System and method for charging a battery (electrical energy storage device) of a playback device

Abstract

A system and method for charging a battery of an audio playback device are disclosed. An exemplary method executed by a media playback system includes receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor of a first playback device according to a first charging method, and receiving power from a second power source and charging a second capacitor of a second playback device according to a second charging method. The system receives an instruction to form a group for synchronous 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 a group, the system modifies the first charging method based on the one or more power parameters and receives power from the first power source to charge the first capacitor according to the modified first charging method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This international application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 367,006, filed on Jun. 24, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This disclosure relates to consumer products, and more particularly, to methods, systems, products, features, services, and other elements directed to media playback, and to some aspects thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Prior to 2002, when Sonos, Inc. began developing a new type of playback system, options for accessing and listening to digital audio in an out-loud setting were limited. Sonos filed a patent application in 2003, one of its first, titled “Method for Synchronizing Audio Playback between Multiple Networked Devices,” and began selling its first media playback system in 2005. With the Sonos wireless home sound system, people can experience music from many sources through one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control application installed on a controller (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, voice input device), people can play desired music in any room equipped with a networked playback device. Media content (e.g., songs, podcasts, video sound) is streamed to the playback devices, and different corresponding media content can be played in each room equipped with a playback device. Also, multiple rooms can be grouped to play the same media content synchronously, and / or the same media content can be listened to synchronously in all rooms.

[0003] The features, aspects, and advantages of the technology disclosed in this specification can be better understood with reference to the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, as described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes and that variations including different features and / or additional features and their arrangements are possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0005] The drawings are intended to illustrate several exemplary embodiments, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] I. Summary Conventional media playback systems often include one or more playback devices, such as playback device 110 (Figure 1A), that include one or more rechargeable electrical energy storage devices or batteries. By using such rechargeable batteries, users can use and reuse the device without having to purchase new batteries to replace depleted ones. Additionally, these playback devices often use standardized charging ports and connector types (such as USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, APPLE LIGHTNING™, etc.), allowing charging and recharging without the use of special cables or hardware, improving the portability and usability of the playback devices. In conventional charging methods, the batteries of such playback devices are charged to their maximum capacity at the maximum charging rate allowed by the basic hardware of the device or charging system, or a charging rate close thereto, without considering the charging conditions or requirements. However, batteries made of certain chemistries (such as lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, nickel-metal hydride, etc.) may experience rapid degradation of their performance and capacity depending on the charging conditions. For example, fully charging a lithium-ion battery to 100% is generally not encouraged because of the current and / or voltage required to continue charging beyond a certain threshold (e.g., 95% of capacity). Conversely, charging a lithium-ion battery at a lower charging rate (e.g., 0.5C, 0.7C, etc.) rather than a higher charging rate (e.g., 1.5C, 2C, etc.) can significantly extend the battery's life. In some cases, playback devices can be combined to create a group for synchronous playback of media content. However, each of these devices may have different charging capacities, charging rates, discharge rates, playback responsibilities, etc. Therefore, these playback devices may run out of power or charging at different times during synchronous playback, resulting in problems such as a decrease in the performance of the entire media playback system and a reduction in the user's enjoyment.

[0007] The disclosed playback device, media playback system, and / or method can improve battery performance and battery years i.e., lifespan by adopting a charging profile or scheme based on the device state, device operation parameters, device usage patterns, device collection schedule / opportunities, etc. of one or more playback devices. Further, the playback device can offload (transfer some processing to other devices) or share responsibilities among the playback devices within the group or among the playback devices within the group to extend the battery life of one or more devices by utilizing playback device group dynamics. The disclosed media playback system adopts different charging schemes (charging profiles) for the playback devices to suppress battery degradation and maintain or extend the battery life. By permitting the battery to be charged according to a dynamic charging scheme configured to reduce battery degradation and increase battery life, the usefulness of the media playback system to one or more users is improved compared to conventional approaches.

[0008] Some of the examples described herein may refer to functions performed by a given actor such as a "user", "listener", and / or other entity, but it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. The claims should not be construed to require action by such exemplary actors unless expressly required by the terms of the claims themselves.

[0009] In the figures, the same reference numbers generally identify similar and / or identical elements. To facilitate the description of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of the reference number refer to the figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, element 110a is first introduced and described with reference to FIG. 1A. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, other embodiments may have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, those skilled in the art will understand that additional embodiments of the various disclosed technologies are practicable without some of the details described below.

[0010] II. Suitable Operating Environment FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of a media playback system 100 disposed in an environment 101 (e.g., a house). The media playback system 100 includes one or more playback devices 110 (individually identified as playback devices 110a-n), one or more network microphone devices (“NMDs”) 120 (individually identified as NMDs 120a-c), and one or more control devices 130 (individually identified as control devices 130a, 130b).

[0011] As used herein, the term “playback device” can generally refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data of a media playback system. For example, a playback device can be a network device configured to receive and process 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 either (or neither) a speaker and an amplifier. For example, a playback device can include one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers external to the playback device via corresponding wires or cables.

[0012] 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 stand-alone device primarily configured for audio detection. In other embodiments, the NMD is incorporated into (or vice versa) a playback device.

[0013] The term "control device" can generally refer to a network device configured to perform related functions to facilitate user access, control, and / or configuration of the media playback system 100.

[0014] Each of the playback devices 110 is configured to receive an audio signal or data from one or more media sources (e.g., one or more remote servers, one or more local devices) and play the received audio signal or data as sound. One or more NMDs 120 are configured to receive spoken word commands, and one or more control devices 130 are configured to receive user input. In response to the received spoken word commands and / or user input, the media playback system 100 can play audio via one or more of the playback devices 110. In certain embodiments, the playback devices 110 are configured to initiate playback of media content in response to a trigger. For example, one or more of the playback devices 110 can be configured to play a morning playlist when a related trigger condition (e.g., presence of a user in the kitchen, detection of operation of a coffee machine) is detected. In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 is configured to play audio from a first playback device (e.g., playback device 100a) in synchronization with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). Interactions between the playback devices 110, NMDs 120, and / or control devices 130 of the media playback system 100 configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 1B - 1L.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the environment 101 is a home having a plurality of rooms, spaces, and / or playback zones including, clockwise from the upper left, a master bathroom 101a, a master bedroom 101b, a second bedroom 101c, a family room or den 101d, an office 101e, a living room 101f, a dining room 101g, a kitchen 101h, and an outdoor patio 101i. Specific embodiments and examples are described below in the context of a home environment, but the techniques described herein may be implemented in other types of environments. In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 may be implemented in one or more commercial facilities (e.g., restaurants, malls, airports, hotels, retail stores or other stores), one or more vehicles (e.g., sport utility vehicles, buses, cars, boats, airplanes), multiple environments (e.g., a combination of a home environment and a vehicle environment), and / or any other suitable environment where multi-zone audio may be desirable.

[0016] The media playback system 100 can be configured to have one or more playback zones, some of which may correspond to rooms within the environment 101. The media playback system 100 may be established with one or more playback zones, and then additional zones may be added or removed to establish, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 1A. Each zone may be given a name corresponding to a different room or space, such as the office 101e, the master bathroom 101a, the master bedroom 101b, the second bedroom 101c, the kitchen 101h, the dining room 101g, the living room 101f, and / or the patio 101i. In some aspects, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In certain aspects, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the master bathroom 101a, the second bedroom 101c, the office 101e, the living room 101f, the dining room 101g, the kitchen 101h, and the outdoor patio 101i each include one playback device 110, and the master bedroom 101b and the den 101d include a plurality of playback devices 110. In the master bedroom 101b, the playback devices 110l and 110m may be configured to synchronously play audio content, for example, as individual ones of the plurality of playback devices 110, as a combined playback zone, as an integrated playback device, and / or as any combination thereof. Similarly, in the den 101d, the playback devices 110h-j may be configured to synchronously play audio content, for example, as individual ones of the plurality of playback devices 110, as one or more combined playback devices, and / or as one or more integrated playback devices. Additional details regarding combined playback devices and integrated playback devices are described below with respect to, for example, FIGS. 1B and 1E, and FIGS. 1I-1M.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more playback zones within environment 101 may each play different audio content. For example, while one user is grilling in patio 101i and listening to hip-hop music being played by playback device 110c, another user may be preparing food in kitchen 101h and listening to classical music being played by playback device 110b. In another example, a playback zone may play the same audio content in synchronization with another playback zone. For example, a user in office 101e may listen to the same hip-hop music being played by playback device 110f as is being played by playback device 110c in patio 101i. In some embodiments, playback devices 110c and 110f play the hip-hop music in synchronization such that as they move between different playback zones, the user perceives that the audio content is being played seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly). Additional details regarding audio playback between playback devices and / or playback zones can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, entitled "System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0019] To facilitate synchronous playback, in some embodiments, the playback device(s) described herein are configured to operate (and / or switch between) in different modes such as an audio playback group coordinator mode and / or an audio playback group member mode. While operating in the audio playback group coordinator mode, the playback device is configured to adjust playback within the group, for example, 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 (e.g., a physical clock or a virtual clock) within the playback device; (iii) transmitting portions of the audio content and the playback timing of the portions of the audio content to at least one other playback device (e.g., at least one other playback device operating in the audio playback group member mode); (iv) transmitting timing information (e.g., generated using a clock) to at least one other playback device, and / or; (v) playing back the audio content in synchronization with at least one other playback device using the generated playback timing information and / or the clock. While operating in the audio playback group member mode, the playback device is configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (i) receiving audio content and the playback timing of the audio content from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in the audio playback group coordinator mode); (ii) receiving timing information from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in the audio playback group coordinator mode), and / or (iii) playing back the audio content in synchronization with at least one other playback device using the playback timing of the audio content and / or the timing information.

[0020] a. Suitable media playback system Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102. For ease of illustration, in Figure 1B, specific 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") for communicatively connecting the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102 are provided.

[0021] 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., a Wi-Fi network), one or more personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., one or more Bluetooth (registered trademark) networks, a Z-Wave network, a wireless universal serial bus (USB) network, a ZigBee (registered trademark) network, and / or an IrDA network), one or more communication networks (e.g., one or more Global System For Mobiles (GSM) networks for mobile devices, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5G communication network, and / or other suitable data transmission protocol networks), etc. The cloud network 102 is configured to deliver media content (e.g., audio content, video content, photos, social media content) to the media playback system 100 in response to a request sent from the media playback system 100 via the link 103. In some embodiments, the cloud network 102 is further configured to receive data (e.g., voice input data) from the media playback system 100 and correspondingly send commands and / or media content to the media playback system 100.

[0022] The cloud network 102 comprises computing devices 106 (identified individually as the first computing device 106a, the second computing device 106b, and the third computing device 106c). The computing devices 106 may comprise individual computers or servers, such as, for example, a media streaming service server storing audio and / or other media content, a voice service server, a social media server, a media playback system control server, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the computing devices 106 comprise modules of a single computer or server. In certain embodiments, one or more of the computing devices 106 comprise one or more modules, computers, and / or servers. Further, although the cloud network 102 has been described in the context of a single cloud network, in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 comprises a plurality of cloud networks comprising communicatively connected computing devices. Further, in FIG. 1B, the cloud network 102 is shown as having three computing devices 106, but in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 comprises fewer (or more) than three computing devices 106.

[0023] 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 instances, media playback system 100 can stream, download, or otherwise obtain data from a URI or URL corresponding to the received media content. Network 104 communicatively connects link 103 with 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 can include, for example, a wireless network (e.g., a WiFi (registered trademark) network, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Z-Wave network, ZigBee (registered trademark), and / or other suitable wireless communication protocol network) and / or a wired network (e.g., a network including Ethernet (registered trademark), Universal Serial Bus (USB (registered trademark)), and / or other suitable wired communication). As used herein, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, "WiFi (registered trademark)" can refer to several different communication protocols, for example, those transmitted at 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, and / or another suitable frequency, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802. 11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11af, 802.11ah, 802.11ai, 802.11aj, 802.11aq, 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.15, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, network 104 comprises a dedicated communication network for use by media playback system 100 to send messages between individual devices and / or to send media content between media content sources (e.g., one or more of computing devices 106). In certain embodiments, network 104 is configured to be accessible only to devices within media playback system 100, thereby reducing interference and contention with other household devices. However, in other embodiments, network 104 comprises an existing household communication network (e.g., a household WiFi® network). In some embodiments, link 103 and network 104 comprise one or more of the same networks. In some aspects, for example, link 103 and network 104 comprise a communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network). Further, in some embodiments, media playback system 100 is implemented without network 104, and the devices that make up media playback system 100 can communicate with each other via, for example, one or more direct or indirect connections, PANs, LANs, communication networks, and / or other suitable communication links.

[0025] In some embodiments, audio content sources may be periodically added or removed from the media playback system 100. In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 performs indexing of media items when one or more media content sources are updated, added, and / or removed from the media playback system 100. The media playback system 100 can scan for identifiable media items within some or all of the folders and / or directories accessible to the playback device 110 and generate or update a media content database that includes metadata (e.g., title, artist, album, track length) and other relevant 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.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, playback devices 110l and 110m constitute group 107a. Playback devices 110l and 110m can be placed in different rooms within a home and can be grouped into group 107a temporarily or permanently based on user input received by control devices 130a and / or another control device 130 of media playback system 100. When placed within group 107a, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured to synchronously play the same or similar audio content from one or more audio content sources. In certain embodiments, for example, group 107a includes a combined zone where playback devices 110l and 110m each constitute the left and right audio channels of multi-channel audio content, thereby generating or enhancing the stereo effect of the audio content. In some embodiments, group 107a further includes playback device 110. However, in other embodiments, media playback system 100 omits group 107a and / or other grouped arrangements of playback devices 110. Details regarding groups and other arrangements of playback devices are described below with reference to FIGS. 1I - 1M.

[0027] The media playback system 100 includes NMD120a and NMD120d having one or more microphones configured to receive voice utterances from a user. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, NMD120a is a stand-alone device and NMD120d is integrated into the playback device 110n. NMD120a is configured to receive, for example, voice input 121 from user 123. In some embodiments, NMD120a transmits data associated with the received voice input 121 to a voice assistant service (VAS) configured to (i) process the received voice input data and (ii) send a corresponding command to the media playback system 100. In some aspects, for example, the computing device 106c comprises 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®). The computing device 106c can receive voice input data from NMD120a via the network 104 and link 103. In response to receiving the voice input data, the computing device 106c processes the voice input data (e.g., "Play Hey Jude by The Beatles") and determines that the processed voice input includes a command (e.g., "Hey Jude") for playing a song. The computing device 106c then transmits, accordingly, a command for playing "Hey Jude" by The Beatles on one or more of the playback devices 110 from an appropriate media service (e.g., via one or more of the computing devices 106) to the media playback system 100.

[0028] b. Suitable playback device FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a playback device 110a having an input / output 111. The input / output 111 can include analog I / O 111a (e.g., one or more wires, cables, and / or other suitable communication links configured to transmit analog signals) and / or digital I / O 111b (e.g., one or more wires, cables, or other suitable communication links configured to transmit digital signals). In some embodiments, the analog I / O 111a is, for example, an audio line-in input connection that constitutes an automatically detected 3.5 mm audio line-in connection. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes a Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format (S / PDIF) communication interface, and / or a cable, and / or a Toshiba Link (TOSLINK) cable. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)) interface and / or a cable. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes one or more wireless communication links that employ, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other suitable communication protocols. In certain embodiments, the analog I / O 111a and the digital I / O 111b need not necessarily include cables, but instead include interfaces (e.g., ports, plugs, jacks) configured to receive respective connectors of cables that transmit analog signals and digital signals.

[0029] The playback device 110a can receive media content (e.g., audio content consisting of music and / or other sounds) from the local audio source 105 via, for example, an input / output 111 (e.g., a cable, wire, PAN, Bluetooth® connection, ad-hoc wired or wireless communication network, and / or another suitable communication link). The local audio source 105 can comprise, for example, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer) or another suitable audio component (e.g., a television, desktop computer, amplifier, sound storage device, Blu-ray player, memory storing digital media files). In some embodiments, the 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 certain embodiments, one or more of the playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130 comprises the local audio source 105. However, in other embodiments, the media playback system completely omits the local audio source 105. In some embodiments, the playback device 110a does not include the input / output 111 and receives all audio content via the network 104.

[0030] The playback device 110a further includes an electronic device 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 "transducer 114"). The electronic device 112 is configured to receive audio from an audio source (e.g., local audio source 105) via input / output 111 and one or more computing devices 106a-106c (FIG. 1B) via network 104, amplify the received audio, and output the amplified audio for playback via one or more transducers 114. In some embodiments, the playback device 110a optionally includes one or more microphones 115 (e.g., a single microphone, multiple microphones, microphone array) (hereinafter referred to as "microphone 115"). In certain embodiments, for example, the playback device 110a having one or more optional microphones 115 can operate as an NMD configured to receive voice input from a user and perform corresponding one or more operations based on the received voice input.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1C, the electronic device 112 includes one or more processors 112a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 112a"), a memory 112b, software components 112c, a network interface 112d, one or more audio processing components 112g (hereinafter referred to as "audio processing component 112g"), one or more audio amplifiers 112h (hereinafter referred to as "amplifier 112h"), and a power source 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 optionally includes one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging bases).

