Wireless power transmission of audio playback devices

Abstract

To provide a method for transmitting and / or receiving wireless power, and an audio reproduction device.SOLUTION: In a wireless power transmission group, wireless power is transmitted using a middle distance or long distance technique such as electromagnetic emission (laser, micro waves, or the like) or electromagnetic coupling (dielectric coupling, capacitance coupling, or the like). Performance of the device and / or power transmission are dynamically changed on the basis of a wireless power level, an action of a user, an operation of other device, and grouping of the device, or other parameters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This international application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 706,647, filed on August 31, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] 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

[0003] Until 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.

[0004] The features, aspects, and advantages of the technology disclosed herein can be better understood by referring to the following description, the appended claims, and the appended drawings, as set forth below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and that variations are possible, including different features and / or additional features and their arrangement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1A] A partial cross-sectional view of an environment including a media playback system configured according to the disclosed aspects of the technology is shown. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of the media playback system and one or more networks. [Figure 1C] The block diagram of the playback device is shown. [Figure 1D] The block diagram of the playback device is shown. [Figure 1E] This shows a block diagram of a network microphone device. [Figure 1F] This shows a block diagram of a network microphone device. [Figure 1G] The block diagram of the playback device is shown. [Figure 1H] A schematic diagram of the control device is shown. [Figure 1I] A schematic diagram of the corresponding media playback system zone is shown. [Figure 1J] A schematic diagram of the corresponding media playback system zone is shown. [Figure 1K] A schematic diagram of the corresponding media playback system zone is shown. [Figure 1L] A schematic diagram of the corresponding media playback system zone is shown. [Figure 1M] A schematic diagram of the media playback system area is shown. [Figure 2A] A front isometric view of a regenerative device configured according to the disclosed aspects of the technology is shown. [Figure 2B]Figure 2A shows a front isometric view of the playback device without a grille. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the regeneration device. [Figure 3A] A front view of a network microphone device configured according to the disclosed aspects of the technology is shown. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a side view of the network microphone device. [Figure 3C] Figures 3A and 3B show exploded views of the network microphone device. [Figure 3D] A magnified view of a portion of Figure 3B is shown. [Figure 3E] Figures 3A to 3D show block diagrams of the network microphone device. [Figure 3F] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of voice input is shown. [Figure 4A] A schematic diagram of the control devices at various operating stages of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 4B] A schematic diagram of the control devices at various operating stages of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 4C] A schematic diagram of the control devices at various operating stages of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 4D] A schematic diagram of the control devices at various operating stages of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 5] A front view of the control device is shown. [Figure 6] This shows a message flow diagram for a media playback system. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an exemplary media playback system for a wireless power transmission device relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 8] An exemplary configuration of a wireless power transmission group relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 9A] An exemplary wireless power transmission scenario relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 9B] An exemplary wireless power transmission scenario relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 9C] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9D] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9E] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9F] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9G] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9H] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9I] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9J] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9K] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9L] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9M] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9N] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9O] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9P] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9Q] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9R] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9S] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9T] Shows an exemplary wireless power transmission scenario according to the disclosed technology. [Figure 9U] An exemplary wireless power transmission scenario relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 9V] An exemplary wireless power transmission scenario relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 9W] An exemplary wireless power transmission scenario relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 9X] An exemplary wireless power transmission scenario relating to the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 10] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 11] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 12] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 13] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 14] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 15] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 16] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 17] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 18] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown. [Figure 19] An exemplary method relating to wireless power transmission of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0006] While the drawings are intended to illustrate several exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] I. Overview SONOS Inc. was an innovator in the field of wireless audio devices and related accessories. For example, SONOS Inc. pioneered wireless playback devices that could receive audio content via wireless connectivity and also play audio content synchronously as a group. Furthermore, SONOS Inc. created the portable playback device SONOS MOVE and related docking accessories to facilitate charging.

[0008] While these devices represent significant advancements, they still rely on the use of physical links, such as power lines, for power supply (e.g., connected to the playback device itself or to a docking station where the portable playback device is periodically positioned). Building upon these conventional innovations, SONOS Inc. is further expanding the goal of wireless audio playback devices to provide wirelessly powerable devices. For example, a playback device may include a wireless power receiver configured to receive wireless power from an external wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmitter may be another audio playback device, or the transmission device may be a separate external device, such as a power transmission hub or a television with an integrated wireless power transmitter. In some examples, the wireless power transmitter may include a power input port (e.g., to receive power via a physical link such as a power cord). In addition to or instead of this, a wireless power transmitter may include both a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter.

[0009] Such wireless power transmission may include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission using devices configured to provide effective power transmission using transmitters and receivers separated from each other by a distance of, for example, more than approximately 10 cm, or in some cases more than approximately 50 cm, or more than approximately 1 m.

[0010] Examples of such medium- or long-range wireless power transmission technologies include radiation technologies such as lasers, radio waves, and microwaves, or other such technologies involving the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from a transmitting device to a receiving device. In various examples, the wireless power receiver in such cases may include a photocell, diode, antenna (e.g., a rectenna), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. Similarly, examples of wireless power transmitters in such cases may include light sources such as lasers, microwave sources, antennas (e.g., directional antennas, phased array antennas, etc.), or other suitable electromagnetic radiation sources.

[0011] In addition to or instead of the above, such medium- or long-range wireless power transmission may include non-radiative transmission techniques such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such cases, one or both of the wireless power transmitter and wireless power receiver may include conductive coils (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), or rotating armatures supporting magnets (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling).

[0012] In at least some examples, the devices disclosed herein can transmit and / or receive radio power using short-range radio power transmission (e.g., transmission of radio power over distances of less than about 10 cm, less than about 5 cm, or less than about 1 cm). Such short-range radio power transmission may be used in addition to, or instead of, the medium-range and long-range radio power transmission described herein.

[0013] In addition to or instead of the above, such a wireless power transmitter may incorporate one or more energy harvester components configured to derive power from ambient energy in the environment. Exemplary energy harvester components may be configured to derive power from, for example, solar energy, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, kinetic energy, etc. In some examples, the energy harvester may include one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert received light into voltage. Any of the various energy harvesters may be included in the wireless power transmitter. Examples of such energy harvesters include photocells, thermoelectric generators, micro wind turbines, piezoelectric crystals, electroacoustic transducers, and kinetic energy harvesters.

[0014] Providing wireless power functionality to playback devices (and other devices) offers several advantages, but this framework also presents certain challenges. For example, since wireless power transmission is generally less efficient than wired power transmission, and medium- and long-range wireless power transmission is generally less efficient than short-range wireless power transmission, it may be beneficial to configure wireless transmission devices and / or wireless power receiving devices to maximize wireless power transmission and / or minimize power consumption of one or both devices. Power transmission can be increased, for example, by providing guidance to the user to facilitate proper relative positioning of the receiver and / or transmission devices. Such guidance may take into account both the wireless power transmission characteristics of positioning and the acoustic performance of one or both devices at various positions. In addition to, or instead of, the transmission device may include a dynamic steering function so that the direction of wireless power transmission can be corrected, for example, by using a movable directional antenna, mirror, lens, or other adjustable component. During operation, the transmission device may adjust the steering of wireless power transmission to increase the proportion of wireless power received by one or more wireless power receiving devices.

[0015] Playback devices that rely on wireless power transmission may experience intermittent low power or even complete power loss. Therefore, it may be beneficial to modify device performance based on the stored energy level (e.g., battery charge indicator), the ratio of wireless power received by the receiving device, and / or the ratio of power consumption by the wireless power receiving device. One example of modifying device performance includes reducing power consumption by entering a low-power mode or standby mode based on scheduling, user presence detection, or other such usage parameters. In some examples, audio playback parameters can be adjusted based on fluctuations in power levels (e.g., stored energy level or wireless power transmission rate). In various examples, in response to power level fluctuations, audio playback may be modified to have reduced volume, reduced low-frequency output, and / or to offload at least some audio playback burden to another audio playback device. In some examples, audio playback of an unaffected device may be modified to match, or otherwise correspond to, the reduced audio performance of an affected audio playback device (e.g., a device with a low battery level or low wireless power reception level).

[0016] Furthermore, in some cases, wireless power transmission may be affected by other activities, such as a user being positioned between the transmitting and receiving devices. In such cases, it may be useful to correct the wireless power transmission by taking other steps, such as transmitting wireless power to a different receiving device, temporarily pausing the wireless transmission, providing an alert to the user, or suggesting the repositioning of one or both the receiving and transmitting devices.

[0017] In some examples, wireless power transmission can be used to simultaneously transfer data between a transmitting device and a receiving device. For example, the wireless power signal may include a carrier wave (e.g., light emitted through a laser, AC current through an inductive coil, etc.) that can be modulated to incorporate data. The receiving device can demodulate the wireless power signal to recover the transmitted data and simultaneously convert it into electrical energy for the operation of the receiving device. In various examples, the modulation of the wireless power signal for transmitting data therein may include amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, spread spectrum modulation, or any other suitable modulation scheme and / or combination of modulation schemes. In at least some examples, the data transmitted via the wireless power signal may include synchronization signals, power level indicators, device identifiers, audio content metadata, or other such data. It should be understood that the data to be transmitted may (or may not) be encoded according to one or more encoding schemes before transmission, for example, to reduce data errors in transmission (e.g., channel coding schemes that add redundancy) and / or to compress the data for transmission (e.g., compression schemes that reduce the size of the data).

[0018] In some cases, wireless power transmission can be used to automatically group or ungroup playback devices for synchronized audio playback, or conversely, to initiate wireless power transmission by grouping or ungrouping playback devices. For example, when a first audio playback device receives wireless power from a second audio playback device, the first and second audio playback devices can be automatically grouped or coupled for synchronized audio playback. Similarly, when the first audio playback device no longer receives wireless power from the second audio playback device, the first and second playback devices can be ungrouped or uncoupled.

[0019] While many of the examples disclosed herein relate to audio playback devices such as home theater configurations, the examples of this technology can also be applied to non-playback devices. For example, in some examples, the wireless transmission device does not need to be a playback device. In addition, or instead, the wireless power transmission described herein can be applied entirely outside the context of audio playback, for example, to facilitate wireless power transmission between other electronic devices while maintaining a satisfactory user experience and device performance.

[0020] Some examples described herein may refer to functions performed by given actors such as “user,” “listener,” and / or other entities, but it should be understood that these are for illustrative purposes only. The claims should not be construed as requiring any action by such exemplary actors unless expressly required by the terminology of the claims themselves.

[0021] In the figures, the same reference number identifies elements that are generally similar and / or identical. To facilitate the description of any particular element, the most important digit or number of 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 Figure 1A. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of a particular embodiment of the disclosed technology. Thus, other embodiments may have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various further embodiments of the disclosed technology can be implemented without relying on some of the details described below.

[0022] II. Preferred Operating Environment Figure 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of a media playback system 100 placed in an environment 101 (e.g., a house). The media playback system 100 comprises 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).

[0023] As used herein, the term “playback device” can generally refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data from a media playback system. For example, a playback device may 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) speakers or amplifiers. For example, a playback device may include one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers located outside the playback device via corresponding wires or cables.

[0024] Furthermore, as used herein, the term NMD (i.e., “Network Microphone Device”) can generally refer to a network device configured for audio detection. In some embodiments, the NMD is a standalone device configured primarily for audio detection. In other embodiments, the NMD is integrated into a playback device (or vice versa).

[0025] The term "control device" can generally refer to a network device configured to perform functions relevant to facilitating user access, control, and / or configuration of the media playback system 100.

[0026] Each of the playback devices 110 is configured to receive audio signals or data from one or more media sources (e.g., one or more remote servers, one or more local devices) and to play the received audio signals 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 received spoken word commands and / or user input, the media playback system 100 can play audio through one or more of the playback devices 110. In certain embodiments, the playback devices 110 are configured to start playing media content in response to a trigger. For example, one or more of the playback devices 110 may be configured to play a morning playlist when relevant trigger conditions (e.g., the presence of a user in the kitchen, detection of operation of a coffee machine) are detected. In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 is configured to play audio from the first playback device (e.g., playback device 100a) in synchronization with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). The interactions between the playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130 of the media playback system 100 configured according to various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1B to 1L.

[0027] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A, the environment 101 consists of a home having multiple rooms, spaces, and / or playback zones, including (clockwise from top 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 technologies 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 establishments (e.g., restaurants, malls, airports, hotels, retail stores or other shops), one or more vehicles (e.g., sports utility vehicles, buses, automobiles, ships, boats, airplanes), multiple environments (e.g., a combination of a home environment and a vehicle environment), and / or another suitable environment where multi-zone audio may be desirable.

[0028] The media playback system 100 can consist of one or more playback zones, some of which may correspond to rooms in the environment 101. The media playback system 100 may be established with one or more playback zones, and additional zones may be added or removed thereafter to establish a configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 1A. Each zone may be given a name corresponding to a different room or space, such as office 101e, master bathroom 101a, master bedroom 101b, second bedroom 101c, kitchen 101h, dining room 101g, living room 101f, and / or patio 101i. In some embodiments, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In certain embodiments, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A, the master bathroom 101a, second bedroom 101c, office 101e, living room 101f, dining room 101g, kitchen 101h, and outdoor patio 101i each include one playback device 110, while the master bedroom 101b and den 101d include multiple playback devices 110. In the master bedroom 101b, playback devices 110l and 110m may be configured to play audio content synchronously, for example, as individual playback devices 110, as a combined playback zone, as an integrated playback device, and / or any combination thereof. Similarly, in the den 101d, playback devices 110h-j may be configured to play audio content synchronously, for example, as individual playback devices 110, as one or more combined playback devices, and / or as one or more integrated playback devices. Additional details regarding combined and integrated playback devices are described below, for example, with respect to Figures 1B and 1E, and Figures 1I-1M.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more playback zones within environment 101 may each play different audio content. For example, one user may be grilling in patio 101i and listening to hip-hop music being played by playback device 110c, while another user is preparing food in kitchen 101h and listening to classical music being played by playback device 110b. In another example, playback zones may play the same audio content in sync with another playback zone. For example, a user may be in office 101e and listening to the same hip-hop music being played by playback device 110c in patio 101i, while also being played by playback device 110f. In some embodiments, playback devices 110c and 110f play the hip-hop music in sync such that the user perceives the audio content as playing seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) as they move between different playback zones. Further 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 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0031] To facilitate synchronized playback, the playback devices described herein may, in some embodiments, be configured to operate (and / or switch between) different modes, such as audio playback group coordinate mode and / or audio playback group member mode. While operating in audio playback group coordinate mode, the playback device may be configured to coordinate playback within a group by performing, for example, one or more of the following functions: (i) receiving audio content from an audio source; (ii) using a clock within the playback device (e.g., a physical clock or a virtual clock) to generate playback timing information for the audio content; (iii) sending portions of the audio content and the playback timing of those portions to at least one other playback device (e.g., at least one other playback device operating in audio playback group member mode); (iv) sending timing information (e.g., generated using the clock) to at least one other playback device; and / or (v) using the generated playback timing information and / or clock to play the audio content in synchronization with at least one other playback device. While operating in audio playback group member mode, the playback device may be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (i) receiving audio content and playback timing of audio content from at least one other device; (ii) receiving timing information from at least one other device (e.g., a playback device operating in audio playback group coordinator mode); and / or (iii) using the playback timing of audio content and / or timing information to play audio content in synchronization with at least one other playback device.

[0032] 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, certain devices of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102 are omitted in Figure 1B. One or more communication links 103 (hereinafter referred to as "link 103") are provided to connect the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102.

[0033] Link 103 may include, for example, one or more wired networks, one or more wireless networks, one or more wide area networks (WANs), one or more local area networks (LANs) (e.g., one or more Wi-Fi networks), one or more personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., one or more Bluetooth networks, Z-WAVE networks, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) networks, ZIGBEE® networks and / or IRDA networks), one or more communication networks (e.g., one or more Global System for Mobiles (GSM) networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks, 5G communication networks and / or other suitable data transmission protocol networks). The cloud network 102 is configured to deliver media content (e.g., audio content, video content, photographs, social media content) to the media playback system 100 in response to requests transmitted from the media playback system 100 via Link 103. In some embodiments, the cloud network 102 is further configured to receive data (e.g., audio input data) from the media playback system 100 and, in response, send commands and / or media content to the media playback system 100.

[0034] The cloud network 102 comprises computing devices 106 (individually identified as a first computing device 106a, a second computing device 106b, and a third computing device 106c). The computing devices 106 may comprise individual computers or servers, such as a media streaming service server for storing audio and / or other media content, an audio 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 a single computer or server module. In certain embodiments, one or more of the computing devices 106 comprise one or more modules, computers, and / or servers. Furthermore, although the cloud network 102 has been described above in the context of a single cloud network, in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 comprises multiple cloud networks comprising connected computing devices. Furthermore, although Figure 1B shows the cloud network 102 having three computing devices 106, in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 comprises fewer (or more) computing devices 106.

