cm apart (or more than about 50 cm or more than about 1 m in some examples). In various examples, the wireless power receiver 720 may receive power via radiation techniques (e.g., lasers, radio waves, microwaves) or other techniques involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter device to the receiver device. In this case, the wireless power receiver 720 may include an optical receiver, such as a diode, a photovoltaic cell, an antenna (e.g., a rectifier antenna), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

[0154] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless power receiver 720 may be configured to receive wireless power using non-radiative techniques (e.g., electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.)). In this case, 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 thereon carrying a magnet (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of wirelessly receiving power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0155] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The 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 to drive an amplifier and / or an electroacoustic transducer using the power received therefrom, wherein the audio output is 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 can 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.

[0156] In some examples, the power circuit 722 may include battery circuitry that facilitates monitoring of the battery's state. In these examples, the battery circuitry may identify battery state information, including information about one or more of the following: state of charge (SoC), temperature, years of use, and / or internal impedance. The battery circuitry may transmit the battery state information to, for example, a processor 702.

[0157] 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, boost, buck-boost, flyback, or resonant switching regulator circuit. The regulating circuit may include one or more linear voltage regulators, such as low-dropout (LDO) regulators. The regulating circuit may be configured to output one or more fixed DC voltages (e.g., ±5V, ±12V) or AC voltages.

[0158] b. Example of a wireless power unit

[0159] Figure 8 The interaction between power groups is illustrated, which include multiple WPT devices capable of transmitting power and / or data to each other. Figure 8 In the example shown, the group includes a power group coordinator 800 and 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... Figure 7 The WPT device 700 describes some or all of the components. In some examples, some or all of these devices may include or may 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).

[0160] As used herein, a "power group" may include two or more devices configured to wirelessly transmit power therebetween. In the example shown, coordinator 800 transmits wireless power (e.g., via wireless power transmitter 718) to each of a first power group member 850a and a second power group member 850b. Additionally, the first group member 850a transmits wireless power to the second power group member 850b. In an alternative example, power group coordinator 800 may transmit wireless power to fewer members than all members in the wireless power group, wherein one or more group members 850 transmit power to other group members 850, such that wireless power is received from or transmitted to at least one other device in the group.

[0161] In the example shown, the power group coordinator 800 does not include a wireless power receiver 720 and is connected to wired power 710. However, in other cases, the power group coordinator 800 may not be connected to wired power 710 and may be powered itself solely via wireless power transmission and / or energy harvesting. In some examples, one or more power group members 850 may be connected to wired power as an alternative to or supplement to receiving wireless power from other group members.

[0162] As used herein, a "power group coordinator" may include a wireless power transfer device configured to send instructions to one or more power group members to initiate, stop, or modulate wireless power transfers between them. For example, a power group coordinator may cause a first power group member 850a to initiate a wireless power transfer to a second power group member 850b. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, in some examples, wireless power transfers may be initiated, stopped, or modified based on multiple parameters, such as the device's battery level, the level or rate of wireless power received at the device, audio playback 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 transfer within the group and may send instructions to group members accordingly.

[0163] In at least some cases, a power coordinator may not be necessary. In such cases, each wireless power transmission device can independently determine whether, how, and when to send or receive wireless power from any external transmitter or receiver device.

[0164] 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 this case, 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 this case, 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 yet another example, a power group can be formed without any audio playback group, in which case the audio playback group coordinator may not exist.

[0165] V. Example systems and methods for charging the batteries of playback devices

[0166] Systems and methods for charging power storage devices (e.g., batteries of playback devices associated with a media playback system) are disclosed. By using the disclosed systems and methods, the media playback system can employ one or more charging schemes for each battery of one or more playback devices, which can reduce battery degradation and extend battery life compared to conventional methods. The media playback system may include one or more playback devices, including playback devices (e.g., portable devices) having their own at least one power storage device (e.g., a battery) and an accompanying power source, such as a portable USB charger plugged into a socket, a wireless charging dock, a wireless power transfer system configured to wirelessly charge one or more devices (e.g., configured to charge the power storage device according to one or more charging schemes), etc. For example, in conventional systems, each power storage device is charged to its maximum charging capacity at the fastest speed allowed by the hardware and power supply. The disclosed media playback system provides alternative charging schemes configured to reduce the degradation of power storage devices and extend their lifespan. For example, upon receiving instructions to form a group of two or more playback devices for synchronized audio playback, the media playback system can obtain power parameters associated with one or more playback devices, such as the power level, age and / or temperature of each power storage device, the charging rate associated with its current charging scheme, the playback responsibilities of each playback device in the group, and the capabilities of each playback device in the group (e.g., peak power performance, ability to play low-frequency content), etc. If the playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, the power parameters may include power indications received via one or more energy harvesters, the rate at which the one or more energy harvesters can harvest energy, etc. These power parameters may be sent by the playback device itself to one or more other playback devices via one or more network interfaces. In another example, the power parameters are obtained via a separate computing device (e.g., a server that stores or otherwise maintains information about the power parameters of playback devices, controller devices (e.g., remote controls, smartphones, tablets, etc.), IoT devices, power supplies, etc.). Based on one or more of these power parameters, the media playback system can identify one or more other charging schemes for each device and configure the playback device to charge according to the corresponding charging scheme. For example, a charging scheme could reduce the target charging level of one of the power storage devices to a level smaller than its maximum charging capacity. As another example, a charging scheme could charge different power storage devices at different charging rates, such that a playback device with a lower power storage level charges faster than a playback device with a higher power storage level, and / or such that the power storage levels of each playback device reach their respective threshold charging levels substantially simultaneously.After identifying one or more charging schemes, the media playback system can adopt the identified charging scheme by, for example, modifying the current charging scheme of the playback device, replacing one charging scheme with another, combining and / or scheduling multiple charging schemes. Subsequently, the media playback system can revert from one charging scheme to a previous charging scheme by, for example, modifying or replacing the charging scheme. For instance, upon receiving an instruction to cancel a grouping of one or more playback devices, the media playback system can revert the charging scheme of one or more playback devices to a previous charging scheme, such as a previously replaced or modified charging scheme.

[0167] In one charging scheme, the battery is charged at a fixed charging rate to a certain threshold or target charging level (e.g., a predetermined capacity percentage, such as 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, 100%, etc.). The fixed charging rate can be a predetermined charging rate based on the battery itself, such as a recommended charging rate provided by the battery and / or playback device manufacturer, a charging rate provided by a testing or rating agency, or a charging rate controlled by the hardware capacity of the corresponding device and charger. Recommended charging rates provided by manufacturers, testing agencies, etc., can be included as part of a "recommended charging rate range," which corresponds to the range of charging rates that will cause the least performance degradation to the battery. In some cases, the media playback system can query the playback device for a recommended charging rate or a recommended charging rate range. In some examples, the media playback system can query one or more remote computing devices to request a recommended charging rate or a recommended charging rate range. In some examples, the recommended charging rate or recommended charging rate range is adjusted or modified based on the battery's age, charging cycles, etc.

[0168] Once the battery reaches a threshold, the charging scheme allows the media playback system to adjust the charging rate to a lower rate or trickle charge rate to maintain the charging level at the threshold. In some cases, the charging scheme includes a minimum battery charge level, such that the battery is only charged when its charge level drops below the minimum charge level. Under this charging scheme, the battery charge is set to be maintained below a certain threshold, exceeding which could damage the battery and accelerate its degradation. Therefore, this charging scheme results in less battery degradation compared to conventional charging methods. In some cases, if the predetermined percentage of charge capacity falls below a certain threshold (e.g., 40%, 60%, etc.), the media playback system notifies one or more users that the corresponding device is only being charged to that threshold, allowing users to choose a different charging scheme, for example, if they are planning to use the playback device without a charger (i.e., when the playback device is not plugged in).