[0032] As will be described in more detail elsewhere in this specification, in some examples, the power component 112i can include one or more of the following: a wireless power transmitter (such as a laser, induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (such as a photovoltaic cell, induction coil, etc.), an energy storage component (such as a capacitor, rechargeable battery, etc.), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or a related power circuit. In operation, the playback device 110a is configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Further, or alternatively, the playback device 110a can be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmission devices instead of, or in addition to, receiving power via a wired connection.

[0033] The processor 112a can include a clock-driven computing component configured to process data, and the memory 112b can include a computer-readable medium (such as a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, a data storage in which one or more of the software components 112c are loaded) configured to store instructions for performing various operations and / or functions. The processor 112a is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 112b to perform one or more operations. The operations can include, for example, causing the playback device 110a to obtain audio information from an audio source (such as one or more of the computing devices 106a - 106c (FIG. 1B)) and / or another one of the playback devices 110. In some embodiments, the operations further include causing the playback device 110a to transmit audio information to another one of the playback devices 110 and / or another device (such as one of the NMDs 120). In certain embodiments, the operations further include causing the playback device 110a to pair with another one of the playback devices 110 to enable a multi-channel audio environment (such as a stereo pair, combined zone).

[0034] Processor 112a can be further configured to perform an operation in which playback device 110a synchronizes the playback of audio content with that of one or more other playback devices 110. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, during the synchronized playback of audio content on multiple playback devices, a listener will preferably not be able to perceive a time delay difference between the playback of audio content by playback device 110a and the playback of audio content by one or more other playback devices 110. Additional details regarding the synchronization of audio playback between playback devices are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0035] In some embodiments, memory 112b is further configured to store data associated with playback device 110a, such as one or more zones and / or zone groups of which playback device 110a is a member, audio sources accessible to playback device 110a, and / or a playback queue associated with playback device 110a (and / or one or more other playback devices). The stored data can be updated periodically and can include one or more state variables used to describe the state of playback device 110a. Memory 112b can also include data associated with the state of one or more other devices of media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, control device 130). In some aspects, for example, the state data is shared among at least some of the devices of media playback system 100 at a predetermined time interval (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds) so that one or more devices have the latest data associated with media playback system 100.

[0036] The network interface 112d is configured to facilitate data transmission between the playback device 110a and one or more other devices on a data network such as, for example, link 103 and / or network 104 (FIG. 1B). The network interface 112d is configured to transmit and receive data corresponding to other signals (e.g., non-transitory signals) including media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photos) and digital packet data having an Internet Protocol (IP)-based source address and / or an IP-based destination address. The network interface 112d can analyze digital packet data so that the electronic device 112 can properly receive and process data directed to the playback device 110a.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1C, network interface 112d includes one or more wireless interfaces 112e (hereinafter referred to as "wireless interface 112e"). The wireless interface 112e (e.g., a suitable interface including one or more antennas) may 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 device 130) that are communicatively connected to network 104 (FIG. 1B) according to a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi®, Bluetooth®, LTE). In some embodiments, network interface 112d optionally includes a wired interface 112f (e.g., an interface or receptacle configured to receive a network cable such as Ethernet®, USB-A, USB-C, and / or Thunderbolt cable) configured to communicate in a wired connection with other devices according to a suitable wired communication protocol. In certain embodiments, network interface 112d includes wired interface 112f and excludes wireless interface 112e. In some embodiments, electronic device 112 completely excludes network interface 112d and transmits and receives media content and / or other data via another communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0038] The audio processing component 112g is configured to process and / or filter data including media content received by the electronic device 112 (e.g., via the input / output 111 and / or the network interface 112d) to generate an output audio signal. In some embodiments, the audio processing component 112g includes, for example, one or more digital / analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other suitable audio processing components, modules, circuits, etc. In certain embodiments, one or more of the audio processing component 112g can include one or more sub-components of the processor 112a. In some embodiments, the electronic device 112 omits the audio processing component 112g. In some aspects, for example, the processor 112a executes instructions stored in the memory 112b to perform audio processing operations for generating an output audio signal.

[0039] Amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify an audio output signal generated by the audio processing component 112g and / or the processor 112a. The amplifier 112h can include an electronic device and / or component configured to amplify the audio signal to a level sufficient to drive one or more transducers 114. In some embodiments, for example, the 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 amplifiers, and / or class-H amplifiers, and / or another suitable type of power amplifier). In certain embodiments, the amplifier 112h includes a suitable combination of two or more of the aforementioned types of power amplifiers. Further, in some embodiments, individual amplifiers 112h correspond to individual transducers 114. However, in other embodiments, the electronic device 112 includes a single amplifier 112h configured to output the amplified audio signal to a plurality of transducers 114. In some other embodiments, the electronic device 112 omits the amplifier 112h.

[0040] The transducer 114 (e.g., one or more speakers and / or speaker drivers) receives the amplified audio signal from the amplifier 112h and renders or outputs the amplified audio signal as sound (e.g., audible sound waves having a frequency between about 20 Hertz (Hz) and about 20 kilohertz (kHz)). In some embodiments, the transducer 114 can comprise a single transducer. However, in other embodiments, the transducer 114 comprises a plurality of audio transducers. In some embodiments, the transducer 114 comprises two or more types of transducers. For example, the transducer 114 can include one or more low-frequency transducers (e.g., subwoofers, woofers), mid-frequency transducers (e.g., midrange transducers, midwoofers), and one or more high-frequency transducers (e.g., one or more tweeters). As used herein, "low frequency" can generally refer to audible frequencies of less than about 500 Hz, "mid frequency" can generally refer to audible frequencies between about 500 Hz and about 2 kHz, and "high frequency" can generally refer to audible frequencies above about 2 kHz. However, in certain embodiments, one or more of the transducers 114 comprise transducers that do not conform to the foregoing frequency ranges. For example, one of the transducers 114 may comprise a midwoofer transducer configured to output sound at a frequency between about 200 Hz and about 5 kHz.

[0041] For purposes of illustration, Sonos, Inc. currently offers (or has offered) for sale certain playback devices including, for example, "SONOS ONE", "PLAY:1", "PLAY:3", "PLAY:5", "PLAYBAR", "PLAYBASE", "CONNECT:AMP", "CONNECT", and "SUB". Other suitable playback devices may additionally or alternatively be used to implement the playback devices of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the playback devices are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein or to the offerings of Sonos products. In some embodiments, for example, one or more playback devices 110 comprise wired or wireless headphones (e.g., over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear earphones). The headphones can include a headband coupled to one or more ear cups. For example, a first ear cup is coupled to a first end of the headband, and a second ear cup is coupled to a second end of the headband opposite the first end. Each of the one or more ear cups can house any portion of the electronics within the playback device, such as one or more transducers. Further, the one or more ear cups can include a user interface for controlling the operation of the headphones, such as for audio playback, volume level, and other functions. The user interface can include any of a variety of control elements such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, and / or touch screens. Ear cushions may be coupled to each of the one or more ear cups. The ear cushions can provide a soft barrier between the user's head and the one or more ear cups, improve the user's comfort, and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surroundings (e.g., provide passive noise reduction (PNR)). Further (or alternatively), the headphones can employ active noise reduction (ANR) technology to further reduce external noise that the user perceives during playback.

[0042] In some cases, the headphone device may take the form of a wearable device. The wearable device includes a headphone device (e.g., an ear-level device) configured to provide an auditory enhancement function while also supporting the playback of media content (e.g., streaming media content from a user device via PAN, streaming music service provider via WLAN and / or cellular network connection, etc.). In some cases, the wearable device may be implemented as an in-ear headphone device configured to play back at least some sounds detected from the external environment (e.g., all sounds, selected sounds such as human voices) that have been amplified.

[0043] In other embodiments, the one or more playback devices 110 include a docking station for a personal mobile media playback device and / or an interface configured to interact with the docking station. In certain embodiments, the playback device may be integrated with another device or component such as a television, a lighting fixture, or some other device for use indoors or outdoors. In some embodiments, the playback device omits the user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a playback device 110p that does not include a user interface 113 or a transducer 114, but includes an input / output 111 and an electronic device 112.

[0044] FIG. 1E is a block diagram of a combined playback device 110q comprising a playback device 110a (FIG. 1C) acoustically coupled to a playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer) (FIG. 1A). In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110i are separate units of playback device 110 housed in separate enclosures. However, in some embodiments, combined playback device 110q comprises a single enclosure housing both playback devices 110a and 110i. Combined playback device 110q can be configured to process and reproduce sounds different from those of an uncombined playback device (e.g., playback device 110a in FIG. 1C) and / or a paired or combined playback device (e.g., playback devices 110l and 110m in FIG. 1B). In some embodiments, for example, playback device 110a is a full-range playback device configured to render low, mid, and high frequency audio content, and playback device 110i is a subwoofer configured to render low frequency audio content. In some aspects, playback device 110a is configured to render only the mid and high frequency components of a particular audio content when combined with a first playback device, and playback device 110i is configured to render the low frequency component of the particular audio content. In some embodiments, combined playback device 110q includes additional playback devices and / or another combined playback device. Embodiments of additional playback devices are described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 2A-3D.

[0045] c. Suitable Network Microphone Device (NMD) FIG. 1F is a block diagram of NMD120a (FIGS. 1A and 1B). NMD120a includes one or more audio processing components 124 (hereinafter referred to as "audio component 124") and a plurality of components described with respect to playback device 110a (FIG. 1C) including processor 112a, memory 112b, power supply 112i, and microphone 115. As described elsewhere herein, power supply 112i, which is a power component, can include one or more of 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, rechargeable battery), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or a related power circuit. During operation, NMD120a can be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally, or alternatively, NMD120a can be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitting devices in addition to, or instead of, receiving power via a wired connection.

[0046] NMD120a optionally includes other components, such as the user interface 113 and / or the transducer 114, also included in the playback device 110a (FIG. 1C). In some embodiments, NMD120a is configured as a media playback device (e.g., one or more of the playback devices 110), and further includes, for example, the audio processing component 112g (FIG. 1C), the transducer 114, and / or one or more of the other playback device components. In certain embodiments, NMD120a comprises an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a thermostat, an alarm panel, a fire detector, and / or a smoke detector. In some embodiments, NMD120a includes only the microphone 115, the audio processing 124, and some of the components of the electronic device 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1B. In some aspects, for example, NMD120a includes the processor 112a and the memory 112b (FIG. 1B) while omitting one or more other components of the electronic device 112. In some embodiments, NMD120a includes additional components (e.g., one or more sensors, cameras, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers).

[0047] In some embodiments, the NMD can be incorporated into a playback device. FIG. 1G is a block diagram of a playback device 110r including NMD120d. The playback device 110r can include many or all of the components of the playback device 110a and further includes the microphone 115 and the audio processing 124 (FIG. 1F). The playback device 110r optionally includes an integrated control device 130c. The control device 130c can include, for example, a user interface (e.g., the user interface 113 of FIG. 1B) configured to receive user input (e.g., touch input, voice input) without using a separate control device. However, in other embodiments, the playback device 110r receives commands from another control device (e.g., the control device 130a of FIG. 1B). Embodiments of the NMD are described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3F.

[0048] Referring back to FIG. 1F, the microphone 115 is configured to obtain, capture, and / or receive sound from the environment (e.g., the environment 101 of FIG. 1A) and / or the room in which the NMD 120a is disposed. The received sound can include, for example, vocalization, audio playback by the NMD 120a and / or another playback device, background sound, environmental sound, etc. The microphone 115 converts the received sound into an electrical signal to generate microphone data. The audio processing 124 receives and analyzes the microphone data to determine whether there is an audio input in the microphone data. The audio input can include, for example, an activation word following vocalization that includes a user request. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the activation word is a word or other audio cue that means the user's audio input. For example, when querying the AMAZON (registered trademark) VAS, the user may speak the activation word "Alexa". Other examples include "OK, Google" for invoking the GOOGLE (registered trademark) VAS and "Hey, Siri" for invoking the APPLE (registered trademark) VAS.

[0049] After detecting the wake word, the voice processing 124 monitors the microphone data for user requests associated with the voice input. The user requests may include, for example, commands for controlling third-party devices such as a thermostat (e.g., NEST (registered trademark) thermostat), a lighting device (e.g., PHILIPS HUE (registered trademark) lighting device), or a media playback device (e.g., Sonos (registered trademark) playback device). For example, the user may say the wake word "Alexa" and then say "Set the thermostat to 68 degrees" to set the temperature within a home (e.g., the environment 101 of FIG. 1A). The user may say the same wake word and then say "Turn on the living room" to turn on the lighting device in the living room area of the home. Similarly, the user may say the wake word and then say a request to play a particular song, album, or music playlist on a playback device within the home. The reception and processing of the voice input data will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A - 3F.

[0050] d. Suitable control device FIG. 1H is a partial schematic view of a control device 130a (FIGS. 1A and 1B). As used herein, the term "control device" can be used interchangeably with "controller" or "control system". Among other features, the control device 130a is configured to receive user input related to the media playback system 100 and, in response thereto, cause one or more devices within the media playback system 100 to perform operations or actions corresponding to the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 130a comprises a smartphone (e.g., iPhone (registered trademark), Android phone) on which media playback system controller application software is installed. In some embodiments, the control device 130a comprises, for example, a tablet (e.g., iPad (registered trademark)), a computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer), and / or other suitable devices (e.g., a television, an automotive audio head unit, an IoT device). In certain embodiments, the control device 130a comprises a dedicated controller for the media playback system 100. In other embodiments, as described above with respect to FIG. 1G, the control device 130a is integrated into another device within the media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of the playback device 110, the NMD 120, and / or other suitable devices configured to communicate via a network).

[0051] The control device 130a includes an electronic device 132, a user interface 133, one or more speakers 134, and one or more microphones 135. The electronic device 132 includes one or more processors 132a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 132a"), a memory 132b, software components 132c, and a network interface 132d. The processor 132a can be configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access to, control of, and configuration of the media playback system 100. The memory 132b can include data storage capable of loading one or more software components executable by the processor 302 to perform those functions. The software components 132c can include applications and / or other executable software configured to facilitate control of the media playback system 100. The memory 112b can be configured to store, for example, the software components 132c, media playback system controller application software, and / or other data related to the media playback system 100 and the user.

[0052] Network interface 132d is configured to facilitate network communication between control device 130a and one or more other devices within media playback system 100, and / or one or more remote devices. In some embodiments, network interface 132d is configured to operate in accordance with one or more suitable communication industry standards (e.g., infrared, wireless, wired standards including IEEE 802.3, wireless standards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G, LTE). Network interface 132d can be configured to transmit and / or receive data to, for example, playback device 110, NMD 120, others of control device 130, one of computing devices 106 of FIG. 1B, a device comprising one or more other media playback systems, etc. The data transmitted and / or received can include, for example, control commands for the playback device, state variables, playback zones and / or zone group configurations. For example, based on user input received at user interface 133, network interface 132d can transmit playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from control device 304 to one or more of the playback devices. Network interface 132d can also transmit and / or receive configuration changes such as, for example, addition / removal of one or more playback devices to / from a zone, addition / removal of one or more zones to / from a zone group, formation of a combined player or integrated player, separation of one or more playback devices from a combined player or integrated player. Details of zones and groups are shown in FIGS. 1I through 1M.

[0053] The user interface 133 is configured to receive user input and can facilitate the control of the media playback system 100. The user interface 133 includes media content art 133a (e.g., album art, lyrics, video), a playback status indicator 133b (e.g., elapsed time and / or remaining time indicator), a media content information area 133c, a playback control area 133d, and a zone indicator 133e. The media content information area 133c can include the display of the currently playing media content and / or related information (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, release year) regarding the media content in the queue or playlist. The playback control area 133d includes selectable (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or another suitable selector) icons for causing one or more playback devices in the selected playback zone or zone group to perform playback operations such as play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip next, skip previous, start / end shuffle mode, start / end repeat mode, start / end crossfade mode, etc. The playback control area 133d may also include selectable icons for changing equalization settings, playback volume, and / or other suitable playback operations. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 133 comprises a display presented on the touch screen interface of a smartphone (e.g., iPhone (registered trademark), Android phone). However, in some embodiments, user interfaces of various formats, styles, and interactive sequences may alternatively be implemented on one or more network devices to provide equivalent control access to the media playback system.