[0035] The media playback system 100 is configured to receive media content from the network 102 via link 103. The received media content may include, for example, a uniform resource identifier (URI) and / or a uniform resource locator (URL). For example, in some examples, the media playback system 100 can stream, download, or otherwise retrieve data from the URI or URL corresponding to the received media content. The network 104 communicates with link 103 and at least some of the devices of the media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of the playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130). The network 104 may include, for example, a wireless network (e.g., a WiFi® network, Bluetooth®, Z-Wave network, ZigBee®, and / or other suitable wireless communication protocol network) and / or a wired network (e.g., a network including Ethernet®, Universal Serial Bus (USB®), and / or other suitable wired communication). As used herein, and as will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, “WiFi®” can refer to several different communication protocols, including, for example, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11af, 802.11ah, 802.11ai, 802.11aj, 802.11aq, 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.15, etc., which are communication protocols transmitted at 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, and / or other suitable frequencies.

[0036] In some embodiments, network 104 comprises a dedicated communication network used by the media playback system 100 to send messages between individual devices and / or to and from media content sources (e.g., one or more computing devices 106). In certain embodiments, network 104 is configured to be accessible only to devices within the media playback system 100, thereby reducing interference and conflict with other home devices. However, in other embodiments, network 104 comprises an existing home communication network (e.g., a home Wi-Fi® network). In some embodiments, link 103 and network 104 comprise one or more identical networks. In some aspects, for example, link 103 and network 104 comprise a communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is implemented without network 104, and the devices comprising the media playback system 100 can communicate with each other, for example, via one or more direct or indirect connections, PANs, LANs, communication networks, and / or other suitable communication links.

[0037] In some embodiments, audio content sources may be periodically added to 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 some or all folders and / or directories accessible to the playback device 110 for identifiable media items and generate or update a media content database containing 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 in one or more of the playback device 110, the network microphone device 120, and / or the control device 130.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1B, playback devices 110l and 110m constitute group 107a. Playback devices 110l and 110m can be located in different rooms within a home and can be temporarily or permanently grouped into group 107a based on user input received by the control device 130a and / or another control device 130 of the media playback system 100. Once placed within group 107a, playback devices 110l and 110m may 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 coupling zone such that playback devices 110l and 110m constitute the left and right audio channels of multi-channel audio content, respectively, thereby producing or enhancing the stereo effect of the audio content. In some embodiments, group 107a further includes playback device 110. However, in other embodiments, the media playback system 100 omits other grouped arrangements of group 107a and / or playback device 110. Details regarding the grouping and other arrangements of playback devices are described below with reference to Figures 1I-1M.

[0039] The media playback system 100 includes NMDs 120a and 120d, each having one or more microphones configured to receive voice utterances from a user. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1B, NMD 120a is a standalone device, and NMD 120d is integrated into the playback device 110n. NMD 120a is configured to receive, for example, voice input 121 from user 123. In some embodiments, NMD 120a 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) transmit corresponding commands to the media playback system 100. In some embodiments, for example, 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®). Computing device 106c can receive audio input data from NMD 120a via network 104 and link 103. In response to receiving the audio input data, computing device 106c processes the audio input data (e.g., "Play Hey Jude by The Beatles") and determines that the processed audio input includes a command to play the song (e.g., "Hey Jude"). Computing device 106c then sends a command to media playback system 100 from an appropriate media service (e.g., via one or more computing devices 106) to play "Hey Jude" by The Beatles on one or more playback devices 110.

[0040] b. Recommended playback device Figure 1C is a block diagram of a playback device 110a having input / output 111. The input / output 111 may 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, analog I / O 111a is, for example, an audio line-in input connection that constitutes an auto-detection 3.5mm audio line-in connection. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes a Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format (S / PDIF) communication interface and / or cable and / or Toshiba Link (TOSLINK) cable. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®) interface and / or cable. In some embodiments, the digital I / O 111b includes one or more wireless communication links, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared, WiFi®, Bluetooth®, or other suitable communication protocols. In certain embodiments, the analog I / O 111a and digital I / O 111b may not necessarily include cables, but may include interfaces (e.g., ports, plugs, jacks) configured to accept connectors for cables that transmit analog and digital signals, respectively.

[0041] 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 may 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, phonograph, Blu-ray player, memory for 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 comprise 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 input / output 111 and receives all audio content via the network 104.

[0042] The playback device 110a further comprises 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 "transducers 114"). The electronic device 112 is configured to receive audio from an audio source (e.g., a local audio source 105) via an input / output 111 and one or more computing devices 106a-106c (Figure 1B) via a 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, a microphone array) (hereinafter referred to as "microphones 115"). In certain embodiments, for example, a playback device 110a having one or more optional microphones 115 can operate as an NMD configured to receive audio input from a user and perform one or more corresponding operations based on the received audio input.

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1C, the electronic device 112 comprises one or more processors 112a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 112a"), memory 112b, software components 112c, network interface 112d, one or more audio processing components 112g (hereinafter referred to as "audio processing components 112g"), one or more audio amplifiers 112h (hereinafter referred to as "amplifiers 112h"), and power supply 112i (e.g., one or more power supplies, power cables, power outlets, batteries, induction coils, Power-over Ethernet (PoE) interfaces, and / or other suitable power sources). In some embodiments, the electronic device 112 optionally includes one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging bases).

[0044] As will be described in more detail elsewhere in this specification, in some examples the power component 112i may include one or more of the following: a wireless power transmitter (e.g., a laser, an induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (e.g., a photocell, an induction coil, etc.), an energy storage component (e.g., a capacitor, a rechargeable battery, etc.), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or associated power circuits. During operation, the regeneration device 110a may be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally or alternatively, the regeneration device 110a may be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices instead of, or in addition to, receiving power via a wired connection.

[0045] The processor 112a may include a clock-driven computing component configured to process data, and the memory 112b may include a computer-readable medium (e.g., a tangible, non-temporary computer-readable medium, data storage loaded with one or more software components 112c) 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. An operation may include, for example, causing the playback device 110a to obtain audio information from an audio source (e.g., one or more of the computing devices 106a-106c (Figure 1B)) and / or from another playback device 110, and / or from another playback device 110. In some embodiments, the operation may further include causing the playback device 110a to transmit audio information to another playback device 110a and / or another device (e.g., one of the NMD 120). In certain embodiments, the playback device 110a further includes the operation of pairing the playback device 110a with one or more other playback devices 110 in order to enable a multi-channel audio environment (e.g., stereo pair, coupled zone).

[0046] The processor 112a may be further configured to perform an operation in which the playback device 110a synchronizes the playback of audio content with that of one or more other playback devices 110. As those skilled in the art will understand, during synchronized playback of audio content across multiple playback devices, the listener will preferably not perceive any 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 audio playback synchronization between playback devices are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0047] 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 to which playback device 110a is a member, audio sources accessible to playback device 110a, and / or playback queues to which playback device 110a (and / or another of one or more playback devices) is associated. The stored data may include one or more state variables that are updated periodically and used to describe the state of playback device 110a. Memory 112b may also include data associated with the state of one or more other devices of the media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, control device 130). In some embodiments, for example, state data is shared among at least some of the devices of the media playback system 100 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds) so that one or more devices have the most up-to-date data associated with the media playback system 100.

[0048] 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 link 103 and / or network 104 (Figure 1B). The network interface 112d is configured to send and receive data corresponding to media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photographs) and other signals (e.g., non-transient signals) including digital packet data having Internet Protocol (IP) based source addresses and / or IP-based destination addresses. The network interface 112d can parse the digital packet data so that the electronic device 112 can properly receive and process the data directed to the playback device 110a.

[0049] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1C, the network interface 112d comprises one or more wireless interfaces 112e (hereinafter referred to as "wireless interface 112e"). The wireless interface 112e (e.g., a suitable interface comprising 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 devices 130) that are connected to the network 104 (Figure 1B) according to a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi®, Bluetooth®, LTE). In some embodiments, the network interface 112d optionally includes a wired interface 112f (e.g., an interface or receptacle configured to receive network cables such as Ethernet®, USB-A, USB-C, and / or Thunderbolt cables) configured to communicate with other devices via a wired connection according to a suitable wired communication protocol. In certain embodiments, the network interface 112d includes the wired interface 112f but excludes the wireless interface 112e. In some embodiments, the electronic device 112 completely excludes the network interface 112d and sends and receives media content and / or other data via a separate communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0050] 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 network interface 112d) to generate an output audio signal. In some embodiments, the audio processing component 112g includes, for example, one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other suitable audio processing components, modules, circuits, etc. In certain embodiments, one or more of the audio processing components 112g may include one or more subcomponents 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 memory 112b to perform audio processing operations for generating the output audio signal.

[0051] The amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify the audio output signal generated by the audio processing component 112g and / or processor 112a. The amplifier 112h may include electronic devices and / or components configured to amplify the audio signal to a level sufficient to drive one or more transducers 114. In some embodiments, for example, 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 two or more suitable combinations of the aforementioned types of power amplifiers. Furthermore, in some embodiments, individual amplifiers 112h correspond to individual transducers 114. However, in other embodiments, the electronic equipment 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.

[0052] 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., an audible sound wave having frequencies between approximately 20 Hz and approximately 20 kHz). In some embodiments, the transducer 114 may comprise a single transducer. However, in other embodiments, the transducer 114 comprises multiple audio transducers. In some embodiments, the transducer 114 comprises two or more types of transducers. For example, the transducer 114 may 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 below about 500 Hz, “mid frequency” can generally refer to audible frequencies between about 500 Hz and about 2 kHz, and “high frequency” can generally refer to audible frequencies above about 2 kHz. However, in certain embodiments, one or more of the transducers 114 include transducers that do not conform to the aforementioned frequency ranges. For example, one of the transducers 114 may include a mid-woofer transducer configured to output sound at frequencies between about 200 Hz and about 5 kHz.

[0053] For illustrative purposes, Sonos, Inc. currently offers (or has offered) certain playback devices for sale, including, for example, “SONOS ONE,” “PLAY:1,” “PLAY:3,” “PLAY:5,” “PLAYBAR,” “PLAYBASE,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Other suitable playback devices may be used additionally or alternatively to implement the playback devices of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that playback devices are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein or to the Sonos product offerings. 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 may comprise a headband connected to one or more earcups. For example, a first earcup may be connected to a first end of the headband, and a second earcup may be connected to a second end of the headband opposite to the first end. Each of the one or more earcups may house any part of an electronic component in the playback device, such as one or more transducers. Furthermore, one or more earcups may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the headphones, such as controlling audio playback, volume levels, and other functions. The user interface may include any of a variety of control elements, such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, and / or touchscreens. Ear cushions may be attached to each of one or more earcups. Ear cushions may provide a soft barrier between the user's head and one or more earcups to improve user comfort and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surroundings (e.g., providing passive noise reduction (PNR)). In addition (or instead), the headphones may employ active noise reduction (ANR) technology to further reduce the user's perception of external noise during playback.

[0054] In some examples, the headphone device may take the form of an audible device. The audible device may comprise a headphone device configured to provide hearing enhancement features while supporting the playback of media content (streaming media content from a user device via a PAN, streaming music service providers via a WLAN and / or cellular network connection, etc.). In some examples, the audible device may be implemented as an in-ear headphone device configured to play amplified versions of at least some sounds detected from the external environment (e.g., all sounds, selected sounds such as human speech, etc.).

[0055] In some embodiments, 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 several other devices for indoor or outdoor use. In some embodiments, the playback device omits a user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, Figure 1D is a block diagram of a playback device 110p that does not have a user interface 113 or transducer 114, but has inputs / outputs 111 and electronic equipment 112.

[0056] Figure 1E is a block diagram of a coupled playback device 110q, which includes a playback device 110q (Figure 1C) that includes a playback device 110a (Figure 1C) acoustically coupled with a playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer) (Figure 1A). In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110i are separate playback devices 110 housed in separate enclosures. However, in some embodiments, the coupled playback device 110q comprises a single enclosure housing both playback devices 110a and 110i. The coupled playback device 110q can be configured to process and reproduce different sounds from uncoupled playback devices (e.g., playback device 110a in Figure 1C) and / or paired or coupled playback devices (e.g., playback devices 110l and 110m in Figure 1B). In some embodiments, for example, playback device 110a is a full-range playback device configured to render low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency audio content, and playback device 110i is a subwoofer configured to render low-frequency audio content. In some embodiments, playback device 110a is configured to render only the mid-frequency and high-frequency components of a particular audio content when coupled with the first playback device, and playback device 110i is configured to render the low-frequency components of a particular audio content. In some embodiments, coupled playback device 110q includes additional playback devices and / or another coupled playback device. Embodiments of additional playback devices are described in further detail below with reference to Figures 2A to 3D.

[0057] c. Suitable Network Microphone Device (NMD) Figure 1F is a block diagram of the NMD120a (Figures 1A and 1B). The NMD120a includes one or more voice processing components 124 (hereinafter referred to as "voice components 124") and several components described with respect to the playback device 110a (Figure 1C), which includes a processor 112a, memory 112b, power component 112i, and microphone 115. As will be described in more detail elsewhere in this specification, in some examples the power component 112i may include one or more of the following: a wireless power transmitter (e.g., a laser, induction coil, etc.), a wireless power receiver (e.g., a photocell, induction coil, etc.), an energy storage component (e.g., a capacitor, rechargeable battery, etc.), an energy harvester, a wired power input port, and / or associated power supply circuits. During operation, the NMD120a can be configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices. Additionally or alternatively, the NMD120a can be configured to receive wireless power from one or more external transmitter devices instead of, or in addition to, receiving power via a wired connection.

[0058] NMD120a optionally includes other components also included in the playback device 110a (Figure 1C), such as the user interface 113 and / or transducer 114. 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, an audio processing component 112g (Figure 1C), a transducer 114, and / or one or more other playback device components. In certain embodiments, NMD120a includes, for example, an Internet of Things (IoT) device such as a thermostat, alarm panel, fire detector, and / or smoke detector. In some embodiments, NMD120a includes only the microphone 115, the voice processing 124, and some of the components of the electronics 112 described above with respect to Figure 1B. In some embodiments, for example, NMD120a includes a processor 112a and memory 112b (Figure 1B), while omitting one or more other components of the electronics 112. In some embodiments, the NMD120a includes additional components (e.g., one or more sensors, a camera, a thermometer, a barometer, a hygrometer).

[0059] In some embodiments, the NMD can be incorporated into the playback device. Figure 1G is a block diagram of a playback device 110r equipped with an NMD 120d. The playback device 110r may comprise many or all of the components of the playback device 110a, and further include a microphone 115 and an audio processor 124 (Figure 1F). The playback device 110r optionally includes an integrated control device 130c. The control device 130c may include, for example, a user interface (e.g., user interface 113 in Figure 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., control device 130a in Figure 1B). Embodiments of the NMD are described in further detail below with respect to Figures 3A to 3F.

[0060] Referring again to Figure 1F, the microphone 115 is configured to acquire, capture, and / or receive sound from the environment (e.g., environment 101 in Figure 1A) and / or the room in which the NMD 120a is located. The received sound may include, for example, speech, audio playback by the NMD 120a and / or another playback device, background noise, ambient noise, etc. The microphone 115 converts the received sound into an electrical signal to generate microphone data. The voice processor 124 receives and analyzes the microphone data to determine whether there is voice input in the microphone data. The voice input may include, for example, an activation word following a speech that includes a user request. As those skilled in the art will understand, an activation word is a word or other voice cue that signifies the user's voice input. For example, when querying the AMAZON® VAS, the user may say the activation word "Alexa". Other examples include "OK, Google" to invoke GOOGLE® VAS and "Hey, Siri" to invoke APPLE® VAS.

[0061] After detecting the activation word, the voice processing unit 124 monitors microphone data for user requests associated with the voice input. User requests may include commands to control third-party devices such as a thermostat (e.g., NEST® thermostat), lighting fixtures (e.g., PHILIPS HUE® lighting fixtures), or media playback devices (e.g., Sonos® playback devices). For example, a user might say the activation word "Alexa" followed by "Set the thermostat to 68 degrees" to set the temperature in their home (e.g., environment 101 in Figure 1A). The user might also say the same activation word followed by "Turn on the living room" to turn on the lighting fixtures in the living room area of ​​the home. Similarly, the user might say the activation word followed by a request to play a specific song, album, or music playlist on a playback device in the home. The reception and processing of voice input data are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3A to 3F.

[0062] d. Suitable control device Figure 1H is a partial schematic diagram of the control device 130a (Figures 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, cause one or more devices within the media playback system 100 to perform actions or operations corresponding to the user input. In the illustrated embodiments, the control device 130a comprises a smartphone (e.g., iPhone®, Android phone) with media playback system controller application software installed. In some embodiments, the control device 130a comprises, for example, a tablet (e.g., iPad®), a computer (e.g., laptop computer, desktop computer), and / or other suitable devices (e.g., television, car audio head unit, 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 Figure 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, NMD 120, and / or other suitable devices configured to communicate over a network).

[0063] 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 comprises one or more processors 132a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 132a"), 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, and configuration of the media playback system 100. The memory 132b may include data storage on which one or more software components executable by the processor 302 to perform those functions can be loaded. The software components 132c may include applications and / or other executable software configured to facilitate control of the media playback system 100. The memory 112b may be configured to store, for example, software components 132c, media playback system controller application software, and / or other data related to the media playback system 100 and the user.