[0169] In another charging scheme, the playback device's battery is charged based on its usage patterns (e.g., usage time, usage method, type of content played, and frequency of connection to the charger). In this way, the media playback system can predict the playback device's battery needs and configure charging accordingly. The system can track usage statistics to determine usage time and method, and use this information to construct and / or select a charging scheme for the playback device. For example, the playback device might be used regularly each weekday from 6 PM to 8 PM, consuming an average of 950 mAh of battery power during this period. In this case, the system can anticipate that the playback device's battery will require approximately 950 mAh at 6 PM each weekday, allowing for use during a two-hour window. Therefore, a media playback system can be structured and employ a charging scheme that charges the playback device's battery to a smaller of the following values: a) a predetermined percentage of the playback device's average consumption during a usage window (i.e., 110%, 120%, 150% in this example) or b) a predetermined threshold of the battery's maximum capacity, and then switches to a charging rate sufficient to maintain that target charging level (e.g., a low recommended charging rate or trickle charging rate). In some cases, the predetermined percentage of the playback device's average consumption is determined by analyzing usage statistics (over the past week, month, year, etc.), constructing one or more distributions (e.g., normal distribution) based on the usage statistics, such as start time and duration, and calculating the target charging level based on distribution parameters (e.g., mean, variance, standard deviation, etc.) (e.g., 1.5 standard deviations above the average consumption value above a specific start time (e.g., 950 mAh, etc.). In some cases, media playback systems use machine learning techniques to build predictive models (e.g., predictive models, time series models, etc.) that predict when and for how long the playback device will be used, and how much power that usage will require. Based on this information, the media playback system can build and / or adopt charging schemes that provide sufficient power for the predicted usage window. Furthermore, the media playback system can monitor the performance of the predictive model and return this information to the model to improve its performance over time. For example, the media playback system can periodically update the model's training set using usage information and indications, such as whether the power provided for the expected usage window is insufficient, sufficient, or excessive.For example, if a media playback system determines that a playback device is periodically returned to the charger (e.g., plugged in) before the end of its expected usage window, and that the battery level is at or near a predetermined threshold (e.g., 0%, 5%, 15%), the media playback system can provide data to a prediction model indicating an insufficient predicted battery level. The prediction model can then be updated (e.g., retrained) to reflect this new information. Under this charging scheme, the battery level remains relatively low, but provides sufficient power for the device to be used during the expected usage window. Therefore, this charging scheme results in less battery degradation compared to conventional charging methods.

[0170] In some cases, media playback systems include a set of devices configured to synchronously play back the same media content. A user planning to use these playback devices for an event may find herself wanting to charge each device when the event is anticipated. However, each device may be at a different charging level, and the amount of time required to charge using conventional charging techniques will also differ. Alternatively, the devices may have the same or substantially the same charging level, but one of the devices may have a completely different battery state, causing at least one device to charge at a significantly different rate than one or more of the other devices.

[0171] In this arrangement, the media playback system can employ a charging scheme based on the playback devices and their corresponding batteries within the group. For example, if two or more playback devices are grouped together, the media playback system can employ a charging scheme for each playback device, configured to charge each playback device's battery to a target charging level within a target time. In some examples, the media playback system can query the current battery state of each playback device (e.g., current charge level, current charge rate, maximum charge rate, safe or recommended charge rate range, maximum capacity, temperature, battery life, battery lifespan, battery charge cycles, etc.) and determine how long each playback device's battery will require to charge at or near its maximum recommended charge rate (e.g., to reach the target charging level). After determining this, the media playback system can identify the playback device whose battery will require the maximum amount of charging time, determine the time it will take for that battery to reach its target charging level, and then employ a charging scheme for each playback device such that the batteries of each playback device are charged substantially simultaneously (e.g., reaching the target charging level). Under this charging scheme, the batteries of the playback devices in the group are not charged to their target charging level at a potentially damaging rate; instead, they can wait for the batteries of other playback devices in the group to charge to their target charging level. Therefore, this charging scheme reduces battery degradation across the entire group compared to conventional charging methods. The media playback system can periodically poll the playback devices and update the charging scheme to proactively or dynamically respond to changes in the playback devices within the group. In some cases, the media playback system allows users to override the charging schemes of one or more playback devices to charge their batteries faster, for example, by selecting different charging schemes (e.g., the charging scheme described herein or a conventional charging scheme). In this way, the batteries of grouped playback devices can be configured to be charged according to the same or different charging schemes.

[0172] In some examples, the playback device may include systems or mechanisms for harvesting or otherwise receiving energy from alternative sources, such as electromagnetic energy harvesting (e.g., solar energy, radio frequency (RF), induction, etc.), mechanical energy harvesting (e.g., piezoelectric, vibration, torsion, etc.), and thermodynamic energy harvesting (e.g., heat, chemical reactions, etc.). In some examples, alternative sources may include one or more wireless power sources, as described above regarding... Figure 7 and Figure 8One or more examples are discussed. Charging schemes can utilize these energy harvesting systems by charging the battery to a certain threshold or target charging level (e.g., a predetermined capacity percentage, such as 30%, 45%, 50%, 85%, etc.) and allowing the remaining capacity to be charged via energy harvesting sources (e.g., solar panels), wireless charging devices, etc. As discussed above, a media playback system can track device usage statistics, including when alternative energy harvesting systems are able to harvest energy (e.g., during the daytime for solar panels; during the user's daily commute or exercise for kinetic energy systems), and charge the corresponding battery to the target charging level before the alternative energy harvesting period, based on, for example, the average energy that the harvesting system is able to harvest during that period. Under this charging scheme, the playback device's battery can utilize slower and / or safer alternative energy sources, thereby extending battery life and reducing battery charging-related costs compared to conventional charging methods. Similarly, media playback systems can employ charging schemes based on the time of day or the time of day when electricity usage is low, for example, scheduling battery charging when electricity rates are low, which is determined, for example, by a pricing plan provided by a utility company or service provider.

[0173] In some cases, media playback systems extend the battery life of playback devices by altering the playback responsibilities of one or more playback devices. For example, if a playback device's battery is low (e.g., below a predetermined charge level threshold), the media playback system can determine whether any playback responsibilities of that device can be offloaded to another device, adjusted (e.g., turned off, lowered, reconfigured, etc.). To reduce the power consumption of playback devices, the media playback system can reduce the playback of audio content, including frequencies below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 100Hz, 300Hz), by, for example, sending instructions to the playback device to reduce the playback of frequencies below a predetermined threshold. As those skilled in the art will understand, frequencies associated with bass (approximately 250Hz or lower) and the low-midrange range (e.g., between approximately 250Hz and approximately 500Hz) typically consume more power to reproduce than frequencies in other ranges (e.g., above approximately 500Hz). To conserve battery power, the media playback system and / or playback device can adjust the playback device's auto-tuning functions, dynamic equalization, sampling rate used for analyzing playback or sound quality, etc. As another example, the microphone associated with the playback device can be disabled or periodically turned on and off to reduce power consumption.