[0054] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) may be configured to output sound to a user of the control device 130a. In some embodiments, the one or more speakers comprise individual transducers configured to output corresponding low, medium, and / or high frequencies. In some aspects, for example, the control device 130a is configured as a playback device (e.g., one of the playback devices 110). Similarly, in some embodiments, the control device 130a is configured as an NMD (e.g., one of the NMDs 120) that receives voice commands and other sounds via one or more microphones 135.

[0055] One or more microphones 135 can include, for example, one or more condenser microphones, electret condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and / or other suitable types of microphones or transducers. In some embodiments, two or more microphones 135 are arranged to capture position information of an audio source (e.g., voice, audible sound) and / or are configured to facilitate filtering of background noise. Further, in certain embodiments, the control device 130a is configured to operate as a playback device and an NMD. However, in other embodiments, the control device 130a omits one or more speakers 134 and / or one or more microphones 135. For example, the control device 130a may omit a speaker or microphone and comprise a device (e.g., a thermostat, an IoT device, a network device) that is part of the electronic device 132 and includes a user interface 133 (e.g., a touch screen). Additional embodiments of the control device are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D and FIG. 5.

[0056] e. Appropriate playback device configuration Figures 1I - 1M illustrate exemplary configurations of playback devices in zones and zone groups. First, referring to Figure 1M, in one example, a single playback device can belong to a zone. For example, the playback device 110g in the second bedroom 101c (Figure 1A) may belong to Zone C. In some implementations described below, multiple playback devices can be "coupled" to form a "coupled pair", which together form a single zone. For example, the playback device 110l (e.g., the left playback device) can be coupled to the playback device 110l (e.g., the left playback device) to form Zone A. The coupled playback devices may have different playback responsibilities (e.g., channel responsibilities). In another embodiment described below, multiple playback devices can be merged to form a single zone. For example, the playback device 110h (e.g., the front playback device) may be merged with the playback device 110i (e.g., the subwoofer) and the playback devices 110j and 110k (e.g., the left and right surround speakers respectively) to form a single Zone D. In another example, the 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, the merged playback devices 110h and 110i can play audio content in the same way as they would if they were not merged, apart from playing audio content synchronously.

[0057] Each zone within the media playback system 100 may be provided for control as a single user interface (UI) entity. For example, Zone A may be provided as a single entity called the master bathroom. Zone B may be provided as a single entity called the master bedroom. Zone C may be provided as a single entity called the second bedroom.

[0058] The combined playback devices can have different playback responsibilities, such as responsibility for a specific audio channel. For example, as shown in FIG. 1-I, the playback devices 110l and 110m may be combined to generate or enhance the stereo effect of the audio content. In this example, the playback device 110l may be configured to play the audio components of the left channel, while the playback device 110k may be configured to play the audio components of the right channel. In some implementations, such a stereo combination may be referred to as "pairing".

[0059] Furthermore, the combined playback devices may have additional and / or different respective speaker drivers. As shown in FIG. 1J, the playback device 110h named "front" may be combined with the playback device 110i called "sub". The front device 110h can be configured to render the mid to high frequency range, and the sub device 110i can be configured to render the low frequency. However, when not combined, the front device 110h can be configured to render the full range of frequencies. As another example, FIG. 1K shows the front device 110h and the sub device 110i further combined with the left playback device 110j and the right playback device 110k respectively. In some implementations, the right device 110j and the left device 102k can be configured to form the surround or "satellite" channels of a home theater system. The combined playback devices 110h, 110i, 110j, and 110k can form a single zone D (FIG. 1M).

[0060] The merged playback devices may not be assigned a playback responsibility, and each of the respective playback devices can render the entire range of audio content that each is capable of. Nevertheless, the merged devices may be represented as a single UI entity (i.e., a zone as described above). For example, the playback devices 110a and 110n in the master bathroom have a single UI entity for Zone A. In one embodiment, the playback devices 110a and 110n can each output the entire range of audio content that the respective playback devices 110a and 110n are capable of synchronously.

[0061] In some embodiments, the NMD is combined or merged with another device to form a zone. For example, the NMD 120b may be combined with the playback device 110e that together form Zone F, also referred to as the living room. In other embodiments, a stand-alone network microphone device may itself be within a zone. However, in other embodiments, a stand-alone network microphone device may not be associated with a zone. Further details regarding associating a network microphone device and a playback device as a designated device or a default device can be found, for example, in the previously referenced U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 438,749.

[0062] Zones of individual, combined, and / or merged devices can be grouped to form zone groups. For example, referring to FIG. 1M, zone A can be grouped with zone B to form zone group 108a that includes two zones. Similarly, zone G can be grouped with zone H to form zone group 108b. As another example, zone A may be grouped with one or more other zones C-I. Zones A-I can be grouped and ungrouped in a number of ways. For example, three, four, five, or more (e.g., all) of zones A-I may be grouped. When grouped, zones of individual and / or combined playback devices can play audio in synchronization with each other as described in the previously referenced U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395. Playback devices may be dynamically grouped and ungrouped to form new or different groups that play audio content in synchronization.

[0063] In various embodiments, the zones within the environment may be a combination of the default names of the zones within the group or the names of the zones within the zone group. For example, zone group 108b can be assigned a name such as "Dining + Kitchen" as shown in FIG. 1M. In some embodiments, the zone group may be given a unique name selected by the user.

[0064] Certain data may be stored in the memory of a playback device (e.g., memory 112b of FIG. 1C) as one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe the state of the playback zone, playback device, and / or associated zone group. The memory may also be associated with the states of other devices of the media system and can include data that is sometimes shared between devices so that one or more of the devices have the most recent data associated with the system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the memory can store instances of various variable types related to the state. The variable instances can be stored with an identifier (e.g., a tag) corresponding to the type. For example, a particular identifier may be a first type "a1" for identifying a playback device of a zone, a second type "b1" for identifying a playback device that can be combined within the zone, and a third type "c1" for identifying a zone group to which the zone can belong. As a related example, an identifier associated with the second bedroom 101c can indicate that the playback device is the only playback device in zone C rather than within a zone group. An identifier associated with the den can indicate that the den is not grouped with other zones but includes the combined playback devices 110h - 110k. An identifier associated with the dining room can indicate that the dining room is part of the dining + kitchen zone group 108b and that devices 110b and 110d are grouped (FIG. 1L). An identifier associated with the kitchen can indicate the same or similar information by virtue of the kitchen being part of the dining + kitchen zone group 108b. Other exemplary zone variables and identifiers are described below.

[0066] In yet another example, the media playback system 100, as shown in FIG. 1M, can store variables or identifiers representing other associations of zones and zone groups, such as identifiers associated with an area. The area can include clusters of zone groups and / or zones that are not within a zone group. For example, FIG. 1M shows an upper area 109a that includes zones A - D and a lower area 109b that includes zones E - I. In one aspect, the area can be used to call a cluster of zone groups and / or a zone group of zones and / or another cluster that share one or more zones. In another aspect, this is different from a zone group that does not share zones with another zone group. Further examples of techniques for implementing an area can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 682,506, filed on August 21, 2017, titled "Room Association Based on Name", and U.S. Patent No. 8,483,853, filed on September 11, 2007, titled "Controlling and manipulating groupings in a multi - zone media system". Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 may not implement an area, in which case the system may not store variables associated with the area.

[0067] III. Exemplary Systems and Devices FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of a playback device 210 configured according to an aspect of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2B is a front isometric view of the playback device 210 without a grill 216e. FIG. 2C is an exploded view of the playback device 210. Referring collectively to FIGS. 2A-2C, the playback device 210 includes a housing 216 that includes an upper portion 216a, a right or first side portion 216b, a lower portion 216c, a left or second side portion 216d, a grill 216e, and a rear portion 216f. A plurality of fasteners 216g (e.g., one or more screws, rivets, clips) attach a frame 216h to the housing 216. A cavity 216j (FIG. 2C) within the housing 216 is configured to receive the frame 216h and the electronic device 212. The frame 216h is configured to carry a plurality of transducers 214 (individually identified as transducers 214a-f in FIG. 2B). The electronic device 212 (e.g., the electronic device 112 of FIG. 1C) is configured to receive audio content from an audio source and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the audio content to the transducers 214 for playback.

[0068] The transducer 214 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the electronic device 112 and is further configured to convert the received electrical signal into an audible sound during playback. For example, the transducers 214a - 214c (e.g., tweeters) can be configured to output high - frequency sounds (e.g., sound waves having a frequency exceeding about 2 kHz). The transducers 214d - 214f (e.g., mid - woofers, woofers, mid - range speakers) can be configured to output sound at a lower frequency than the transducers 214a - 214c (e.g., sound waves having a frequency lower than about 2 kHz). In some embodiments, the playback device 210 includes some transducers different from those shown in FIGS. 2A - 2C. For example, as will be further described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A - 3C, the playback device 210 can include less than six transducers (e.g., 1, 2, 3). However, in other embodiments, the playback device 210 includes more than six (e.g., 9, 10) transducers. Further, in some embodiments, all or some of the transducers 214 are configured to operate as a phased array to desirably adjust (e.g., narrow or widen) the radiation pattern of the transducers 214, thereby changing the perception of the sound emitted from the user's playback device 210.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2A - 2C, the filter 216i is axially aligned with the transducer 214b. The filter 216i can be configured to desirably attenuate a predetermined frequency range output by the transducer 214b to improve the sound quality and the perceived acoustic stage collectively output by the transducers 214. However, in some embodiments, the playback device 210 omits the filter 216i. In other embodiments, the playback device 210 includes one or more additional filters aligned with the transducer 214b and / or at least another of the transducers 214.

[0070] In some examples, the playback device 210 can be configured as a portable playback device, such as an ultra-portable playback device with an internal power source. FIG. 2D shows an example of a housing 241 of such a portable playback device. As shown, the housing 241 of the portable playback device includes a user interface in the form of a control region 242 at the upper portion 244 of the housing 241. The control region 242 can include a capacitive touch sensor for controlling audio playback, volume level, and other functions. The housing 241 of the portable playback device may be configured to engage a dock 246 that is connected to an external power source via a cable 248. The dock 246 can be configured to supply power to the portable playback device to recharge the internal battery. In some embodiments, the dock 246 can be composed of a set of one or more conductive contacts (not shown) disposed on the upper portion of the dock 246 that engage conductive contacts (not shown) on the bottom surface of the housing 241. In other examples, the dock 246 can supply power to the portable playback device from the cable 248 without using conductive contacts. For example, the dock 246 can wirelessly charge the portable playback device via one or more induction coils integrated into each of the dock 246 and the portable playback device.

[0071] In some examples, the playback device 210 can take the form of wired and / or wireless headphones (e.g., over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, or in-ear headphones). For example, FIG. 2E shows an exemplary housing 250 for such an embodiment of the playback device 210. As shown, the housing 250 includes a headband 252 that couples a first earphone 254a to a second earphone 254b. Each of the earpieces 254a and 254b can house any portion of the electronic components within the playback device, such as one or more speakers and one or more microphones. In some embodiments, the housing 250 can surround or house one or more microphones. Additionally, one or more of the earpieces 254a and 254b can include a control region 258 for controlling audio playback, volume levels, and other functions. The control region 258 can be configured with any combination of capacitive touch sensors, buttons, switches, and dials. As shown in FIG. 2D, the housing 250 can further include ear cushions 256a and 256b that are coupled to the earpieces 254a and 254b, respectively. The ear cushions 256a and 256b can each provide a soft barrier between the user's head and the earpieces 254a and 254b, improve the user's comfort, and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surroundings (e.g., passive noise reduction (PNR)). In some embodiments, the wired and / or wireless headphones can be powered by an internal energy source and be a super-portable playback device weighing 50 ounces (1417 g) or less.

[0072] In some examples, the playback device 210 can be in the form of an in-ear headphone device. The playback device 210 can take the form of other wearable devices, apart from headphones. Wearable devices include devices configured to be worn on a part of a subject (e.g., head, neck, torso, arm, wrist, finger, leg, ankle, etc.). For example, the playback device 210 can take the form of glasses including a frame front (configured to hold, e.g., one or more lenses), a first temple rotatably coupled to the frame front, and a second temple rotatably coupled to the frame front. In this example, the glasses can include one or more transducers incorporated in at least one of the first and second temples and configured to project sound toward the ears of the subject.

[0073] In this specification, specific implementations of the playback microphone device and the network microphone device have been described. However, there are a number of configurations of devices that include, but are not limited to, those without a UI, microphones at different positions, multiple microphone arrays arranged in different configurations, and / or other configurations suitable for the requirements of a given application. For example, the UI and / or the microphone array can be implemented in other playback devices and / or computing devices, rather than those described in this specification. Further, although specific examples of the playback device 210 have been described with reference to the MPS100, those skilled in the art will recognize that the playback devices described in this specification can be used in a variety of different environments including (but not limited to) environments having more or fewer elements without departing from the present invention. Similarly, the MPS described in this specification can be used with a variety of different playback devices.

[0074] Figures 3A and 3B are, respectively, a front view and a right-side isometric view of the NMD320 configured according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Figure 3C is an exploded view of the NMD320. Figure 3D is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 3B including the user interface 313 of the NMD320. Referring first to FIGS. 3A-3C, the NMD320 includes a housing 316 having an upper portion 316a, a lower portion 316b, and an intermediate portion 316c (e.g., a grill). A plurality of ports, holes, or openings 316d in the upper portion 316a allow sound to pass to one or more microphones 315 (FIG. 3C) disposed within the housing 316. The one or more microphones 316 are configured to receive sound via the openings 316d and generate an electrical signal based on the received sound. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 316e (FIG. 3C) of the housing 316 surrounds cavities 316f and 316g configured to house a first transducer 314a (e.g., a tweeter) and a second transducer 314b (e.g., a midwoofer, midrange speaker, woofer), respectively. However, in other embodiments, the NMD320 includes a single transducer, or three or more (e.g., 2, 5, 6) transducers. In certain embodiments, the NMD320 completely omits the transducers 314a and 314b.

[0075] The electronic device 312 (FIG. 3C) is configured to drive the transducers 314a and 314b and further includes components configured to analyze audio information corresponding to the electrical signals generated by the one or more microphones 315. In some embodiments, for example, the electronic device 312 includes many or all of the components of the electronic device 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1C. In certain embodiments, the electronic device 312 includes the components described above with respect to FIG. 1F, such as, for example, one or more processors 112a, a memory 112b, software components 112c, a network interface 112d. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 includes additional suitable components (e.g., proximity or other sensors).

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3D, the user interface 313 includes a plurality of control surfaces (e.g., buttons, knobs, capacitive surfaces) including a first control surface 313a (e.g., previous control), a second control surface 313b (e.g., next control), and a third control surface 313c (e.g., play and / or pause control). A fourth control surface 313d is configured to receive touch-based input corresponding to 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 lighting device) can be configured to light only when one or more microphones 315 are activated. A second indicator 313f (e.g., one or more LEDs) can be configured to remain lit during normal operation and blink or otherwise change from lit to indicate detection of voice activity. In some embodiments, the user interface 313 includes additional or fewer control surfaces and lighting devices. In one embodiment, for example, the user interface 313 includes the first indicator 313e without the second indicator 313f. Further, in certain embodiments, the NMD 320 includes a playback device and a control device, and the user interface 313 includes the user interface of the control device.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3A - 3D together, the NMD320 is configured to receive voice commands from one or more adjacent users via one or more microphones 315. As described above with respect to FIG. 1B, the one or more microphones 315 can acquire, capture, or record sounds in the vicinity (e.g., an area within 10 m from the NMD320) and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the recorded sound to the electronic device 312. The electronic device 312 can process the electrical signal 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 NMD320 is configured to transmit a portion of the recorded audio data to another device and / or a remote server (e.g., one or more of the computing devices 106 of FIG. 1B) for further analysis. The remote server can analyze the audio data, determine an appropriate action based on the voice command, and transmit a message to the NMD320 to execute the appropriate action. For example, a user can say "Sonos, play Michael Jackson." The NMD320 can record the user's vocal utterance via one or more microphones 315, determine the presence of a voice command, and transmit the audio data having the voice command to a remote server (e.g., one or more of the remote computing devices 106 of FIG. 1B, one or more servers of the VAS, and / or another appropriate service). The remote server can analyze the audio data and determine an action corresponding to the command. The remote server can then transmit a command to the NMD320 to execute the determined action (e.g., play audio content related to Michael Jackson). The NMD320 can receive this command and play the audio content related to Michael Jackson from the media content source.As described above with respect to FIG. 1B, suitable content sources can include devices or storage communicatively coupled to the NMD320 via a LAN (e.g., network 104 of FIG. 1B), a remote server (e.g., one or more of the remote computing devices 106 of FIG. 1B), and the like. However, in certain embodiments, the NMD320 determines and / or executes one or more actions corresponding to one or more voice commands without the intervention or involvement of an external device, computer, or server.