[0064] The network interface 132d is configured to facilitate network communication between the control device 130a and one or more other devices in the media playback system 100, and / or one or more remote devices. In some embodiments, the network interface 132d is configured to operate according to one or more suitable communication industry standards (e.g., infrared, wireless, wired standards including IEEE 802.3, and wireless standards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G, and LTE). The network interface 132d can be configured to transmit and / or receive data to, for example, the playback device 110, the NMD 120, other devices in the control device 130, one of the computing devices 106 in Figure 1B, one or more devices comprising other media playback systems, etc. The transmitted and / or received data may include, for example, control commands for the playback device, state variables, and configurations for playback zones and / or zone groups. For example, based on user input received by user interface 133, network interface 132d can send playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from control device 304 to one or more playback devices. Network interface 132d can also send and / or receive configuration changes, such as adding / removing one or more playback devices to / from a zone, adding / removing one or more zones to / from a zone group, forming a combined player or integrated player, or separating one or more playback devices from a combined player or integrated player. Details of zones and groups are shown in Figures 1I to 1M.

[0065] The user interface 133 is configured to receive user input and facilitates 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 may include the display of relevant information (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, release year) about the media content currently being played and / or media content in the queue or playlist. The playback control area 133d may include selectable icons (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or another appropriate selector) for one or more playback devices in a selected playback zone or zone group to perform playback actions such as play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip to next, skip to 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 preferred playback behaviors. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 133 comprises a display presented on the touchscreen interface of a smartphone (e.g., iPhone®, Android phone). However, in some embodiments, user interfaces of various formats, styles, and interactive sequences may be implemented on one or more network devices to provide equivalent control access to the media playback system.

[0066] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) may be configured to output sound to the user of the control device 130a. In some embodiments, one or more speakers comprise individual transducers configured to output corresponding low frequencies, medium frequencies, and / or high frequencies. In some embodiments, 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.

[0067] One or more microphones 135 may include, for example, one or more condenser microphones, electret condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and / or other suitable types of microphones or transducers. In some embodiments, two or more microphones 135 are arranged to capture location information of an audio source (e.g., speech, audible sound) and / or are configured to facilitate filtering of background noise. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the control device 130a is configured to operate as a playback device and 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 instead include a device (e.g., a thermostat, IoT device, network device) that includes part of the electronic equipment 132 and a user interface 133 (e.g., a touchscreen). Embodiments of additional control devices are described in further detail below with reference to Figures 4A to 4D and Figure 5.

[0068] e. Appropriate playback device configuration Figures 1I to 1M show exemplary configurations of playback devices in zones and zone groups. Referring first to Figure 1M, in one example, a single playback device may belong to a zone. For example, 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 “combined” to form “combined pairs,” which together form a single zone. For example, playback device 110l (e.g., left playback device) can be combined with playback device 110l (e.g., left playback device) to form zone A. The combined 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, playback device 110h (e.g., front playback device) may be merged with playback device 110i (e.g., subwoofer) and playback devices 110j and 110k (e.g., left and right surround speakers, respectively) to form a single zone D. In another example, playback devices 110g and 110h can be merged to form a merged group or zone group 108b. The merged playback devices 110g and 110h do not necessarily have to be specifically assigned different playback responsibilities. That is, the merged playback devices 110h and 110i can each play audio content as they would if they were not merged, apart from playing audio content synchronously.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Coupled playback devices may have different playback responsibilities, such as responsibility for a specific audio channel. For example, as shown in Figure 1-I, playback devices 110l and 110m may be coupled to produce or enhance the stereo effect of audio content. In this example, playback device 110l may be configured to play the left channel audio component, while playback device 110k may be configured to play the right channel audio component. In some implementations, such stereo coupling is sometimes referred to as “pairing”.

[0071] Furthermore, the coupled playback devices may have additional and / or different respective speaker drivers. As shown in Figure 1J, playback device 110h, named front, may be coupled with playback device 110i, called sub. Front device 110h can be configured to render the mid-to-high frequency range, and sub device 110i can be configured to render the low frequencies. However, if not coupled, front device 110h can be configured to render the full frequency range. As another example, Figure 1K shows front device 110h and sub device 110i further coupled with left playback device 110j and right playback device 110k, respectively. In some implementations, the right device 110j and left device 110k can be configured to form surround or "satellite" channels in a home theater system. The coupled playback devices 110h, 110i, 110j, and 110k can form a single zone D (Figure 1M).

[0072] Merged playback devices do not need to be assigned playback responsibilities, and each playback device can render the full range of audio content it is capable of. Nevertheless, merged devices may be represented as a single UI entity (i.e., a zone, as described above). For example, playback devices 110a and 110n in the master bathroom have a single UI entity in zone A. In one embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110n can each output the full range of audio content that each playback device 110a and 110n is capable of synchronously.

[0073] In some embodiments, the NMD is coupled or merged with another device to form a zone. For example, NMD 120b may be coupled with playback device 110e to form a zone F called the Living Room. In other embodiments, a standalone network microphone device may be located within a zone itself. However, in other embodiments, a standalone 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 or default device can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 438,749, which was referenced earlier.

[0074] The zones of individual, combined, and / or merged devices can be grouped to form zone groups. For example, referring to Figure 1M, zone A can be grouped with zone B to form zone group 108a containing the two zones. Similarly, zone G may be grouped with zone H to form zone group 108b. As another example, zone A may be grouped with one or more other zones CI. Zones A-I can be grouped and ungrouped in numerous ways. For example, three, four, five, or more (e.g., all) of zones A-I may be grouped. Once grouped, the zones of individual and / or combined playback devices can play audio synchronously with each other, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which was referenced earlier. Playback devices may be dynamically grouped and ungrouped to form new or different groups that play audio content synchronously.

[0075] In various embodiments, zones within an environment may be the default names of zones within a group or a combination of names of zones within a zone group. For example, zone group 108b may be assigned a name such as "Dining + Kitchen" as shown in Figure 1M. In some embodiments, zone groups may be given unique names selected by the user.

[0076] Certain data may be stored in the memory of a playback device (e.g., memory 112b in Figure 1C) as one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe the state of a playback zone, playback device, and / or associated zone group. The memory may also include data that is shared from time to time between devices, associated with the state of other devices in the media system, so that one or more of the devices have the most up-to-date data associated with the system.

[0077] In some embodiments, memory can store instances of various variable types related to the state. Variable instances may be stored with identifiers (e.g., tags) corresponding to their type. For example, a particular identifier may be a first type "a1" for identifying a zone's regeneration device, a second type "b1" for identifying regeneration devices that can be combined within a zone, and a third type "c1" for identifying a zone group to which a zone may belong. As a relevant example, an identifier associated with the second bedroom 101c may indicate that the regeneration device is the only regeneration device in zone C and not within a zone group. An identifier associated with the den may indicate that the den is not grouped with other zones but contains combined regeneration devices 110h-110k. An identifier associated with the dining room may indicate that the dining room is part of the dining + kitchen zone group 108b and that devices 110b and 110d are grouped together (Figure 1L). An identifier associated with the kitchen may indicate the same or similar information by indicating that the kitchen is part of the dining + kitchen zone group 108b. Other exemplary zone variables and identifiers are described below.

[0078] In yet another example, the media playback system 100 may store variables or identifiers that represent other associations between zones and zone groups, such as identifiers associated with areas, as shown in Figure 1M. Areas may include clusters of zone groups and / or zones that are not within a zone group. For example, Figure 1M shows an upper area 109a containing zones A-D and a lower area 109b containing zones E-I. In one embodiment, an area may be used to refer to clusters of zone groups and / or zone groups of zones that share one or more zones and / or other clusters. In another embodiment, this is different from zone groups that do not share zones with other zone groups. Further examples of techniques for implementing areas can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 682,506, filed August 21, 2017, entitled “Room Association Based on Name”, and U.S. Patent No. 8,483,853, filed September 11, 2007, entitled “Controlling and manipulating groupings in a multi-zone media system”. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in whole. In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 does not have to implement areas, in which case the system does not have to store variables associated with areas.

[0079] III. Exemplary Systems and Devices Figure 2A is an isometric front view of the regeneration device 210 configured according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Figure 2B is an isometric front view of the regeneration device 210 without the grille 216e. Figure 2C is an exploded view of the regeneration device 210. Referring together to Figures 2A to 2C, the regeneration device 210 includes a housing 216 which includes an upper portion 216a, a right or first side portion 216b, a lower portion 216c, a left or second side portion 216d, a grille 216e, and a rear portion 216f. Multiple fasteners 216g (e.g., one or more screws, rivets, clips) attach the frame 216h to the housing 216. A cavity 216j (Figure 2C) within the housing 216 is configured to receive the frame 216h and the electronic equipment 212. Frame 216h is configured to carry multiple transducers 214 (individually identified as transducers 214a to f in Figure 2B). Electronic equipment 212 (for example, electronic equipment 112 in Figure 1C) is configured to receive audio content from an audio source and transmit electrical signals corresponding to the audio content to the transducers 214 for playback.

[0080] The transducer 214 is configured to receive electrical signals from the electronic device 112 and is further configured to convert the received electrical signals into audible sound during playback. For example, transducers 214a to 214c (e.g., tweeters) may be configured to output high-frequency sounds (e.g., sound waves having frequencies above approximately 2 kHz). Transducers 214d to 214f ​​(e.g., mid-woofers, woofers, midrange speakers) may be configured to output sounds at lower frequencies than transducers 214a to 214c (e.g., sound waves having frequencies below approximately 2 kHz). In some embodiments, the playback device 210 includes several transducers different from those shown in Figures 2A to 2C. For example, as will be described in more detail below with respect to Figures 3A to 3C, the playback device 210 may include fewer than six transducers (e.g., 1, 2, 3). However, in other embodiments, the playback device 210 includes more than six transducers (e.g., 9, 10). Furthermore, in some embodiments, all or part of the transducers 214 are configured to operate as a phased array to adjust the emission pattern of the transducers 214 as desired (e.g., narrower or wider), thereby altering the user's perception of the sound emitted from the playback device 210.

[0081] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the filter 216i is axially aligned with the transducer 214b. The filter 216i can be configured to attenuate a predetermined frequency range output by the transducer 214b to improve the sound quality and perceived acoustic stage collectively output by the transducer 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 one other of the transducer 214.

[0082] Figures 3A and 3B are front and right isometric side views of the NMD320 configured according to embodiments of the disclosed technology, respectively. Figure 3C is an exploded view of the NMD320. Figure 3D is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3B, including the user interface 313 of the NMD320. Referring first to Figures 3A-3C, the NMD320 includes a housing 316 comprising an upper portion 316a, a lower portion 316b, and an intermediate portion 316c (e.g., a grille). Multiple ports, holes, or openings 316d in the upper portion 316a allow sound to pass to one or more microphones 315 (Figure 3C) located within the housing 316. The one or more microphones 315 are configured to receive sound through the openings 316d and generate electrical signals based on the received sound. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 316e of the housing 316 (Figure 3C) surrounds cavities 316f and 316g configured to house a first transducer 314a (e.g., a tweeter) and a second transducer 314b (e.g., a mid-woofer, midrange speaker, or woofer), respectively. However, in other embodiments, the NMD320 includes a single transducer or three or more transducers (e.g., two, five, or six). In certain embodiments, the NMD320 completely omits transducers 314a and 314b.

[0083] Electronic device 312 (Figure 3C) is configured to drive transducers 314a and 314b and further includes components configured to analyze audio information corresponding to electrical signals generated by one or more microphones 315. In some embodiments, for example, electronic device 312 includes many or all of the components of electronic device 112 described above with respect to Figure 1C. In certain embodiments, electronic device 312 includes components described above with respect to Figure 1F, such as one or more processors 112a, memory 112b, software components 112c, and network interface 112d. In some embodiments, electronic device 312 includes additional appropriate components (e.g., proximity or other sensors).

[0084] Referring to Figure 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 input corresponding to the activation and deactivation of one or more microphones 315. A first indicator 313e (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or another suitable illuminator) may be configured to light up only when one or more microphones 315 are activated. A second indicator 313f (e.g., one or more LEDs) may remain lit during normal operation and may be configured to blink to indicate the detection of voice activity, or otherwise change from lit. In some embodiments, the user interface 313 includes additional or fewer control surfaces and illuminators. In one embodiment, for example, the user interface 313 includes a first indicator 313e without the second indicator 313f. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the NMD320 includes a playback device and a control device, and the user interface 313 includes a user interface for the control device.

[0085] Referring together to Figures 3A to 3D, 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 Figure 1B, one or more microphones 315 can acquire, capture, or record sounds in the vicinity (e.g., within 10 m of the NMD320) and transmit electrical signals corresponding to the recorded sounds to the electronic equipment 312. The electronic equipment 312 can process the electrical signals and analyze the resulting audio data to determine the presence of one or more voice commands (e.g., one or more activation words). In some embodiments, for example, the NMD320 is configured to send a portion of the recorded audio data to another device and / or remote server (e.g., one or more of the computing devices 106 in Figure 1B) for further analysis after detecting one or more appropriate voice commands. The remote server can analyze the audio data, determine an appropriate action based on the voice command, and send a message to the NMD320 to perform the appropriate action. For example, a user might say, "Sonos, play Michael Jackson." The NMD320 can record user speech via one or more microphones 315, determine the presence of voice commands, and send audio data containing voice commands to a remote server (e.g., one or more of the remote computing devices 106 in Figure 1B, one or more VAS servers, and / or another suitable service). The remote server can analyze the audio data and determine the action corresponding to the command. The remote server can then send a command to the NMD320 to perform the determined action (e.g., play audio content related to Michael Jackson). The NMD320 can receive this command and play audio content related to Michael Jackson from a media content source.As described above with respect to Figure 1B, a suitable content source may include a device or storage device that is communicably coupled to the NMD320 via a LAN (e.g., network 104 in Figure 1B), a remote server (e.g., one or more of the remote computing devices 106 in Figure 1B), etc. However, in certain embodiments, the NMD320 determines and / or performs one or more actions in response to one or more voice commands without the intervention or involvement of an external device, computer, or server.

[0086] Figure 3E is a functional block diagram illustrating further features of the NMD320 according to an aspect 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 cancellation (AEC) and / or self-sound suppression component 312m, an activation word detector component 312n, and a voice / utterance conversion component 312o (e.g., voice-to-text and text-to-voice). In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3E, the aforementioned components 312k to 312o are shown as separate components. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the components 312k to 312o are subcomponents of the processor 112a.

[0087] The beamforming and self-sound suppression components 312l and 312m are configured to detect an audio signal and determine the characteristics of the speech input represented in the detected audio signal, such as direction, amplitude, and frequency spectrum. The speech activity detector activity component 312k is operably coupled with the beamforming and AEC components 312l and 312m and is configured to determine one and / or more directions in which speech activity is most likely to have originated in the detected audio signal. Potential speech directions can be identified by monitoring metrics that distinguish speech from other sounds. Such metrics include, for example, entropy in the speech band, which is an indicator of the energy and spectral structure within the speech band relative to background noise. As will be known to those skilled in the art, speech generally has lower entropy than the most common background noise. The wake word detector component 312n is configured to monitor and analyze the received audio to determine whether any wake words (e.g., wake words) are present in the received audio. The wake word detector component 312n can analyze the received audio using a wake word detection algorithm. If the activation word detector 312n detects an activation word, the NMD320 can process the audio input contained in the received audio. An example of an activation word detection algorithm accepts audio as input and gives an indication of whether an activation word is present in the audio. Many first-party and third-party activation word detection algorithms are known and commercially available. For example, an operator of an audio service may make an algorithm available for use in a third-party device. Alternatively, an algorithm may be trained to detect a specific activation word. In some embodiments, the activation word detector 312n runs multiple activation word detection algorithms simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) on the received audio.As mentioned above, different voice services (e.g., Amazon's ALEXA®, Apple's SIRI®, or Microsoft's CORTANA®) can each use different invocation words to invoke their respective voice services. To support multiple services, the invocation word detector 312n can process the audio received via the invocation word detection algorithm in parallel for each supported voice service.

[0088] The speech / text conversion component 312o can facilitate processing by converting speech input into text. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 may include speech recognition software trained for a specific user or a specific set of users associated with a home. Such speech recognition software may implement speech-processing algorithms tailored to a specific speech profile. Tailoring to a specific speech profile may require fewer computationally intensive algorithms than conventional speech activity services that sample from diverse demands that do not typically target a broad base of users and media playback systems.

[0089] Figure 3F is a schematic diagram of an example of a voice input 328 captured by an NMD 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The voice input 328 may include an activation word portion 328a and a voice utterance portion 328b. In some embodiments, the activation word 557a may be a known activation word such as "Alexa" associated with AMAZON's ALEXA®. However, in other embodiments, the voice input 328 may not include an activation word. In some embodiments, a network microphone device may output an audible and / or visible response when the activation word portion 328a is detected. In addition to or instead of this, the NMB may output an audible and / or visible response after processing the voice input and / or a series of voice inputs.