[0174] As another example, playback devices can switch communication technologies from those requiring more power to those requiring less power (e.g., from WiFi to Bluetooth) to extend battery life. In some cases, media playback systems can offload these functions or responsibilities (or a portion thereof) to another device (or multiple devices), such as a playback device currently charging or with a higher charge level. For example, if the battery of a pair of headphones falls below a certain threshold charge level, the media playback system can switch playback from the headphones to another device, and vice versa. The media playback system can alert the user before this switch to avoid switching playback from headphones to a quiet room, or from speakers to headphones during a party, etc. Playback devices can be configured to make these adjustments automatically when their batteries reach a predetermined charge threshold. In this way, the disclosed media playback system reduces the power consumption of playback devices with the least remaining battery power and / or playback time, thereby extending the playback time of these playback devices and prolonging the user's enjoyment of the media playback system compared to conventional methods. In some examples, the portable playback device can identify a wired playback device in the same area or room or an adjacent area or room (or possibly another battery-powered device with a higher power level) and automatically switch playback to that device based on the portable playback device's power level.

[0175] Figures 9 to 11 Example methods according to the present technology are illustrated. Methods 900, 1000, and 1100 can be implemented by any device described herein or any other device now known or developed hereafter. Various embodiments of methods 900, 1000, and 1100 include one or more operations, functions, or actions illustrated by the respective blocks. Although the blocks are shown in a sequential order, these blocks may also be executed in parallel, and / or in an order different from that disclosed and described herein. Furthermore, based on the desired implementation, the blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into more blocks, and / or removed.

[0176] Furthermore, for methods 900, 1000, and 1100, and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts illustrate the possible implementations of functionality and operation in some embodiments. In this respect, each block may represent a component, module, segment, or portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by one or more processors for implementing a specific logical function or step in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer-readable medium, such as storage devices including disks or hard disk drives. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as tangible non-transitory computer-readable media for short-term data storage, such as register memory, processor cache, and random access memory (RAM). Computer-readable media may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary storage or persistent long-term storage devices, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical discs or disks, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Computer-readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage system. Computer-readable media can be considered as computer-readable storage media, such as tangible storage devices. Furthermore, for these methods and other processes and methods disclosed herein, Figures 9 to 11 Each box in the diagram can represent a circuit that is connected to perform a specific logical function in the process.

[0177] Figure 9 An example method 900 for updating a charging scheme for one or more playback devices, according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown. References Figure 9 Method 900 begins at box 905 and relates to identifying devices. For example, a media playback system may identify devices by accessing a roster or list of devices associated with a set of playback devices. As another example, the playback system may identify playback devices approaching the media playback system based on determinations that the media playback system and playback devices are communicatively coupled via a public local area network, based on determinations that they are in direct wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, Ultra Wideband (UWB), etc.), based on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), based on the detection of audible chirps emitted by one device and one or more microphones of another device, or any other suitable method.

[0178] In boxes 910 through 925, the media playback system iterates through each identified device to determine the appropriate charging scheme for that device and configures the device to be charged according to that scheme. In box 915, the media playback system determines the charging scheme for the currently selected device. The charging scheme can be a regular charging scheme, a charging scheme selected by the user via, for example, a controller device in response to a prompt (e.g., the charging scheme described herein), etc. In some cases, the charging scheme can be automatically determined based on parameters of the currently selected device, the device's usage history, etc. For example, if the battery charge level of the currently selected device is below one or more charging thresholds, the media playback system can select a charging scheme such that the battery of the currently selected device is charged at a predetermined charging rate associated with the corresponding charging threshold. As another example, a charging scheme can be selected that attempts to charge the battery of the currently selected device to a predetermined capacity percentage (e.g., 55%, 80%, 90%, 95%, etc.) within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, etc.) and then charges the device at a predetermined charging rate (e.g., a low recommended charging rate, a trickle charging rate, etc.). As another example, a charging scheme can be selected to charge the battery of the currently selected device as slowly as possible. In box 920, the media playback system configures the currently selected device to charge according to the selected charging scheme, for example, by sending an instruction to the device to select the charging scheme, or by periodically sending charging instructions to the device according to a charging schedule or trip associated with the charging scheme. In box 925, if any identified remaining devices exist, the media playback system loops back to box 910 to select the next device; otherwise, the media playback system continues at box 930.

[0179] In box 930, the media playback system receives instructions for forming a group of playback devices. These instructions may come from the user, from the playback devices, or be automatically generated by the media playback system itself when it determines that two or more playback devices are close together (e.g., connected to the same network, in the same room, etc.). In box 935, the media playback system invokes the enumeration device components of the media playback system (e.g., see below for reference). Figure 10The described method (1000) obtains a list of devices within a group and determines various attributes about these devices, such as the charging level or other parameters associated with each device. In boxes 940-955, the media playback system iterates through each enumerated device to update the charging scheme for each device as appropriate. In decision box 945, if it is necessary to modify or change the charging scheme of the currently selected enumerated device, the media playback system continues at box 950; otherwise, the media playback device continues at box 955. For example, if the instructions for forming the group include time parameters (e.g., date, time, etc.), the media playback system can select a charging scheme for each device that brings the device to a predetermined charging level within a time specified or determined by the time parameters. As another example, as discussed above, the media playback system can identify the device in the group whose battery was last charged (i.e., reached a predetermined charging level) and charge the battery of each other device such that each playback device is charged substantially simultaneously. In box 950, the media playback system configures the currently selected device to charge according to the newly selected or modified charging scheme. In box 955, if any remaining enumerated devices exist, the media playback device loops back to box 940 to select the next enumerated device; otherwise, method 900 completes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many events can prompt a media playback system or device to update or modify its charging scheme, such as alarms from the device indicating that its battery level is below or about to fall below a certain charging threshold, manual requests from the user, notifications that the device has been added to or removed from a device or area group, etc. Similarly, a media playback system may periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, etc.) check the status of the playback device to determine if any changes to its charging scheme are necessary.

[0180] Figure 10 An example method 1000 is shown, according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology, for enumerating devices in a media playback system by identifying these devices and confirming various attributes of these devices. Reference Figure 10Method 1000 begins at box 1010, which relates to identifying devices. For example, a media playback system can identify devices by accessing a roster or list of devices associated with a set of playback devices. As another example, a playback system can identify playback devices that are close to the media playback system. In boxes 1020 through 1060, the media playback system iterates through each enumerated device to confirm various attributes of the enumerated device. In box 1030, the media playback system determines the charging level of a device by, for example, querying the charging level (and / or charging capacity) of the playback device or its battery. In box 1040, components determine parameters of the device, such as a recommended charging rate or range associated with the device, a list of features possessed by the device (e.g., hardware features, software features, audio features, etc.), indications of whether and / or how well the device performs certain duties during synchronized playback (e.g., broadcasting audio to the room rather than headphones, bass response, communication with control devices, etc.), performance metrics associated with the device, etc. In box 1050, the media playback system determines the location of a device, such as its geographic location, the room or playback area it is in, its proximity to one or more other devices, etc. In some cases, the media playback system uses UWB and / or acoustic techniques to determine the relative location (e.g., distance and orientation) and / or orientation of the device. The location of a device can affect its playback responsibilities, power requirements, etc. For example, a rear satellite may require less low-frequency content. Similarly, relative location and / or orientation can affect acoustic output related to beamforming, speaker directivity strategies, bass cutoff strategies, etc. In box 1060, if any identified remaining devices exist, the media playback system loops back to box 1020 to select the next device; otherwise, method 1000 returns a list of the identified devices and their corresponding attributes. In some examples, the media playback system may cache or otherwise store the list of enumerated devices (and their corresponding attributes) and invoke it only if the enumerated device component has not been invoked within a previously predetermined time period (e.g., the last five minutes, the last hour, the last day, etc.).

