HUB device for generating audio output for wireless speakers

Abstract

A hub device includes a plurality of inputs configured to receive one or more audio signals from an audio device, a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels, and generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels. The hub device further includes one or more audio outputs configured to transmit the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WOHUB DEVICE FOR GENERATING AUDIO OUTPUT FOR WIRELESS SPEAKERSFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to audio systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling operation of wireless speakers using a hub device.BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Wireless speakers allow for movement of the speakers to different locations to provide an audio output (e.g., music output). Individuals may have multiple wireless speaker devices, which may be of the same or different types (e.g., same or different manufacturer type). While some of these speaker devices are able to be connected together, the functionality and audio output operation is often limited and does not provide a way to, for example, simulate a surround sound experience. That is, while the speakers may be able to be connected together, the speakers are not able to be controlled to provide a wireless surround-sound experience. As a result, integration of wireless speakers with existing home audio systems can be limited.

[0004] As such, while wireless speakers offer benefits in terms of convenience and flexibility, there are challenges in connecting these devices to audio receivers in a multi-speaker arrangement, particularly to provide a surround-sound or more immersive audio listening experience.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WOSUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a hub device, comprising: a plurality of inputs configured to receive one or more audio signals from an audio device; a processor; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and one or more audio outputs configured to transmit the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers. The hub device, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers. The hub device, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of speakers.

[0007] The hub device, further comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more user inputs to at least one of configure or tune the plurality of audio channels. The hub device, further comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more user inputs identifying a layout of the plurality of wireless speakers. The hub device, wherein each channel of the different channels of the plurality of audio channels is a dedicated channel. The hub device, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, furtherAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO cause the processor to use one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers. The hub device, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to use a channel splitting algorithm in combination with mapping data to generate the plurality of audio streams.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, at a plurality of inputs, one or more audio signals from an audio device; mapping the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generating a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and transmitting, one or more audio outputs, the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers. The computer-implemented method, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers. The computer-implemented method, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of speakers.

[0009] The computer-implemented method, further comprising receiving from a user one or more user inputs to at least one of configure or tune the plurality of audio channels. The computer-implemented method, further comprising receiving from a user interface one or more user inputs identifying a layout of the plurality of wirelessAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO speakers. The computer-implemented method, wherein each channel of the different channels of the plurality of audio channels is a dedicated channel.

[0010] The computer-implemented method, further comprising using one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers. The computer-implemented method, further comprising using a channel splitting algorithm in combination with mapping data to generate the plurality of audio streams.

[0011] The present disclosure provides one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: receive, at a plurality of inputs, one or more audio signals from an audio device; map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and transmit, one or more audio outputs, the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

[0012] The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of speakers. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, wherein theAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO processor-executable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to use one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers.

[0013] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0014] In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hub device in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 2 is another block diagram illustrating a hub device in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of audio processing in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operating environment in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing audio output control in accordance with one or more embodiments; andAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0023] One or more implementations of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for controlling operation of wireless audio devices, such as multiple wireless audio speakers. For example, a hub device or controller is provided for use with wireless speakers (e.g., Bluetooth® speakers) in a home audio environment. However, it should be appreciated that the one or more implementations can be used in connection with different types of audio devices.

[0024] In one or more implementations, a hub device 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a multimedia hub controller that interfaces with an audio device 102, which can be any type of source audio input device (e.g., a television or a phone) via Bluetooth®, Optical Input, or HDMI ARC / eARC, among others, and transmits an audio output 104 split into different audio streams 106, such as up to a 7.1 surround sound audio output via Bluetooth® transmission to variously positioned wireless speaker devices within a room. That is, the hub device 100 generates and transmits separateAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO audio streams 106 (e.g., splits the audio input from the audio device 102 into multiple channels based on mapping) to the wireless speaker devices.