[0090] The speech utterance portion 328b may include, for example, one or more colloquial commands (identified individually as a first command 328c and a second command 328e) and one or more colloquial keywords (identified individually as a first keyword 328d and a second keyword 328f). In one example, the first command 328c may be a command to play music, such as a specific song, album, or playlist. In this example, the keywords may be one or more words that identify one or more zones where the music is to be played, such as the living room and dining room shown in Figure 1A. In some examples, the speech utterance portion 328b may include other information, such as detected pauses (e.g., periods of non-utterance) between words spoken by the user, as shown in Figure 3F. Pauses can define the location of separate commands, keywords, or other information spoken by the user within the speech utterance portion 328b.

[0091] In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is configured to temporarily lower the volume of the audio content being played while detecting the activation word 557a. The media playback system 100 can restore the volume after processing the audio input 328, as shown in Figure 3F. Such a process may be called ducking, and an example thereof is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, which is incorporated in whole by reference.

[0092] Figures 4A to 4D are schematic diagrams of a control device 430 (e.g., control device 130a in Figure 1H, smartphone, tablet, dedicated control device, IoT device, and / or another suitable device) showing corresponding user interface displays in various operating states. The first user interface display 431a (Figure 4A) includes the display name 433a (i.e., "Room"). The selected group area 433b displays audio content information (e.g., artist name, track name, album art) for the audio content to be played in the selected group and / or zone. The group areas 433c and 433d display the corresponding group and / or zone names, as well as audio content information and audio content to be played or next to be played in the playback queue for each group or zone. The audio content area 433e includes information about the audio content in 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, if 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 (Figure 4B) featuring multiple music services 433g (e.g., Spotify, Radio by Tune In, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, TV, Local Music, Line In), from which the user can browse media content for playback via one or more playback devices (e.g., one of the playback devices 110 in Figure 1A) and select media content for playback. Alternatively, if the user selects "My Sonos" in the lower display area 433f, the control device 430 can be configured to output a third user interface display 431c (Figure 4C).The first media content area 433h may include a graphical representation (e.g., album art) corresponding to an individual album, station, or playlist. The second media content area 433i may include a graphical representation (e.g., album art) corresponding to an individual song, track, or other media content. If the user selects a graphical representation 433j (Figure 4C), the control device 430 may be configured to start playback of the audio content corresponding to the graphical representation 433j and output a fourth user interface display 431d which includes an enlarged version of the graphical representation 433j, media content information 433k (e.g., track name, artist, album), transport controls 433m (e.g., play, rewind, fast forward, pause, volume), and a display 433n of the currently selected group and / or zone name.

[0093] Figure 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 area 533a, a playback status area 533b, a playback zone area 533c, a playback queue area 533d, and a media content source area 533e. The transport control area includes one or more controls for controlling media playback, such as volume, previous, play / pause, next, repeat, shuffle, track position, crossfade, and equalization. The audio content source area 533e includes a list of one or more media content sources from which the user can select media items for playback and / or addition to the playback queue.

[0094] The playback zone area 533b may include a representation of a playback zone within the media playback system 100 (Figures 1A and 1B). In some embodiments, the graphical representation of a playback zone may be selectable to display additional selectable icons for managing or configuring playback zones in the media playback system, such as creating combined zones, creating zone groups, separating zone groups, and renaming zone groups. In the illustrated embodiment, a "group" icon is provided within each of the graphical representations of the playback zones. A "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 in the media playback system that should be grouped with that particular zone. Once grouped, playback devices in the zones grouped with the particular zone can be configured to play audio content in sync with the playback devices in the particular zone. Similarly, a "group" icon may be provided within the graphical representation of a zone group. In the illustrated embodiment, the "group" icon may be selectable to display an option for deselecting one or more zones in a zone group that should be removed from the zone group. In some embodiments, the control device 530 includes other interactions and implementations for grouping and ungrouping zones via a user interface 531. In certain embodiments, the representation of regeneration zones within the regeneration zone region 533b can be dynamically updated when the regeneration zone or zone group configuration is changed.

[0095] The playback status area 533c includes a graphical representation of the audio content currently playing, previously played, or scheduled to play next in the selected playback 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.

[0096] The playback queue area 533d includes a graphical representation of the audio content in the playback queue associated with the selected playback zone or zone group. In some embodiments, each playback zone or zone group may be associated with a playback queue containing information corresponding to zero or more audio items for playback by the playback zone or zone group. For example, each audio item in the playback queue may comprise a uniform resource identifier (URI), a uniform resource locator (URL), or some other identifier that can be used by a playback device in 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. In some embodiments, for example, a playlist can be added to the playback queue, and information corresponding to each audio item in the playlist can be added to the playback queue. In some embodiments, the audio items in the playback queue may be stored as a playlist. In certain embodiments, the playback queue may be empty or pre-configured but "unused" when the playback zone or zone group is continuously streaming audio content, such as internet radio, which can continue to play until otherwise stopped, rather than individual audio items with a playback duration. In some embodiments, a playback queue may include internet radio and / or other streaming audio content items and may be “in use” when a playback zone or zone group is playing those items.

[0097] When a playback zone or zone group is “grouped” or “ungrouped,” the playback queues associated with the affected playback zone or zone group may be cleared or reassociated. 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 may have playback queues that are initially empty, contain audio items from the first playback queue (for example, when the second playback zone is added to the first playback zone), contain audio items from the second playback queue (for example, when the first playback zone is added to the second playback zone), or have combinations of audio items from both the first and second playback queues. If the established zone group is then ungrouped, the resulting first playback zone may be reassociated with the previous first playback queue, or it may be associated with a new playback queue that was empty or contained audio items from the playback queue associated with the established zone group before the zone group was ungrouped. Similarly, the resulting second playback zone may be reassigned to the previous second playback queue, or it may be associated with a new playback queue that is empty or contains audio items from a playback queue that was associated with a zone group established before the established zone group was ungrouped.

[0098] Figure 6 is a message flow chart showing data exchange between devices in the media playback system 100 (Figures 1A to 1M).

[0099] 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 may include, for example, media items stored locally on one or more devices connected to the media playback system (e.g., audio source 105 in Figure 1C) and / or media items stored on one or more media service servers (one or more of the remote computing devices 106 in Figure 1B). In response to receiving the display of the selected media content, the control device 130a sends message 651a to the playback device 110a (Figures 1A-1C) to add the selected media content to the playback queue of the playback device 110a.

[0100] In step 650b, the playback device 110a receives message 651a and adds the selected media content for playback to the playback queue.

[0101] 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 message 651b to the playback device 110a, instructing the playback device 110a to play the selected media content. In response to receiving message 651b, the playback device 110a sends message 651c to the first computing device 106a, requesting the selected media content. In response to receiving message 651c, the first computing device 106a sends message 651d containing data (e.g., audio data, video data, URL, URI) corresponding to the requested media content.

[0102] In step 650d, the playback device 110a receives message 651d containing data corresponding to the requested media content and plays the associated media content.

[0103] 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 two or more player coupling zones (Figure 1M). The playback device 110a can receive the selected media content and transmit all or part of the media content to other devices in the coupling zone. In another example, the playback device 110a is a group coordinator and is configured to send and receive timing information from one or more other devices in the group. One or more other devices in the group can receive the selected media content from the first computing device 106a and, in response to a message from the playback device 110a, start playing the selected media content, thereby causing all devices in the group to play the selected media content in sync.

[0104] IV. Wireless power transmitters and related systems and methods Audio playback devices capable of receiving wireless power offer several clear advantages over conventional wired devices. For example, there is no need to hide unsightly power cords by running them under walls or furniture. Wireless power transmission can also allow users to more easily relocate devices around the home or room without having to cut or reroute power cords. To enable this functionality, one or more wireless power transmission devices can be placed near an audio playback device that has a wireless power receiver inside. Such transmission devices can include another playback device (e.g., a soundbar, subwoofer, or any playback device with a wired power connection) or a non-playback device (e.g., a power hub that supplies wireless power to a playback device without driving its own audio output). In some examples, one or more playback devices can include both wireless power receivers and wireless power transmitters, and these devices can be used in either configuration, or in some examples, in both configurations simultaneously (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 some cases, multiple such regeneration devices can transmit wireless power to each other in a mesh configuration, and the transmission between specific devices is selected to provide the desired power level, device performance, and user experience.

[0105] As used herein, “wireless power transmitter” or “transmission device” includes any device (or component of a device) capable of transmitting wireless power that can be received and recovered by a suitable receiving device. Similarly, “wireless power receiver” or “receiving device” includes any device (or component of a device) capable of receiving wireless power from a remote transmission device (for example, to power at least one amplifier of a regenerative device) and using that power to operate one or more components of a receiving device. In various examples, a single regenerative device (or other devices) may be both a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, and in other examples, a particular device may be a transmission device only or a receiving device only.

[0106] In the various examples disclosed herein, such wireless power transmission may include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission. As used herein, medium-range and long-range wireless power transmission includes wireless power transmission over distances greater than about 10 cm, or in some examples greater than about 50 cm, or greater than about 1 m. For example, in some cases, the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiving device may be separated from each other by at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m during wireless power transmission.

[0107] As described elsewhere in this specification, such medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission technologies include radiation technologies (e.g., lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such propagation of electromagnetic radiation from a transmitting device to a receiving device). In various examples, the wireless power receiver in such cases may include a photocell, a diode, an antenna (e.g., a rectenna), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. Similarly, examples of wireless power transmitters in such cases include light sources such as lasers, microwave sources, antennas (e.g., directional antennas, phased array antennas, etc.), or other suitable electromagnetic radiation sources.

[0108] In addition to or instead of the above, such medium- or long-range wireless power transmission may include non-radiative transmissions such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such cases, both the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver may include conductive coils (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), or rotating armatures supporting magnets (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling).

[0109] a. Appropriate wireless power transmission device components Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless power transmission (WPT) device 700. In some examples, device 700 may be coupled, integrated, or included in a regeneration device (e.g., regeneration device 110a in Figure 1C), an NMD (e.g., NMD 120a in Figure 1F), or other suitable device.

[0110] Referring to Figure 7, the WPT device 700 includes one or more processors 702, a network interface 704, and memory 706. These are similar to, identical to, or include the processor 112a, network interface 112d, and memory 112b described with respect to Figures 1C and 1F. In various examples, the wireless power transmission device 700 may include any or all of the features of the regeneration device 110a or NMD 120a described herein. In some examples, the network interface 704 may include one or more transceivers configured to communicate over at least one WIFI network and / or at least one BLUETOOTH® network.

[0111] The WPT device 700 optionally includes a wired power input port 708 configured to be electrically coupled (e.g., via a 110V / 220V wall power supply, a USB-C charger, etc.) to a wired power source 710 (e.g., a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-B port, a USB Type-C port, etc.) such as an AC power port or a USB port. The power input port 708 can be coupled directly (e.g., via a cable) to a household power outlet (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 outlet to DC power). In some examples, the wired power input port 708 is omitted, and the WPT device 700 operates solely on power received wirelessly from an external transmission device and / or energy generated via an energy harvester 716.

[0112] The WPT device 700 further includes an energy storage component 712, which can take the form of a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a 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., supplying power to one or more amplifiers of a playback device). In this regard, the energy storage component 712 can be a battery having chemical properties that facilitate battery recharging, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), or nickel-cadmium (NiCd). The battery can be sized such that the processor 702 and other components of the WPT device 700 can operate for extended periods on battery power alone without the need to recharge the battery. For example, the battery may have a capacity of 20 watt-hours (Wh) to facilitate at least 4 hours of continuous audio playback on battery power alone. The battery can be charged using power from one or more other components within the device 700 (e.g., a wired power input port 708, a wireless power receiver 720, an energy harvester 716, etc.).

[0113] As described above, in some examples, the wireless power device 700 may include an audio playback component 714 (e.g., one or more transducers, audio processing circuits, microphones, etc.), and therefore the WPT device 700 may include or be 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 may be a soundbar, subwoofer, headphone device, hearable device, portable audio playback device, architectural playback device, or video playback device.

[0114] The WPT device 700 optionally includes one or more energy harvesters 716. The energy harvesters 716 may include devices configured to extract 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 may include one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert received light into voltage. Any of the various energy harvesters 716 may be included in the WPT device 700. Examples of such energy harvesters include photocells, thermoelectric generators, micro wind turbines, piezoelectric crystals, electroacoustic transducers, and kinetic energy harvesters.

[0115] The WPT device further includes a wireless power transmitter 718, a wireless power receiver 720, and a power circuit 722. During operation, the WPT device 700 can receive wireless power from an external transmission device via the receiver 720 and transmit wireless power to an external receiving device via the transmitter 720, and the power circuit 722 controls some or all of the functions related to these operations.

[0116] The wireless power transmitter 718 may include any component or combination of components that can transmit wireless power to an external wireless power receiving device. Such wireless power transmission may include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission configured to provide effective power transmission where the transmitter and receiver are separated from each other by a distance of more than about 10 cm, or in some examples more than about 50 cm, or more than about 1 m. In various examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 may transmit power via radiation techniques, such as using lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such techniques including the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from a transmitting device to a receiving device. In various embodiments, such electromagnetic radiation may be directional (e.g., directed towards one or more receiving devices) or omnidirectional (e.g., radiating substantially in all directions from the wireless power transmitter 718). In various examples, the wireless power transmitter 718 in such cases may include a light source such as a laser, a microwave source, an antenna (e.g., a directional antenna, a phased array antenna, etc.), or any other electromagnetic radiation source. In some cases, the radio power transmitter 718 may include one or more steering components configured to guide, focus, or steer the radio power. Such steering components may include, for example, one or more lenses, mirrors, directional antennas, or other suitable components.

[0117] In addition to or instead of the above, the wireless power transmitter 718 may be configured to transmit wireless power using non-radiative techniques such as electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, resonant capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, etc.). In such cases, the wireless power transmitter 718 may include conductive coils (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), a rotating armature carrying a magnet (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of receiving power wirelessly via electromagnetic coupling.

[0118] The wireless power receiver 720 may include any component or structure configured to receive power wirelessly (e.g., via inductance, resonance, radiation, etc.) from an external wireless transmission device. As previously stated, such wireless power transmission may include medium-range or long-range wireless power transmission configured to provide effective power transmission using transmitters and receivers separated from each other by a distance of, for example, more than about 10 cm, or in some cases more than about 50 cm, or more than about 1 m. In various examples, the wireless power receiver 720 may receive power via radiation techniques such as lasers, radio waves, microwaves, or other such techniques including the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from a transmission device to a receiving device. In such cases, the wireless power receiver 720 may include optical receivers such as diodes, photocells, antennas (e.g., rectennas), or other suitable hardware capable of converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

[0119] In addition to or instead of the above, the radio power receiver 720 may be configured to receive radio 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 cases, the radio power receiver 720 may include conductive coils (e.g., in the case of inductive coupling), electrodes (e.g., in the case of capacitive coupling), a rotating armature carrying a magnet (e.g., in the case of magnetodynamic coupling), or any other suitable structure capable of receiving power radioly via electromagnetic coupling.

[0120] Continuing to refer to Figure 7, the WPT device 700 may include a power circuit 722 configured to receive power from the energy storage component 712, the wired power input 708, and / or the wireless power receiver 720, and to use the power obtained therefrom to drive an amplifier and / or electroacoustic transducer with an audio output based on source audio. The power circuit 722 may be configured to perform any of a variety of power-related tasks, including, for example, one or more of the following: (1) power conversion (e.g., AC-AC conversion, AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, and / or DC-DC conversion); (2) power regulation; (3) battery charging; and / or (4) power monitoring (e.g., battery monitoring). Examples of electrical components that can be integrated into the power circuit 722 include transformers, rectifiers, inverters, converters, regulators, battery chargers, and / or power management integrated circuits (PMICs). In some examples, such a power circuit 722 may be integrated into either or both the wireless power transmitter 718 and the wireless power receiver 720.

[0121] In some examples, the power circuit 722 may include a battery circuit to facilitate monitoring of the battery status. In these examples, the battery circuit can identify battery status information, which includes information about one or more of the following battery states: charge state (SoC), temperature, lifespan, and / or internal impedance. The battery circuit can communicate the battery status information to, for example, the processor 702.

[0122] The power circuit 722 may include a regulating circuit that facilitates the conversion of a variable voltage (e.g., a variable voltage from a battery, a variable voltage from an energy harvester, etc.) into a stable DC voltage. For example, the regulating circuit may include switching regulator circuits such as buck, boost, buck boost, flyback, and resonant regulators. The regulating circuit may include one or more linear voltage regulators, such as low-dropout (LDO) regulators. The regulating circuit may be configured to output one or more fixed DC voltages (e.g., ±5V, ±12V) or AC voltages.

[0123] b. Example of a wireless power group Figure 8 illustrates the interaction between power groups comprising multiple WPT devices capable of transferring power and / or data to each other. In the example shown in Figure 8, the group comprises a power group coordinator 800 and first and second power group members 850a and 850b. Each of the power group coordinator 800 and power group members 850a and 850b may include some or all of the components described above with respect to the WPT device 700 in Figure 7. In some examples, some or all of these devices include, or may include, an audio playback device. The illustrated group includes three devices, but in various examples, there may be one, two, four, five, or more power group members (not shown).

