Wireless surround sound system and method

Abstract

A surround sound system may include a user device, a control module, and multiple speakers. The system may receive audio source data via a first interface. The system may transcode the audio source data to generate transcoded audio data including multiple audio information channels. The system may extract the multiple audio information channels from the transcoded audio data. The system may assign the multiple audio information channels one per speaker. The system may stream the multiple audio information channels to the multiple speakers via a second interface, the second interface including a standard communication protocol operable over a physical layer protocol of the second interface. The system may apply an effect function to at least one of the multiple audio information channels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-citation of related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority and the right of provisional filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 121,783, filed on December 4, 2020, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND". By citing this patent application herein, the entire content thereof is hereby incorporated into this application.

[0002] field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to wireless speaker systems, and more particularly to wireless surround sound speaker systems.

Background Art

[0003]

[0003] Conventional surround sound speaker systems include multiple speakers, but these can be difficult to install, equalize, and operate in a home theater environment. Many of today's advanced home multi-speaker surround sound systems require cumbersome wiring, running wires throughout the room and connecting to a bulky receiver or preamp. Soundbars were developed to meet the demands of customers who desire strict spartan decor while seeking the best quality audio, but soundbar systems cannot deliver audio of sufficiently high quality. Furthermore, such systems are not suitable for the advanced surround sound and effects found in high-end formats.

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a speaker system that is wirelessly connected, controllable, and provides an unparalleled sound experience. [Overview of the project]

[0005]

[0005] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides surround sound systems and methods. The system may comprise a user device, a control module, and a plurality of speakers. The system may receive audio source data via a first interface. The system may transcode the audio source data to generate transcoded audio data containing a plurality of audio information channels. The system may extract a plurality of audio information channels from the transcoded audio data. The system may assign the plurality of audio information channels one by one to the plurality of speakers. The system may stream the plurality of audio information channels to the plurality of speakers via a second interface, the second interface comprising a standard communication protocol that can operate on the physical layer protocol of the second interface. The system may apply an effect function to at least one of the plurality of audio information channels.

[0006]

[0006] In various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of speakers includes a digital signal processor located locally inside the speaker. In various embodiments, the system can distribute control commands to at least one of the plurality of speakers via a second interface. The system can attach a standard communication protocol header before a packet or datagram to identify that the packet or datagram conforms to a standard communication protocol.

[0007]

[0007] In various embodiments, the system can recognize a standard communication protocol header. Based on this recognition, the system can identify a standard communication protocol message associated with the standard communication protocol header. Based on the standard communication protocol message, the system can perform an action or command. In various embodiments, the system can enable communication between a user device and a control module via a third interface. The system can transmit data to the user device via the third interface. The system can receive control commands from the user device via the third interface.

[0008]

[0008] In various embodiments, the standard communication protocol defines the ability of each of the control module, user device, and multiple speakers to discover each other, request the transfer of raw data, send acknowledgments for data reception, and perform steps associated with data transmission, using at least one of the first or second interfaces.

[0009]

[0009] In various embodiments, the first interface is one of an audio interface or an audio-visual interface, and the second interface is a wireless data interface. In various embodiments, the first interface includes at least one of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®), DisplayPort, USB-C, AES3, AES47, S / PDIF, or BLUETOOTH®. In various embodiments, the second interface includes at least one of IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, or BLUETOOTH®. In various embodiments, the third interface includes a standard communication protocol.

[0010]

[0010] In various embodiments, a surround sound method includes the steps of: receiving audio source data via a first interface; transcoding the audio source data to generate transcoded audio data including a plurality of audio information channels; extracting a plurality of audio information channels from the transcoded audio data; assigning the plurality of audio information channels to a plurality of speakers on a one-to-one basis; streaming the plurality of audio information channels to the plurality of speakers via a second interface, wherein the second interface includes a standard communication protocol that can operate on the physical layer protocol of the second interface; and applying an effect function to at least one of the plurality of audio information channels.

[0011]

[0011] In various embodiments, this method includes the step of distributing a control command to at least one of a plurality of speakers via a second interface. This method may include the step of attaching a standard communication protocol header to a packet or datagram to identify that the packet or datagram conforms to a standard communication protocol. In various embodiments, this method includes the steps of recognizing the standard communication protocol header, identifying a standard communication protocol message associated with the standard communication protocol header based on this recognition, and performing an action or instruction based on the standard communication protocol message. In various embodiments, this method includes the steps of enabling communication between a user device and a control module via a third interface, transmitting data to the user device via the third interface, and receiving a control command from the user device via the third interface.