[0025] More particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates an audio system 200 in which the hub device 100 is operable. In one or more examples, the hub device 100 includes onboard logic 108 (e.g., one or more processors and / or one or more non-transitory computer-readable media to process audio inputs) to configure, tune, and / or control output to one or more speaker layouts in a room via a user interface (e.g., a smartphone application). In operation, the hub device 100 and a companion application (e.g., media application) allow for managing the speaker type, location, and / or output (as well as other characteristics) to create a balanced and powerful, fully wireless, surround-sound home theater system. For example, the hub device 100 and companion application allow the end user to connect multiple types of speakers (e.g., JBL Xtreme, Charge, Flip Boombox, etc.) to create a home theater environment with fully wireless speakers that allow for a much higher utilization of consumer speakers. In operation, the application allows remote control of the hub device 100 in one or more implementations.

[0026] In the illustrated example, the audio system 200 includes the audio device 102, which operates as an audio source, connected to an audio processing apparatus, which in this example implemented by the onboard logic 108. The audio device 102 can be any type of audio source and the onboard logic 108 is configured to perform one or more audio processing operations, such as, for example, audio channel splitting, audio mixing, etc. As used herein, the term “device” may include a standalone device, or a multi-component distributed system, such as an audio processing system. It should be appreciated that the audio device 102 can be connected directly to the hubAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO device 100 and / or multiple audio devices 102 can be connected to the hub device 100 in one or more examples.

[0027] The audio system 200 may include additional sources which provide audio signals. The additional sources may also be coupled directly to the hub device 100. The audio device 102 may be any type of audio source as described in more detail herein that provides audio signals to the hub device 100. The audio device 102 may transmit audio signals and other data over a communication interface, which may be a wired or wireless connection. In one or more examples, the onboard logic 108 is configured to provide separate audio streams defining plural channels in which the audio signals supplied thereto are processed in accordance with audio processing settings. The audio processing settings may be defined by a user, preset and / or dynamically changing based on parameters internal or external to the hub device 100. Examples of processing operations include filtering, amplification, combining, over-blending, and / or any combination of such operations, and / or any other signal processing activity related to the audio signals.

[0028] The onboard logic 108 in one or more examples includes an output component 110, a control component 112, a memory 114, and a plurality of inputs 116 for receiving audio signals. It should be noted that the onboard logic 108 may include multiple output components 110. In one or more examples, the onboard logic 108 is operable or controllable via a user interface 118 as described in more detail herein, which may be provided by a separate application, as part of the hub device 100, or a combination thereof. For example, the user interface 118 may be provided with adjusting members 120 for adjusting parameter settings. It should be noted that one orAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO more user interfaces 118 may be provided, such as a display and a series of mechanical controls. Alternatively or in addition, controls may be graphic sections of a single display device or be on different display devices, such as part of an application. In other examples, additional display devices, or a combination of one or more displays and other user interfaces may be provided. In one or more examples, additional mechanical, digital, and / or analog adjusting members may be provided by the user interface 118 for adjusting parameters of the audio processing.

[0029] The onboard logic 108 in one or more examples is integrated within the housing of the hub device 100 or may be included in multiple housings within or outside of the hub device 100. The onboard logic 108 is configured to receive data (e.g., audio signals) from devices (e.g., the audio device 102) that are provided externally of the housing of the hub device 100 and communicate with a plurality of wireless audio devices, illustrated as the speakers 130 in FIG. 2.

[0030] The control component 112 may be a processor or a group of processors. The control component 112 may be configured as, or include a general processor, a digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, analog circuit, digital circuit, server processor, combinations thereof, among other processors. The control component 112 may be configured as a single component or combination of components, such as associated with a network or distributed processing. Any of various processing strategies may be used, such as multiprocessing, multi-tasking, parallel processing, remote processing, centralized processing or the like. The control component 112 may be responsive or operable to execute instructions stored as part of software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, microAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO code, or the like. The control component 112 is operative to control the outputting at the audio output 104, including the multiple audio streams 106.