[0181] Figure 11 An example method 1100 for transferring device responsibilities in a media playback system from one device to another, according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology, is illustrated. Method 1100 can be invoked by the media playback system via, for example, a playback device, a controller device, etc., in response to determining that the distinguished device has insufficient power, has been disconnected from a charging source, is in the process of disconnecting from a group of synchronizing devices, or in response to a request from a user. References Figure 11 Method 1100 begins at box 1105, which involves calling the enumeration of device components of the media playback system (e.g., referenced above). Figure 10The described method 1000 identifies devices capable of taking over the functions of the differentiated devices and determines various attributes of these identified devices. In box 1110, the media playback system identifies the features (or player capabilities) of the differentiated devices that can be offloaded by means of, for example, querying the differentiated devices to obtain a list of these features, comparing the features of the differentiated devices with a list of features that can be offloaded or transferred to another device. In some cases, this list is maintained by the media playback system and / or provided by the device manufacturer, third party, etc.

[0182] In boxes 1115-1155, the media playback system iterates through each identified feature (or player capability) of the distinguished devices and attempts to adjust these features or offload their responsibilities to another device. In boxes 1120-1145, the media playback system iterates through each enumerated device. In some cases, the media playback system first ranks the enumerated devices based on their charging level, ability to perform or run the currently selected feature (e.g., based on performance metric attributes identified via the enumerated device components), and then iterates through the enumerated devices in the order of ranking. In decision box 1125, if the media playback system determines that the currently selected feature of the distinguished device can be offloaded to the currently selected enumerated device, the media playback system continues at box 1130; otherwise, the media playback system continues at box 1145. For example, this determination can be made by: querying the currently selected enumeration device to determine if it can perform the currently selected feature; checking the list provided by the enumeration device component to determine if the currently selected enumeration device supports the currently selected feature; determining whether synchronized playback and / or the currently selected feature is location-sensitive; and if so, determining whether the currently selected enumeration device is in a suitable position to perform the currently selected feature, etc. In box 1130, the media playback system sends a request to the currently selected enumeration device to take over the responsibilities of the currently selected feature. In some examples, the media playback system also sends a notification to the user that the user can accept or reject, indicating that the responsibilities of the currently selected feature will be transferred from the distinguished device to the currently selected enumeration device. In decision box 1135, if the request (or multiple requests) is accepted, the media playback system continues at box 1140; otherwise, the media playback system continues at box 1145. In box 1140, the media playback system offloads the currently selected feature to the currently selected enumeration device by, for example, enabling the feature in the currently selected enumeration device, disabling the feature in the distinguished device, transmitting any communication, message, or signal related to the feature to the currently selected enumeration device, notifying other devices of the change in responsibility, etc., and then proceeds to select another feature in box 1155. In some cases, the media playback system may transfer responsibility over a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 5 minutes, etc.) instead of immediately offloading or transferring responsibility. For example, the media playback system may gradually decrease the volume and / or bass output of the distinguished device while increasing the volume and / or bass output of the currently selected enumeration device. In some cases, the media playback system may transfer the responsibility of a feature from the distinguished device to one of the enumeration devices instead of transferring responsibility from the distinguished device to multiple devices. In box 1145, if any remaining enumeration devices exist, the media playback system cycles back to box 1120 to select the next enumeration device.In box 1150, since the distinguished devices cannot offload the responsibility of the currently selected feature (e.g., because none of the enumerated devices can perform or accept the request, the user rejects the request, etc.), the media playback system attempts to adjust the currently selected feature by, for example, turning off the feature or lowering the feature level. In some cases, the media playback system may prompt the user to know that the feature cannot be offloaded and allow the user to choose how to adjust the feature (if any). In box 1155, if any features remain, the media playback loop returns to box 1115 to select the next feature; otherwise, method 1100 completes. In some cases, the media playback system periodically analyzes the available playback devices to determine when one or more batteries of the playback device will reach a predetermined threshold level under the current conditions and attempts to transfer device responsibilities before that time.

[0183] Figures 12A to 12D An example of a device charging scheme based on the disclosed technology is shown. (Reference) Figures 12A to 12D A first playback device 1210a (e.g., a portable playback device such as Sonos Roam) has a first state based on a set of one or more first parameters (e.g., device parameters, playback responsibility, environmental / context parameters, player capability parameters, and / or battery parameters (e.g., current battery level, current charge rate, maximum charge rate, safe or recommended charge rate range, maximum capacity, temperature, battery life, battery lifespan, battery charge cycles, etc.). The battery of the first playback device 1210a receives power from a power source according to a first charging scheme 1280a (e.g., via a power line / cable plugged into a socket, a vehicle power socket, Power over Ethernet (PoE), another battery, one or more other playback devices, an energy harvester, wireless power, etc.). A second playback device 1210b has a second state based on a set of one or more second parameters and receives power from a power source (the same power source as the first playback device, a different power source, and / or a combination thereof) according to a second charging scheme 1280b. Figure 12A In the example shown, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b can operate in a non-grouped state. Alternatively, for example, one or both devices can be members (or coordinators) of different groups and / or binding areas.

[0184] In some examples, the media playback system may receive instructions (e.g., via a control device or via one of the playback devices) to form a new group or bundle consisting of the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b, or to join an existing group or bundle. In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b automatically form a new group or bundle (or join an existing group or bundle) in response to triggers (e.g., detecting proximity of one device to another, detecting proximity of two devices to a third device, detecting a listener, time of day, detecting multi-channel audio, detecting line input at a display device such as a television, etc.).

[0185] Figure 12B The first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b are shown as part of a group and / or a binding area, such that the two devices are configured to output the same media content (or individual channels of the same media content) synchronously or substantially synchronously. Figure 12B The illustration shows a first playback device 1210a configured to charge according to charging scheme 1280c and a second playback device 1210b configured to charge according to charging scheme 1280d. In some examples, charging schemes 1280a and 1280c are the same, and charging schemes 1280b and 1280d are the same. However, in other examples, charging scheme 1280c differs from charging scheme 1280a based on one or more parameters of the first playback device 1210a and / or the second playback device 1210b.

[0186] For example, according to charging scheme 1280a, the first playback device 1210a can be charged to a first target threshold (e.g., 90%) at a first charging rate. Similarly, according to charging scheme 1280b, the second playback device can be charged to a second target threshold (e.g., 95%) at either a first charging rate or another charging rate. When joining a group (or bonding area), charging scheme 1280c can be adjusted to match the second target threshold. In some examples, as described above, charging schemes 1280c and 1280d are updated to reflect different charging levels between the batteries of the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b. For example, the first playback device 1210a may have a first charging level (e.g., 70%), while the second playback device 1210b may have a second charging level (e.g., 30%). In this case, charging according to charging scheme 1280c (instead of charging scheme 1280a) may include adjusting the charging rate of the battery of the first playback device 1210a at a lower rate, such that the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b reach their target threshold substantially simultaneously.