[0124] As used herein, “power group” can include two or more devices configured to wirelessly transmit power between them. In the illustrated example, the coordinator 800 transmits wireless power to each of the first power group member 850a and the second power group member 850b (for example, via the wireless power transmitter 718). The first group element 850a also transmits wireless power to the second power group member 850b. In an alternative example, the power group coordinator 800 may transmit wireless power to fewer elements than the total number of elements in the wireless power group, with one or more group elements 850 transmitting power to other group elements 850 so that each device in the group receives or transmits wireless power to or from at least one other device in the group.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the power group coordinator 800 does not include a wireless power receiver 720 and is connected to wired power 710. However, in other examples, the power group coordinator 800 may not have a connection to wired power 710 and may be powered only by wireless power transmission and / or energy harvesting. In some examples, one or more of the power group members 850 may be connected to wired power instead of receiving wireless power from other group elements, or in addition to receiving wireless power.

[0126] As used herein, “power group coordinator” may include a radio power transmitter configured to transmit commands to one or more power group members to start, stop, or modulate radio power transmission between them. For example, the power group coordinator may cause a first power group member 850a to start radio power transmission to a second power group member 850b. As will be described in more detail elsewhere in this specification, in some examples, radio power transmission can be started, stopped, or modified based on several parameters (e.g., the battery level of the device, the level or ratio or radio power received by the device, the audio playback level, etc.). In some examples, such parameters may be determined by or transmitted to the power group coordinator 800, which can then determine any appropriate modifications to the radio power transmission within the group and transmit commands to the group elements accordingly.

[0127] In at least some examples, a power coordinator may not be necessary. In such cases, each wireless power transmitter can independently decide whether, how, and when to transmit or receive wireless power from any external transmission or reception device.

[0128] As mentioned above, in some examples, multiple audio playback devices can be grouped together for synchronized audio playback (for example, as a combined zone). In such cases, one of the playback devices may be the group coordinator, sending and receiving timing information from one or more other devices in the group. In various examples, the power group may be identical to 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 can also function as the audio playback group coordinator. In such cases, the power group coordinator 800 can transmit timing data or other information to the group elements via a wireless network and / or via data embedded in the wireless power signal, as will be 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 yet another example, the power group may be formed without audio playback grouping, in which case the audio playback group coordinator may not exist.

[0129] V. Example of a wireless power transmission scenario Figures 9A to 9X illustrate various exemplary scenarios in which wireless power transmitters and related methods can be used. The scenarios described herein are illustrative only, and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, there are countless variations in which wireless power transmission can be usefully used for audio playback and other applications. These examples illustrate interactions between power groups in which wireless power is transmitted between group elements in various different arrangements. In various examples, a particular configuration of wireless power transmission within a power group can be predetermined or dynamically selected or determined based at least in part on relevant parameters such as the stored energy level, the power consumption rate of some or all of the devices, the wireless power reception rate of some or all of the devices, the relative position of some or all of the devices, the presence or absence of a user, or any other parameters related to power storage, power transmission, or power consumption.

[0130] In Figure 9A, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905. For example, the first WPT device 901 may be a soundbar or other such audio playback device having a wired power input. Optionally, the first WPT device 901 may be integrated into or communicatively coupled to a video playback device 907, such as a television (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection). The second and third WPT devices 903 and 905 may be audio playback devices configured to provide surround sound audio (for example, the second WPT device 903 may be left rear surround, and the third WPT device 905 may be right rear surround).

[0131] In the scenario shown in Figure 9A, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905, respectively. In the scenario shown in Figure 9B, the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power only to the first WPT device 903, and the first WPT device transmits wireless power to the second WPT device 905. In this configuration, the first WPT device 903 functions as a "relay," receiving wireless power from the first WPT device 901 and transmitting it to the third WPT device 905.

[0132] In the scenario shown in Figure 9C, the user is moving along the transmission path between the first WPT device 901 and the second WPT device 903. The user's location may disrupt the radio power transmission between the first WPT device 901 and the second WPT device 903, potentially reducing the proportion of radio power received by the second WPT device 903. To continue supplying power to the first WPT device 903, the first WPT device 901 may instead transmit radio power to the third WPT device 905, which then transmits radio power to the second WPT device 903.

[0133] In some cases, this transition can be performed based on the determination that the ratio or level of radio power received by the second WPT 903 falls below a predetermined threshold. In addition to or instead of this, additional sensors can be used to detect the presence of a user (or other object) obstructing the line of sight between the first WPT device 901 and the second WPT device 903.

[0134] Figure 9D shows another configuration in which the first WPT901 also supplies wireless power to the video display device 907. Such wireless power transmission can be performed in place of, or in addition to, any wired power supplied to the video display device 907.

[0135] In Figure 9E, another WPT device 909 (for example, an audio playback device with its own wired power supply) separately supplies wireless power to the second WPT device 903, while the first WPT device 901 supplies wireless power to the third WPT 905. In some examples, the WPT device 911 can be a subwoofer or other audio playback device with a wired power input.

[0136] In the scenario shown in Figure 9F, the user's line of sight shifts between WPT device 909 and the second WPT 903. Accordingly, the configuration of wireless power transmission can be modified. For example, the first WPT device 901 may instead transmit wireless power to the second WPT 903, while WPT device 909 transmits wireless power to the third WPT device 905.

[0137] Figure 9G shows a configuration in which the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905 are powered solely by WPT device 909, and no radio power is transmitted from the first WPT 901. Figure 9H shows a scenario in which the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905 are further away from WPT 909 and closer to the first WPT 901. Accordingly, the first WPT 901 may begin transmitting radio power to the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905, and WPT device 909 may cease transmitting radio power. For example, if the level of radio power received by a particular device decreases, the system can reconfigure the transmission so that different devices begin transmitting radio power to those devices.

[0138] Figures 9I to 9K show a configuration in which the first, second, and third WPT devices 901, 903, and 905 are joined by two additional WPT devices 911 and 913. These additional WPT devices 911 and 913 can be, for example, front left and front right surround playback devices. In the example shown in Figure 9I, the first WPT device 901 transmits radio power to all four WPT devices 903, 905, 911, and 913. In the example shown in Figure 9J, the first WPT device 901 transmits radio power to the first and second WPT devices 903 and 905, but the additional WPT devices 911 and 913 do not receive radio power from the other devices. In at least some cases, devices 911 and 913 may be audio playback devices that are powered via wired connections and optionally cannot receive radio power from an external transmission device. In the example shown in Figure 9K, WPT devices 911 and 913 transmit wireless power to the first and second WPT devices 903 and 905, respectively.

[0139] Referring to Figure 9L, an additional WPT 909 (e.g., a subwoofer or other playback device with an optional wired power connection) transmits wireless power to the first and second WPT devices 903 and 905, and the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 911 and 913. Figure 9M shows a similar configuration except that the additional WPT device 909 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 903 and 911, and the first WPT 901 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 905 and 913. In Figure 9N, the additional WPT device 909 transmits wireless power to WPT devices 903, 905, and 911, and the first WPT device 901 transmits wireless power only to WPT 913. This transition can be achieved as a result of the user moving to obstruct the line of sight between WPT devices 909 and 913, or based on other parameters.

[0140] In the configuration shown in Figure 90, the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905 are connected to wired power, while WPT device 909 supplies wireless power to WPT device 911, and the first WPT device 901 supplies wireless power to WPT device 913. Figure 9P shows a similar configuration except that WPT device 909 neither transmits nor receives wireless power, and the second WPT device 903 (connected to the wired power input) supplies wireless power to WPT device 911. In some examples, the system can transition from the configuration in Figure 90 to the configuration in Figure 9P when the user moves WPT device 909 to a new location farther away from WPT device 911.

[0141] Figure 9Q shows a similar configuration except that WPT device 909 (which may be a subwoofer or another device with a wired connection) wirelessly powers WPT devices 903 and 911, while WPT devices 905 and 913 each have their own wired power connections. In the arrangement shown in Figure 9R, WPT device 909 moves further away from WPT devices 903 and 911 (or by completely removing WPT device 909, or by WPT device 909 losing power), and accordingly the power group can be adapted by transmitting wireless power from the third WPT device 905 to the second WPT device 903 and from the first WPT device 901 to WPT device 911.

[0142] In the configuration shown in Figure 9S, WPT devices 909 and 915 can each take the form of audio playback devices (e.g., subwoofers) with wired power connections. These devices supply wireless power to the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905, respectively, while the first WPT device 901 supplies wireless power to WPT devices 911 and 913. In the alternative state shown in Figure 9T, WPT devices 909 and 915 each supply power to two WPT devices, and wireless power is not transmitted from the first WPT device 901. This transition (from the configuration in Figure 9S to the configuration in Figure 9T) can be made, for example, by moving WPT devices 911 and 913 closer to WPT devices 909 and 915, respectively, or by a change in the power level or other state of the first WPT device 901.

[0143] In the examples shown in Figures 9U and 9V, the first playback device 901 (e.g., a soundbar with a wired power connection) is replaced by a WPT device 917 that does not have a wired power connection. As shown in Figure 9U, the WPT device 909 (e.g., a subwoofer with a wired power connection) can supply power to WPT devices 903, 905, 911, and 917, respectively. However, power is not transmitted to WPT device 913 because the user's line of sight is obstructed between WPT device 909 and WPT device 913. In Figure 9V, the third WPT device 905 transmits wireless power to WPT device 913 in response to, for example, WPT device 913 having a low battery level, the receiver being powered off, or other such indications.

[0144] Figures 9W and 9X show an example in which a WPT hub device 919 supplies wireless power to second and third WPT devices 903 and 905. In some examples, the WPT hub device 919 may be a standalone device that does not have audio playback capabilities but has a wired power input and is configured to transmit wireless power to one or more external receiving devices. In some examples, the WPT hub device 919 may be an architectural feature configured to be integrated into a structure (e.g., ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or built into furniture such as a TV stand). In some examples, the WPT hub device 919 may be able to supply power to external WPT devices and may also communicate with at least a first WPT 901. In the illustrated example, the first WPT 901 transmits data to the WPT hub device 919, and the WPT hub device supplies wireless power to the second and third WPT devices 903 and 905. In the example shown in Figure 9X, the WPT hub device 919 may receive data from one or more external devices (e.g., one or more remote computing devices, other local devices, etc.) and optionally transmit the data to the first WPT 901 and / or any other devices. Depending on the received data, the WPT hub device 919 may start, stop, or modify the transmission of wireless power to nearby receiving devices.

[0145] VI. Exemplary Methods for Managing Wireless Power Transmission Devices Figures 10–19 illustrate exemplary methods for managing wireless power transmission (WPT) devices, such as audio playback devices incorporating wireless power transmitters and / or wireless power receivers. Methods described herein can be implemented by devices such as the WPT device 700 in Figure 7, the power group coordinator 800 or power group members 850a–b in Figure 8, the NMD 103a in Figure 1A, or playback devices such as the playback device 120 in Figure 2A. In various examples, the illustrated blocks may be modified, combined, subdivided, or implemented in an order other than that shown and described herein.

[0146] a. Modulation of radio power transmission based on the transmitted radio power In some cases, it may be useful to modify the transmission of radio power based on the ratio, level, or amount of radio power received by one or more external receiving devices. Exemplary method 1000 begins in block 1002 with the transmission of radio power from a transmitting device to one or more external devices. The transmitting device may be, for example, an audio playback device incorporating a radio power transmitter, and / or the external devices may be audio playback devices incorporating radio power receivers. In some examples, one or more external devices are located at least about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m away from the transmitting device.

[0147] In block 1004, the transmission device receives power reception parameters corresponding to one or more external devices. In various examples, the power reception parameters may include an indication of power received by the external devices. The indication may be a percentage of received radio power, a total amount of received radio power, or a binary indicator of whether radio power is currently (or recently) being received by the external devices. In some examples, the power reception parameters include an indication of the energy storage level of one or more external devices (e.g., battery level).

[0148] Method 1000 proceeds to block 1006, which modifies the wireless power transmission based at least in part on the power reception parameters. For example, modifying the wireless power transmission may include temporarily interrupting the wireless power transmission for a period of time and then resuming it after that period. Such a temporary interruption may be useful, for example, if the user has temporarily blocked the wireless power transmission path between devices.

[0149] In addition to or instead of modifying the radio power transmission, modifications may include modifying the directional output of the radio power (e.g., using adjustable lenses, mirrors, antennas, etc.). In some cases, real-time or near-real-time feedback can be provided regarding the radio power received from an external device, and this feedback can be used to manipulate or modify the directional output of the radio power so that the external device receives sufficient power through the radio power output.

[0150] In some examples, modifying wireless power transmission involves transmitting wireless power to one or more second external devices different from the first external device. For example, if the first device stops receiving wireless power from the transmitting device, the transmitting device may instead supply wireless power to a second external device. Optionally, the second external device may be configured to supply wireless power to the first external device (e.g., in a “relay” configuration). In at least some examples, modifying wireless power transmission involves completely stopping the transmission of wireless power.

[0151] b. Guidance for the placement of wireless power receiving devices In some cases, it may be useful to guide the user regarding the relative positioning of wireless power transmitters and receivers. An exemplary method 1100 begins in block 1102 with outputting instructions to facilitate the placement of a wireless power receiver. For a given wireless power transmission and wireless power receiver, a particular relative position may be more favorably adapted for receiving wireless power transmissions. Therefore, it may be useful to provide guidance (e.g., in the form of an output from the transmission device) regarding where the intended wireless power receiver should be placed.

[0152] In various examples, guidance can take the form of a visual or auditory representation of the appropriate placement location within the environment. For example, instructions or guidance may include audible output, such as real-time or near-real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of one or more second devices. In addition to or instead of this, guidance may include one or more positioning guides, such as optical projections. For example, an optical pattern may be projected into the environment to have a desired location (e.g., one with a clear line of sight from the transmitting device) that is visually indicated for the user to see. In some examples, such guidance may be presented as an augmented reality visualization (e.g., displayed via a control device) indicating the desired placement location of the receiving device within the environment. In some cases, the desired placement location can be determined by scanning the environment using a camera coupled to a control device or other suitable imaging device, for example. The desired relative positions of the transmitting and receiving devices can be determined by analyzing images, videos, or other data about the environment.

[0153] In at least some examples, the instruction can indicate the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving radio power (e.g., from a radio power transmitter). In various examples, the instruction can indicate a location at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m away from the transmitting device.

[0154] Such indicated placement locations may depend, in whole or in part, on expected or determined radio power transmission parameters, but in some examples, the instruction indicates one or more locations of one or more second devices based at least in part on the expected acoustic performance of one or more second devices at one or more locations. For example, if a receiving device can function particularly well acoustically at a given location, that location may be preferable even if it is not the optimal location for radio power transfer. This is because improved acoustic performance can reduce the power consumption of the device, resulting in an overall optimization of device operating time by placing the device in an acoustically advantageous location.

[0155] Method 1100 continues in block 1104 with the transmission of radio power to the receiving device. In some examples, the transmitting device may receive power receiving parameters indicating an acceptable placement of the receiving device. In addition to or instead of this, the method may further include the step of outputting an indicator to the user that the placement of one or more receiving devices has been successful. In various examples, the indicator may include at least one of (i) light, (ii) sound, or (iii) a notification output via a control device.

[0156] c. Adjusting device operation based on received wireless power As described elsewhere in this specification, in some cases the power received by a wireless receiving device may change over time. Therefore, it may be useful to modify the operation of the receiving device based on the received wireless power. Exemplary method 1200 begins in block 1202 with receiving wireless power from an external transmitting device. In block 1204, the device transmits the wireless power to an external receiving device. In some cases, the external transmitting device and the external receiving device can be distinguished such that the device functions as a relay by receiving wireless power from one device and supplying wireless power to another.

[0157] Method 1200 proceeds to block 1206, where, after detecting a change in radio power received from an external transmission device, the transmission of radio power to the external receiving device is modified. For example, if the radio power level decreases (e.g., the ratio of power received is reduced), the radio power transmitted to the external receiving device can be modified. In various examples, such modification may include stopping or pausing the radio power transmission and / or reducing the ratio or radio power transmission. In addition to or instead of this, modifying the radio power transmission may include redirecting the radio power transmission to a second different external receiving device.

[0158] In some examples, the device is a first audio playback device, the external transmission device is a second audio playback device, and the first and second audio playback devices are configured to play audio synchronously (for example, the first and second audio playback devices are grouped together for audio playback). In some examples, the external receiving device may be a third audio playback device, and the first and second audio playback devices may be configured to play audio synchronously (for example, the first and third audio playback devices are grouped together for audio playback).

[0159] The method may further include the step of transmitting a signal, for example, a signal indicating that the level of received radio power has decreased, to a second external transmission device. After transmitting the signal, the second external transmission device may initiate radio power transmission so that the device begins to receive radio power from the second external transmission device.