[0031] The control component 112 in one or more examples is configured to act as a sound processor that performs processing of audio signals into plural audio channels as described in more detail herein. The audio processing may be performed in a user-defined manner. Parameter settings for the audio processing may be input via the user interface 118 or via other adjusting members. In some examples, as described herein, the application provides a graphics display that allows for receiving one or more user inputs. In some examples, the application is provided as part of a separate device providing one or more user inputs (e.g., a touchscreen device adapted to display information to a user of the audio system or the audio processing system and adapted to receive inputs from the user touching operating areas displayed on the display, such as on a smartphone).

[0032] In operation, the output component 110 may be a dedicated component of the audio system 200 or may be used together with other audio-related systems, such as, for example, a multi-media system. The output component 110 in one or more examples is operable with one or more graphics displays areas which are grouped so as to form a plurality of groups 122. Each one of the groups 122 in one or more examples is assigned respectively to one of the audio channels. For example, a first one of the groups may be assigned to a first audio channel, the second one of the groups may be assigned to a second audio channel etc. It should be noted that the different graphics display areas that are combined to form a group may include plural physically distinct displays or may be formed by one display.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0033] The control component 112 in one or more implementations controls the output component 110 such that in groups 122 of graphics display areas which are assigned to an active channel to which audio signals are supplied, graphics representing the parameter settings for the respective channel can be displayed. Alternatively or additionally, information on possible settings which the user may activate for the respective channel may be output in the respective group 122. It should be appreciated that the groups 122 are merely provided for example and any control scheme may be used.

[0034] The control component 112 in one or more examples controls the output component 110 to provide different information, such as a status of an external source, an indication of one or more settings, a location of the speakers 130, etc. When the control component 112 receives the information, a determination may be made as to which one of the audio channels the audio signal from the respective source is processed and output to the speaker(s) 130 as one or more of the audio streams 106. Other information may also be provided, such as a battery level, an RF signal strength, an audio level, a radio frequency, a source mute status, etc.

[0035] The data received in some examples includes a unique source identifier identifying the audio source and / or the speakers 130. In addition to the source identifier, the data may include parameter values describing a current status or operational state of the one or more devices. The source identifier may be, for example, a device address code, a unique device name, or another unique identifier. When the data is received, the control component 112 may retrieve the unique source identifier fromAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO the data and may use the source identifier to determine in which one of the audio channels audio signals from the respective source are to be processed and output.

[0036] In order to map a source identifier onto an audio channel, various data structures are stored in the memory 114 in one or more examples. The memory 114 may include any kind of storage device, such as RAM, ROM, a hard drive, a CD-R / W, a DVD, a flash memory, or any other one or more non-transitory data storage device or system capable of storing data and / or instructions executable by a processor. The memory 114 may store first mapping data 124 which specifies, for each one of the sources, at which input audio signals from the respective source are input to the logic 108. This first mapping data 124 may be generated when a user configures the one or more audio settings. To facilitate the configuration process, the control component 112 may automatically detect the sources connected to the hub device 100. The names, or other identifying information of the sources, may then be output and a user action indicating for each one of the sources the input to which it is connected may be received. The first mapping data 124 may be modified, for example, if connections between sources and the hub device 100 are changed, such as by adding new sources.

[0037] The memory 114 may store second mapping data 126 which specifies, for each one of the inputs 116, in which audio channel the audio signals received at the respective input are processed. Assigning inputs to audio channels may again be done in a user-defined manner. For illustration, the user may assign an input to one of the audio channels using adjusting member 120, or using other adjusting members (not shown), such as a keyboard, number pad, graphical interface, and / or touch screen.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0038] When data is received from the sources, the control component 112 may use the unique source identifier included in the data in combination with the first mapping data 124 and / or the second mapping data 126 to identify the audio channel in which audio signals from this source are processed and then separately provided as the audio streams 106. It should be noted that graphics indicating the status of the source may then be displayed.