[0187] In some examples, charging scheme 1280c is adjusted to reflect the difference in playback (or other) responsibilities between ungrouped and grouped states in the first playback device 1210a or the second playback device 1210b. For example, the first charging scheme 1280a and the second charging scheme 1280b may have the same (or substantially the same) target charging thresholds (e.g., 90%, 95%, 98%). However, after grouping, a specific playback responsibility can be assigned to the second playback device 1210b such that even if the devices have similar batteries with similar lifespans, it can be predicted that the second playback device 1210b will consume different amounts of power than the first playback device 1210a when grouped or bonded. For example, in some examples, after the devices are grouped, a voice command responsibility can be assigned to the second playback device 1210b such that its onboard voice engine is active. In these scenarios, since operating the voice engine on both devices may be redundant, the voice engine on the first playback device 1210a can be deactivated accordingly. Therefore, charging scheme 1280c may have a first target charging level (e.g., 70%, 80%, 90%) that differs from a second target charging level (e.g., 90%, 95%, 100%) of charging scheme 1280d by an offset (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%), which indicates the difference in power consumption between portable devices with an active voice engine (e.g., second playback device 1210b) and an inactive voice engine (e.g., first playback device 1210a). Conversely, in some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b may periodically change the active voice engine's responsibility such that individual devices do not need to have excessively high target charging levels (e.g., greater than 95%, 98%, or 99%). In some examples, the charging rate of charging scheme 1280c is at least partially based on the offset between the first and second target charging levels.

[0188] In some examples, one or more other parameters of the first playback device 1210a or the second playback device 1210b can lead to adjustments to charging schemes 1280c and / or 1280d. For example, if the second playback device 1210b is designated as the group coordinator and the first playback device 1210a is designated as a group member when entering group mode, charging schemes 1280c and 1280d can be adjusted to reflect the offset between a first target charging level and a second target charging level, which indicates the expected power consumption difference between the group coordinator and the group member.

[0189] In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the third playback device 1210c having a battery charged according to the charging scheme 1280c ( Figure 12CThe devices are grouped (or bundled) together. In some examples, the battery of the third playback device 1210c has a different charging capacity than the battery of the first playback device 1210a. For example, the battery of the first playback device 1210a may have a storage capacity (or alternatively, a target charging level) that is a first percentage of the storage capacity of the third playback device 1210c (e.g., 10%, 25%, 33%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 90%, etc.) (and vice versa). Since the devices are configured for grouped playback, they can be configured to play audio when both devices have sufficient remaining battery power. Therefore, when the devices are grouped together, the charging scheme 1280c can be adjusted such that the target charging level of the third playback device 1210c is approximately a first percentage of the total storage capacity of the batteries of the third playback device 1210c. In some examples, charging scheme 1280c is updated to charge the battery of the third playback device 1210c using a power consumption-based predictive model, such that the batteries of both devices reach their minimum threshold charge levels substantially simultaneously during playback (e.g., 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, etc.). In some examples, individual charging schemes 1280a and 1280c are also adjusted to account for differences in standby power consumption between the devices. Adjusting charging scheme 1280c as described above can allow for a lower target charge level than is typical when the third playback device 1210c is not grouped, which can advantageously result in a slower charging rate, potentially extending battery life. In some examples, charging scheme 1280c can revert to a more typical target charging level and pattern when the devices are not grouped.

[0190] In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b are grouped together with the third playback device 1210c. Figure 12D In one scenario, for example, the battery of the third playback device 1210c has a first percentage (e.g., 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 100%, etc.) of storage capacity that differs from (e.g., is larger) from the batteries on the other devices. Therefore, some tasks / duties that typically consume non-negligible power (e.g., voice command detection, group coordination, audio processing and calibration (e.g., True play), algorithmic media content generation, etc.) can be offloaded to the third playback device 1210c to utilize its larger battery storage capacity. In this case, charging schemes 1280c, 1280d, and 1280f are adjusted such that the predicted battery levels during group playback of all three devices will reach a predetermined minimum substantially simultaneously.

[0191] In some examples, charging scheme 1280f can be adjusted to compensate for additional responsibilities. For example, assuming all three devices have the same responsibility, the media playback system can determine that the target charge levels for the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b are approximately a first percentage (e.g., 95%) and a second percentage (e.g., 95%), respectively, and the target charge level for the third playback device 1210c is approximately 30% (indicating the ratio of the storage capacity of the battery of the third playback device 1210c to that of the first playback device 1210a or the second playback device 1210b). Charging scheme 1280f can be adjusted by one or more additional offsets, including, for example, a first offset and a second offset.

[0192] In some examples, the charging scheme is adjusted by predicting a composite offset that takes into account one or more additional parameters besides the predicted power consumption. In some cases, a "weaker" member with less storage capacity and / or weaker bass capability can have its low-frequency content processing transferred to a "stronger" member (or group coordinator) with greater storage capacity and / or stronger bass capability. Therefore, the charging scheme 1280f can be adjusted to take into account (a) the additional power consumption of the stronger member and (b) the longer expected battery runtime of the weaker member (since certain bass frequencies are no longer needed). In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b offload the processing of low-frequency frequencies below the crossover frequency (e.g., 100Hz, 125Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 300Hz) to the third playback device 1210c, which may result in longer predicted battery operating times for the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, etc.). Therefore, the charging scheme 1280c can be adjusted by taking into account a composite offset of several parameters, including (a) the additional power consumption required for the predicted output of low frequencies to other devices and (b) the predicted additional operating time of other devices. In this scenario, charging scheme 1280c may have a first target charging level (e.g., 35%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 80%) (as a percentage of the total battery storage capacity of the third playback device 1210c), which is adjusted by a predicted composite offset that includes the required additional power consumption plus the additional operating time of other devices. In some examples, the predicted composite offset may be influenced by the type of media content being played back. For example, spoken content (e.g., podcasts, talk shows, sports, social audio, etc.) may be expected to have significantly less low-frequency content than the audio associated with music and / or video content.

[0193] Figures 13A to 13D An example of a device playback session based on the disclosed technology is shown. (See also: [link to related documentation]) Figures 13A to 13D In some examples, when the remaining battery charge of the first playback device 1210a (while charging an external power source) falls below a predetermined minimum threshold percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%), one or more nearby playback devices can be detected, and playback session 1390a can be automatically or manually switched to that playback device. For example, adjacent playback devices 1310a can be detected within a threshold distance (e.g., 1m, 3m, 5m, 10m). Figure 13A The existence of this device allows playback session 1390a to be switched or "exchanged" from the first playback device 1210a to this playback device.

[0194] In some examples, for instance, a playback device with an ongoing playback session can maintain or access playback session data that defines and / or identifies the playback session. Playback session data may include data representing the source of the audio content (e.g., a URI or URL indicating the location of the audio content) and an offset indicating the position within the audio content where playback begins. The offset may be defined as the time from the start of the audio track (e.g., in milliseconds) or the number of samples, etc. In an example implementation, the offset may be set to the playback position within the audio content at the current playback position to allow the target device time to begin buffering the audio content. The source playback device then stops playing the audio content at the offset, and the target playback device begins playing the audio content at the offset. Playback session data may include data representing the source of the audio content (e.g., a URI or URL indicating the location of the audio content) and an offset indicating the position within the audio content where playback begins. The offset may be defined as the time from the start of the audio track (e.g., in milliseconds) or the number of samples, etc. Additional details regarding the exchange or conversion of playback sessions between playback devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,356,777 (titled "Playback Transitions") and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 805,182 (titled "Playback Transitions") (filed February 28, 2020), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0195] In some examples, playback device 1310a includes a wired, external playback device. In other examples, playback device 1310a includes a battery-powered portable device, such as a portable, external playback device, a wearable device (e.g., a pair of headphones or earphones, a smartphone, a tablet computer), etc. Automatically switching playback from the first playback device 1210a to playback device 1310a advantageously allows audio playback to continue even when the battery of the first playback device 1210a is about to be fully discharged. In some examples, when the first playback device 1210a is connected to a power source and its battery level reaches a certain threshold percentage (e.g., 25%, 33%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%), the system will automatically resume playback session 1390a to the first playback device 1210a and stop playback on playback device 1310a.