[0160] d. Reducing power consumption in low-power conditions In scenarios where a WPT device reaches a low-power state, reducing power consumption may be necessary or beneficial to extend the device's operating time and avoid the poor user experience of unexpected device "dropouts." An example of Method 1300 begins in block 1302 with receiving wireless power in the device. In block 1304, the Method monitors the device's energy storage level (e.g., battery charge level or percentage, estimated remaining operating time, etc.).

[0161] In block 1306, the method includes the step of adjusting the operation of the device based on the received radio power and / or energy storage level. For example, if the battery charge level indicates a reduction in device operating time under normal operating conditions, the device operation may be adjusted to extend the expected device operating time (e.g., by entering a low-power state or standby state).

[0162] In some examples, the device is an audio playback device, and adjusting the device's operation includes adjusting audio playback, such as reducing the volume of audio playback and / or reducing the low-frequency output of audio playback. Furthermore, in some examples, adjusting audio playback may include routing at least some of the low-frequency audio content to a second audio playback device for synchronous playback. Since low-frequency content is particularly power-intensive to play, it may be particularly useful to offload the responsibility of playing at least some of such low-frequency audio content.

[0163] In addition to or instead of this, adjusting the device's operation may include disabling at least one of the device's microphones. In some cases, this may include disabling access to any associated audio assistant services linked to the device.

[0164] In at least some cases, adjusting the operation of a device may include initiating wireless power transmission to a different external transmission device. As another example, device operation can be adjusted by outputting an alert to the user indicating low wireless power reception (e.g., an audible alarm, a display via a control device, a flashing light, etc.). Accordingly, the user may reposition the device, reposition the transmission device, or make other modifications to the environment to improve wireless power reception at the device.

[0165] e. Grouping of playback devices based on wireless power transmission In some cases, grouping (e.g., combining) audio playback devices for synchronous playback can be based at least in part on the transmission of wireless power between playback devices. An example of method 1400 begins in block 1402 with synchronous playback of audio through first and second playback devices.

[0166] In block 1404, the first playback device receives an indication of reduced radio power reception in the second playback device. In block 1406, the operation of the first playback device is adjusted. For example, because the second playback device has reduced power, its audio playback may be modified (e.g., reduced volume, reduced bass output). To reduce or eliminate inconsistencies between the two devices (for example, when the first and second devices are configured to operate as left and right surrounds), the operation of the first playback device may be adjusted according to the state of the second playback device.

[0167] In some cases, the adjustment operation of the first playback device may include adjusting the audio playback to accommodate audio playback via the second playback device, such as reducing the volume of the audio playback or reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback. In some cases, at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content may be routed from the first playback device to a third audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0168] The device's adjustment operation optionally includes wirelessly transmitting power to a second audio playback device via a wireless power transmitter. This power transmission can improve the low-power reception of the second playback device so that audio playback conditions can be maintained.

[0169] In at least some cases, the adjustment operation of the first playback device may include outputting an alarm (e.g., audible or visual) for low radio power reception in the second playback device.

[0170] f. Using standby mode to reduce charging time It may be useful to intelligently utilize standby mode or other low-power states to conserve power and reduce the time required to fully charge the WPT device. An example of method 1500 begins in block 1502 with receiving or determining usage parameters via a device (e.g., a wireless power receiving device).

[0171] In various examples, usage parameters can be any parameters indicating or based on the use of the device. For example, usage parameters can be based at least in part on the scheduled device operating time and / or the presence of a detected user. The presence of a user can be detected, for example, through sound wave detection, ultrasonic detection, optical detection (e.g., infrared sensors), patterns of received radio power (e.g., a temporary decrease in received radio power may indicate a user passing through the line of sight between the transmitting and receiving devices), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or any other suitable parameter or detection technique. In some embodiments, usage parameters indicate whether the device is currently being used for audio playback. In addition to or instead of this, usage parameters may indicate whether the device can safely transition to standby mode (e.g., during off-hours when the device has not been activated by a user).

[0172] In block 1504, radio power is received by the device, and in block 1506, the device operation is adjusted at least in part based on the parameters used. In various examples, the adjustment operation of the device may include transitioning the device to a low-power state, disabling one or more microphones of the device, or adjusting the playback of audio content (e.g., reducing the volume, pausing or stopping audio playback, reducing low-frequency output, etc.).

[0173] In some cases, coordinating device operation involves transitioning devices from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, where the schedule includes staggered periods of low-power states for multiple devices such that at any given time, at least one of the multiple devices is in an active state. In some cases, a device may be awakened from a low-power state (e.g., transitioned back to an active state) based on scheduling, instructions from other devices (e.g., an indication that the user has activated another playback device), or other such usage parameters.

[0174] In some examples, the parameters used include user sleep indicators. For instance, user sleep may be detected by using the device's microphone to receive sleep indicators from another device, such as a fitness band. In such cases, modifying the device's behavior may include one or more of the following: dimming the lights, turning the lights off, delaying or canceling software updates, or suppressing audio output, so as not to disturb the user's sleep.

[0175] g. Data transmission using wireless power signals As described elsewhere in this specification, in some cases, a radio power signal can be used to carry data for communication between WPT devices. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate methods for transmitting and receiving a radio power signal with data incorporated into it. Referring here to Figure 16, method 1600 begins in block 1602 with the transmission of a radio power signal through a transmission device. In block 1604, the radio power signal is modulated so that data is carried in the signal. In some examples, the signal can be modulated before any transmission, while in other examples, the radio power signal can be transmitted initially without modulation for data transfer, and then the signal can be modulated after a period of time to carry the data. The radio power signal can be modulated to carry data using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, spread spectral modulation, or any other suitable modulation technique.

[0176] In various examples, the data incorporated therein may include one or more of the following: a battery level indicator for the transmitter or receiver device, identification information for the transmission device, synchronization data, audio playback synchronization data, or audio content metadata. An example of synchronization data transmitted between devices in a media playback system can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 013,069 (Agent Reference Number 19-1008p), filed on 21 April 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0177] In some examples, the radio power signal is a first radio power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the radio power transmission can transmit a second radio power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme. For example, the modulation scheme used to modulate the radio power signal can be modified at least in part based on the energy storage level of the transmission device (e.g., to provide less data transmission compared to power transmission, or vice versa).

[0178] The transmitted data may optionally include commands to the receiving device to adjust its operation, for example, by dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters. This may be particularly appropriate when the receiving device is determined to be in a low-power state.

[0179] Referring to Figure 17, Method 1700 illustrates an exemplary method for receiving a radio-powered signal that carries data. In block 1702, the receiving device receives a radio-powered signal modulated to carry data from an external transmission device. The radio-powered signal can be modulated to carry data using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, spread spectrum modulation, or any other suitable modulation technique.

[0180] In block 1704, data is recovered using a radio power signal (for example, the radio power signal may be demodulated to recover the data). In various examples, the data may include a battery level indicator of an external transmission device, identification information of an external transmission device, synchronization data, audio playback synchronization data, or some or all of the audio content metadata.

[0181] Method 1700 proceeds to block 1706, which recovers power from a radio power signal. For example, the power recovered from the radio power signal may be used to drive one or more amplifiers in an audio playback device, or it may contribute to the operation of a receiving device.

[0182] In block 1708, the operation of the receiving device is adjusted based on the received data. For example, such adjustments may include dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters of the receiving device. In addition to or instead of this, at least a portion of the data may be transmitted to an external receiving device, which acts as a medium for relaying data from an external transmitting device to an external receiving device. In some examples, the receiving device further includes a radio power transmitter that can transmit a radio power signal to an external receiving device. The radio power signal may be modulated as described above to carry at least a portion of the data.

[0183] h. Grouping of regenerative devices based on wireless power transmission In some cases, the grouping of playback devices may be automatically modified based on wireless power transmission. For example, methods 1800 and 1900 relate to methods for managing temporary playback device grouping based at least in part on wireless power transmission between them. Method 1800 begins in block 1802 by having a first playback device receive wireless power from a second playback device. In block 1804, the first playback device is configured to play audio content in sync with the second playback device (for example, forming a group including at least the first and second playback devices).

[0184] In some examples, the method further includes ceasing the reception of radio power from the second playback device and, after ceasing the reception of radio power, removing the first playback device from the group. This cessation of received radio power may indicate that the second playback device has been removed from the environment (e.g., moved to another part of the user's house), and therefore it may be appropriate to remove the second playback device from the audio playback group. In addition to or instead of this, after ceasing the reception of radio power from the second playback device, the second playback device may be removed from the group for the same reason.

[0185] In at least some cases, the operation of the first playback device can be modified after the first and second playback devices have been grouped together. For example, such modification may include adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device (e.g., increasing or decreasing the output of low-frequency audio content).

[0186] Referring now to Figure 19, method 1900 begins in block 1902 with synchronously playing audio content through first and second playback devices. This may include forming a group that includes at least the first and second playback devices. In block 1904, the first playback device receives radio power from the second playback device.

[0187] Next, in block 1906, the first playback device stops receiving radio power from the second playback device. After this cessation, the first playback device is configured no longer to play audio content in sync with the second playback device (for example, the devices are not grouped or combined). In some examples, after the first playback device stops receiving radio power, either the first or second playback device may be removed from the group.

[0188] In at least some cases, the operation of the first playback device can be modified after the first and second playback devices have been ungrouped. For example, such modification may include adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device (e.g., increasing or decreasing the output of low-frequency audio content).

[0189] VII. Examples This technology is illustrated, for example, in various embodiments described below. These various examples of embodiments of this technology are described as numbered examples for convenience. These are given as examples and are not limiting to this technology. Any of the dependent examples may be combined in any combination, or placed in their own independent examples. Other examples can be presented in a similar manner.

[0190] Example 1: A device comprising a wireless power transmitter, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions cause the device to perform an action when executed by one or more processors, and the action includes causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to one or more external receiving devices.

[0191] Example 2: A device comprising a wireless power receiver, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions cause the device to perform an action when executed by one or more processors, and the action includes receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver.

[0192] Example 3: One of the examples provided herein, comprising both a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter.

[0193] Example 4: A device from any of the examples herein, comprising an energy storage component coupled to a wireless power receiver.

[0194] Example 5: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0195] Example 6: A device from any of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component comprises a capacitor.

[0196] Example 7: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising an energy harvester.

[0197] Example 8: An energy harvester is one of the examples provided herein, configured to extract power from an energy source in the environment.

[0198] Example 9: One of the examples of devices herein, wherein the energy harvester is configured to derive power from at least one of solar energy, thermal energy, or kinetic energy.

[0199] Example 10: An energy harvester comprising at least one of the following devices according to this specification: a photocell, a thermoelectric generator, or a piezoelectric crystal.

[0200] Example 11: Any one of the examples herein further comprising a wired power input configured to receive power via a wired electrical connection.

[0201] Example 12: Any one of the examples specified herein, further comprising a network interface.

[0202] Example 13: One of the examples provided herein, wherein the network interface is configured to communicate over at least one Wi-Fi network.

[0203] Example 14: Any one of the examples herein, whose network interface is configured to communicate over at least one BLUETOOTH® network.

[0204] Example 15: Any one of the examples provided herein, comprising an audio playback device.

[0205] Example 16: Any one of the examples herein, comprising one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers.

[0206] Example 17: Any one of the examples specified herein, comprising one or more audio transducers.

[0207] Example 18: Any one of the examples specified herein, comprising at least one of a soundbar, subwoofer, headphone device, portable audio playback device, architecture playback device, or video playback device.

[0208] Example 19: One of the examples herein, in which a wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0209] Example 20: One of the examples herein, in which a wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0210] Example 21: Any one of the examples specified herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is equipped with a laser.

[0211] Example 22: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter comprises a microwave source.

[0212] Example 23: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter comprises a conductive coil.

[0213] Example 24: A wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power via one or more of the following devices as described herein: inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, microwaves, infrared radiation, or lasers.

[0214] Example 25: Any one of the examples specified herein, wherein the wireless power transmitter is a medium-range or long-range wireless power transmitter.

[0215] Example 26: A wireless power transmitter is configured to transmit wireless power over a distance of approximately 10 cm, approximately 50 cm, or more than approximately 1 m, one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0216] Example 27: One of the examples herein, in which a radio power receiver is configured to receive radio power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0217] Example 28: One of the examples herein, in which a radio power receiver is configured to receive radio power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0218] Example 29: Any one of the examples specified herein, wherein the wireless power receiver comprises a photocell.

[0219] Example 30: Any one of the examples specified herein, wherein the wireless power receiver comprises a diode.

[0220] Example 31: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the wireless power receiver comprises a conductive coil.

[0221] Example 32: A radio power receiver is configured to receive radio power via one or more of the following devices as described herein: inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, microwaves, infrared radiation, or lasers.

[0222] Example 33: Any one of the examples provided herein, wherein the radio power receiver is a medium-range or long-range radio power receiver.

[0223] Example 34: A wireless power receiver is one of the examples provided herein, configured to receive wireless power over a distance of approximately 10 cm, approximately 50 cm, or more than approximately 1 m.

[0224] Example 35: One of the devices in the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device, and one or more external devices comprises a second audio playback device, and the first audio playback device is configured to play audio content in synchronization with the second audio playback device.

[0225] Example 36: A method comprising the step of transmitting wireless power to one or more external receiving devices via a wireless power transmitter.

[0226] Example 37: A method comprising the step of receiving radio power from one or more external transmission devices via a radio power receiver.

[0227] Example 38: A method which includes both the steps of transmitting radio power to one or more external receiving devices and receiving radio power from one or more external transmitting devices, any one of the methods described herein.

[0228] Example 39: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of using received radio power to store energy through an energy storage component.

[0229] Example 40: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0230] Example 41: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the energy storage component comprises a capacitor.

[0231] Example 42: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of harvesting energy through one or more energy harvesters.

[0232] Example 43: The energy harvesting step includes one of the examples herein, wherein the step of extracting electricity from an energy source in the environment.

[0233] Example 44: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of harvesting energy includes the step of deriving power from at least one of solar energy, thermal energy, or kinetic energy.

[0234] Example 45: An energy harvester comprising at least one of a photocell, a thermoelectric generator, or a piezoelectric crystal, according to any one example herein.

[0235] Example 46: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of receiving power via a wired electrical connection.

[0236] Example 47: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of communicating with one or more external devices via a network interface.

[0237] Example 48: The step of communicating via a network interface includes any one of the examples herein, which includes the step of communicating via a Wi-Fi network.

[0238] Example 49: The step of communicating via a network interface includes any one of the examples herein, which includes the step of communicating via a BLUETOOTH® network.

[0239] Example 50: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of playing audio through one or more amplifiers of the device.

[0240] Example 51: The method according to any one example of this specification, wherein the device comprises at least one of a soundbar, a subwoofer, a headphone device, a portable audio playback device, an architecture playback device, or a video playback device.

[0241] Example 52: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of transmitting wireless power includes the step of transmitting wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0242] Example 53: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of transmitting wireless power includes the step of transmitting wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0243] Example 54: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of transmitting wireless power includes the step of emitting light.

[0244] Example 55: The step of transmitting wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of emitting microwaves.

[0245] Example 56: The step of transmitting wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of supplying current to a conductive coil.

[0246] Example 57: The step of transmitting wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of transmitting wireless power via one or more of inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, microwaves, infrared rays, or lasers.

[0247] Example 58: The step of transmitting wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of transmitting wireless power over a medium or long distance.

[0248] Example 59: The step of transmitting wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of transmitting wireless power over a distance exceeding about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0249] Example 60: The step of receiving wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of receiving wireless power via electromagnetic coupling.

[0250] Example 61: The step of receiving wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of receiving wireless power via electromagnetic radiation.

[0251] Example 62: The step of receiving wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of receiving light with a photovoltaic cell.

[0252] Example 63: The step of receiving wireless power is any one of the methods of this specification including the step of receiving light with a diode.

[0253] Example 64: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of receiving wireless power includes the step of receiving an induced current in a conductive coil.

[0254] Example 65: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of receiving radio power includes receiving radio power via inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, microwaves, infrared radiation, or lasers.

[0255] Example 66: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the radio power receiver is a medium-range or long-range radio power receiver.

[0256] Example 67: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of receiving wireless power includes the step of receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices over a medium or long distance.

[0257] Example 68: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of receiving wireless power includes receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices over a distance of about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0258] Example 69: Any one of the examples herein, wherein a device comprises a first audio playback device and one or more external devices comprises a second audio playback device, and the method further comprises the step of playing audio content through the first audio playback device in synchronization with the second audio playback device.

[0259] Example 70: A device comprising a wireless power transmitter, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein an instruction, when executed by one or more processors, causes the device to perform an action, the action including causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to one or more external devices, receiving power reception parameters from one or more external devices via a network interface, and, after receiving the power reception parameters, causing the wireless power transmitter to modify the wireless power transmission.

[0260] Example 71: Power reception parameters include one of the examples provided herein, which includes a display of radio power received by one or more external devices.

[0261] Example 72: Power reception parameters include a display of the level of radio power received by one or more external devices, one of the examples provided herein.