[0039] The control component 112 may maintain a source record 128 in the memory 114. In the source record 128, parameter values may be recorded for each one of the sources which supports outputting of status information, as well as other information, such as the location or configuration of the speakers 130. The parameter values received from the sources may indicate one, or several, of a battery level, an RF signal strength, an audio level, a radio frequency, and a source mute status for the respective source, etc. In other examples, any other form of parameter value related to the sources or devices may be output as part of the information. When source data is received, the control component 112 may update the source status record 128. For example, the control component 112 may retrieve the source identifier data and may determine based on the source identifier which part of the source status record 128 is to be modified. Portions of the source status record 128 which relate to sources other than the one identified by the source identifier included in the data are not updated. The control component 112 may retrieve information on the status of the respective source from the data and may overwrite the corresponding information in the source status record 128 with the new information.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0040] In one example operation, the flow of audio signals may be provided as follows. The source(s), for example, the audio device 102 provides audio signals to the hub device 100, which are processed by the onboard logic 108. The audio signals may be transmitted by a wired or wireless link from the sources to the hub device 100. The hub device 100 may also perform pre-processing of the audio signals and may in particular configure signals received from the sources for transmission to the speakers 130 or other audio processing devices. For example, if the hub device 100 has a wireless digital interface for receiving audio signals and information from the sources, the hub device 100 may convert the information and / or may perform a digital to analog (D / A)- conversion of the audio signals. If the hub device 100 has an analog interface to receive audio signals from the sources, the hub device 100 may perform an A / D-conversion of the audio signals. The hub device 100 may include different types of inputs, such as analog or digital input lines. In one or more examples, there may be point-to-point connections connected to each one of the inputs to provide the audio signals thereto. In another example, the hub device 100 may be coupled to the plurality of inputs of an audio processing apparatus by a bus. In yet another one or more examples, the inputs at which the audio signals are received may also be a digital interface.

[0041] In operation, control data may be transmitted between the hub device 100 and audio source (e.g., the audio device 102) on one or more source control data lines. The control data transmitted from the audio source to the hub device 100 includes information on parameter values, such as describing the current status or other information relating to the audio source. The hub device 100 may query the parameter values from the audio source in one or more examples. AlternativelyAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO or in addition, the audio source may push the parameter values to the hub device 100 based on configurable conditions provided to the source, such as a time delay, a change in a parameter value, or any other condition or event detected by the source.

[0042] Control data is transmitted on a hub device control data line between the hub device 100 and one or more interfaces, such as a control interface of the hub device 100. The control data may be transmitted via a wired connection. In one or more implementations, the digital interface may be a wireless control interface. The hub device 100 may transmit status data to the digital interface based on predetermined conditions, such as when a parameter value received by the hub device 100 from one of the sources changes, after a predetermined time period, in response to an external signal parameter, or any other condition.

[0043] The onboard logic 108 may send control commands. The control commands may include query commands used to detect sources, or query commands used in a keep active mechanisms to confirm a source is still in operation in the audio system. Data transmission between the hub device 100 and one or more interfaces may be implemented using any type of commands using any suitable protocol. For example, the digital interface may include a compatible interface, such as an Ethernet or TCP / IP interface. For example, the digital interface may have an Ethernet interface, and the hub device 100 may also have an Ethernet interface connected to the digital interface. If, for example, some source devices which support communication of status data and the displaying of status information are directly connected to the hub device 100, the source devices also have an interface, such as an Ethernet or TCP / IP interface.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0044] The control component 112 may be configured to modify the status information not only when the status changes, but also based on other events. For example, status information may be changed when the operator modifies the mapping between inputs and audio channels, such as when an operator selects another audio channel to which a given input is mapped, and the second mapping data 126 is modified accordingly. It should be noted that the group 122 in which the status information for a given source is output may thus be changed to reflect that the audio signal from that source is now processed in another channel.