[0196] In some examples, the system can assign the first portion 1390b ​​of a playback session of the first playback device 1390 to another playback device 1310b (e.g., a subwoofer), instead of transmitting the entire playback session to another device, such as... Figure 13B As shown. For example, the first portion 1390b ​​may include a portion of the spectrum of the playback session that is lower than the first cross frequency (e.g., 100Hz, 125Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz). Allocating the first portion of the spectrum to the playback device 1310b, such that the first playback device 1210a replays audio above the first cross frequency, can reduce the power consumed during playback, thus extending battery life by reducing the charging frequency and charging cycles.

[0197] In some examples, the second part 1390c of the playback session of the first playback device 1210a ( Figure 13CThe first playback device 1310a is assigned a third portion 1390d of the playback session to playback device 1310b. The second portion 1390c may include audio frequencies greater than a second crossover frequency (e.g., 100Hz, 125Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz) that are different from (e.g., smaller than) the first crossover frequency, and the third portion 1390d may include audio frequencies smaller than the second crossover frequency. In some examples, playback device 1310c includes an external speaker (e.g., a soundbar, all-in-one player, etc.) that has greater bass capability than the first playback device 1210a and can be connected to a wall power supply (or has more remaining battery power than the first playback device 1210a). In this case, due to the stronger bass capability and greater power consumption (relative to the first playback device 1210a), a crossover frequency lower than the first crossover frequency can be selected. In some examples, even when the first playback device 1210a is connected to a power source or has a significant amount of remaining power (e.g., greater than 50%), the first playback device 1210a continues to receive audio from an audio source via, for example, Bluetooth or another IEEE 802.15 compliant protocol, physical line input, etc., and sends the audio to playback devices 1310b and 1310c (and / or other devices) without playing back the audio itself (or while playing back the audio). Even when the second part 1390c and the third part 1390d of the playback session are allocated to wired devices while charging, the charging rate required to charge the first playback device 1210a can be minimized, potentially extending its battery life.

[0198] In some examples, instead of assigning the second part 1390c and the third part 1390d to individual devices, the complete playback session 1390a is assigned to one or more other devices, such as playback device 1310c, which delegates the third part 1390d (or another part) of the playback session to playback device 1310b. Figure 13D In some examples, playback device 1310c includes wearable devices.

[0199] Figures 14A to 14C Examples of device charging schemes and / or audio data transmission / relays based on the disclosed technology are shown. References Figures 14A to 14C In some examples, the first playback device 1210a can receive power from one or more other devices via a power transmission link, while also sending and / or receiving audio data from the corresponding devices. The power transmission link includes one or more wires (e.g., thin wires), cables (e.g., power cables, data transmission cables such as Ethernet cables, USB cables, etc.), and / or wireless transmission modes (e.g., those mentioned above). Figure 7 and 8 (The described mode).

[0200] In some examples, a playback device can receive audio data (or other data, such as video data, control data, timing information, etc.) relayed via another playback device, and simultaneously receive power from that other playback device. For example, Figure 14A An example is shown whereby a first playback device 1210a can receive audio data 1492a and power from a third playback device 1210c via a power transmission link 1495a. The playback device 1210c can be configured to relay audio data 1492a via a transmission path (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or another similar low-energy personal area network (PAN)), requiring less power than a conventional transmission path (e.g., via WiFi over a local area network (LAN)). Therefore, the charging scheme of the first playback device 1210a can be adjusted to change one or more parameters (e.g., charging rate, target charging level, etc.), resulting in a lower charging rate and potentially extending battery life.

[0201] In some examples, a single playback device can relay audio data and send power to several other playback devices. For example, Figure 14C An example is shown where playback device 1410b relays audio data 1492c (e.g., left rear surround channel) and audio data 1492d (e.g., right rear surround channel) to first playback device 1210a and second playback device 1210b, respectively. Playback device 1410b also sends power to first playback device 1210a and second playback device 1210b via power transmission links 1495c and 1495d, respectively. In some examples, power transmission links 1495c and 1495d are substantially the same type of power transmission (e.g., wireless power transmission, one or more cables, etc.). In other examples, power transmission links 1495c and 1495d are different types of power transmission links. In some examples, first playback device 1210a receives power from playback device 1410b, while second playback device 1210b receives power from another source (e.g., a wall outlet, another device, energy harvesting, etc.). In some examples, the charging schemes for the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b are adjusted based on the binding zone type (e.g., stereo pair, home theater multi-channel audio (e.g., 5.1, 5.x, 7.1.2, 7.2.4, 9.2.4, 9.4.6), etc.), audio data content, power delivery type, and / or one or more other parameters discussed above.

[0202] In some examples, the playback device can receive power from another device via a power transmission link while simultaneously sending audio data to that other device. For example, Figure 14BAn example is shown where playback device 1210a receives power from device 1410a via power transmission link 1495b (e.g., one or more wires, cables, wireless power transmission modes) while simultaneously sending data 1492b to device 1410a for playback. Figure 14B In the examples shown, device 1410b includes a light source. In some examples, device 1410a includes a playback device with or without a transducer. In some examples, device 1410a includes one or more displays. In some examples, device 1410a includes one or more IoT devices or home appliances. In some examples, device 1410a is a component device of a vehicle (e.g., a car, boat, bus, airplane) and / or integrated into the vehicle. In some examples, at least one of the first playback device 1210a and / or device 1410a includes a wearable device. In operation, the first playback device 1210a receives data 1492b (e.g., audio content, video content, game content, extended reality (e.g., virtual reality, augmented reality, and / or mixed reality) content, timing information, control data, and / or other suitable data described above) and transmits data 1492b to device 1410a. Device 1410a can play back data 1492b while also providing power to the first playback device 1210a. In some examples, for instance, the first playback device 1210a sends data 1492b to device 1410a (e.g., one or more playback devices) for playback, instead of being played back by the first playback device 1210a, to reduce the power consumption of the first playback device 1210a. In some examples, the decision regarding whether to receive power and / or transmit data 1492b via power transmission link 1495b can be based on the charging scheme of the first playback device 1210a. For example, in some examples, if the current charge level of the battery of the first playback device 1210a is approximately a certain percentage (e.g., 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 90%), the first playback device 1210a can stop receiving power and / or relaying data 1492b via power transmission link 1495b. In some examples, the charging scheme is adjusted based on the detection distance between the first playback device 1210a and device 1410a.

[0203] In the examples shown above, the device can be illustrated as an audio playback device. However, in some examples, one or more devices may include other types of devices, including smartphones, tablets, video display devices (e.g., televisions), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., sensors, cameras, microphones, thermostats, light sources, smart doorbells, etc.).