[0012]

[0012] The above features and elements may be combined in various combinations unless otherwise expressly stated herein, and these combinations are not excluded. The operation of these features and elements, and the embodiments further disclosed, will become clearer with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013]

[0013] The subject matter of this disclosure is identified, pointed out and asserted in the conclusion section of this specification. However, a more complete understanding of this disclosure can be best obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims and considering them in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings, similar numbers indicate similar elements. [Figure 1] This block diagram shows various system components of a surround sound system according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a control module in a surround sound system according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of wireless speakers in a surround sound system according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] This document illustrates data control methods in surround sound systems according to various embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014]

[0018] For a detailed description of representative embodiments in this specification, please refer to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate representative embodiments as illustrations and their best modes. While these representative embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments are also achievable, and that logical, chemical, and mechanical modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In other words, the detailed descriptions in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. For example, in descriptions of methods or processes, the steps recited therein may be performed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, whenever a singular is referred to, multiple embodiments may be included, and whenever more than one component or step is referred to, one embodiment or step may be included. Also, whenever mounting, fixing, connecting, etc. are referred to, permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete, and / or any other possible mounting options may be included. In addition, whenever referring to the absence of contact (or similar phrases), it may also include little or minimal contact.

[0015]

[0019] A typical wireless surround sound system 100 is shown in various embodiments, with reference to Figure 1. The system 100 may include an audio / visual source (A / V source) 102, a control module 104, a plurality of wireless speakers 108, and a user device 112. The speakers 108 include at least one main speaker 116 (e.g., a front speaker) and a secondary speaker 118, such as a subwoofer or a rear speaker. The speakers 108 will be described in more detail below, with reference to Figure 3.

[0016]

[0020] In various embodiments, the control module 104 can be configured as a central network component or hub for accessing various systems, engines, and components of system 100. The control module 104 may also be a computer-based system and / or a software component configured to provide access points to various systems, engines, and components of system 100. The control module 104 can communicate with the A / V source 102 via a first interface 106. The control module can communicate with the speaker 108 via a second interface 110. The control module 104 can communicate with the user device 112 via a third interface 114. In this regard, the control module 104 may enable communication from the user device 112 to various systems, engines, and components of system 100 (such as the speaker 108 and / or the A / V source 102). In this regard, the system can transmit high-quality audio signals, along with data (e.g., commands and control signals), to any type or number of speakers configured to communicate with the control module 104.

[0017]

[0021] In various embodiments, the first interface 106 may be an audio and / or visual interface, such as a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), DisplayPort, USB-C, AES3, AES47, S / PDIF, BLUETOOTH®, etc. In various embodiments, any of the first interface 106, the second interface 110, and / or the third interface 114 may be a wireless data interface, such as an interface operating over a physical layer protocol, such as IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, BLUETOOTH®, etc. As will be described in more detail below, each of the various systems, engines, and components of system 100 may also be configured to communicate via the GRAVITY® Standardized Communication Protocol (SCP) for wireless devices. This protocol, as will be described in more detail below, is operable over a physical layer protocol and is provided by Facetto, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona. In various embodiments, the first interface 106, the second interface 110, and the third interface 114 may each be different. For example, the first interface 106 may constitute an HDMI interface, the second interface 110 may constitute an IEEE 802.11 interface, and the third interface 114 may constitute a BLUETOOTH® interface. In various embodiments, it is quite possible that the first interface is different from the second and third interfaces. For example, the first interface 106 may constitute a USB-C interface, the second interface 110 may constitute an IEEE 802.11 interface, and the third interface 114 may constitute an IEEE 802.11 interface.