[0045] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example part of the audio processing performed by the onboard logic 108. For example, the control component 112 may be configured to act as a sound processor to generate the different audio streams 106 for transmission to different wireless speakers, such as different ones of the speakers 130. Audio signals 300 are input to the onboard logic 108 at a plurality of inputs 302 (or channels). A mapping function 304 is configured to map an audio signal received at an input “i” to an audio channel “j”. The mapping function 304 may be fully configurable such that any one or more of the inputs 302 may be mapped, or routed, to any one or more of the audio channels as determined by the mapping function 304 and processed by the onboard logic 108. Audio processing functions such as filtering, amplification, equalization, delay, or any other audio-based processing techniques or functions may be performed in the audio channels 306. Signals from the various audio channels 306 may also be combined by an audio combiner 308 (e.g., an audio summer) in one or more examples.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0046] The mapping function 304 used in audio processing in one or more examples is based on the second mapping data 126 which is also used by the control component 112 to determine in which one of the groups 122 graphics representing status information for a given source is to be displayed. For illustration, a user may select that an audio signal received at “Input 1” is to be processed in “Audio channel 5” and that an audio signal received at “Input 2” is to be processed in “Audio channel 3”. The status data for the respective sources are then displayed in the corresponding group of graphics display areas.

[0047] In operation and with reference to FIG. 4, one or more implementations of the hub device 100 can be implemented in a home entertainment setting that includes a television 400 that provides an audio source. That is, the audio output of the television 400 acts as the audio device 102 that generates an audio signal to be transmitted to a plurality of wireless speakers 130 positioned within the home entertainment setting (e.g., within a home theater room). In the illustrated example, the television 400, and in particular the audio output of the television 400 is connected to the hub device 100 using a wired connection 406 (e.g., one or more audio cables). However, it should be appreciated that the connection between the television 400 and the hub device 100 can be provided using any suitable wired or wireless connection or communication link.

[0048] As can be seen, the speakers 130 are positioned at different locations with the speaker 130a being a larger center channel wireless speaker positioned in front of a user 404 (e.g., a person seated on a couch watching the television 400), a pair of left / right channel speakers 130b (e.g., medium sized wireless speakers) positionedAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO to the sides of the television 400 and in front of the user 404, and a pair of left / right satellite speakers 130c (e.g., smaller sized wireless speakers) positioned to the sides (and optionally slightly behind) the user 404. As should be appreciated, the speakers 130 are positioned in this example in a surround-sound home theater system configuration. However, other configurations are contemplated having more or less speakers 130 (e.g. a wireless subwoofer) positioned at different locations, as well as used in different settings. Additionally, the speakers 130 may be positioned at different heights (e.g., on different support structures) than are shown.

[0049] Using one or more implementations described herein, the user 404 is able to control the audio outputs to the speakers 130, in particular, the audio stream 106 wirelessly transmitted to each speaker 130 by the hub device 100 using a device having a control interface installed thereon. In this example, the control device is a smartphone 402 having a companion application installed thereon as described in more detail herein. It should be noted that one or more features of the user interface 118 can also be provided by the companion application on the smartphone 402 as described in more detail herein. As such, the user 404 is able to control the audio streams 106 for different channels of the audio signal (e.g., an eight channel (7.1 ) surround sound audio output) via wireless transmission to the speakers 130 (e.g., using a wireless transmitter or other wireless communication device of the hub device 100). For example, the user 404 interacts with a media application installed on the smartphone 402 to configure, tune, and / or save the speaker layout as described in more detail herein. In one or more examples, the media application is configured to generate one or more suggestions for controlling the audio streams 106, such as based on the available speakers 130 (e.g.,Attorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POA Client Ref. No.: P230495WO size of the speakers 130, type of the speakers 130, location of the speakers 130, number of the speakers 130, operating characteristics of the speakers 130, etc.).

[0050] The control of the audio streams 106 provides a more balanced surround-sound experience for the user 404 than having the same audio output transmitted to all of the speakers 130. Thus, in one or more examples, the user 404 is able manage the audio output(s), namely the audio streams 106, to simulate a home audio surround sound experience. It should be appreciated that the user control device, in this example the smartphone 402, is configured to communication with the hub device 100 using any suitable wireless connection. In one or more examples, a Bluetooth® connection to the smartphone 402 is provided with multi-device connection to the speakers 130 or a proprietary connection protocol between the control device and the speakers 130 is provided. In one or more examples, one or more Bluetooth® modules are provided that allow for connection to multiple devices at the same time.