[0262] Example 73: Power receiving parameters include one of the examples provided herein, which includes a battery level indicator for one or more external devices.

[0263] Example 74: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device and one or more external devices comprises one or more second audio playback devices.

[0264] Example 75: A device in any of the examples herein, in which the step of correcting wireless power transmission includes the step of stopping the transmission of wireless power.

[0265] Example 76: Any one of the examples of this specification, in which the step of correcting wireless power transmission includes the steps of temporarily suspending wireless power transmission for a period of time and resuming wireless power transmission after the period.

[0266] Example 77: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of modifying wireless power transmission includes the step of modifying the directional output of the wireless power.

[0267] Example 78: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of modifying wireless power transmission includes the step of transmitting wireless power to one or more second external devices different from the first external device.

[0268] Example 79: A device according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the one or more external devices are spaced apart from the device by at least about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m.

[0269] Example 80: A method comprising: transmitting wireless power from a transmission device to one or more external devices; receiving, at the transmission device via a network interface, power reception parameters of the one or more external devices; and modifying the transmission of wireless power from the transmission device after receiving the power reception parameters.

[0270] Example 81: A method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power reception parameters include an indication of the wireless power received at the one or more external devices.

[0271] Example 82: A method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power reception parameters include an indication of the level of wireless power received at the one or more external devices.

[0272] Example 83: A method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the power reception parameters include a battery level indication of the one or more external devices.

[0273] Example 84: A method according to any one of the examples herein, wherein the transmission device comprises a first audio playback device and the one or more external devices comprise one or more second audio playback devices.

[0274] Example 85: A method of correcting a wireless power transmission, comprising the step of stopping the transmission of wireless power, as described in any of the examples herein.

[0275] Example 86: Any one of the examples herein, the step of correcting a wireless power transmission includes the steps of temporarily suspending the transmission of wireless power for a period of time, and resuming the transmission of wireless power after the period.

[0276] Example 87: A method of modifying a wireless power transmission, comprising a step of modifying the directional output of the wireless power, as described herein.

[0277] Example 88: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of modifying wireless power transmission includes the step of transmitting wireless power to one or more second external devices different from the first external device.

[0278] Example 89: One or more external devices are spaced at least about 10 cm, about 50 cm, or about 1 m away from the device, in any of the examples provided herein.

[0279] Example 90: A device comprising a wireless power transmitter, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the device to perform an action, the action including outputting instructions to facilitate the placement of one or more second devices, and causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to one or more second devices.

[0280] Example 91: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the instruction includes an audible output.

[0281] Example 92: The audible output includes real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of one or more second devices, as is the case with any one of the examples herein.

[0282] Example 93: A device from any of the examples herein, in which the instruction includes one or more positioning guides.

[0283] Example 94: A device from any of the examples herein, in which the instruction includes optical projection.

[0284] Example 95: Outputting a command includes displaying an augmented reality visualization via a control device, one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0285] Example 96: An instruction indicates the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving radio power, one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0286] Example 97: An instruction indicates the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving radio power from a radio transmitter, one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0287] Example 98: An instruction indicates one or more locations of one or more second devices based at least in part on the expected acoustic performance of one or more second devices at one or more locations, according to any one example of the device herein.

[0288] Example 99: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes receiving power receiving parameters indicating an acceptable arrangement of one or more second devices.

[0289] Example 100: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes outputting an indicator to the user that the placement of one or more second devices has been successful.

[0290] Example 101: An indicator device is one of the examples herein, comprising at least one of (i) light, (ii) sound, or (iii) an alert output via a control device.

[0291] Example 102: The instruction indicates a location at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m away from one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0292] Example 103: A method comprising the steps of: outputting instructions via a wireless power transmission device to facilitate the placement of one or more wireless power receiving devices; and transmitting wireless power to one or more wireless power receiving devices.

[0293] Example 104: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the instruction includes an audible output.

[0294] Example 105: The audible output is one of the examples herein, which includes real-time audio feedback regarding the placement of one or more wireless power receiving devices.

[0295] Example 106: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the instruction includes one or more positioning guides.

[0296] Example 107: One of the examples herein, wherein the step of outputting an instruction includes the step of optically projecting one or more placement indicators.

[0297] Example 108: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of outputting a command includes the step of displaying an augmented reality visualization via a control device.

[0298] Example 109: One of the examples herein, in which an instruction indicates the location of one or more second devices suitable for receiving radio power.

[0299] Example 110: An instruction indicates the location of one or more radio power receiving devices suitable for receiving radio power from a radio transmission device, in any one of the examples provided herein.

[0300] Example 111: One of the examples herein, in which an instruction indicates the location of one or more radio power receiving devices based at least in part on the expected acoustic performance of one or more radio power receiving devices at one or more locations.

[0301] Example 112: Any one of the examples herein, the operation further comprises receiving power receiving parameters indicating an acceptable arrangement of one or more wireless power receiving devices.

[0302] Example 113: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising outputting an indicator to the user that the placement of one or more wireless power receiving devices has been successful.

[0303] Example 114: An indicator comprising at least one of (i) light, (ii) sound, or (iii) an alert output via a control device, as described in any example herein.

[0304] Example 115: An instruction indicates a location at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m away from a wireless power transmitter, in any of the methods described herein.

[0305] Example 116: A device comprising a wireless power receiver, a wireless power transmitter, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein an instruction, when executed by one or more processors, causes the device to perform an action, the action including receiving power from an external transmission device via the wireless power receiver, causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit wireless power to an external receiving device different from the external transmission device, and causing the wireless power transmitter to modify the wireless power transmission after a change in power received via the wireless power receiver.

[0306] Example 117: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the external transmission device and the external receiving device are separate.

[0307] Example 118: Any one of the examples specified herein in which a change in received power includes a decrease in the received power ratio.

[0308] Example 119: Causing a wireless power transmitter to modify wireless power transmission includes causing the wireless power transmitter to stop wireless power transmission, one of the examples provided herein.

[0309] Example 120: Modifying a wireless power transmitter to perform a wireless power transmission is one of the examples of devices described herein, which involves a wireless power transmitter translating the wireless power transmission to a second different external receiving device.

[0310] Example 121: Causing a wireless power transmitter to modify wireless power transmission is one of the examples of devices herein, which includes causing the wireless power transmitter to reduce the speed of wireless power transmission.

[0311] Example 122: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device and the external transmission device comprises a second audio playback device, and the first audio playback device is configured to play audio content in synchronization with the second audio playback device.

[0312] Example 123: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device, the external receiving device comprises a third audio playback device, and the first audio playback device is configured to play audio content in synchronization with the third audio playback device.

[0313] Example 124: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation includes transmitting a signal to a second external transmission device and receiving radio power from the second external transmission device after transmitting the signal.

[0314] Example 125: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the second external transmission device comprises an audio playback device.

[0315] Example 126: A method comprising the steps of: receiving radio power from an external transmission device in a first device; transmitting radio power to an external receiving device via the first device; and correcting the transmission of radio power to the external receiving device after a change in power received from the external transmission device.

[0316] Example 127: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the external receiving device and the external transmitting device are separate.

[0317] Example 128: Any one of the examples herein in which a change in received power includes a decrease in the received power ratio.

[0318] Example 129: A method of correcting the transmission of wireless power, comprising the step of stopping the transmission of wireless power, as described herein.

[0319] Example 130: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of modifying the transmission of wireless power includes the step of redirecting the transmission of wireless power to a second different external receiving device.

[0320] Example 131: A method of modifying wireless power transmission, comprising the step of reducing the ratio of wireless power transmission, one of the examples herein.

[0321] Example 132: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device and the external transmission device comprises a second audio playback device, and the method further comprises the step of playing audio content through the first audio playback device in synchronization with the second audio playback device.

[0322] Example 133: Any one of the examples herein, wherein a device comprises a first audio playback device and an external receiving device comprises a third audio playback device, and the method further comprises the step of playing audio content through the first audio playback device in synchronization with the third audio playback device.

[0323] Example 134: Any one of the examples herein further comprising the steps of transmitting a signal to a second external transmission device and, after transmitting the signal, receiving radio power from the second external transmission device.

[0324] Example 135: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the second external transmission device comprises an audio playback device.

[0325] Example 136: A device comprising a wireless power receiver, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions cause the device to perform an action when executed by one or more processors, and the action includes receiving wireless power via the wireless power receiver and adjusting the operation of the device based on the received wireless power.

[0326] Example 137: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising an energy storage component, wherein the operation includes monitoring the level of the energy storage component and adjusting the operation of the device based on the power level.

[0327] Example 138: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and the operation of the device includes adjusting audio playback.

[0328] Example 139: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and adjusting the operation of the device includes reducing the volume of the audio playback.

[0329] Example 140: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and adjusting the operation of the device includes reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback.

[0330] Example 141: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device, and the operation of the device includes routing at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content to a second audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0331] Example 142: Adjusting the operation of a device includes disabling at least one of the microphones of any of the devices in the examples herein.

[0332] Example 143: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and the operation of the device includes initiating wireless power transmission to a different external transmission device.

[0333] Example 144: One of the examples of devices herein, in which adjusting the operation of the device includes outputting an alarm to the user indicating low radio power reception.

[0334] Example 145: Any one of the examples herein, wherein outputting an alarm includes outputting an audible indicator of low radio power reception or outputting a visual indicator of low radio power reception.

[0335] Example 146: A method comprising the steps of receiving radio power in a device and adjusting the operation of the device based on the received radio power.

[0336] Example 147: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the steps of monitoring the level of the device's energy storage component and adjusting the operation of the device based on the power level.

[0337] Example 148: A device comprising an audio playback device, and the step of adjusting the operation of the device includes a step of adjusting audio playback, one of the examples herein.

[0338] Example 149: A device comprising an audio playback device, and the step of adjusting the operation of the device includes the step of reducing the volume of the audio playback, one of any of the examples herein.

[0339] Example 150: A method of any of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and the step of adjusting the operation of the device includes the step of reducing the low-frequency output of the audio playback.

[0340] Example 151: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises a first audio playback device, and the step of coordinating the operation of the device includes routing at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content to a second audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0341] Example 152: A step of adjusting the operation of a device, comprising a step of disabling at least one microphone of the device, one of the methods described herein.

[0342] Example 153: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and the step of coordinating the operation of the device includes the step of causing a different external transmission device to initiate wireless power transmission.

[0343] Example 154: One of the examples herein, in which the step of adjusting the operation of the device includes the step of outputting an alarm to the user indicating low radio power reception.

[0344] Example 155: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of outputting an alarm includes the step of outputting an audible indicator of low radio power reception, or the step of outputting a visual indicator of low radio power reception.

[0345] Example 156: A first playback device comprising one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers, a radio power receiver, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the first playback device to perform an action, the action including playing audio content in synchronization with a second playback device, receiving an indication of reduced radio power reception in the second playback device, and adjusting the action of the first playback device after receiving the indication.

[0346] Example 157: One of the devices in the examples herein, wherein adjusting the operation of the first playback device includes adjusting audio playback to correspond to audio playback via the second playback device.

[0347] Example 158: One of the examples herein, in which adjusting the operation of a first playback device includes reducing the volume of audio playback.

[0348] Example 159: One of the examples herein, in which adjusting the operation of a first playback device includes reducing the low-frequency output of audio playback.

[0349] Example 160: One of the examples herein, in which the operation of the first playback device is coordinated to route at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content to a third audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0350] Example 161: Any one of the examples herein further comprising a wireless power transmitter, the operation of the device comprising wirelessly transmitting power to a second audio playback device via the wireless power transmitter.

[0351] Example 162: Any one of the examples herein, wherein outputting an alarm includes outputting an audible indicator of low radio power reception or outputting a visual indicator of low radio power reception.

[0352] Example 163: A method comprising the steps of playing audio through a first playback device in synchronization with a second playback device; receiving an indication of reduced radio power reception in the second playback device on the first playback device; and adjusting the operation of the first playback device after receiving the indication.

[0353] Example 164: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of adjusting the operation of the device includes the step of adjusting audio playback to correspond to audio playback via a second playback device.

[0354] Example 165: A method of adjusting the operation of a first playback device, comprising the step of reducing the volume of audio playback, one of the examples herein.

[0355] Example 166: A method of adjusting the operation of a first playback device, comprising the step of reducing the low-frequency output of audio playback, one of the examples herein.

[0356] Example 167: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of coordinating the operation of a first playback device includes the step of routing at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content to a third audio playback device for synchronous playback.

[0357] Example 168: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of adjusting the operation of a first playback device includes the step of wirelessly transmitting power from the first audio playback device to a second audio playback device via a wireless power transmitter.

[0358] Example 169: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of outputting an alarm includes the step of outputting an audible indicator of low radio power reception, or the step of outputting a visual indicator of low radio power reception.

[0359] Example 170: A device comprising a wireless power receiver, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the device to perform an action, the action comprising receiving or determining usage parameters, receiving wireless power via the wireless power receiver, and adjusting the operation of the device based on the usage parameters.

[0360] Example 171: The parameters used are based at least in part on the scheduled device operating time for any one of the examples provided herein.

[0361] Example 172: The parameters used are based at least in part on the presence of a detected user in any one of the examples provided herein.

[0362] Example 173: A device, one of the examples herein, whose detection of a user's presence is based on at least one of sonic detection or optical detection.

[0363] Example 174: A device, one of the examples herein, whose detection of the presence of a user is based on at least one of ultrasonic detection or infrared detection.

[0364] Example 175: The presence of a detected user is determined based on the pattern of received radio power from any one of the examples provided herein.

[0365] Example 176: One of the examples provided herein, in which a temporary drop in received wireless power indicates the presence of a detected user.

[0366] Example 177: The presence of a detected user is determined based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of any one of the examples provided herein.

[0367] Example 178: One of the examples herein, in which adjusting the operation of a device includes transitioning the device to a low-power state.

[0368] Example 179: Adjusting the operation of a device includes disabling one or more microphones of the device, as is the case with any one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0369] Example 180: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device is equipped with an audio playback device, and the operation of the device includes adjusting the playback of audio content.

[0370] Example 181: Adjusting the playback of audio content includes reducing the volume of audio playback, as is the case with any one of the examples provided herein.

[0371] Example 182: Adjusting the playback of audio content includes pausing or stopping audio playback, as is the case with any one of the examples provided herein.

[0372] Example 183: One of the devices in the examples herein, in which coordinating the operation of a device involves transitioning the device from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, the schedule including staggered periods of low-power states for multiple devices such that at least one of the multiple devices is in an active state at any given time.

[0373] Example 184: Any one of the examples herein, whose usage parameters include a user sleep indicator, and whose modification of device operation includes one or more of the following: dimming the lights, turning off the lights, delaying or canceling software updates, or suppressing audio output.

[0374] Example 185: A method comprising the steps of receiving or determining usage parameters via a device, receiving radio power via a radio power receiver of the device, and adjusting the operation of the device based on the usage parameters.

[0375] Example 186: The parameters used are based at least in part on the scheduled device operating time, in any of the examples provided herein.

[0376] Example 187: The parameters used are based at least in part on the presence of a detected user, according to any one of the examples provided herein.

[0377] Example 188: The presence of a detected user is determined by any one of the examples provided herein, based on at least one of sonic detection or optical detection.

[0378] Example 189: The presence of a detected user is determined by any one of the examples provided herein, based on ultrasonic detection or infrared detection.

[0379] Example 190: The presence of a detected user is determined by any one of the examples provided herein, based on the pattern of received radio power.

[0380] Example 191: Any one of the examples herein in which a temporary drop in received wireless power indicates the presence of a detected user.

[0381] Example 192: The presence of a detected user is determined by any one of the methods described herein, based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0382] Example 193: A step of adjusting the operation of a device, comprising a step of transitioning the device to a low-power state, one of the methods described herein.

[0383] Example 194: The step of adjusting the operation of the device is one of the methods of the examples herein, which includes the step of disabling one or more microphones of the device.

[0384] Example 195: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the device comprises an audio playback device, and the step of adjusting the operation of the device includes the step of adjusting the playback of audio content.

[0385] Example 196: A step of adjusting the playback of audio content, comprising a step of reducing the volume of the audio playback, one of the methods described herein.

[0386] Example 197: A step of adjusting the playback of audio content includes any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of pausing or stopping audio playback.

[0387] Example 198: The method according to any one example of this specification, wherein the step of coordinating the operation of a device includes the step of transitioning the device from an active state to a low-power state according to a schedule, the schedule including staggered periods of low-power states for multiple devices such that at least one of the multiple devices is in an active state at any given time.

[0388] Example 199: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the parameters used include a user sleep indicator, and the steps to correct the operation of the device include one or more of the following: dimming the lights, turning off the lights, delaying or canceling a software update, or suppressing audio output.

[0389] Example 200: A device comprising a radio signal transmitter configured to transmit a radio power signal, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause a playback device to perform an action, and the action causes the radio signal transmitter to transmit a radio power signal modulated to carry data.

[0390] Example 201: Data includes instructions to a receiving device for coordinating device operation, for any one of the examples specified herein.

[0391] Example 202: A device according to any one of the examples herein, in which the instructions include instructions for dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters.