[0018]

[0022] In various embodiments, the user device 112 may include software and / or hardware that communicates with the system 100 via the third interface 114, including hardware and / or software configured to allow a user to access the control module 104. The user device may include any suitable device configured to allow a user to communicate via the third interface 114 and the system 100. The user device may include, for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a remote control device, etc., that enable a user to send commands to the system 100. In various embodiments, the user device 112 described herein may run a web application or a native application to communicate with the control module 104. The native application may be installed on the user device 112, for example, by download, by physical media, or through an app store. Native applications utilize a development codebase provided for use with the operating system of user device 112 and can execute system calls to manipulate data stored and displayed on user device 112 and to communicate with control module 104. In this regard, control module 104 can send data to user device 112 via third interface 114. Similarly, control module 104 can receive control commands from user device 112 via third interface 114. A web application may be a compatible web browser written specifically to run on a web browser. In other words, a web application may be a browser-based application that interacts with system 100.

[0019]

[0023] A control module 104 is shown in various embodiments and with further reference to Figure 2. The control module 104 may include a controller 200, an A / V receiver 202, a transcoding module 204, an effects processing module (FX module) 206, a user device interface 208, a speaker interface 210 (for example, a transmitter or transceiver), and a power supply 212.

[0020]

[0024] In various embodiments, the controller 200 may comprise a processor and may also be configured as a central network component or hub for accessing various systems, engines, and components of system 100. In various embodiments, the controller 200 may also be implemented within a single processor. In various embodiments, the controller 200 may also be implemented as one or more processors and / or one or more tangible, non-temporary memories, and furthermore, the controller 200 may include these and enable the implementation of logic. Each processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The controller 200 may also comprise a processor configured to perform various logical operations in response to the execution of instructions, for example, instructions stored on a non-temporary, tangible, computer-readable medium configured to communicate with the controller 200.

[0021]

[0025] System program instructions and / or controller instructions can be loaded onto a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium stores instructions that cause the controller to perform various operations in response to execution by the controller. The term "non-transitory" is commonly understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals themselves from the scope of the claims, and does not disclaim rights to all standard computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory signals themselves. In other words, the meaning of the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" should be construed to exclude only those types of transitory computer-readable media that were determined in Re Nuijten not to fall within the scope of patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

[0022]

[0026] In various embodiments, the A / V receiver 202 is configured to receive source audio data from the A / V source 102 via the first interface 106. The controller 200 can pass the source audio data to the transcode module 204 for further processing. In various embodiments, the transcode module 204 is configured to perform conversion operations between a first encoding and a second encoding. For example, the transcode module 204 can convert the source audio from the first encoding to the second encoding and generate transcoded audio data for further processing by the FX module 206. In various embodiments, the transcode module 204 can be configured to decode and / or transcode one or more audio information channels contained within the source audio data, such as information encoded as Dolby Digital, DTS, ATMOS, Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS), etc. In this regard, the transcoding module 204 can generate transcoded audio data containing multiple audio information channels, and this transcoded audio data can also be further processed by the system.

[0023]

[0027] In various embodiments, the FX module 206 may comprise one or more digital signal processing elements or be configured to adjust the balance between frequency components of the transcoded audio data. In this regard, the FX module 206 may behave as an equalization module, boosting or weakening the energy of one or more frequency bands within the transcoded audio data. In various embodiments, the FX module 206 may also include one or more filter elements, such as a bandpass filter configured to eliminate or reduce undesired and / or unwanted elements in the source audio data. Similarly, the FX module may include one or more effect elements and / or effect functions configured to modify the transcoded audio data. For example, the effects function can enhance the data quality of transcoded audio data, correct for room mode, and apply distortion effects, dynamic effects, modulation, pitch / frequency shift, time-based, feedback, sustain, equalization, and / or other effects. In various embodiments, the FX module may be software designated to receive over-the-air updates, and / or can be configured to receive over-the-air updates. In this regard, the system may be configured to allow loading of new effects functions and / or user-defined effects functions. In various embodiments, the FX module 206 can be configured to apply any number of effects functions to transcoded audio data, generate audio data containing audio information channels, and apply the desired effects.The controller 200 can pass the audio data with effects applied thereto to the speaker interface 210.

[0024]

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, and as further discussed below with reference to FIG. 3, the functions of the FX module 206 can be subsumed by the digital signal processor (DSP) 306 of each of the plurality of speakers 300. In this regard, and in a preferred embodiment, the control module 104 can miniaturize and reduce complexity by locally implementing, via the DSP, the functions of the software-defined FX module in one or more of the plurality of speakers 300.