[0051] With one or more implementations, any type of speaker 130 can be positioned at any location with the user 404 provided with a dedicated controller for device connection and audio output management as described in more detail herein. It should be appreciated that in one or more examples, at least two speakers 130 are used. However, any number of speakers 130 may be used.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 500 for performing audio output control in accordance with one or more implementations. The method 500 may be performed using the hub device 100 as described in more detail herein. For example, the method 500 may be performed by the hub device 100 controlled by a companion application as described in more detail herein.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0053] At operation 502, a configuration setting is received, such as from the user 404 providing one or more inputs via the smartphone 402. For example, the media application may be used to receive configuration settings relating to tuning, layout, input devices, etc. of the speakers 130. As such, the configuration setting may be a user- defined setting defining which one of a plurality of inputs are provided to the hub device 100 for processing. In one or more examples, the sources may be automatically detected. As described in more detail herein, source identifiers or names of the sources (and speakers 130) received in the status data may be output to allow the user 404 to configure the hub device 100 more easily.

[0054] At operation 504, the first mapping data 124 may be generated. In one or more examples, the first mapping data 124 defines a mapping between source identifiers, speakers 130, and inputs of the hub device 100. It should be noted that the first mapping data 124 does not need to be determined again after an initial setup, unless connections between sources, speakers 130, and inputs are changed. The first mapping data 124 may be stored in the memory 114 of the hub device 100 as described in more detail herein.

[0055] At operation 506, a mapping setting is received. For example, a mapping setting corresponding to the mapping function 304 is determined or identified and received for use in mapping the audio outputs as described in more detail herein. That is, in one or more examples, an algorithm as described herein defines audio channels based on the mapping to generate the audio streams 106 at operation 508. It should be appreciated that the mapping also allows for communication between the various devices that may not otherwise be able to natively communicate. The audioAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO streams 106 provide audio outputs that are more than just a simple splitting (which can provide a false surround sound effect). That is, the audio streams 106 generated at operation 508 are provided in dedicated channels in one or more examples. In one or more implementations, the hub device 100 is configured to provide on-board optimization to one or more performance curves (e.g., performance curves for a particular brand of speakers 130).

[0056] At operation 510, the output component 110 of the onboard logic 108 is used to transmit the audio streams 106. For example, different audio streams 106 generated by the hub device 100 are transmitted to different ones of the speakers 130.

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates an operating environment that facilitates the performance of the systems and methods described herein. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein can be implemented on a computing device 602. For example, the computing device 602 can be a personal computer, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a server, a workstation, a mainframe, a wearable computer, a supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it is understood that the aforementioned examples of what the computing device 602 may be is non-exhaustive and that the computing device 602 can be any related device. The computing device 602 generally includes a processor 604, a display adapter 606, one or more input / output port(s) 608, one or more input / output component(s) 610, a network adapter 612, a power supply 614, and a memory 616. However, it is understood that the computing device 602 can include any additional components therein and is not required to include any of the listed components (e.g., the processor 604, the display adapter 606, the one or moreAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO input / output port(s) 608, the one or more input / output component(s) 610, the network adapter 612, the power supply 614, and the memory 616).

[0058] The processor 604 is configured to provide instructions and / or processing power to the computing device 602 so that the computing device 602 can process one or more tasks including the implementation of a software program. It is also understood that the computing device 602 may include any number or processors 604 therein. The display adapter 606 can be a graphics card or a video board that provides the computing device 602 with a capability to display content on a display device 618. For example, the display device 618 can be any screen, monitor, and / or light-emitting component associated with any of the personal computer, the desktop, the laptop, the tablet, the hand-held computer, the server, the workstation, the mainframe, the wearable computer, the supercomputer, or a combination thereof. However, it is understood that the aforementioned examples of what the display device 618 may be is non-exhaustive and that the display device 618 can be any related device.