[0204] VI. Conclusion

[0205] The above discussion of wireless power transmission equipment, playback equipment, controller equipment, playback zone configuration, and media / audio content sources provides only some examples of operating environments in which the functions and methods described below can be implemented. Configurations and other operating environments for wireless power transmission equipment, media playback systems, playback devices, and network equipment not explicitly described herein are also applicable and suitable for the implementation of the functions and methods.

[0206] The above description discloses, in particular, various example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of art, including, especially, firmware and / or software executed on hardware. It should be understood that these examples are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is conceivable that any or all of these firmware, hardware, and / or software aspects or components may be implemented specifically in hardware, specifically in software, specifically in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Therefore, the examples provided are not the only ways to implement these systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or articles of art.

[0207] Furthermore, the reference to "embodiment" herein means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0208] This specification is presented primarily in the illustrative context, system, process, steps, logical blocks, handling, and other symbolic representations that are directly or indirectly similar to the operation of data processing devices coupled to a network. These processing descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the art to disseminate their work to others skilled in the art. Various specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be practiced without specific, concrete details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, rather than by the description of the embodiments above.

[0209] When any of the appended claims is understood to cover pure software and / or firmware implementations, at least one element in at least one example is expressly defined herein to include non-transitory tangible media for storing software and / or firmware, such as memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc.

[0210] This technique is illustrated, for example, by referring to the various aspects described below. For convenience, each example of the various aspects of this technique is described as a numbered example. These examples are provided as examples and do not limit this technique. Note that any dependent example can be combined in any way and placed into the corresponding independent example. Other examples may be presented in a similar manner.

[0211] Example 1: A media playback system includes: a first playback device including a first power storage device; a second playback device including a second power storage device; one or more computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions causing the media playback system to perform operations when executed by one or more processors of the media playback system, the operations including: receiving power from a first power source to charge the first power storage device according to a first charging scheme; receiving power from a second power source to charge the second power storage device according to a second charging scheme; receiving instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group including at least the first playback device and the second playback device; obtaining one or more power parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device; modifying the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters after receiving instructions for forming the group; and receiving power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

[0212] Example 2: A media playback system according to any example in this document, wherein the power parameters include one or more of the following: the power level of the first power storage device; the power level of the second power storage device; the service life of the first power storage device; the service life of the second power storage device; the temperature of the first power storage device; the temperature of the second power storage device; the charging rate of the first charging scheme; the charging rate of the second charging scheme; the playback responsibility of the first playback device; the playback responsibility of the second playback device; the player capability parameters of the first playback device; the player capability parameters of the second playback device; or time parameters.

[0213] Example 3: According to any example of the media playback system described in this article, modifying the first charging scheme includes modifying the target charging level of the first power storage device to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first power storage device.

[0214] Example 4: A media playback system according to any example in this document, wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and wherein the one or more power parameters include an indication of receiving power via the one or more energy harvesters.

[0215] Example 5: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the operation further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that a playback device with a lower power storage level charges at a faster rate compared to a playback device with a higher power storage level.

[0216] Example 6: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the operation further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that the first power storage device and the second power storage device reach the threshold charging level substantially simultaneously.

[0217] Example 7: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the operation further includes: synchronously playing back audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device; and modifying the playback based on the one or more power parameters to reduce the amount of audio content with frequencies lower than a predetermined threshold frequency played back at least via the first playback device.

[0218] Example 8: The media playback system according to any of the examples in this document further includes a third playback device, wherein the operation further includes synchronously playing back at least a portion of audio content having a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency via the third playback device.

[0219] Example 9: A media playback system according to any example in this document, wherein the operation further includes: receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme based on the received instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; and after restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme, receiving power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the first charging scheme.

[0220] Example 10: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first playback device includes a first network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0221] Example 11: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes sending data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0222] Example 12: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from a computing device via the first network interface.

[0223] Example 13: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface.

[0224] Example 14: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first power supply is the same as the second power supply.

[0225] Example 15: A media playback system according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first power supply is different from the second power supply.

[0226] Example 16: A method comprising: receiving power from a first power source to charge a first power storage device of a first playback device according to a first charging scheme; receiving power from a second power source to charge a second power storage device of a second playback device according to a second charging scheme; receiving instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group including at least the first playback device and the second playback device; obtaining one or more power parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device; modifying the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters after receiving instructions for forming the group; and receiving power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

[0227] Example 17: The method described according to any example in this document, wherein the power parameters include one or more of the following: the power level of the first power storage device; the power level of the second power storage device; the service life of the first power storage device; the service life of the second power storage device; the temperature of the first power storage device; the temperature of the second power storage device; the charging rate of the first charging scheme; the charging rate of the second charging scheme; the playback responsibility of the first playback device; the playback responsibility of the second playback device; the player capability parameters of the first playback device; the player capability parameters of the second playback device; or the time parameters.

[0228] Example 18: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein modifying the first charging scheme includes modifying the target charging level of the first power storage device to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first power storage device.

[0229] Example 19: The method according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and wherein the one or more power parameters include an indication of receiving power via the one or more energy harvesters.

[0230] Example 20: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that a playback device with a lower power storage level charges at a faster rate compared to a playback device with a higher power storage level.

[0231] Example 21: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that the first power storage device and the second power storage device substantially simultaneously reach the threshold charging level.

[0232] Example 22: The method according to any of the examples in this paper, wherein the operation further includes: synchronously playing back audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device; and modifying the playback based on the one or more power parameters to reduce the amount of audio content with frequencies lower than a predetermined threshold frequency played back at least via the first playback device.

[0233] Example 23: The method according to any of the examples in this article further includes synchronously playing back at least a portion of audio content having a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency via a third playback device.

[0234] Example 24: The method according to any of the examples in this document further includes: receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme based on the received instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; and after restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme, receiving power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the first charging scheme.

[0235] Example 25: The method according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first playback device includes a first network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0236] Example 26: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes sending data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0237] Example 27: The method according to any example in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data from the computing device via the first network interface corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device.

[0238] Example 28: The method according to any example in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface.

[0239] Example 29: The method described according to any of the examples in this article, wherein the first power supply is the same as the second power supply.

[0240] Example 30: The method described according to any of the examples in this paper, wherein the first power source is different from the second power source.

[0241] Example 31: One or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media store instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a media playback system, cause the media playback system to perform operations including: receiving power from a first power source to charge a first power storage device according to a first charging scheme; receiving power from a second power source to charge a second power storage device according to a second charging scheme; receiving instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group including at least the first playback device and the second playback device; obtaining one or more power parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device; modifying the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters after receiving instructions for forming the group; and receiving power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

[0242] Example 32: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the power parameters include one or more of the following: the power level of the first power storage device; the power level of the second power storage device; the service life of the first power storage device; the service life of the second power storage device; the temperature of the first power storage device; the temperature of the second power storage device; the charging rate of the first charging scheme; the charging rate of the second charging scheme; the playback responsibility of the first playback device; the playback responsibility of the second playback device; the player capability parameters of the first playback device; the player capability parameters of the second playback device; or time parameters.

[0243] Example 33: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein modifying the first charging scheme includes modifying the target charging level of the first power storage device to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first power storage device.

[0244] Example 34: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and wherein the one or more power parameters include an indication of receiving power via the one or more energy harvesters.

[0245] Example 35: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that a playback device with a lower power storage level charges at a faster rate compared to a playback device with a higher power storage level.