[0025]

[0029] In various embodiments, the speaker interface 210 can be configured to communicate with the plurality of speakers 108 via the second interface 110. In various embodiments, the speaker interface 210 can include a plurality of communication channels, each of which is associated with one of the plurality of speakers 108. The controller 200 can assign each of the audio information channels to the plurality of speakers 108. For example, the speaker interface 210 can assign the first channel of the audio data with effects applied thereto to the communication channel of the main speaker 116, and the second channel of the audio data with effects applied thereto to the communication channel of the secondary speaker 118. In this regard, the system can assign the plurality of audio information channels to the plurality of speakers one by one. Thereby, the speaker interface 210 can facilitate the streaming of the various audio information channels to the speakers by the processor. In various embodiments, the speaker interface 210 can further be configured to distribute commands (e.g., control commands) to the speakers.

[0026]

[0030] In various embodiments, the user device interface 208 is configured to enable communication between the controller 200 and the user device 112 via the third interface 114. The user device interface 208 can be configured to receive control commands from the user device 112. The user device interface 208 can be configured to return command confirmations or other data to the user device 112. For example, the user device interface 208 can be configured to return performance information about the control module 104, effected audio data, the status of the speaker interface 210, the performance or status of the speaker 108, etc. In various embodiments, the user device interface 208 can also be further configured to receive source audio data from the user device 112.

[0027]

[0031] In various embodiments, the power supply 212 is configured to receive power. The power supply 212 can further be configured to distribute the received power to various components of the system 100.

[0028]

[0032] In various embodiments, and with further reference to Figure 3, a typical speaker 300 of a plurality of speakers 108 is shown. The speaker 300 includes a power supply 302 configured to receive power and distribute this power to the various components of the speaker 300. The speaker 300 may also further include a transceiver 304, a digital signal processor (DSP) 306, an amplifier 308, and a speaker driver 310. In various embodiments, the transceiver 304 is configured to receive assigned audio information channels and control commands from the control module 104 via a second interface 110. In various embodiments, the transceiver may further be configured to pass status information and other data about the speaker 300 to the control module 104. In various embodiments, the transceiver 304 may also be configured to communicate directly with a user device 112.

[0029]

[0033] In various embodiments, the DSP 306 can receive an assigned audio channel and be configured to apply one or more digital signal processing functions to the audio data, such as a sound effect algorithm. In this regard, the DSP 306 can also perform other effect functions on audio data that has already been processed by the FX module 206. In various embodiments, the DSP 306 can also perform other processing in response to commands from the control module 104. For example, the control module can instruct the DSP to apply processing functions such as equalizing the output of speaker 300 based on its specific position in the room, emulating a desired room environment (profile), or adding one or more effects (e.g., reverb, echo, gate, flange, chorus, etc.). As discussed earlier, in a preferred embodiment, the DSP 306 can include and implement all the functions of the FX module 206. These functions may also be defined in software. In this regard, the DSP 306 can generate a DSP audio channel and pass it to the amplifier 308 for further processing. The amplifier 308 can receive the DSP audio channel, amplify the signal strength of the DSP audio channel to generate a drive signal, and pass this drive signal to the speaker driver 310. In various embodiments, the speaker driver 310 can receive the drive signal from the amplifier 308 and, in response, convert the drive signal into sound.

[0030]

[0034] As discussed earlier, and with further reference to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of a data control scheme for wireless surround sound is shown. In various embodiments, each of the user device 112, A / V source 102, control module 104, and speaker 108 can also be configured to communicate via SCP. In various embodiments, SCP can comprise a network layer protocol. In various embodiments, the system can attach an SCP header 404 before a packet or datagram 400 to identify that this packet or datagram conforms to SCP. In this regard, the SCP header can be placed between data of a physical layer communication protocol 402 (e.g., 802.11, 802.15, etc.) and data of a transport layer protocol 406 (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP, DCCP, etc.). An element of system 100 can be configured to recognize the SCP header 404 and identify the associated SCP message 408. The system can then perform various actions or commands based on the SCP message 408.