[0059] The input / output port(s) 608 provides a number of sockets for one or more cables to connect to the computing device 602. It is understood that there may be any number of input / output port(s) 608 on the computing device 602. For example, the input / output port(s) 608 provides a means for the computing device 602 to receive signals and / or data from an external device connected to the computing device 602 via the one or more cables. As another example, the input / output port(s) 608 provides a means for the computing device 602 to send signals and / or data from an external device connected to the computing device 602 via the one or more cables. The input / output component(s) 610 can include one or more components that support the input / output port(s) 608 suchAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO as, but not limited to, a switch, a push button, a pressure mat, a float switch, a keypad, a radio receive, or a combination thereof.

[0060] A network adapter 612 can be a network interface controller that is configured to provide a means for communicating over a network 620 with other devices, such as the speakers 130 and transmit the audio streams 106. The power supply 614 is configured to convert alternating high voltage current (e.g., AC) into direct current (e.g., DC) to provide regulated power to the other components (e.g., the processor 604, the display adapter 606, the one or more input / output port(s) 608, the one or more input / output component(s) 610, the network adapter 612, and the memory 616) of the computing device 602.

[0061] Additionally, the memory 616 can be a mass storage device and / or a system memory such as a hard disk drive, a memory card, a solid-state drive, random access memory (RAM), or a combination thereof. The memory 616 is configured to provide a holding place for instructions and data associated with the operation of the computing device 602. The memory 616 can generally include an operating system 624, a channel splitting algorithm 626, and mapping data 628. For example, the operating system 624 is configured to manage and / or process any of the data and / or instructions associated with a channel splitting algorithm 626 (that splits audio channels based on mapping to generate the audio streams 106 as described in more detail herein) that uses mapping data 628 as described in more detail herein.

[0062] Furthermore, a system bus 630 is also included within the computing device 602 that is configured to couple each of the various components (e.g., the processor 604, the display adapter 606, the one or more input / output port(s) 608, the oneAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO or more input / output component(s) 610, the network adapter 612, the power supply 614, and the memory 616) of the computing device 602. While the operating environment illustrated within FIG. 6 depicts a particular configuration associated with at least the computing device 602, the network 620, and the remote computing device 622 it is understood that the operating environment may be configured in any way.

[0063] Thus, one or more examples of the present disclosure provides a means for generating audio outputs for transmission to wireless speakers. The audio outputs define different wireless audio channels for the speakers in one or more implementations.

[0064] Based on a foregoing, the following provides a general overview of the present disclosure and is not a comprehensive summary. In a first one or more embodiments A1, a hub device comprises: a plurality of inputs configured to receive one or more audio signals from an audio device; a processor; a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and one or more audio outputs configured to transmit the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

[0065] In a second one or more embodiments A2, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1 , wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality ofAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO wireless speakers. In a third one or more embodiments A3, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1-A2, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of speakers. In a fourth one or more embodiments A4, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1-A3, further comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more user inputs to at least one of configure or tune the plurality of audio channels.

[0066] In a fifth one or more embodiments A5, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1-A4, further comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more user inputs identifying a layout of the plurality of wireless speakers. In a sixth one or more embodiments A6, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1-A5, wherein each channel of the different channels of the plurality of audio channels is a dedicated channel. In a seventh one or more embodiments A7, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1-A6, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to use one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers. In an eight one or more embodiments A8, which may include the first one or more embodiments A1-A7, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to use a channel splitting algorithm in combination with mapping data to generate the plurality of audio streams.

[0067] In a ninth one or more embodiments A9, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A8, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving, atAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO a plurality of inputs, one or more audio signals from an audio device; mapping the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generating a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and transmitting, one or more audio outputs, the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

[0068] In a tenth one or more embodiments A10, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A9, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers. In an eleventh one or more embodiments A11 , which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A10, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of speakers. In a twelfth one or more embodiments A12, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A11 , further comprising receiving from a user one or more user inputs to at least one of configure or tune the plurality of audio channels. In a thirteenth one or more embodiments A13, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A12, further comprising receiving from a user interface one or more user inputs identifying a layout of the plurality of wireless speakers.