[0078] FIG. 3E is a functional block diagram showing further features of the NMD320 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The NMD320 includes components configured to facilitate voice command capture, including a voice activity detector component 312k, a beamformer component 312l, an acoustic echo canceler (AEC) and / or a self-noise suppression component 312m, a wake word detector component 312n, and a voice / speech conversion component 312o (e.g., voice-to-text and text-to-voice). In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3E, the foregoing components 312k-312o are shown as separate components. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the components 312k-312o are sub-components of the processor 112a.

[0079] The beamforming and acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) components 312l and 312m are configured to detect an audio signal and determine aspects of the voice input represented in the detected audio signal, such as direction, amplitude, frequency spectrum, etc. The voice activity detector (VAD) component 312k is operatively coupled to the beamforming and AEC components 312l and 312m and is configured to determine one or more directions in which voice activity is likely to occur in the detected audio signal. Potential talk directions can be identified by monitoring a metric that differentiates speech from other sounds. Such metrics can include, for example, the entropy within the speech band, which is an indicator of the energy and spectral structure within the speech band relative to background noise. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, speech generally has a lower entropy than the most common background noises. The wake word detector component 312n is configured to monitor and analyze the received audio to determine whether any wake word (e.g., wake-up word) exists in the received audio. The wake word detection component 312n can analyze the received audio using a wake word detection algorithm. When the wake word detector 312n detects a wake word, the NMD 320 can process the voice input included in the received audio. An example of a wake word detection algorithm accepts audio as input and gives an indication of whether a wake word exists within the audio. Many first-party and third-party wake word detection algorithms are known and commercially available. For example, an operator of a voice service may make an algorithm available for use on third-party devices. Alternatively, the algorithm may be trained to detect a specific wake word. In some embodiments, the wake word detector 312n executes multiple wake word detection algorithms on the received audio simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously). As described above, different voice services (e.g., AMAZON's ALEXA (registered trademark), APPLE's SIRI (registered trademark), or MICROSOFT's CORTANA (registered trademark)) can each use different wake words to invoke their respective voice services. To support multiple services, the wake word detector 312n can execute the received audio in parallel via a wake word detection algorithm for each supported voice service.

[0080] The speech / text conversion component 312o can facilitate processing by converting speech in voice input into text. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 can include speech recognition software that is trained for a particular user or a particular set of users associated with a home. Such speech recognition software can implement a speech-processing algorithm that is adjusted to a particular speech profile. Adjustment to a particular speech profile may generally require few computationally intensive algorithms compared to conventional speech activity services that sample from a wide range of requirements not targeted at a general base of users and media playback systems.

[0081] FIG. 3F is a schematic diagram of an example of voice input 328 captured by NMD320 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The voice input 328 can include an activation word portion 328a and a voice utterance portion 328b. In some embodiments, the activation word 557a can be a known activation word such as "Alexa" associated with AMAZON's ALEXA (registered trademark). However, in other embodiments, the voice input 328 may not include an activation word. In some embodiments, the network microphone device may output an audible response and / or a visual response upon detection of the activation word portion 328a. In addition to or instead of this, the NMB may output an audible response and / or a visual response after processing the voice input and / or a series of voice inputs.

[0082] The voice utterance part 328b may include, for example, one or more spoken commands (individually identified as the first command 328c and the second command 328e) and one or more spoken keywords (individually identified as the first keyword 328d and the second keyword 328f). In one example, the first command 328c may be a command for playing music such as a specific song, album, playlist, etc. In this example, the keyword may be one or more words that identify one or more zones where music is to be played, such as the living room and dining room shown in FIG. 1A. In some examples, the voice utterance part 328b can include other information such as a detected pause (e.g., a period of non-speaking) between words spoken by the user, as shown in FIG. 3F. The pause can define the position of a separate command, keyword, or other information spoken by the user within the voice utterance part 328b.

[0083] In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is configured to temporarily lower the volume of the audio content being played while detecting the wake word part 557a. The media playback system 100 can restore the volume after processing the voice input 328, as shown in FIG. 3F. Such a process can be called ducking, an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0084] Figures 4A - 4D are schematic diagrams of a control device 430 (e.g., the control device 130a of FIG. 1H, a smartphone, a tablet, a dedicated control device, an IoT device, and / or another suitable device) showing corresponding user interface displays in various operating states. The first user interface display 431a (FIG. 4A) includes a display name 433a (i.e., "Room"). In the selected group area 433b, audio content information (e.g., artist name, track name, album art) of the audio content being played in the selected group and / or zone is displayed. The group areas 433c and 433d display the corresponding group and / or zone names, as well as audio content information of the audio content to be played or next to be played in the playback queue of each group or zone, and the audio content. The audio content area 433e includes information regarding the audio content within the selected group and / or zone (i.e., the group and / or zone shown in the selected group area 433b). The lower display area 433f is configured to receive touch input and display one or more other user interface displays. For example, when the user selects "Browse" in the lower display area 433f, the control device 430 can be configured to output a second user interface display 431b (FIG. 4B) with a plurality of music services 433g (e.g., Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, TV, Local Music, Line In), and the user can browse media content for playback via one or more playback devices (e.g., one of the playback devices 110 of FIG. 1A) from this display and also select media content for playback. Alternatively, when the user selects "My Sonos" within the lower display area 433f, the control device 430 can be configured to output a third user interface display 431c (FIG. 4C).The first media content area 433h can include a graphical representation (e.g., album art) corresponding to an individual album, station, or playlist. The second media content area 433i can include a graphical representation (e.g., album art) corresponding to an individual song, track, or other media content. When the user selects the graphical representation 433j (FIG. 4C), the control device 430 can be configured to start playing the audio content corresponding to the graphical representation 433j and output a fourth user interface display 431d that includes an enlarged version of the graphical representation 433j, media content information 433k (e.g., track name, artist, album), transport control 433m (e.g., play, rewind, fast forward, pause, volume), and a display 433n of the currently selected group and / or zone name.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a control device 530 (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer). The control device 530 includes a transducer 534, a microphone 535, and a camera 536. The user interface 531 includes a transport control region 533a, a playback status region 533b, a playback zone region 533c, a playback queue region 533d, and a media content source region 533e. The transport control region includes one or more controls for controlling media playback, including, for example, volume, forward, play / pause, next, repeat, shuffle, track position, crossfade, equalization, etc. The audio content source region 533e includes a list of one or more media content sources from which the user can select media items for playback and / or addition to the playback queue.

[0086] The playback zone area 533b can include a representation of the playback zones within the media playback system 100 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). In some embodiments, the graphical representation of the playback zones may be selectable to display additional selectable icons for managing or configuring the playback zones in the media playback system, such as creating combined zones, creating zone groups, separating zone groups, renaming zone groups, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, a “Group” icon is provided within each of the graphical representations of the playback zones. The “Group” icon provided within the graphical representation of a particular zone may be selectable to display an option for selecting one or more other zones within the media playback system to be grouped with the particular zone. When grouped, the playback devices within the zone or zones grouped with the particular zone can be configured to play audio content in synchronization with the playback devices within the particular zone. Similarly, a “Group” icon can be provided within the graphical representation of the zone group. In the illustrated embodiment, the “Group” icon can be made selectable to display an option for unselecting one or more zones within the zone group to be removed from the zone group. In some embodiments, the control device 530 includes additional interactions and implementations for grouping and ungrouping zones via the user interface 531. In a particular embodiment, the representation of the playback zones within the playback zone area 533b can be dynamically updated when the playback zone or zone group configuration is changed.

[0087] The playback status area 533c includes a graphical representation of audio content that is currently playing, previously played, or scheduled to play next in the selected playback zone or zone group. The selected playback zone or zone group may be visually distinguished in the user interface, such as within the playback zone area 533b and / or the playback queue area 533d. The graphical representation may include the track title, artist name, album name, album year, track length, and other relevant information that may be useful for the user to know when controlling the media playback system 100 via the user interface 531.

[0088] The playback queue area 533d includes a graphical representation of audio content within a playback queue associated with a selected playback zone or zone group. In some embodiments, each playback zone or zone group may be associated with a playback queue that includes information corresponding to zero or more audio items for playback by the playback zone or zone group. For example, each audio item within the playback queue can comprise a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), or some other identifier that can be used by a playback device within the playback zone or zone group to discover and / or retrieve the audio item from a local audio content source or a networked audio content source for playback by the playback device, as the case may be. In some embodiments, for example, a playlist can be added to the playback queue, and information corresponding to each audio item within the playlist can be added to the playback queue. In some embodiments, the audio items within the playback queue may be stored as a playlist. In certain embodiments, the playback queue may be empty or pre-set but "unused" when the playback zone or zone group is continuously streaming playback of audio content, such as Internet radio, that can be played continuously until stopped rather than individual audio items having a playback duration. In some embodiments, the playback queue can include Internet radio and / or other streaming audio content items and can be "in use" when the playback zone or zone group is playing those items.

[0089] When a playback zone or zone group is "grouped" or "ungrouped", the playback queue associated with the affected playback zone or zone group can be cleared or re-associated. For example, if a first playback zone containing a first playback queue is grouped with a second playback zone containing a second playback queue, the established zone group can have a playback queue associated with audio items from the first playback queue (such as when the second playback zone is added to the first playback zone), which was initially empty, audio items from the second playback queue (such as when the first playback zone is added to the second playback zone), or a combination of audio items from both the first and second playback queues. Subsequently, when the established zone group is ungrouped, the resulting first playback zone may be re-associated with the previous first playback queue, or may be associated with a new playback queue that is empty or contains audio items from the playback queue associated with the established zone group before the established zone group was ungrouped. Similarly, the resulting second playback zone may be re-associated with the previous second playback queue, or may be associated with a new playback queue that is empty or contains audio items from the playback queue associated with the established zone group before the established zone group was ungrouped.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of messages showing data exchange between devices of the media playback system 100 (FIGS. 1A - 1M).

[0091] In step 650a, the media playback system 100 receives a display of selected media content (e.g., one or more songs, albums, playlists, Podcasts, videos, stations) via the control device 130a. The selected media content can include, for example, media items locally stored on one or more devices (e.g., the audio source 105 in FIG. 1C) connected to the media playback system and / or media items stored on one or more media service servers (one or more of the remote computing devices 106 in FIG. 1B). In response to receiving the display of the selected media content, the control device 130a sends a message 651a to the playback device 110a (FIGS. 1A-1C) to add the selected media content to the playback queue of the playback device 110a.

[0092] In step 650b, the playback device 110a receives the message 651a and adds the selected media content for playback to the playback queue.

[0093] In step 650c, the control device 130a receives an input corresponding to a command to play the selected media content. In response to receiving the input corresponding to the command to play the selected media content, the control device 130a sends a message 651b to the playback device 110a to cause the playback device 110a to play the selected media content. In response to receiving the message 651b, the playback device 110a sends a message 651c to the first computing device 106a requesting the selected media content. In response to receiving the message 651c, the first computing device 106a sends a message 651d including data (e.g., audio data, video data, URL, URI) corresponding to the requested media content.

[0094] In step 650d, the playback device 110a receives a message 651d having data corresponding to the requested media content and plays the associated media content.

[0095] In step 650e, the playback device 110a optionally causes one or more other devices to play the selected media content. In one example, the playback device 110a is one of the combined zones of two or more players (Figure 1M). The playback device 110a can receive the selected media content and transmit all or part of the media content to other devices within the combined zone. In another example, the playback device 110a is a group coordinator and is configured to transmit and receive timing information from one or more other devices within the group. One or more other devices within the group can receive the selected media content from the first computing device 106a and can start playing the selected media content in response to a message from the playback device 110a, whereby all devices within the group play the selected media content synchronously.

[0096] IV. Wireless Power Supply Device, Related System, and Method An audio playback device capable of wireless power supply has several distinct advantages compared to conventional wired devices. For example, there is no need to run a power cord through the wall or under furniture and hide it in an unsightly manner. Also, with wireless power supply, the user can more easily rearrange the device within the home or room without unplugging the power cord or changing the wiring. To enable this functionality, one or more wireless power transmission devices can be provided in the vicinity of an audio playback device having a wireless power receiver therein. Such a transmission device can include another playback device (e.g., a soundbar, a subwoofer, or any playback device having a wired power connection), or a non-playback device (e.g., a power hub that supplies wireless power to a playback device without driving an audio output itself). In some examples, one or more playback devices can include both a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter, and these devices can be used in any configuration, and in some cases simultaneously in both configurations (e.g., as a "relay" where the device receives wireless power from an external transmission device and transmits wireless power to an external receiving device). In one embodiment, such a plurality of playback devices can transfer wireless power to each other in a mesh configuration, and the transfer between specific devices is selected to provide a desired power level, device performance, and user experience.

[0097] As used herein, a "wireless power transmitter" or "transmitter device" includes any device (or component of a device) that can transmit wireless power that can be received and harvested by a suitable receiver device. Similarly, a "wireless power receiver" or "receiver" includes any device (or component of a device) that can receive wireless power from a remote transmitter and use that power to operate one or more components of the receiver (e.g., power an amplifier of a playback device). In various embodiments, a single playback device (or other apparatus) can be both a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, while in other embodiments, a particular device can be only a transmitter or only a receiver.

[0098] In various examples disclosed herein, such wireless power transmission can include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission. As used herein, medium- and long-range wireless power transmission includes wireless power transmission over a distance greater than about 10 cm, in some examples greater than about 50 cm, or greater than about 1 m. For example, a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver may be able to be separated from each other by at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m during wireless power transmission.

[0099] As described elsewhere herein, such medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission technologies include radiative technologies (e.g., propagation of laser, radio waves, microwaves, or electromagnetic radiation from a transmitter to a receiver). In various examples, a wireless power receiver in such an example can include a photovoltaic cell, a diode, an antenna (e.g., a rectenna), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. Similarly, a wireless power transmitter in such a case can include a light source such as a laser, a microwave source, an antenna (e.g., a directional antenna, a phased array antenna), or other suitable electromagnetic radiation source.

[0100] Additionally, or alternatively, such mid-range or long-range wireless power transfer can include non-radiative transfer such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such embodiments, both the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver can include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), an electrode (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), or a rotating armature having a magnet thereon (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling). a. Components of a Suitable Wireless (Radio) Power Transmission Device

[0101] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless (radio) power transfer (WPT) device 700. In some examples, the wireless power transfer device 700 can be coupled to, integrated with, or included within a playback device (e.g., the playback device 110a of FIG. 1C), an NMD (e.g., the NMD 120a of FIG. 1F), or other suitable device.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 7, the wireless power transfer device 700 includes one or more processors 702, a network interface 704, and a memory 706. These are similar to or the same as the processor 112a, network interface 112d, and memory 112b described above with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1F and can include them. In various embodiments, the wireless power transfer device 700 can include any or all of the features of the playback device 110a or NMD 120a described earlier herein. In some examples, the network interface 704 can include one or more transceivers configured to communicate via at least one WIFI network and / or at least one BLUETOOTH network.

[0103] The wireless power transmission device 700 optionally includes a wired power input port 708 configured to be electrically coupled to a wired power source 710, such as an AC power port or a USB port (e.g., a USB-TYPE-A port, a USB-TYPE-B port, a USB-TYPE-C port, etc.), via (e.g., through a cable) a household power outlet directly (e.g., to receive alternating current (AC) power) or indirectly via a power adapter (e.g., a device that converts AC power from a household power outlet to direct current (DC) power). In some examples, the wired power input port 708 is omitted, and the wireless power transmission device 700 operates based only on power received wirelessly from an external transmitting device(s) and / or energy 716 generated via an energy harvester(s).

[0104] Wireless power transmission device 700 further includes an energy storage component 712, which can take the form of a rechargeable battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, or any other suitable component capable of storing energy. The energy storage component 712 can be configured to store energy and facilitate the operation of the device (e.g., power supply to one or more amplifiers of the playback device). In this regard, the energy storage component 712 can be a battery having chemical properties that facilitate battery recharge, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), etc. The battery can be sized such that the processor 702 and other components of the wireless power transmission device 700 can operate solely on battery power for an extended period without the need to recharge the battery. For example, the battery can have a capacity of 20 watt-hours (Wh) and can continuously play audio for at least 4 hours on battery power alone. The battery can be charged using power from one or more other components within the wireless power transmission device 700 (e.g., the wired power input port 708, the wireless power transmission device 720, the energy harvester 716, etc.).

[0105] As described above, in some examples, the wireless power transmission device 700 can include an audio playback component 714 (e.g., one or more transducers, audio processing circuits, microphones, voice processing circuits, etc.), and as such, the wireless power transmission device 700 can include or be a part of an audio playback device or a network microphone device as described elsewhere in this specification. In various examples, such an audio playback device can be a soundbar, subwoofer, headphone device, wearable device, portable audio playback device, architectural playback device, or a video playback device.