[0031]

[0035] For example, the SCP can define the ability of devices (such as speaker 108, control module 104, and user device 112) to discover each other, request the transfer of raw data, send confirmations upon receiving data, and perform steps associated with data transmission. The SCP can define various control commands for speaker 300 to switch or apply various DSP functions, to turn power 302 on or off, to affect the signal strength output by amplifier 308, etc. In various embodiments, the SCP can define the capabilities of control module 104, such as changing the effect functions of FX module 206 and / or DSP 306, selecting codes for transcoding module 204, selecting audio source data, turning power 212 on or off, and assigning or changing the interface of speaker interface 210. In this regard, when implemented in System 100, SCP enables real-time individual control of each of the multiple speakers 300 in order to deploy audio signal processing functions to selected individual speakers (e.g., main speaker 116) or a group of speakers (e.g., main speaker 116 and sub-speaker 118). Signal processing functions include, for example, frequency shaping, dialogue enhancement, room mode correction, effects functions, equalization functions, tone control, balance, level, and volume control. System 100 thereby enables individualized control of the sound output characteristics of the speakers 300. In various embodiments, control commands can be received by the control module 104 from the user device 112 via the third interface 114, or they can be received directly by the speaker 108.

[0032]

[0036] This specification describes the benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems associated with specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent typical functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in actual systems. However, no benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or element that can produce or enhance any benefit, advantage, or solution should be construed as essential, necessary, or indispensable features or elements of this disclosure.

[0033]

[0037] The scope of this disclosure is therefore not limited to anything other than the attached claims. Where the singular element is referred to in the claims, unless otherwise explicitly stated, it is intended to mean "one or more" and not "unique." Furthermore, where phrases similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" are used in a claim, this phrase is intended to mean that in one embodiment only A may be present, in another embodiment only B may be present, in another embodiment only C may be present, or in one embodiment any combination of elements A, B, and C may be present, for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. Throughout the figures, different shading is used to indicate different parts, but this does not necessarily indicate that the materials are the same or different.

[0034]

[0038] This specification provides systems, methods, and apparatus. Where the detailed description herein refers to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., it is reasonable to assume that the embodiments described include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not all embodiments necessarily include those features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Moreover, where certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in relation to a particular embodiment, whether explicitly stated or not, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such features, structures, or characteristics in relation to other embodiments. After reading the description, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0035]

[0039] Furthermore, none of the elements, components, or method steps in this disclosure are intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such elements, components, or method steps are expressly described in the claims. No element of a claim is intended to reference 35 U.S. SC 112(f) unless it is expressly described using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof are intended to constitute non-exclusive coverage, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus constituting a list of elements may include not only these elements but also other elements not expressly enumerated, or other elements specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

1. 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor, audio source data via a first interface; transcoding, by the processor, the audio source data to generate transcoded audio data including channels that include a plurality of channels of audio information; extracting, by the processor, the plurality of channels of audio information from the transcoded audio data; allocating, by the processor, the plurality of audio information channels one-by-one to a plurality of speakers; streaming, by said processor and via a second interface, said second interface including a standard communications protocol operable over a physical layer protocol of said second interface, to said plurality of speakers; applying, by said processor, an effects function to at least one of said plurality of channels of audio information; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Distributing, by the processor, a control command via the second interface to at least one speaker of the plurality of speakers.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The method includes prepending, by said processor, a standard communications protocol header to said packet or datagram to identify said packet or datagram as conforming to said standard communications protocol.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: recognizing, by said processor, said standard communications protocol header; identifying, by the processor, a standard communications protocol message associated with the standard communications protocol header based on the recognition; performing, by said processor, an action or instruction based on said standard communications protocol message; A method comprising:

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: enabling, by the processor, communication between a user device and a control module via a third interface; transmitting, by the processor, data to the user device via the third interface; receiving, by the processor, a control command from the user device via the third interface; A method comprising:

6. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one speaker of the plurality of speakers includes a digital signal processor locally within the at least one speaker.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the standard communications protocol defines the capabilities of the control module, the user device, and each of the plurality of speakers to discover each other, request transfer of raw data, send confirmations upon receipt of data, and perform steps associated with transmitting data, using at least one of the first interface or the second interface.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first interface is one of an audio interface or an audio-visual interface, and the second interface is a wireless data interface.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first interface includes at least one of a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a DisplayPort, a USB-C, an AES3, an AES47, a S / PDIF, or a BLUETOOTH.

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second interface includes at least one of IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, or BLUETOOTH.

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