[0069] In a fourteenth one or more embodiments A14, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A13, wherein each channel of the different channels of the plurality of audio channels is a dedicated channel. In a fifteenth, one or more embodiments A15, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A14, further comprising using one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audioAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers. In a sixteenth one or more embodiments A16, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A15, further comprising using a channel splitting algorithm in combination with mapping data to generate the plurality of audio streams.

[0070] In a seventeenth one or more embodiments A17, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A16, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive, at a plurality of inputs, one or more audio signals from an audio device; map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and transmit, one or more audio outputs, the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers. In an eighteenth one or more embodiments A18, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A17, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers.

[0071] In a nineteenth one or more embodiments A19, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A18, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of speakers. In a twentieth one or more embodiments A20, which may include the one or more embodiments A1-A19, wherein the processor-executable instructions, whenAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO executed by at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to use one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers.

[0072] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical / thermal properties, compositional percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word “about” or "approximately" in describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desired for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.

[0073] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0074] In this application, the term “controller” and / or “module” may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components (e.g., op amp circuit integrator as part of the heat flux data module) that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO

[0075] Implementations of the disclosure are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In one example, the computer-executable instructions are organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one example, aspects of the disclosure are implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other examples of the disclosure include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein. In implementations involving a general- purpose computer, aspects of the disclosure transform the general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.

[0076] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer- readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only circuit), volatileAttorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0077] The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0078] Although described in connection with the processor 214, examples of the disclosure are capable of implementation with numerous other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices. Implementations of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that are suitable for use with aspects of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile tablets, mobile computing devices, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, gaming consoles, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, mobile computing and / or communication devices in wearable or accessory form factors (e.g., watches, glasses, headsets, or earphones), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, VR devices, holographic device, and the like. Such systems or devices accept input from the user in any way, including from input devicesAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO such as a keyboard or pointing device, via gesture input, proximity input (such as by hovering), and / or via voice input.

[0079] The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POA Client Ref. No.: P230495WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A hub device, comprising: a plurality of inputs configured to receive one or more audio signals from an audio device; a processor; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and one or more audio outputs configured to transmit the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

2. The hub device of claim 1 , wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO3. The hub device of claim 2, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of wireless speakers.

4. The hub device of claim 1 , further comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more user inputs to at least one of configure or tune the plurality of audio channels.

5. The hub device of claim 1 , further comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more user inputs identifying a layout of the plurality of wireless speakers.

6. The hub device of claim 1 , wherein each channel of the different channels of the plurality of audio channels is a dedicated channel.

7. The hub device of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to use one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers.

8. The hub device of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, furtherAttorney Docket No.: 0597-OOOD34 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO cause the processor to use a channel splitting algorithm in combination with mapping data to generate the plurality of audio streams.

9. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, at a plurality of inputs, one or more audio signals from an audio device; mapping the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generating a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and transmitting, one or more audio outputs, the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of wireless speakers.Attorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising receiving from a user one or more user inputs to at least one of configure or tune the plurality of audio channels.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising receiving from a user interface one or more user inputs identifying a layout of the plurality of wireless speakers.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein each channel of the different channels of the plurality of audio channels is a dedicated channel.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising using one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising using a channel splitting algorithm in combination with mapping data to generate the plurality of audio streams.

17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing processorexecutable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to:Attorney Docket No.: 0597-000034 / WO / POAClient Ref. No.: P230495WO receive, at a plurality of inputs, one or more audio signals from an audio device; map the one or more audio signals received at the plurality of inputs to a plurality of audio channels; generate a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of audio channels, wherein different streams of the plurality of audio streams correspond to different channels of the plurality of audio channels; and transmit, one or more audio outputs, the plurality of audio streams to a plurality of wireless speakers.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are separate audio streams transmitted to different speakers of the plurality of wireless speakers.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 18, wherein the different streams of the plurality of audio streams are transmitted to the different speakers based on locations of the plurality of wireless speakers.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the processor-executable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to use one or more performance curves to optimize the plurality of audio streams, wherein the optimizing is based at least in part on a type of each speaker of the plurality of wireless speakers.

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