[0392] Example 203: One of the examples provided herein, in which data includes a battery level display.

[0393] Example 204: One of the examples provided herein, where the data includes device identification information.

[0394] Example 205: One of the examples provided herein, where the data includes synchronized data.

[0395] Example 206: One of the examples provided herein, where the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0396] Example 207: One of the examples provided herein, where the data includes audio content metadata.

[0397] Example 208: A device, one of the examples herein, in which a radio power signal is modulated to carry data using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0398] Example 209: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the radio power signal includes a first radio power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the operation further includes causing a radio power transmitter to transmit a second radio power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme.

[0399] Example 210: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes monitoring the energy storage level of the device and modifying the modulation scheme used to modulate the radio power signal based at least in part on the energy storage level.

[0400] Example 211: A method comprising the steps of transmitting a wireless power signal through a device and modulating the wireless power signal to carry data with the signal.

[0401] Example 212: Data includes instructions to a receiving device for coordinating device operation, one of the examples provided herein.

[0402] Example 213: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the instruction includes an instruction for dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters.

[0403] Example 214: Any one of the examples herein, in which data includes a battery level display.

[0404] Example 215: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes device identification information.

[0405] Example 216: Any one of the examples herein, where the data includes synchronized data.

[0406] Example 217: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0407] Example 218: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio content metadata.

[0408] Example 219: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of modulating a radio power signal includes using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0409] Example 220: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the radio power signal includes a first radio power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the method further includes the step of transmitting a second radio power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme.

[0410] Example 221: Any one of the examples herein further comprising the steps of monitoring the energy storage level of a device and modifying the modulation scheme used to modulate a radio power signal based at least in part on the energy storage level.

[0411] Example 222: A device comprising a radio signal receiver configured to receive radio power signals and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause a playback device to perform an action, the action comprising receiving a radio power signal modulated to carry data from an external transmission device and adjusting the operation of the device based on the data.

[0412] Example 223: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes recovering power from a wireless power signal.

[0413] Example 224: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes driving one or more amplifiers using power from a radio power signal.

[0414] Example 225: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes recovering data from a wireless power signal.

[0415] Example 226: Adjusting the operation of a device includes adjusting the brightness of one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters, in any of the examples of devices described herein.

[0416] Example 227: One of the examples herein, in which data includes a battery level display for an external transmission device.

[0417] Example 228: Any one of the examples specified herein, wherein the data includes identification information of an external transmission device.

[0418] Example 229: One of the examples provided herein, where the data includes synchronized data.

[0419] Example 230: A device from any of the examples herein, in which the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0420] Example 231: One of the examples provided herein, where the data includes audio content metadata.

[0421] Example 232: A device, one of the examples herein, in which a radio power signal is modulated to carry data using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation.

[0422] Example 233: Any one of the examples herein, whose operation further includes transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external receiving device.

[0423] Example 234: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising a wireless power transmitter, the operation further comprising causing the wireless power transmitter to transmit a wireless power signal to an external receiving device, wherein the wireless power signal is modulated to carry at least a portion of the data.

[0424] Example 235: A method comprising the steps of: receiving a radio power signal modulated to carry data from an external transmission device in a receiving device; recovering data using the radio power signal; and adjusting the operation of the receiving device based on the data.

[0425] Example 236: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of recovering power from a wireless power signal.

[0426] Example 237: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of driving one or more amplifiers using power from a radio power signal.

[0427] Example 238: A method of adjusting the operation of a receiving device, any one of the examples herein, comprising the steps of dimming one or more lights, disabling one or more microphones, or modifying one or more audio playback parameters.

[0428] Example 239: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes a battery level indicator of an external transmission device.

[0429] Example 240: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes identification information of an external transmission device.

[0430] Example 241: Any one of the examples herein, where the data includes synchronized data.

[0431] Example 242: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio playback synchronization data.

[0432] Example 243: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the data includes audio content metadata.

[0433] Example 244: Any one of the examples herein, wherein the step of modulating a radio power signal to carry data includes using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectral modulation.

[0434] Example 245: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external second receiving device.

[0435] Example 246: One of the examples herein, in which a radio power signal is transmitted from a receiving device to an external second receiving device, and the radio power signal is modulated so as to carry at least a portion of the data.

[0436] Example 247: A first playback device for playing audio via a plurality of audio transducers, comprising one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers, a radio power receiver, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the first playback device to perform an action, the action comprising receiving radio power from a second playback device and configuring the first playback device to play audio content in synchronization with the second playback device after receiving the radio power.

[0437] Example 248: Configuring a first playback device to play audio content in sync with a second playback device is one of the examples herein, which includes forming a group.

[0438] Example 249: Any one of the examples herein, the operation further comprises stopping the reception of radio power from a second regeneration device and removing the first regeneration device from the group after stopping the reception of radio power.

[0439] Example 250: Any one of the examples herein, the operation further comprising stopping the reception of radio power from a second regeneration device and removing the second regeneration device from the group after stopping the reception of radio power.

[0440] Example 251: Any one of the examples herein, the operation further includes modifying the operation of the first playback device after configuring the first playback device to play audio content in sync with a second playback device.

[0441] Example 252: Modifying the operation of the first playback device includes adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device, one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0442] Example 253: Modifying the operation of a first playback device includes reducing the output of low-frequency audio content, as is the case with any one of the examples herein.

[0443] Example 254: A method comprising the steps of: receiving radio power from a second playback device in a first playback device; and configuring the first playback device to play audio content in synchronization with the second playback device after receiving the radio power.

[0444] Example 255: One method of configuring a first playback device to play audio content in sync with a second playback device, comprising the step of forming a group.

[0445] Example 256: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the steps of stopping the reception of radio power from a second regeneration device and removing the first regeneration device from the group after stopping the reception of radio power.

[0446] Example 257: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the steps of stopping the reception of radio power from a second regeneration device and removing the second regeneration device from the group after stopping the reception of radio power.

[0447] Example 258: Any one of the examples herein further includes the step of modifying the operation of the first playback device after configuring the first playback device to play audio content in synchronization with a second playback device.

[0448] Example 259: A method of any of the examples herein, wherein the step of modifying the first playback device includes the step of adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device.

[0449] Example 260: A method of correcting the operation of a first playback device, comprising the step of reducing the output of low-frequency audio content, as described herein.

[0450] Example 261: A first playback device for playing audio through a plurality of audio transducers, comprising one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more audio transducers, a radio power receiver, one or more processors, and one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the first playback device to perform an action, the action including playing audio content through one or more amplifiers in synchronization with a second playback device, receiving radio power from the second playback device, ceasing to receive radio power from the second playback device, and configuring the first playback device so that, after ceasing to receive radio power, it no longer plays audio content in synchronization with the second playback device.

[0451] Example 262: Playing audio content in sync with a second playback device is one of the examples of this specification, which includes forming a group.

[0452] Example 263: Any one of the examples herein, the operation further includes removing the first regenerative device from the group after stopping the reception of wireless power.

[0453] Example 264: Any one of the examples herein, the operation further includes removing a second regenerative device from the group after stopping the reception of wireless power.

[0454] Example 265: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising modifying the operation of the first playback device after configuring the first playback device so that it no longer plays audio content in sync with the second playback device.

[0455] Example 266: Modifying the operation of the first playback device includes adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device, one of the devices in the examples herein.

[0456] Example 267: Modifying the operation of a first playback device, including increasing the output of low-frequency audio content, is one of the examples provided herein.

[0457] Example 268: A method comprising the steps of: playing audio content through a first playback device in synchronization with a second playback device; receiving radio power from the second playback device on the first playback device; stopping the reception of radio power from the second playback device; and configuring the first playback device so that, after stopping the reception of radio power, it no longer plays audio content in synchronization with the second playback device.

[0458] Example 269: One of the examples herein, in which the step of playing audio content in sync with a second playback device includes the step of forming a group.

[0459] Example 270: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of removing the first regeneration device from the group after stopping the reception of wireless power.

[0460] Example 271: Any one of the examples herein, further comprising the step of removing a second regeneration device from the group after stopping the reception of wireless power.

[0461] Example 272: Any one of the examples herein further includes the step of modifying the behavior of the first playback device after configuring the first playback device so that it no longer plays audio content in sync with the second playback device.

[0462] Example 273: A method of correcting the operation of a first playback device, comprising the step of adjusting the frequency output of the first playback device, one of the methods described herein.

[0463] Example 274: A method of correcting the operation of a first playback device, comprising the step of increasing the output of low-frequency audio content, one of the methods described herein.

[0464] Example 275: A method comprising performing one of the operations described in the examples herein.

[0465] Example 276: A tangible, non-temporary, computer-readable medium for storing instructions that cause one or more processors to perform an operation including one of the methods described herein when executed by one or more processors.

[0466] VIII. Conclusion The above descriptions of wireless power transmission devices, playback devices, control devices, playback zone configurations, and media content sources merely illustrate some examples of operating environments in which the functions and methods described below may be implemented. Other operating environments and configurations of wireless power transmission systems, media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not expressly described herein may also be applicable to and suitable for the implementation of functions and methods.

[0467] The above description discloses various exemplary systems, methods, apparatus, and products, among many other components, including firmware and / or software running on hardware. It should be understood that such examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, any or all aspects or components of firmware, hardware, and / or software are intended to be embodied in hardware alone, software alone, firmware alone, or in any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Therefore, the examples provided are not the only ways to implement such systems, methods, apparatus, and / or products.

[0468] Furthermore, any reference to “embodiments” in this specification means that certain functions, structures, or features described in relation to an embodiment may be included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The term, appearing in various places in this specification, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Thus, the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments, as will be explicitly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0469] This specification broadly presents exemplary environments, systems, procedures, steps, logical blocks, processes, and other symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble the operation of network-connected data processing devices. These process descriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of the work to others skilled in the art. Many specific details are provided to provide a complete understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented without specific details. In other embodiments, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the descriptions of the embodiments described above.

[0470] Where any of the appended claims is read to cover purely software and / or firmware implementations, at least one of the elements in at least one example is expressly defined herein as including a tangible, non-temporary medium such as memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc., for storing the software and / or firmware.

Claims

1. A method for a playback device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more first external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of the playback device, The steps include adjusting media playback on the playback device based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power, The steps include: disabling at least one microphone of the playback device based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power; Methods that include...

2. A method for a playback device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more first external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of the playback device, The steps include adjusting media playback on the playback device based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power, Includes, A method comprising the step of adjusting media playback on the playback device, which includes lowering the volume of audio playback.

3. A method for a playback device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more first external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of the playback device, The steps include adjusting media playback on the playback device based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power, Includes, A method comprising the step of adjusting media playback of the playback device, wherein the step of reducing the low-frequency output of audio playback.

4. A method for a playback device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more first external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of the playback device, The steps include adjusting media playback on the playback device based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power, Includes, A method comprising the step of adjusting media playback on the playback device, wherein at least a portion of the low-frequency audio content is routed to another playback device for synchronized playback.

5. A method for a playback device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more first external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of the playback device, The steps include adjusting media playback on the playback device based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power, A method comprising the step of causing a second external transmission device to initiate wireless power transmission to the playback device.

6. The further step includes outputting an alarm to the user indicating low radio power reception based on the reception of the aforementioned radio power, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The step of causing a second external transmission device to initiate wireless power transmission to the playback device includes transmitting a signal to the second external transmission device, After transmitting the aforementioned signal, the device receives wireless power from the second external transmission device. including, The method according to claim 5.

8. The step of adjusting media playback of the playback device is based on the level of the energy storage component of the playback device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned playback device is a wearable playback device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for a media playback system including a first playback device and a second playback device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of the second playback device, The steps include: playing the first audio by the first playback device in synchronization with the second audio by the second playback device; The steps include receiving an indication that the wireless power reception in the second playback device has been reduced, After receiving the aforementioned display, the steps include adjusting the media playback of the first playback device, Methods that include...

11. The further step includes wirelessly transmitting power from a first regeneration device to a second regeneration device via a wireless power transmitter. The method according to claim 10.

12. At least one of the first playback device or the second playback device is a wearable playback device. The method according to claim 10 or 11.

13. A method for a first wireless power device, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices via a wireless power receiver of a first wireless power device, The first wireless power device transmits wireless power to one or more second wireless power devices, The steps include receiving power reception parameters of one or more second wireless power devices via the network interface of the first wireless power device, The steps include: after receiving the power reception parameters, correcting the transmission of wireless power from the first wireless power device; The steps include: causing one or more third wireless power devices, which are different from the one or more second wireless power devices, to transmit wireless power to the one or more second wireless power devices; Includes, A method comprising the step of modifying the transmission of the wireless power, wherein the step of transmitting the wireless power to one or more third wireless power devices.

14. The step of modifying the transmission of the radio power includes changing the directional output of the radio power. The method according to claim 13.

15. The step of correcting the transmission of the wireless power is: To stop the transmission of wireless power, To temporarily suspend the transmission of wireless power for a certain period of time. After the aforementioned period, the transmission of wireless power will be resumed. To reduce the proportion of wireless power transmission, Including at least one of the following: The method according to claim 13.

16. The received radio power signal is modulated to carry data, and the method is, A step to recover data transmitted by wireless power signals, A step of adjusting the operation of the playback device or the wireless power device or media playback based on the aforementioned data, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising:

17. The further step includes transmitting a radio power signal to an external radio power device, wherein the radio power signal is modulated to carry at least a portion of the data. The method according to claim 16.

18. The modulation of the radio power signal includes using at least one of frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, pulse width modulation, or spread spectrum modulation. The method according to claim 16.

19. The radio power signal includes a first radio power signal modulated according to a first modulation scheme, and the method further includes the step of transmitting a second radio power signal modulated according to a second modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme. The method according to claim 16.

20. The further step includes modifying the modulation scheme used to modulate the radio power signal based on the energy storage level of the regeneration device or radio power device, The method according to claim 16.

21. The aforementioned data is Commands to the receiving device to adjust the device's operation. Commands to dim one or more lights, disable one or more microphones, or modify one or more audio playback parameters. Battery level indicator, Receiving device identification information, Audio playback synchronization data, Audio content metadata, Including one or more of the following: The method according to claim 16.

22. A method for one or more playback devices, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of one or more playback devices, A step of adjusting media playback on one or more playback devices based on the reception of the aforementioned wireless power, A step of determining one or more locations suitable for wirelessly transmitting power from one or more wireless power receiving devices to one or more wireless power receiving devices for one or more wireless power receiving devices and / or one or more wireless power transmitting devices, wherein the one or more wireless power receiving devices correspond to one or more regenerating devices, and the one or more wireless power transmitting devices correspond to one or more external transmission devices, The one or more wireless power receiving devices, and The one or more wireless power transmission devices, A step of outputting an instruction to facilitate the placement of at least one of the following: Methods that include...

23. A method for one or more first wireless power devices, The steps include receiving wireless power from one or more external transmission devices via the wireless power receiver of one or more first wireless power devices, The steps include transmitting wireless power from one or more first wireless power devices to one or more second wireless power devices, The steps include receiving power reception parameters of one or more second wireless power devices via the network interface of one or more first wireless power devices, The steps include: after receiving the power reception parameters, modifying the transmission of wireless power from one or more first wireless power devices; A step of determining one or more locations suitable for wirelessly transmitting power from one or more wireless power receiving devices and / or one or more wireless power transmitting devices to one or more wireless power receiving devices, wherein the one or more wireless power receiving devices correspond to one or more first wireless power devices, and the one or more wireless power transmitting devices correspond to one or more external transmission devices, The one or more wireless power receiving devices, and The one or more wireless power transmission devices, A step of outputting an instruction to facilitate the placement of at least one of the following: Methods that include...

24. The step of determining the one or more locations is determined based on the expected acoustic performance of the one or more wireless power receiving devices and / or the one or more wireless power transmitting devices at the one or more locations. The method according to claim 22 or 23.

25. The step of outputting the aforementioned instruction is: Audible output, Audio feedback relating to the arrangement of one or more wireless power receiving devices, One or more positioning guides, Optical projection of one or more placement indicators, or Augmented reality visualizations displayed via control devices, This includes outputting at least one of the following: The method according to claim 22 or 23.

26. The one or more determined locations include locations for the one or more wireless power receiving devices that are at least about 10 cm, at least about 50 cm, or at least about 1 m away from the one or more wireless power transmission devices. The method according to claim 22 or 23.

27. The steps include: receiving power reception parameters from one or more wireless power receiving devices; and determining, based on the received power reception parameters, that the arrangement of the one or more wireless power receiving devices is acceptable. This also includes, The method according to claim 22 or 23.

28. The aforementioned power reception parameters are: Display of wireless power received by one or more wireless power receiving devices, Display of the level of wireless power received by one or more wireless power receiving devices, or Battery level display of one or more wireless power receiving devices, Including at least one of the following: The method according to claim 27.

29. At least one of the one or more first wireless power devices or the one or more second wireless power devices includes a wearable playback device. Any one of claims 13 to 15, Any one of claims 16 to 21 that references any one of claims 13 to 15, Claim 23, or The method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, relating to claim 23.

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