[0106] The wireless power transmission device 700 optionally includes one or more energy harvesters 716. The energy harvester 716 can include devices configured to obtain power from energy sources in the environment (e.g., solar energy, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradient, kinetic energy, sound energy, etc.). For example, the energy harvester 716 can include one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert received light into voltage. Any of the various energy harvesters 716 can be included in the wireless power transmitter 700. Examples of such energy harvesters include photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, micro wind turbines, piezoelectric crystals, electroacoustic transducers, kinetic energy harvesters, and the like.

[0107] The wireless power transmission device 700 further includes a wireless power transmitter 718, a wireless power receiver 720, and a power supply circuit 722. In operation, the wireless power transmission device 700 can receive wireless power from an external transmission device via the receiver 720, transmit wireless power to an external receiving device via the transmitter 718, and the power supply circuit 722 controls some or all of the functions related to these operations.

[0108] The wireless power transmitter 718 can include any component or combination of components capable of transmitting wireless power to an external wireless power receiver. Such wireless power transmission can include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission, for example, configured to provide effective power transmission with the transmitter and receiver separated from each other by a distance greater than about 10 cm, in some examples greater than about 50 cm or greater than about 1 m. In various embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 718 can transmit power by radiation techniques such as using a laser, radio waves, microwaves, or any other such technique involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter to the receiver. In various embodiments, such electromagnetic radiation can be directional (e.g., directed towards one or more receivers) or non-directional (e.g., radiated in substantially all directions from the wireless power transmitter 718). In various examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 in such examples can include a light source such as a laser, a microwave source, an antenna (e.g., a directional antenna, a phased array antenna, etc.), or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 718 can include one or more steering components configured to direct, focus, or manipulate the wireless power. Such steering components can include, for example, one or more lenses, mirrors, directional antennas, or other suitable components.

[0109] Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless power transmitter 718 can be configured to transmit wireless power using non-radiation techniques such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 can include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), a rotating armature carrying a magnet thereon (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of wirelessly receiving power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0110] The wireless power receiver 720 can include any component or structure configured to wirelessly receive power from an external wireless transmitter (e.g., via inductance, resonance, radiation, etc.). As described above, such wireless power transmission can include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission, for example, the transmitter and receiver are configured to provide effective power transmission while separated from each other by a distance of more than about 10 cm, in some examples more than about 50 cm or more than about 1 m. In various embodiments, the wireless power receiver 720 can receive power via radiation techniques such as lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such techniques involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter to the receiver. In such cases, the wireless power receiver 720 can include a photoreceiver such as a diode, a photovoltaic cell, an antenna (e.g., a rectenna), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

[0111] In addition, or alternatively, the wireless power receiver 720 can be configured to receive wireless power using non-radiative techniques such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such embodiments, the wireless power receiver 720 can include a conductive coil (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), an electrode (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), a rotating armature carrying a magnet thereon (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of wirelessly receiving power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0112] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, the wireless power transmission device 700 can include a power supply circuit 722 configured to receive power from an energy storage component (capacitor) 712, a wired power input 708, and / or a wireless power receiver 720, and use the power obtained therefrom to drive an amplifier and / or an electroacoustic transducer having an audio output based on a source audio. The power supply circuit 722 can 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 supply circuit 722 include transformers, rectifiers, inverters, converters, regulators, battery chargers, and / or power management integrated circuits (PMICs). In some examples, such a power supply circuit 722 can be integrated into either or both of the wireless power transmitter 718 and the wireless power receiver 720.

[0113] In some examples, the power supply circuit 722 can include a battery circuit that facilitates monitoring the state of the battery. In these examples, the battery circuit can identify battery state information including information regarding one or more of the following battery states, e.g., state of charge (SoC), temperature, life, and / or internal impedance. The battery circuit can communicate the battery state information to, for example, the processor 702.

[0114] The power circuit 722 may include a regulation circuit that facilitates converting a variable amount of voltage (e.g., a variable voltage from a battery, a variable voltage from an energy harvester, etc.) to a stable DC voltage. For example, the regulation circuit can include a switching regulator circuit such as a buck, boost, buck-boost, flyback, resonant, etc. The regulation circuit can include one or more linear voltage regulators such as a low dropout (LDO) regulator. The regulation circuit can be configured to output one or more fixed DC voltages (e.g., ±5V, ±12V) or an AC voltage. b. Examples of Wireless Power Groups

[0115] FIG. 8 shows the interaction between power groups including a plurality of WPT (Wireless Power Transmission) devices capable of transmitting power and / or data to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the group includes a power group coordinator 800, and first and second power group members 850a, 850b. Each of the power group coordinator 800 and the power group members 850a, 850b can include some or all of the components described above with respect to the wireless power transmission device 700 of FIG. 7. In some examples, some or all of these devices can include or be an audio playback device. Although the illustrated group includes three devices, in various embodiments, there can be one, two, four, five, or more power group members (not shown).

[0116] As used herein, a "power group" can include two or more devices configured to wirelessly transmit power therebetween. In the illustrated example, the coordinator 800 transmits wireless power to each of a first power group member 850a and a second power group member 850b (e.g., via the wireless power transmitter 718). Further, the first group member 850a wirelessly transmits power to the second power group member 850b. In an alternative, the power group coordinator 800 can be such that each device of the group can wirelessly receive or transmit power with at least one other device of the group, whereby one or more group members 850 can transmit power to other group members 850 or transmit power wirelessly to fewer members than all of the members of the wireless power group.

[0117] In the illustrated example, the power group coordinator 800 does not include a wireless power receiver 720 and is connected to a wired power source 710. However, in other embodiments, the power group coordinator 800 does not have a connection to a wired power source 710 and is powered only via wireless power transmission and / or energy harvesting by itself. In some examples, one or more of the power group members 850 can be connected to a wired power source instead of or in addition to receiving power wirelessly from other group members.

[0118] As used herein, a "power group coordinator" can include a wireless power transmission device configured to send instructions to one or more power group members to start, stop, or modulate wireless power transmission therebetween. For example, a power group coordinator can cause a first power group member 850a to start wireless power transmission to a second power group member 850b. As described in more detail elsewhere in this specification, in some examples, wireless power transmission can be started, stopped, or changed based on a number of parameters (e.g., the battery level of the device, the level or rate or wireless power received by the device, the audio playback level, etc.). In some examples, such parameters can be determined by or sent to the power group coordinator 800, which can then determine any appropriate modifications to the wireless power transmission within the group and send instructions to the group members accordingly.

[0119] In at least some examples, there is no power coordinator. In such cases, each wireless power transmission device can independently determine whether to wirelessly transmit or receive power from an external transceiver device, how, and when.

[0120] As described above, in some examples, multiple audio playback devices can be grouped (e.g., as a combined zone) for synchronous audio playback. In such cases, one of the playback devices serves as the group coordinator and can send and receive timing information from one or more other devices within the group. In various examples, the power group may be the same as the audio playback group. Alternatively, the power group may be at least partially different from any audio playback group. In at least some examples, the power group coordinator 800 may also serve as the audio playback group coordinator. In such cases, the power group coordinator 800 can send timing data or other information to the group members via a wireless network and / or via data incorporated in a wireless power signal, as described in more detail elsewhere in this specification. Alternatively, the power group coordinator 800 and the audio playback group coordinator may be different devices. In still other examples, a power group may be formed without audio playback grouping, in which case there may be no audio playback group coordinator. V. Examples of Systems and Methods for Charging Batteries of Playback Devices

[0121] A system and method for charging power storage such as a battery of a playback device related to a media playback system are disclosed. By using the disclosed system and method, the media playback system can adopt one or more charging methods that reduce battery degradation and extend battery life for each battery of one or more playback devices as compared to conventional approaches. The media playback system includes at least one playback device (e.g., a portable device) having its own power storage (e.g., a battery) and an associated power source such as a portable USB charger plugged into an outlet, a wireless charging cradle, a wireless power transmission system configured to wirelessly charge one or more devices, etc., configured to charge the power storage according to one or more charging methods. For example, in a conventional system, each power storage is charged to its maximum charge capacity as quickly as the hardware and power source allow. The disclosed media playback system provides an alternative charging method configured to suppress degradation of power storage and prolong its usefulness. For example, after receiving an instruction to form a group of two or more playback devices for synchronous audio playback, the media playback system can obtain power parameters related to one or more of the playback devices, such as the power level, life, and / or temperature of their respective power storages, the power charging rate associated with their current charging method(s), the playback responsibility of each playback device in the group, 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 can include an indication of the power received via the one or more energy harvesters, the rate at which the one or more energy harvesters can harvest energy, etc. These power parameters can be transmitted 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 another computing device such as a server that stores or otherwise holds information regarding the power parameters of the playback device, a controller device (e.g., a remote control, smartphone, tablet, etc.), an IoT device, a power source, etc. Based on one or more of these power parameters, the media playback system can identify one or more other charging methods for each of the devices and configure the playback device to charge according to the corresponding charging method. For example, one charging method may involve lowering a target charge level of a rechargeable battery to a charge level below its maximum charge capacity. As another example, one charging method may charge different power storages at different charging rates such that a playback device having a lower power storage level is charged faster than a playback device having a higher power storage level and / or such that the power storage levels of each of the playback devices reach corresponding threshold charge levels substantially simultaneously. After one or more charging methods are identified, the media playback system can adopt the identified charging method, for example, by changing the current charging method of the playback device, replacing one charging method with another, combining and / or scheduling multiple charging methods, etc. Thereafter, the media playback system can revert from a certain charging method to a previous charging method, for example, by modifying or replacing the charging method. For example, after receiving an instruction to ungroup one or more playback devices, the media playback system can revert the charging methods of the one or more playback devices to a previous charging method such as a previously exchanged, changed, etc. charging method.

[0122] In one charging method, the battery is charged at a constant charging rate up to a certain threshold or target charge level (e.g., a predetermined percentage of the capacity such as 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, 100%, etc.). The fixed charging rate may be a predetermined charging rate based on the battery itself, such as the recommended charging rate provided by the manufacturer of the battery and / or the regenerative device, the charging rate provided by a testing or rating institution, or the charging rate governed by the capacity of the corresponding device and charger hardware. The recommended charging rate provided by the manufacturer, testing institution, etc. may be included as part of a "recommended charging rate range" corresponding to a range of charging rates that are likely to minimize the performance degradation of the battery. In some cases, the media playback system can query the regenerative device for the recommended charging rate or recommended charging rate range. In some examples, the media playback system can query one or more remote computing devices to request the recommended charging rate or recommended charging rate range. In a particular example, the recommended charging rate or recommended charging rate range is adjusted or changed based on the life of the battery, the number of charge cycles, etc.

[0123] When the battery reaches the threshold, the charging method can cause the media playback system to adjust the charging rate to a lower charging rate or a trickle charging rate to maintain the charge level at the threshold. In some cases, the charging method includes a minimum charge level for the battery and the battery is charged only when it drops below the minimum charge level. In this charging method, the charge amount of the battery is set to be below a certain threshold that can damage the battery and accelerate its degradation. Therefore, this charging method results in less degradation of the battery compared to conventional charging methods. In some cases, when a percentage of a predetermined charge capacity is lower than a certain threshold (e.g., 40%, 60%, etc.), the media playback system notifies one or more users that the corresponding device is only charged up to a certain threshold. For example, if the user plans to use the regenerative device without a charger (i.e., while the regenerative device is not plugged in), the user can be allowed to select a different charging method.

[0124] In another charging method, the battery of the playback device is charged based on the usage pattern of the playback device (such as when the playback device is used, how the playback device is used, the type of content played by the playback device, the timing and frequency at which the playback device is connected to the charger, etc.). In this way, the media playback system can be configured to predict the battery needs of the playback device and charge the battery accordingly. The media playback system can track the usage statistics of the playback device to determine how and when the playback device is used, and use that information to construct and / or select a charging method for the playback device. For example, assume that a certain playback device is regularly used from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM every weekday, and during that time, the corresponding battery charge is consumed at an average of 950 mAh (milliampere-hours). In this case, the media playback system can predict that the battery of the playback device will need approximately 950 mAh at 6:00 PM on weekdays and enable the playback device to be used during a 2-hour window. Therefore, the media playback system can charge the battery of the playback device to either a) a predetermined percentage (such as 110%, 120%, 150%) of the average consumption during the usage window (i.e., from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in this example), or b) a predetermined threshold of the maximum capacity of the battery, whichever is smaller, before switching to a charging rate (such as a low recommended charging rate or a trickle charging rate) sufficient to maintain this target charge level. In some cases, the predetermined percentage of the average consumption of the playback device is determined by analyzing usage statistics (such as in the past week, month, year, etc.), constructing one or more distributions (such as a normal distribution) of, for example, start time and duration based on the usage statistics, and calculating the target charge level based on distribution parameters (such as mean, variance, standard deviation, etc.). Based on usage statistics, for example, construct one or more distributions (such as a normal distribution) of start time and duration, and calculate a target charge level, such as 1.5 standard deviations above the average consumption value (such as 950 mAh) for a specific start time, based on distribution parameters (such as mean, variance, standard deviation, etc.).In some cases, the media playback system uses machine learning techniques to build a prediction model (e.g., a prediction model, a time series model, etc.) that predicts, for example, when the playback device is used and for how long, and how much charging is required by such use. Based on this information, the media playback system can build and / or adopt a charging method that provides sufficient charge for the predicted usage window. Further, the media playback system can monitor the performance of the prediction model and feed this information back to the prediction model to improve the performance of the prediction model over time. For example, the media playback system can periodically update the training set of the model using usage information, along with indications such as whether the charge provided for the predicted usage window was insufficient, sufficient, or excessive. For example, if the media playback system determines that the playback device is regularly returned (e.g., plugged in) to the charger before the end of the predicted usage window at a certain threshold (e.g., 0%, 5%, 15%) or a charge level close thereto, the media playback system can provide the prediction model with data indicating that the predicted charge level was insufficient. The prediction model can be updated (e.g., retrained) to reflect this new information. In this charging method, the charge level of the battery is kept relatively low, but a sufficient charge level is obtained to use the device during the expected usage time period. Therefore, this charging method results in less battery degradation compared to conventional charging methods.

[0125] In some cases, the media playback system includes a group of devices configured to operate in synchronous playback of the same media content. A user who plans to use these playback devices for an event may want to charge each device in anticipation of the event. However, the charge levels of each device may be different, and with conventional charging techniques, the time required for charging may also be different. Alternatively, the devices may have the same charge level or substantially the same charge level, but one of the devices may have a battery in a substantially different battery state such that at least one device charges at a significantly different rate than one or more of the other devices.

[0126] In this arrangement, the media playback system can adopt a charging method based on the playback devices in the group and the corresponding batteries. For example, when two or more playback devices are grouped, the media playback system can adopt respective charging methods configured to bring the battery of each playback device to a target charge level by a target time. In some examples, the media playback system can query each playback device about its current battery state (e.g., current charge, current charge rate, maximum charge rate, safe or recommended charge rate range, maximum capacity, temperature, battery life, lifetime battery charge cycles, etc.), and determine the time it takes for the battery of each playback device to charge (e.g., reach the target charge level) at or near its highest recommended charge rate. After this is determined, the media playback system can identify the playback device with the battery that requires the most time for charging, determine the time for its battery to reach the target charge level, and then adopt the charging methods of each playback device so that the batteries of each playback device substantially finish charging (e.g., reach the target charge level) at the same time. In this charging method, the batteries of the playback devices in the group will not be charged to the target charge level at a charging rate that may damage them while waiting for the batteries of other playback devices in the group to be charged to the target charge level. Therefore, this charging method can suppress battery degradation for the entire group compared to conventional charging methods. The media playback system can periodically poll the playback devices and update the charging method to actively or dynamically respond to changes in the situation of the playback devices in the group. In some cases, the media playback system can allow the user to override the charging method of one or more playback devices to charge their batteries faster, for example, by selecting different charging methods such as the charging method described herein or a conventional charging method. Thus, the batteries of the grouped playback devices can be configured to charge according to the same charging method or different charging methods.

[0127] In some examples, the playback device can include a system or mechanism for harvesting energy from alternative sources such as electromagnetic energy harvesting (e.g., solar, 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, the alternative power source can include one or more wireless power sources such as those described in one or more of the examples above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. The charging method can charge the battery to a certain threshold or target charge level (e.g., 30%, 45%, 50%, 85%, etc., a predetermined percentage of the capacity), and the remaining capacity can be charged via an energy harvesting source (e.g., solar panel(s), wireless charging device, etc.), thereby utilizing these energy harvesting systems. As described above, the media playback system can track the usage statistics of the device, including when the alternative energy harvesting system can harvest energy (e.g., during the day for a solar panel, during the user's regular commute or exercise routine for a kinetic system, etc.), and based on, for example, the average amount of energy that can be harvested by the harvesting system during this period, charge the corresponding battery to the target charge level prior to the alternative energy harvesting period. In this charging method, the battery of the playback device can utilize a slower and / or safer alternative energy source, thus extending the battery life and reducing the cost of charging the battery compared to conventional charging methods. Similarly, the media playback system can adopt a charging method based on the electricity rate during a time period or usage period by scheduling the battery to be charged when the electricity rate is low, such as based on a price setting schedule provided by an electric power company or service.