[0246] Example 36: A computer-readable medium according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the operation further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that the first power storage device and the second power storage device reach a threshold charging level substantially simultaneously.

[0247] Example 37: A computer-readable medium according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the operation further includes: synchronously playing back audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device; and modifying the playback based on the one or more power parameters to reduce the amount of audio content with frequencies lower than a predetermined threshold frequency played back at least via the first playback device.

[0248] Example 38: A computer-readable medium according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the operation further includes synchronously playing back at least a portion of audio content having a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency via a third playback device.

[0249] Example 39: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the operation further includes: receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme based on the received instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; and after restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme, receiving power from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the first charging scheme.

[0250] Example 40: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the first playback device includes a first network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0251] Example 41: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes sending data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0252] Example 42: A computer-readable medium according to any of the examples in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from a computing device via the first network interface.

[0253] Example 43: A computer-readable medium according to any example in the examples herein, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface.

[0254] Example 44: A computer-readable medium according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first power source is the same as the second power source.

[0255] Example 45: A computer-readable medium according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first power source is different from the second power source.

[0256] Example 46: A method comprising: obtaining one or more power parameters associated with at least one of a first playback device and a second playback device, the first playback device receiving power to charge a first power storage device of the first playback device according to a first charging scheme, and the second playback device receiving power to charge a second power storage device of the second playback device according to a second charging scheme; modifying at least the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters; and causing the first playback device to receive power to charge the first power storage device of the first playback device according to the modified first charging scheme.

[0257] Example 47: The method according to Example 46 further includes: receiving instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group including at least the first playback device and the second playback device, and after receiving the instructions for forming the group, causing the first playback device to receive power based on a modified first charging scheme.

[0258] Example 48: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the power parameters include one or more of the following: the power level of the first power storage device, the power level of the second power storage device, the service life of the first power storage device, the service life of the second power storage device, the temperature of the first power storage device, the temperature of the second power storage device, the charging rate of the first charging scheme, the charging rate of the second charging scheme, the playback responsibility of the first playback device, the playback responsibility of the second playback device, the player capability parameters of the first playback device, the player capability parameters of the second playback device, or time parameters.

[0259] Example 49: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein modifying the first charging scheme includes modifying the target charging level of the first power storage device to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first power storage device.

[0260] Example 50: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and wherein the one or more power parameters include an indication of receiving power via the one or more energy harvesters.

[0261] Example 51: The method according to any of the examples in this document further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that a playback device with a lower power storage level charges at a faster rate compared to a playback device with a higher power storage level.

[0262] Example 52: The method according to any of the examples in this document further includes: modifying the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that the first power storage device and the second power storage device reach the threshold charging level substantially simultaneously.

[0263] Example 53: The method according to any of the examples in this document further includes: synchronously playing back audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device, and modifying the playback based on one or more power parameters to reduce the amount of audio content played back via at least the first playback device at frequencies lower than a predetermined threshold frequency.

[0264] Example 54: The method according to any of the examples in this article further includes synchronously playing back at least a portion of audio content having a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency via a third playback device.

[0265] Example 55: The method according to any example in this document further includes: receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme based on the received instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; and after restoring the modified first charging scheme to the first charging scheme, causing the first power storage device to receive power according to the first charging scheme.

[0266] Example 56: The method according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first playback device includes a first network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0267] Example 57: The method according to any example in this document, wherein the second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes sending data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

[0268] Example 58: The method according to any of the examples in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data from the computing device via the first network interface corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device.

[0269] Example 59: The method according to any of the examples in this document, wherein the first power storage device receives power from a first power source, and wherein the second power storage device receives power from a second power source.

[0270] Example 60: The method according to any example in this document, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface.

[0271] Example 61: The method described according to any of the examples in this article, wherein the first power supply is the same as the second power supply.

[0272] Example 62: The method described according to any of the examples in this article, wherein the first power source is different from the second power source.

[0273] Example 63: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein causing the power storage device to receive power includes causing the power storage device to receive power via wireless power charging.

[0274] Example 64: The method according to any example in the examples herein, wherein modifying the at least first charging scheme includes modifying the at least first charging scheme based on at least one of usage history and a prediction model trained to predict the desired charging level.

[0275] Example 65: A media playback system includes: a first playback device including a first power storage device; a second playback device including a second power storage device; and one or more computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors of the media playback system, cause the media playback system to perform the method according to any of the examples herein.

[0276] Example 66: One or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storage instructions, when executed by one or more processors of a media playback system, cause at least one device of the media playback system to perform the method according to any of the examples herein.

Claims

1. A method for charging an electrical storage device, comprising: Receive power from a first power source to charge a first power storage device of the first playback device according to a first charging scheme; Receive power from a second power source to charge the second power storage device of the second playback device according to a second charging scheme; Receive instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group including at least the first playback device and the second playback device; Obtain one or more electrical parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device; Upon receiving instructions to form the group, the first charging scheme is modified based on the one or more power parameters. as well as Power is received from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The power parameters include one or more of the following: The power level of the first power storage device; The power level of the second power storage device; The service life of the first power storage device; The service life of the second power storage device; The temperature of the first power storage device; The temperature of the second power storage device; The charging rate of the first charging scheme; The charging rate of the second charging scheme; The playback function of the first playback device; The playback function of the second playback device; The player capability parameters of the first playback device; The player capability parameters of the second playback device; or Time parameters.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Modifying the first charging scheme includes changing the target charging level of the first power storage device to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first power storage device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and wherein the one or more power parameters include an indication of receiving power via the one or more energy harvesters.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Modify the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme so that a playback device with a lower power storage level charges at a faster rate compared to a playback device with a higher power storage level.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Modify the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme so that the first power storage device and the second power storage device reach the threshold charging level substantially simultaneously.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The audio content is played back synchronously via the first playback device and the second playback device; as well as Based on the one or more power parameters, playback is modified to reduce the amount of audio content with frequencies lower than a predetermined threshold frequency that is played back at least via the first playback device.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising synchronously playing back at least a portion of the audio content having a frequency lower than the predetermined threshold frequency via a third playback device.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; Based on the received instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device, the modified first charging scheme is restored to the original first charging scheme; as well as After restoring the modified first charging scheme to the original first charging scheme, power is received from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the first charging scheme.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first playback device includes a first network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters includes sending data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via the first network interface.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data from the computing device via the first network interface corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface.

14. A media playback system for charging an electrical storage device, comprising: The first playback device includes a first power storage device; The second playback device includes a second power storage device; One or more computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors of the media playback system, cause the media playback system to perform operations, the operations including: Receive power from a first power source to charge the first power storage device according to a first charging scheme; Receive power from a second power source to charge the second power storage device according to a second charging scheme; Receive instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group including at least the first playback device and the second playback device; Obtain one or more electrical parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device; After receiving instructions to form the group, the first charging scheme is modified based on the one or more power parameters; and Power is received from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

15. One or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a media playback system, cause the media playback system to perform operations, the operations including: Receive power from a first power source to charge a first power storage device according to a first charging scheme; Receive power from a second power source to charge the second power storage device according to a second charging scheme; Receive instructions for forming a group for synchronized audio playback, the group comprising at least a first playback device and a second playback device; Obtain one or more electrical parameters associated with the first playback device and / or the second playback device; Upon receiving instructions to form the group, the first charging scheme is modified based on the one or more power parameters. as well as Power is received from the first power source to charge the first power storage device according to the modified first charging scheme.

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