[0128] In some cases, the media playback system extends the battery life of the playback device by changing the playback responsibility of one or more of the playback devices. For example, when the power of the battery of the playback device is low (e.g., below a predetermined charge level threshold), the media playback system can determine whether the playback responsibility of that device can be offloaded to other devices (transfer some processing to other devices), or adjusted (e.g., turned off, reduced, reset, etc.). To reduce power consumption by the playback device, the media playback system can reduce, for example, the playback of audio content including frequencies below a predetermined threshold frequency (e.g., 100 Hz, 300 Hz) by sending a command to the playback device to reduce the playback of frequencies below the predetermined threshold frequency. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, frequencies related to the low frequency range (about 250 Hz and below) and the low midrange frequency (e.g., between about 250 Hz and about 500 Hz) generally consume more power for playback than frequencies in other bands (e.g., greater than about 500 Hz). To conserve battery charge, the media playback system and / or the playback device can adjust the automatic tuning function of the playback device, dynamic equalization, the sampling rate for analyzing playback or sound quality, etc. As another example, to suppress power consumption, the microphone associated with the playback device can be disabled or periodically switched on / off.

[0129] As another example, the playback device can switch communication technologies from those that require more power to those that require less power (e.g., from WiFi to Bluetooth) to conserve battery life. In some cases, the media playback system can offload these functions or responsibilities (or a portion thereof) to another device (or devices), such as a playback device that is currently charging or has a higher charge level. For example, when the battery of the headphones drops below a certain threshold, the media playback system can transfer playback from the headphones to another device. The media playback system can warn the user before this transfer to avoid situations where playback migrates from the headphones in a quiet room to a party speaker or vice versa. The playback device can be configured to automatically make these adjustments when its battery reaches a predetermined charge threshold. In this way, the disclosed media playback system reduces the power consumption of the playback device(s) with the lowest remaining charge and / or playback time compared to conventional approaches, thereby extending the playback time of these playback devices and enhancing the enjoyment of the media playback system's users. In a specific example, a portable playback device can identify a wired playback device (or perhaps another battery-powered device with a higher charge level) in the same zone or room, or an adjacent zone or room, and automatically switch playback to that device based on the charge level of the portable playback device.

[0130] Figures 9-11 illustrate exemplary methods in accordance with the present technology. Methods 900, 1000, and 1100 can be implemented by any of the apparatuses described herein, or by other apparatuses currently known or later developed. Various embodiments of methods 900, 1000, 1100 include one or more operations, functions, or actions shown by blocks. Although the blocks are illustrated in a processing order, these blocks can also be executed in parallel and / or in an order different from the order disclosed and described herein. Also, various blocks can be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, or deleted, based on the desired implementation.

[0131] Furthermore, for methods 900, 1000, and 1100, and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the flowcharts illustrate the functionality and operations of possible implementations of some embodiments. In this regard, each block may represent a component, module, segment, or part of program code, and includes one or more instructions executable by one or more processors for performing a particular logical function or step in the process. The program code can be stored in any type of computer-readable medium, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer-readable medium can include, for example, tangible and non-transitory computer-readable media that store short-term data such as register memory, processor cache, and random access memory (RAM). The computer-readable medium can also include non-transitory media such as secondary or persistent long-term storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, and compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The computer-readable medium can be other volatile or non-volatile memory systems. The computer-readable medium can be considered, for example, a computer-readable storage medium or a tangible storage device. Additionally, for the methods and other processes and methods disclosed herein, each block in FIGS. 9-11 can represent a circuit wired to perform a particular logical function in the process.

[0132] Figure 9 shows an exemplary method 900 for updating the charging method of one or more playback devices, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology. Referring to Figure 9, method 900 begins at block 905 by identifying a device. As another example, the playback system can identify a playback device in proximity to media playback based on a determination that the media playback system and the playback device are communicatively coupled via a common local area network, based on a determination that they are directly wirelessly communicating (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, ultra-wideband (UWB), etc.), based on a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), based on detection via an audible chirp emitted through one device and one or more microphones of another device, or based on any other suitable approach.

[0133] In blocks 910 to 925, the media playback system is configured to loop through each of the identified devices to determine an appropriate charging method for the device and charge the device according to the charging method. In block 915, the media playback system determines the charging method for the currently selected device. The charging method may be, for example, a charging method selected by the user in response to a prompt, such as a conventional charging method, the charging method described herein, etc., via a controller device. In some cases, the charging method may be automatically determined based on parameters of the currently selected device, the usage history of the device, etc. For example, if the charge level of the battery of the currently selected device is below one or more charge thresholds, the media playback system can select a charging method such that the battery of the currently selected device is charged at a predetermined charging rate associated with the corresponding charge threshold. As another example, within a predetermined period (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, etc.), the battery of the currently selected device is charged to a predetermined percentage of its capacity (e.g., 55%, 80%, 90%, 95%, etc.), and then a charging method that attempts to charge the device at a predetermined charging rate, such as a low recommended charging rate, a micro charging rate, etc., can be selected. As another example, a charging method that charges the battery of the currently selected device as slowly as possible can also be selected. In block 920, the media playback system configures the currently selected device to be able to charge according to the selected charging method, for example, by sending a display of the selected charging method to the device, periodically sending a charging instruction to the device according to a charging schedule or calendar associated with the charging method, etc. In block 925, if there are still identified devices remaining, the media playback system loops back to block 910 to select the next device, and if not, the media playback system proceeds to block 930.

[0134] In block 930, the media playback system receives an instruction to form a group of playback devices. This instruction can be from the user, from the playback device, or automatically generated by the media playback system itself when it determines that two or more playback devices are in proximity (e.g., connected to the same network, in the same room, etc.). In block 935, the media playback system calls a device enumeration (forward pass) component of the media playback system, such as method 1000 described below with reference to FIG. 10, to obtain a list of devices in the group and check various attributes of those devices, such as the charge level or other parameters associated with each device. In blocks 940 - 955, the media playback system loops through each enumerated device and updates the charging method of each device as needed. In decision block 945, if it is necessary to modify or change the charging method of the currently selected enumerated device, the media playback system proceeds to block 950; otherwise, the media playback device proceeds to block 955. For example, if the instruction to form a group includes a time parameter (e.g., date, time, etc.), the media playback system can select, for each device, a charging method that will charge the device to a predetermined charge level by the time specified by the time parameter or the time determined from the time parameter. As another example, and as described above, the media playback system can identify the device in the group whose battery was last charged (i.e., reached a predetermined charge level) and charge the batteries of the other devices so that each playback device is charged substantially simultaneously. In block 950, the media playback system configures the currently selected device to be charged according to the newly selected or changed charging method. In block 955, if there are enumerated devices remaining, the media playback device loops back to block 940 to select the next enumerated device; otherwise, method 900 is complete.One skilled in the art will recognize that any number of events, such as a warning from the device that the battery charge level is below or likely to be below a specific charge threshold, a manual request from the user, or a notification that the device has been added or removed from a group or area of devices, may prompt an update or modification to the charging method in the media playback system or device. Similarly, the media playback system can periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, etc.) check the state of the playback device and determine whether a change in its charging method is justified.

[0135] Figure 10 shows an exemplary method 1000 for enumerating devices within a media playback system by identifying those devices and verifying various attributes of those devices, according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology. Referring to Figure 10, method 1000 begins at block 1010 by identifying a device. For example, the media playback system can identify a device by accessing a device roster or manifest associated with a group of playback devices. As another example, the playback system can identify playback devices in proximity to the media playback system. In blocks 1020 through 1060, the media playback system loops through each of the enumerated devices and verifies various attributes of the enumerated devices. In block 1030, the media playback system determines the charge level of a device, for example, by querying the charge level (and / or charge capacity) of the playback device or its battery. In block 1040, the component determines device parameters such as the recommended charge rate or range associated with the device, a list of functions the device has (e.g., hardware functions, software functions, audio functions, etc.), an indication of whether and / or to what extent the device can perform certain responsibilities during synchronous playback (e.g., room broadcast audio versus headphones, bass response, communication with a control device, etc.), performance metrics associated with the device, etc. In block 1050, the media playback system determines the location of the device, such as the geographical location, an indication of the room or playback zone in which the device is located, the proximity of the device to one or more other devices. In some cases, the media playback system uses UWB and / or acoustic technology to determine the relative position (e.g., distance and direction) and / or orientation of the device. The location of a device can affect playback responsibilities and power requirements, etc. For example, a rear satellite may not require as much low-frequency content. Similarly, relative position and / or orientation can affect acoustic output with respect to beamforming, speaker directivity strategies, bass cut-off strategies, etc.In block 1060, if there are remaining identified devices, the media playback system loops back to block 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 caches or otherwise stores the list of enumerated devices (and their corresponding attributes) and can call the device enumeration component only if the devices have not been enumerated during a previous predetermined period (e.g., the last 5 minutes, the last hour, the last day, etc.).

[0136] Figure 11 shows an exemplary method 1100 for shifting the responsibility of a device in a media playback system from one device to another according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology. 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 power of the identifying device is low, that it is disconnected from a charging source, that it is disconnected from a group of synchronized devices, that it is responding to a user request, etc. Referring to Figure 11, method 1100 begins at block 1105 and, like method 1000 described above with reference to Figure 10, calls the device enumeration component of the media playback system to identify device candidates available to assume the responsibility of the identified device and to check the various attributes of those identified devices. In block 1110, the media playback system identifies the functions of the identified device (or player functions) that are offloadable, for example, by querying the identified device for a list of these functions, comparing the functions of the identified device to a list of functions that can be offloaded (shared) or shifted to another device. In some cases, this list is maintained by the media playback system and / or provided by the device manufacturer, a third party, etc.

[0137] In blocks 1115 through 1155, the media playback system loops through each of the identified functions (or player functions) of the identified devices and attempts to adjust those functions or offload the responsibility for those functions to another device. In blocks 1120 through 1145, the media playback system loops through each of the enumerated devices. In some cases, the media playback system first ranks the enumerated devices based on, for example, charge level, the ability to execute or perform the currently selected function (e.g., based on performance metric attributes identified via the enumerated device component), etc., and loops through the enumerated devices in the ranked order. In decision block 1125, if the media playback system determines that the currently selected function of the identified device can be offloaded to the currently selected enumerated device, the media playback system proceeds to block 1130; otherwise, the media playback system proceeds to block 1145. This determination can be made, for example, by querying the currently selected enumerated device to determine whether it can perform the currently selected function, checking a list provided by the enumerated device component to determine whether the currently selected function is supported by the currently selected enumerated device, determining whether synchronous playback and / or the currently selected function is location-sensitive, and, if it is location-sensitive, determining whether the currently selected enumerated device is in an appropriate location to perform the currently selected function. In block 1130, the media playback system sends a request to the currently selected enumerated device to assume responsibility for the currently selected function. In some examples, the media playback system also sends a notification to the user indicating that the responsibility for the currently selected function is transferring from the identified device to the currently selected enumerated device, and the user can accept or reject this.In decision block 1135, if a request is accepted, the media playback system proceeds to block 1140; otherwise, the media playback system proceeds to block 1145. In block 1140, the media playback system offloads the currently selected function to the currently selected enumerated device, for example, by enabling a function on the currently selected enumerated device, disabling a function on the identified device, routing any communication, message, or signal related to the function to the currently selected enumerated device, notifying other devices of a change in responsibility, etc., and then continues to select another function in block 1155. In some cases, rather than offloading or transferring responsibility immediately, the media playback system can transfer responsibility over a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds, 5 minutes, etc.). For example, the media playback system can increase the volume and / or bass output of the currently selected enumerated device while gradually decreasing the volume and / or bass output of the identified device. In some cases, rather than offloading the responsibility for a function from the identified device to one of the enumerated devices, the media playback system may offload the responsibility to multiple devices. In block 1145, if there are remaining enumerated devices, the media playback system loops back to block 1120 to select the next enumerated device. In block 1150, since the identified device was unable to offload the responsibility for the currently selected function (e.g., because none of the enumerated devices had the ability or did not accept the request, or the user rejected the request, etc.), the media playback system attempts to adjust the currently selected function, for example, by turning the function off, reducing the function, etc. In some cases, the media playback system may inform the user that the function could not be offloaded and prompt the user to select a way to adjust the function.In block 1155, if there are remaining functions, media playback returns to block 1115 in a loop, selects the next function, otherwise method 1100 is completed. In some cases, the media playback system periodically analyzes the available playback devices, determines when one or more batteries of the playback devices will reach a predetermined threshold level under the current conditions, and attempts to shift the responsibility of the devices prior to that time.

[0138] Figures 12A - 12D show examples of device charging methods according to the disclosed technology. Referring to Figures 12A - 12D together, a first playback device 1210a (e.g., a portable playback device such as Sonos Roam) has a first state according to a set of one or more first parameters (e.g., device parameters, playback responsibility, environment / context parameters, player capability parameters, and / or battery parameters such as current charge, current charge rate, maximum charge rate, safe or recommended charge rate range, maximum capacity, temperature, battery age, life battery charge cycles, etc.). The battery of the first playback device 1210a receives power from a power source (e.g., a power cord / cable plugged into an outlet, a vehicle power receptacle, Power over Ethernet (POE), another battery, one or more other playback devices, an energy harvester, a wireless power source, etc.) according to a first charging method 1280a. A second playback device 1210b has a second state according to a set of one or more second parameters and receives power from a power source (either the same power source as the first playback device, a different power source, and / or a combination thereof) according to a second charging method 1280b. In the illustrated example of Figure 12A, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b may be operating in a non - grouped state. Alternatively, for example, one or both devices may be members (or coordinators) of different groups and / or combined zones.

[0139] In some examples, the media playback system can receive an instruction to form a new group or combined zone consisting of the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b, or to participate in an existing group or combined zone (e.g., via a control device or via one of the playback devices). In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b automatically form a new group or combined zone (or join an existing group or combined zone) in response to a trigger (e.g., detection of proximity of one device to the other, detection of proximity of both devices to a third device, detection of a listener, time, detection of multi-channel audio, detection of a line input in a display device such as a TV, etc.).

[0140] FIG. 12B shows the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b as part of a group and / or combined zone configured such that the two devices output the same media content (or individual channels of the same media content) synchronously or substantially synchronously. FIG. 12B shows that the first playback device 1210a is configured to be charged according to the charging method 1280c and the second playback device 1210b is configured to be charged according to the charging method 1280d. In some examples, the charging methods 1280a and 1280c are the same, and the charging methods 1280b and 1280d are the same. However, in other examples, the charging method 1280c is different from the charging method 1280a, which is based on one or more parameters of the first playback device 1210a and / or the second playback device 1210b.

[0141] For example, according to charging method 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 method 1280b, the second playback device can be charged to a second target threshold (e.g., 95%) at the first charging rate or another charging rate. When participating in a group (or combined zone), the charging method 1280c may be adjusted to match the second target threshold. In some examples, as described above, the charging methods 1280c and 1280d are updated to reflect different charge levels between the batteries of the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b. For example, the first playback device 1210a can have a first charge level (e.g., 70%), and the second playback device 1210b can have a second charge level (e.g., 30%). In this scenario, charging according to charging method 1280c (rather than 1280a) can consist of adjusting the rate at which the battery of the first playback device 1210a is charged at a lower rate so that the first and second playback devices 1210a and 1210b reach their target thresholds substantially simultaneously.

[0142] In some examples, the charging scheme 1280c is adjusted to reflect a difference in playback (or other) responsibilities between an ungrouped state and a grouped state in either the first playback device 1210a or the second playback device 1210b. For example, the first and second charging schemes 1280a and 1280b can have the same (or substantially the same) target charge thresholds (e.g., 90%, 95%, 98%). However, after grouping, the second playback device 1210b may be assigned a specific playback responsibility such that while grouped or combined, the second playback device 1210b is predicted to consume a different amount of power than the first playback device 1210a, even if the devices have the same battery of the same age. For example, in some examples, after the devices are grouped, the second playback device 1210b may be assigned the responsibility of voice commands such that its on-board voice engine is activated. In these scenarios, since it may be redundant to operate the voice engine on both devices, the voice engine on the first playback device 1210a may correspondingly be deactivated. Thus, the charging scheme 1280c can have a first target charge level (e.g., 70%, 80%, 90%) that is different by an offset (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%) indicating the delta between the second target charge level (e.g., 90%, 95%, 100%) of the charging scheme 1280d and the power consumption of a portable device with an active voice engine (e.g., the second playback device 1210b) and a portable device with an inactive voice engine (e.g., the first playback device 1210a). In some examples, the first and second playback devices 1210a and 1210b can instead take turns performing the active voice engine responsibility periodically so that no single one of the devices has an overly high target charge level (e.g., greater than 95%, 98%, or 99%). In some examples, the charging rate of the charging scheme 1280c is at least partially based on the offset between the first and second target charge levels.

[0143] In some examples, one or more other parameters of either the first or second playback device 1210a and 1210b can cause an adjustment to the charging scheme 1280c and / or 1280d. For example, when entering the grouping mode, if the second playback device 1210b is designated as the group coordinator and the first playback device 1210a is designated as the group member, the charging schemes 1280c and 1280d can be adjusted to reflect an offset between a first and a second target charge level indicative of an expected difference in power consumption between the group coordinator and the group member(s).

[0144] In some examples, the first playback device 1210a is grouped (or coupled) with a third playback device 1210c (FIG. 12C) having a battery that is charged according to a charging scheme 1280c. In some examples, the third playback device 1210c has a battery with a different charge 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 charge level) that is a first percentage (e.g., 10%, 25%, 33%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 90%, etc.) of the storage capacity of the third playback device 1210c (or vice versa). However, because the devices are configured for group playback, the devices may be configured to play audio while there is sufficient battery remaining in both devices. Thus, when the devices are grouped together, the charging scheme 1280c can be adjusted so that the target charge level of the third playback device 1210c is approximately the first percentage of the total storage capacity of the battery of the third playback device 1210c. In some examples, the charging scheme 1280c is updated to charge the battery of the third playback device 1210c based on a power consumption prediction model such that the batteries of both devices reach a minimum threshold charge (e.g., 0% remaining, 1% remaining, 5% remaining, 10% remaining, 15% remaining, etc.) substantially simultaneously during playback. In some examples, the individual charging schemes 1280a and 1280c are also adjusted to account for differences in standby power consumption between the devices. Adjusting the charging scheme 1280c as described above can allow for a lower target charge level than would be typical if the third playback device 1210c were not grouped, which beneficially results in a slower charging rate and thus potentially a greater battery life. In some examples, when the devices are not grouped, the charging scheme 1280c may return to more typical charging target levels and patterns.

[0145] In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b are grouped with a third playback device 1210c (FIG. 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 is different (e.g., larger) than the batteries of the other devices. Thus, some tasks / responsibilities that typically consume a non - negligible amount of power, such as voice command detection, group adjustment, audio processing and calibration (e.g., Trueplay), algorithmic media content generation, etc., can be shifted to the third playback device 1210c to utilize its larger battery storage capacity. In this scenario, the charging schemes 1280c, 1280d, 1280f are adjusted such that the batteries during group playback of the three devices are predicted to reach a predetermined minimum value substantially simultaneously.

[0146] In some examples, the charging scheme 1280f may be adjusted to compensate for additional responsibilities. For example, assuming that all three devices have the same responsibilities, the media playback system can determine the target charge levels of the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b to be approximately a first percentage (e.g., 95%) and a second percentage (e.g., 95%) respectively, and determine the target charge level of the third playback device 1210c to be approximately 30% (indicating the percentage of the storage capacity of the battery of the third playback device 1210c relative to either the first playback device 1210a or the second playback device 1210b). The charging scheme 1280f can be adjusted by one or more additional offsets, including, for example, a first offset and a second offset.

[0147] In some examples, the charging scheme is adjusted by a predictive composite offset that takes into account one or more additional parameters other than the predicted power consumption. In some cases, "less capable" group members with low storage capacity and / or bass capabilities can offload the processing of low-frequency content to "more capable" group members (or a group coordinator) with high storage capacity and / or bass capabilities. Thus, the charging scheme 1280f can be adjusted taking into account (a) additional power consumption by more capable group member(s), and (b) the longer predicted battery operating time of less capable group members (by not having to generate certain bass frequencies). In some examples, the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b offload the processing of bass frequencies below a crossover frequency (e.g., 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 200 Hz, 250 Hz, 300 Hz) to a third playback device 1210c, potentially increasing the predicted battery operating time (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, etc.) of the first playback device 1210a and the second playback device 1210b. Thus, the charging scheme 1280c can be adjusted by a composite offset that takes into account (a) the additional power consumption predicted to be required to output the low frequencies of other devices, and (b) several parameters including the predicted additional operating time of other devices. In this scenario, the charging scheme 1280c can have a first target charge level (e.g., 35%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 80%) adjusted by a predictive composite offset that adds the additional operating time(s) of other devices to the required additional power consumption (as a percentage of the total storage capacity of the battery of the third playback device 1210c). In some examples, the predictive composite offset can be affected by the type of media content being played. For example, spoken-word content (such as podcasts, talk radio, sports, social audio, etc.) is expected to have significantly less low-frequency content than audio associated with music and / or video content.

[0148] Figures 13A-13D illustrate examples of device playback sessions according to the disclosed technology. Referring to Figures 13A-13D together, in some examples, when the remaining charge level of the battery of the first playback device 1210a (when being charged for an external power source) becomes less than a predetermined minimum threshold percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%), one or more nearby playback devices can be detected and the playback session 1390a can be transitioned thereto automatically or via manual input. For example, the presence of an adjacent playback device 1310a (Figure 13A) can be detected within a threshold distance (e.g., 1m, 3m, 5m, 10m), and in response, the playback session 1390a can be transitioned or "swapped" thereto from the first playback device 1210a.

[0149] In some examples, for instance, a playback device having an ongoing playback session can hold or access playback session data that defines and / or identifies the playback session. The playback session data can 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 at which playback is to start. The offset can be defined, among other examples, as the time from the start of the audio track (e.g., in milliseconds) or as the number of samples. In an exemplary implementation, the offset may be set to the playback position within the audio content of the current playback position to ensure that the target device has time to start buffering the audio content. Then, the source playback device stops playback of the audio content at the offset, and the target playback device starts playback of the audio content at the offset. The playback session data can 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 at which playback is to start. The offset can be defined, among other examples, as the time from the start of the audio track (e.g., in milliseconds) or as the number of samples. Additional details regarding swapping or transitioning of playback sessions between playback devices are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,356,777, "Playback Transitions," and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 805,182, "Playback Transitions" (filed February 28, 2020), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0150] In some examples, the playback device 1310a is composed of a coded audio playback device. In other examples, the playback device 1310a is composed of a portable high-volume playback device, a wearable device such as headphones or earphones, a battery-powered portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet. When the playback is automatically transferred from the first playback device 1210a to the playback device 1310a, there is an advantage that the audio playback can continue even when the battery of the first playback device 1210a is about to be completely discharged. In some examples, when the first playback device 1210a is connected to a power source and the charge amount reaches a specific threshold percentage (e.g., 25%, 33%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%), the system automatically returns the playback session 1390a to the first playback device 1210a and stops the playback on the playback device 1310a.

[0151] In some examples, instead of transferring the entire playback session to another device, the system can assign, as shown in FIG. 13B, a first portion 1390b of the playback session of the first playback device 1390 to another playback device 1310b (e.g., a subwoofer). For example, the first portion 1390b can include a portion of the frequency spectrum of the playback session that is below a first crossover frequency (e.g., 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 200 Hz, 250 Hz). By assigning the first portion of the frequency spectrum to the playback device 1310b and having the first playback device 1210a play audio higher than the first crossover frequency, the amount of power consumed during playback can be reduced, and thus the frequency of charging and the number of charge cycles are reduced, extending the battery life.

[0152] In some examples, a second portion 1390c (FIG. 13C) of a playback session of the first playback device 1210a is allocated for playback to the playback device 1310c, and a third portion 1390d of the playback session is allocated to the playback device 1310b. The second portion 1390c includes audio that is different from (e.g., lower than) the first crossover frequency and higher than a second crossover frequency (e.g., 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 200 Hz, 250 Hz), and the third portion 1390d may include audio lower than the second crossover frequency. In some examples, the playback device 1310c is composed of a loud device (such as a soundbar, an all-in-one player, etc.), which has a better bass function than the first playback device 1210a and can be connected to a power source on the wall (or has a battery with a larger capacity than the first playback device 1210a). In this scenario, a lower crossover frequency than the first crossover frequency is selected because it has higher bass ability and higher power consumption ability (compared to the first playback device 1210a). In some examples, even if the first playback device 1210a is connected to a power source or has a significant amount of charge remaining (e.g., greater than 50%), the first playback device 1210a does not play back by itself, but instead receives audio from an audio source via, for example, Bluetooth or other IEEE 802.15 compatible protocols, a physical line-in, etc., and continues to send the audio to the playback devices 1310b and 1310c (and / or other devices). By allocating the second portion 1390c and the third portion 1390d of the playback session to the encoded devices, the charging rate required to charge the first playback device 1210a can be minimized even during charging, and thus the battery life of the first playback device 1210a can potentially be extended. Instead of allocating the second portion 1390c and the third portion 1390d to individual devices, in some examples (FIG. 13D), the entire playback session 1390a is allocated to one or more other devices such as the playback device 1310c, and the third portion 1390d (or another portion) of the playback session is delegated to the playback device 1310b from there.In some examples, the playback device 1310c is composed of a wearable device.

[0153] Figures 14A - 14C show examples of device charging methods and / or audio data transmission / relay according to the disclosed technology. Referring to Figures 14A - 14C together, in some examples, the first playback device 1210a can receive power from one or more other devices via a power transmission link, and at the same time, can transmit and / or receive audio data from the corresponding device(s). The power transmission link consists of one or more wires (e.g., thin wires), cables (e.g., data transmission cables such as power cables, Ethernet cables, USB cables, etc.), and / or wireless transmission modes as described above with respect to Figures 7 and 8.

[0154] In some examples, the playback device can receive audio data (or other data such as video data, control data, timing information, etc.) relayed through other playback devices, and at the same time, can receive power from other playback devices. For example, Figure 14A shows an example where in the first playback 1210a can receive audio data 1492a from the third playback device 1210c and power via the power transmission link 1495a. The playback device 1210c can be configured to relay the audio data 1492a through a transmission path that requires less power in the first playback device 1210a compared to a conventional transmission path (e.g., via WiFi on a local area network (LAN)), such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or other similar low - energy personal area network (PAN). Therefore, the charging method of the first playback device 1210a is adjusted to change one or more parameters (e.g., charging rate, target charge level, etc.), as a result, the charging rate is reduced, and thus the battery life may be extended.

[0155] In some examples, one playback device may relay audio data and transmit power to a plurality of other playback devices. For example, FIG. 14C shows an example 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 and second playback devices 1210a and 1210b, respectively. Playback device 1410b also transmits power to first and second playback devices 1210a and 1210b via power transmission links 1495c and 1495d, respectively. In some examples, power transmission links 1495c and 1495d are of substantially the same power transmission type (e.g., wireless power transmission, one or more cables, etc.). In other examples, power transmission links 1495c and 1495d are of different types. In a particular embodiment, the first playback device 1210a receives power from playback device 1410b, while the second playback device 1210b receives power from another source (e.g., wall outlet, another device, energy harvesting, etc.). In some examples, the charging methods of first and second playback devices 1210a and 1210b are adjusted based on the combined zone type (e.g., home theater multi-channel audio such as stereo pair, 5.1, 5.x, 7.1.2, 7.2.4, 9.2.4, 9.4.6, etc.), audio data content, power transmission type, and / or one or more other parameters described above.

[0156] In some examples, the playback device can receive power from another device via a power transmission link while transmitting audio data to the other device. For example, FIG. 14B shows an example where the playback device 1210a receives power from the device 1410a via a power transmission link 1495b (e.g., one or more wires, cables, wireless power transmission modality), while simultaneously transmitting playback data 1492b to the device 1410a. In the illustrated example of FIG. 14B, the device 1410b consists of a light source. In some examples, the device 1410a is composed of a playback device with or without a transducer. In some examples, the device 1410a is composed of one or more displays. In some examples, the device 1410a is composed of one or more IoT devices or household appliances. In some examples, the device 1410a is a component 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 the device 1410a constitutes a wearable device. In operation, the first playback device 1210a receives data 1492b (such as audio content, video content, game content, extended reality (e.g., virtual, augmented, and / or mixed reality) content, timing information, control data, and / or other suitable data as described above), and transmits the data 1492b to the device 1410a. The device 1410a can play back the data 1492b while supplying power to the first playback device 1210a. In some examples, for example, the first playback device 1210a transmits the data 1492b to a playback device 1410a (e.g., one or more playback devices) for playback, rather than being played back by the first playback device 1210a, in order to reduce power consumption in the first playback device 1210a. In some examples, the decision of whether to receive power via the power transmission link 1495b and / or whether to transmit the data 1492b can be based on the charging method of the first playback device 1210a.For example, in some examples, when the current charge level of the battery of the first playback device 1210a is at a certain percentage (e.g., 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 90%), the first playback device 1210a can stop receiving power via the power transmission link 1495b and / or relaying the data 1492b. In some examples, the charging method is adjusted based on the detected distance between the first playback device 1210a and the device 1410a.

[0157] In the above-described illustrated examples, the device may be shown as an audio playback device. However, in some examples, one or more devices may be other types of devices including Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smartphones, tablets, video display devices (e.g., televisions), sensors, cameras, microphones, thermostats, light sources, smart doorbells, etc.

[0158] V. Conclusion The above descriptions regarding the wireless power supply device, playback device, control device, playback zone configuration, and media / audio content source are merely examples of an operating environment in which the functions and methods described below can be implemented. Other operating environments and configurations of wireless power supply systems, media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not explicitly described herein are also applicable and may be suitable for the implementation of the functions and methods.

[0159] The foregoing description discloses various exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture, among numerous others, including firmware and / or software that execute on hardware. It is understood that such examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, any or all of the firmware, hardware, and / or software aspects or components may be embodied solely in hardware, solely in software, solely in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Thus, the examples provided are not the only way to implement such systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or articles of manufacture.

[0160] Furthermore, references to "embodiments" herein mean that particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. This term as it appears in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Thus, the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments as will be understood by those skilled in the art, either explicitly or implicitly.

[0161] This specification is presented broadly, from the perspective of exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logical blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations that are directly or indirectly similar to the operation of a data processing device connected to a network. These process descriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to other skilled artisans. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description of the embodiments.

[0162] If any of the appended claims is read to cover a pure software and / or firmware implementation, it is explicitly defined herein that at least one of at least one of the elements in at least one example includes a memory storing software and / or firmware, a tangible non-transitory medium such as a DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc.

[0163] The present technology is illustrated, for example, in accordance with the various aspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the present technology are described as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are given as examples and are not intended to limit the present technology. Note that any of the dependent examples can be combined in any combination and placed into each independent example. Other examples can be presented similarly.

[0164] Example 1: A media playback system, comprising A first playback device having a first capacitor; A second playback device having a second capacitor; one or more computer-readable media; and instructions stored on the media that, when executed by one or more processors of a media playback system, perform the following operational steps: receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor according to a first charging scheme; receiving power from a second power source and charging a second capacitor according to a second charging scheme; receiving an instruction to form a synchronized audio playback group consisting of 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 one or more power parameters after receiving the instruction to form the group; and receiving power from a first power source to charge a first capacitor according to a modified first charging scheme; A media playback system having:

[0165] Example 2: The power parameters are: Charge level of the first capacitor; Charge level of the second capacitor; Age of the first capacitor; Age of the second capacitor; the temperature of the first capacitor; the temperature of the second capacitor; Charging rate of the first charging method; Charging rate of the second charging method; Responsibility for the first playback device; Responsibility for regeneration of the second regeneration device; player capability parameters of the first playback device; player capability parameters of the second playback device; time parameters; 10. The media playback system of any of the preceding examples, including one or more of:

[0166] Example 3: The media playback system according to any of the above examples, wherein the step of changing the first charging method includes changing the target charging level of the first capacitor to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first capacitor.

[0167] Example 4: The media playback system according to any of the above examples, wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include an index of power received via the one or more energy harvesters.

[0168] Example 5: Further, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that a playback device having a lower charging level charges at a faster rate than a playback device having a higher charging level. The media playback system according to any of the above examples.

[0169] Example 6: Further, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that the first capacitor and the second capacitor substantially reach the threshold charging level at the same time. The media playback system according to any of the above examples.

[0170] Example 7: Further, as an operating step: A step of synchronously playing audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device; and A step of changing the playback so as to reduce the amount of audio content played via at least the first playback device, which has a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency, based on the one or more power parameters. The media playback system according to any of the above examples.

[0171] Example 8: Further, having a third playback device, and further, as an operation step, having a step of synchronously playing back at least a part of audio content having a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency via the third playback device, the media playback system according to any one of the above examples.

[0172] Example 9: Further, as an operation step, a step of receiving an instruction to release the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; a step of returning the changed first charging method to the previous first charging method based on receiving an instruction to release the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; after returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method, a step of receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor according to the first charging method; The media playback system according to any one of the above examples, having.

[0173] Example 10: The first playback device includes a first network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via the first network interface, the media playback system according to any one of the above examples.

[0174] Example 11: The second playback device includes a second network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes transmitting data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via the first network interface, the media playback system according to any one of the above examples.

[0175] Example 12: The media playback system according to any of the above examples, wherein the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device from a computing device via a first network interface.

[0176] Example 13: The media playback system according to any of the above examples, wherein the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface.

[0177] Example 14: The media playback system according to any of the above examples, wherein the first power source is the same as the second power source.

[0178] Example 15: The media playback system according to any of the above examples, wherein the first power source is different from the second power source.

[0179] Example 16: A method comprising: receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor of a first playback device according to a first charging method; receiving power from a second power source and charging a second capacitor of a second playback device according to a second charging method; receiving an instruction to form a synchronous audio playback group consisting of at least the first playback device and the second playback device; obtaining one or more power parameters related to the first playback device and / or the second playback device; after receiving the instruction to form a group, changing the first charging method based on the one or more power parameters; and receiving power from the first power source to charge the first capacitor according to the changed first charging method. A method having the above steps.

[0180] Example 17: The power parameters are: The charging level of the first capacitor; The charging level of the second capacitor; The age of the first capacitor; The age of the second capacitor; The temperature of the first capacitor; The temperature of the second capacitor; The charging rate of the first charging method; The charging rate of the second charging method; The recycling responsibility of the first recycling device; The recycling responsibility of the second recycling device; The player capability parameter of the first recycling device; The player capability parameter of the second recycling device; The time parameter; The method according to any of the above examples, including one or more of the above.

[0181] Example 18: The step of changing the first charging method includes changing the target charging level of the first capacitor to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first capacitor. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0182] Example 19: The first recycling device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include an indicator of the power received via the one or more energy harvesters. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0183] Example 20: Further, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that a recycling device having a lower charging level charges at a faster rate than a recycling device having a higher charging level. The method according to claim 16.

[0184] Example 21: Further, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that the first capacitor and the second capacitor reach the threshold charging level substantially simultaneously. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0185] Example 22: Further, as an operation step: synchronously playing audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device; and changing playback so as to reduce the amount of audio content having a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency, the amount of audio content played via at least the first playback device, based on the one or more power parameters. The method according to any one of the above examples, comprising:

[0186] Example 23: Further comprising a third playback device, and further, as an operation step, synchronously playing at least a part of audio content having a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency via the third playback device. The method according to any one of the above examples.

[0187] Example 24: Further, as an operation step: receiving an instruction to ungroup the first playback device and the second playback device; and based on receiving the instruction to ungroup the first playback device and the second playback device, returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method before the change; and after returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method, receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor according to the first charging method. The method according to any one of the above examples, comprising:

[0188] Example 25: The first playback device includes a first network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, via the first network interface, data corresponding to one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The method according to any one of the above examples.

[0189] Example 26: The second playback device includes a second network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes transmitting data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via a first network interface. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0190] Example 27: The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, from a computing device via a first network interface, data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0191] Example 28: The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, from the second power source via a first network interface, data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0192] Example 29: The first power source is the same as the second power source. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0193] Example 30: The first power source is different from the second power source. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0194] Example 31: One or more computer-readable media, when instructions stored on this media are executed by one or more processors of a media playback system, as operational steps: Receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor according to a first charging method; Receiving power from a second power source and charging a second capacitor according to a second charging method; Receiving an instruction to form a synchronous audio playback group consisting of at least a first playback device and a second playback device; Obtaining one or more power parameters related to the first playback device and / or the second playback device; After receiving an instruction to form a group, changing a first charging method based on one or more power parameters; and Receiving power from a first power source to charge a first capacitor according to the changed first charging method; A medium storing instructions, having:

[0195] Example 32: The power parameter is: The charging level of the first capacitor; The charging level of the second capacitor; The age of the first capacitor; The age of the second capacitor; The temperature of the first capacitor; The temperature of the second capacitor; The charging rate of the first charging method; The charging rate of the second charging method; The regeneration responsibility of the first regeneration device; The regeneration responsibility of the second regeneration device; The player ability parameter of the first regeneration device; The player ability parameter of the second regeneration device; The time parameter; The medium according to any of the above examples, including one or more of:

[0196] Example 33: The step of changing the first charging method includes changing the target charging level of the first capacitor to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first capacitor. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0197] Example 34: The first regeneration device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include an index of power received via the one or more energy harvesters. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0198] Example 35: Further, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that a playback device having a lower charge level charges at a faster rate than a playback device having a higher charge level, the medium according to any of the above examples.

[0199] Example 36: Further, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that the first capacitor and the second capacitor substantially reach the threshold charge level at the same time, the medium according to any of the above examples.

[0200] Example 37: Further, as an operating step: A step of synchronously playing audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device; and A step of changing the playback so as to reduce the amount of audio content played back at least via the first playback device and having a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency, based on the one or more power parameters. The medium according to any of the above examples, having the above steps.

[0201] Example 38: Further, having a third playback device, and further, as an operating step, a step of synchronously playing at least a part of audio content having a frequency lower than a predetermined threshold frequency via the third playback device, the medium according to any of the above examples.

[0202] Example 39: Further, as an operating step, A step of receiving an instruction to release the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device; and Based on receiving the instruction to release the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device, a step of returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method before the change; and After returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method, a step of receiving power from the first power source and charging the first capacitor according to the first charging method. The medium according to any of the above examples, having

[0203] Example 40: The first playback device includes a first network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, via the first network interface, data corresponding to one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0204] Example 41: The second playback device includes a second network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes transmitting, via the first network interface, data corresponding to one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0205] Example 42: The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, from a computing device via the first network interface, data corresponding to one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0206] Example 43: The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, from the second power supply via the first network interface, data corresponding to one or more power parameters related to the second playback device. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0207] Example 44: The first power supply is the same as the second power supply. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0208] Example 45: The first power supply is different from the second power supply. The medium according to any of the above examples.

[0209] Example 46: A method, comprising: obtaining one or more power parameters related to at least one of a first playback device that receives power for charging a first capacitor of the first playback device according to a first charging method and a second playback device that receives power for charging a second capacitor of the second playback device according to a second charging method; changing at least the first charging method based on the one or more power parameters; A method comprising configuring the first playback device to receive power for charging the first capacitor of the first playback device according to the changed first charging method.

[0210] Example 47: The method further comprises receiving an instruction to form a synchronous audio playback group consisting of at least the first playback device and the second playback device; After receiving the instruction to form the group, causing the first playback device to receive power based on the changed first charging method.

[0211] Example 48: The power parameters are: The charging level of the first capacitor; The charging level of the second capacitor; The age of the first capacitor; The age of the second capacitor; The temperature of the first capacitor; The temperature of the second capacitor; The charging rate of the first charging method; The charging rate of the second charging method; 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; A time parameter; The method according to any of the above examples, including one or more of the above.

[0212] Example 49: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein changing the first charging method includes changing the target charging level of the first capacitor to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first capacitor.

[0213] Example 50: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include an instruction for receiving power via the one or more energy harvesters.

[0214] Example 51: The method according to any of the above examples, further comprising a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method such that a playback device having a lower charging level charges at a faster rate than a playback device having a higher charging level.

[0215] Example 52: The method according to any of the above examples, further comprising a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method such that the first capacitor and the second capacitor reach the threshold charging level substantially simultaneously.

[0216] Example 53: The method according to any of the above examples, further comprising a step of synchronously playing audio content via the first playback device and the second playback device, and a step of modifying the playback to reduce the amount of audio content having a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency and being played via at least the first playback device based on the one or more power parameters.

[0217] Example 54: The method according to any of the above examples, further comprising a step of synchronously playing at least a part of the audio content having a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency via a third playback device.

[0218] Example 55: Further, a step of receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device, and a step of returning the changed first charging method to the original first charging method based on the received instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0219] Example 56: The first playback device includes a first network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via the first network interface. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0220] Example 57: The second playback device includes a second network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes transmitting data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via the first network interface. The method according to any of the above examples. <L

[0221] Example 58: The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the computing device via the first network interface. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0222] Example 59: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein a first capacitor receives power from a first power source and a second capacitor receives power from a second power source.

[0223] Example 60: The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters consists of receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface. The method according to any of the above examples.

[0224] Example 61: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein the first power supply is the same as the second power supply.

[0225] Example 62: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein the first power supply is different from the second power supply.

[0226] Example 63: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein the step of supplying power to the capacitor includes supplying power to the capacitor via wireless power supply.

[0227] Example 64: The method according to any of the above examples, wherein the step of modifying at least the first charging method includes modifying at least the first charging method based on at least one of a usage history and a prediction model trained to predict a required charge level.

[0228] Example 65: A media playback system, a first playback device including a first capacitor, a second playback device including a second capacitor, and one or more computer-readable recording media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors of the media playback system, cause the media playback system to execute one of the methods of any of the above examples.

[0229] Example 66: 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 at least one device of the media playback system to execute one of the methods of any of the above examples.

Claims

1. A media playback system, comprising: A first playback device having a first capacitor; A second playback device having a second capacitor; One or more computer-readable media; instructions stored on this medium, which, when executed by one or more processors of the media playback system, perform the following operational steps: Receiving power from a first power source and charging the first capacitor according to a first charging method; Receiving power from a second power source and charging the second capacitor according to a second charging method; Receiving an instruction to form a synchronous audio playback group consisting of at least the first playback device and the second playback device; Obtaining one or more power parameters related to the first playback device and / or the second playback device; After receiving the instruction to form a group, changing the first charging method based on one or more power parameters; and Receiving power from the first power source to charge the first capacitor according to the changed first charging method; A media playback system having the above.

2. The power parameter is: The charging level of the first capacitor; The charging level of the second capacitor; The age of the first capacitor; The age of the second capacitor; The temperature of the first capacitor; The temperature of the second capacitor; The charging rate of the first charging method; The charging rate of the second charging method; The playback responsibility of the first playback device; The playback responsibility of the second playback device; The player capability parameter of the first playback device; The player capability parameter of the second playback device; A time parameter; The media playback system according to Claim 1, including one or more of the above.

3. The step of changing the first charging method includes changing the target charging level of the first capacitor to a charging level lower than the maximum charging capacity of the first capacitor. The media playback system according to Claim 1.

4. The first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include an indicator of the power received via the one or more energy harvesters. The media playback system according to Claim 1.

5. Furthermore, as an operational step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that a playback device with a lower charging level charges at a faster rate than a playback device with a higher charging level. The media playback system according to Claim 1.

6. 2. The media playback system of claim 1, further comprising, as an operating step, changing the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme so that the first capacitor and the second capacitor reach a threshold charge level substantially simultaneously.

7. Further, the operation steps are: synchronously playing 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 an amount of audio content played through at least the first playback device, the amount of audio content having frequencies below a predetermined threshold frequency; 10. The media playback system of claim 1, comprising:

8. 8. The media playback system of claim 7, further comprising a third playback device, and further comprising, as an operating step, synchronously playing back at least a portion of audio content having a frequency below a predetermined threshold frequency via the third playback device.

9. Furthermore, as an operation process, receiving an instruction to ungroup the first playback device and the second playback device; restoring the changed first charging method to the first charging method before the change based on receiving a command to ungroup the first playback device and the second playback device; receiving power from the first power source and charging the first capacitor according to the first charging method after returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method; 10. The media playback system of claim 1, comprising:

10. 2. The media playback system of 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. 11. The media playback system of claim 10, wherein the second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters comprises transmitting data corresponding to the one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via a first network interface.

12. The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, from a computing device via a first network interface, data corresponding to the one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device, for the media playback system according to claim 10.

13. The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving, from the second power supply via the first network interface, data corresponding to the one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device, for the media playback system according to claim 10.

14. The first power supply is the same as the second power supply, for the media playback system according to claim 1.

15. The first power supply is different from the second power supply, for the media playback system according to claim 1.

16. A method comprising: Receiving power from a first power supply and charging a first capacitor of a first playback device according to a first charging method; Receiving power from a second power supply and charging a second capacitor of a second playback device according to a second charging method; Receiving an instruction to form a synchronous audio playback group consisting of 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; After receiving the instruction to form a group, changing the first charging method based on the one or more power parameters; and Receiving power from the first power supply to charge the first capacitor according to the changed first charging method; A method having.

17. The power parameters are: The charge level of the first capacitor; The charge level of the second capacitor; The age of the first capacitor; The age of the second capacitor; The temperature of the first capacitor; The temperature of the second capacitor; The charging rate of the first charging method; The charging rate of the second charging method; 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; Time parameters; Including one or more of the above, for the method according to claim 16.

18. The step of changing the first charging method includes changing the target charge level of the first capacitor to a charge level lower than the maximum charge capacity of the first capacitor, for the method according to claim 16.

19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the first playback device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include an indication of power received via the one or more energy harvesters.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, as an operating step, changing the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that a playback device having a lower charge level charges at a faster rate than a playback device having a higher charge level.

21. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, as an operating step, changing the first charging scheme and / or the second charging scheme such that the first capacitor and the second capacitor reach a threshold charge level substantially simultaneously.

22. Further, the operation steps are: synchronously playing 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 an amount of audio content played through at least the first playback device, the amount of audio content having frequencies below a predetermined threshold frequency; 17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising a third playback device, and further comprising, as an operating step, synchronously playing back, via the third playback device, at least a portion of the audio content having frequencies below a predetermined threshold frequency.

24. Furthermore, as an operation process, receiving an instruction to ungroup the first playback device and the second playback device; restoring the changed first charging method to the first charging method before the change based on receiving a command to ungroup the first playback device and the second playback device; receiving power from the first power source and charging the first capacitor according to the first charging method after returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method; 17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

25. 17. The method of claim 16, 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.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the second playback device includes a second network interface, and wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters comprises transmitting data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via a first network interface.

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters comprises receiving data corresponding to one or more power parameters associated with the second playback device via a first network interface from a computing device.

28. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein obtaining the one or more power parameters comprises 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.

29. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first power source is the same as the second power source.

30. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first power source is different from the second power source.

31. One or more computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors of a media playback system, result in the following operational steps: receiving power from a first power source and charging a first capacitor according to a first charging scheme; receiving power from a second power source and charging a second capacitor according to a second charging scheme; receiving an indication to form a synchronized audio playback group consisting of at least a first playback device and a 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 one or more power parameters after receiving the instruction to form the group; and receiving power from a first power source to charge a first capacitor according to a modified first charging scheme; A medium storing instructions having

32. The power parameters are: The charge level of the first capacitor; The charge level of the second capacitor; The age of the first capacitor; The age of the second capacitor; The temperature of the first capacitor; The temperature of the second capacitor; The charging rate of the first charging method; The charging rate of the second charging method; The regeneration responsibility of the first regeneration device; The regeneration responsibility of the second regeneration device; The player capability parameter of the first regeneration device; The player capability parameter of the second regeneration device; The time parameter; The medium according to claim 31, comprising one or more of the above.

33. The step of changing the first charging method includes changing the target charge level of the first capacitor to a charge level lower than the maximum charge capacity of the first capacitor. The medium according to claim 31.

34. The first regeneration device includes one or more energy harvesters, and the one or more power parameters include indicators of power received via the one or more energy harvesters. The medium according to claim 31.

35. Furthermore, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that a regeneration device having a lower charge level charges at a faster speed than a regeneration device having a higher charge level. The medium according to claim 31.

36. Furthermore, as an operating step, a step of changing the first charging method and / or the second charging method so that the first capacitor and the second capacitor reach a threshold charge level substantially simultaneously. The medium according to claim 31.

37. Furthermore, as an operating step: A step of synchronously playing audio content via the first regeneration device and the second regeneration device; and A step of changing the playback so as to reduce the amount of audio content played via at least the first regeneration device, which has a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency, based on the one or more power parameters. The medium according to claim 31.

38. Furthermore, having a third regeneration device, and furthermore, as an operating step, a step of synchronously playing at least a part of audio content having a frequency less than a predetermined threshold frequency via the third regeneration device. The medium according to claim 37.

39. Furthermore, as an operating step, Receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device Based on receiving an instruction to cancel the grouping of the first playback device and the second playback device, returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method before the change After returning the changed first charging method to the first charging method, receiving power from the first power source and charging the first capacitor according to the first charging method The medium according to claim 31, comprising:

40. The first playback device includes a first network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via the first network interface. The medium according to claim 31

41. The second playback device includes a second network interface, and the step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes transmitting data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device via the first network interface. The medium according to claim 40

42. The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device from a computing device via the first network interface. The medium according to claim 40

43. The step of obtaining the one or more power parameters includes receiving data corresponding to the one or more power parameters related to the second playback device from the second power source via the first network interface. The medium according to claim 40

44. The first power source is the same as the second power source. The medium according to claim 31

45. The first power source is different from the second power source. The medium according to claim 31

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