Multi-Zone Audio Amplifier Routing With Centralized Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-zone audio systems are complex to install, consume significant power, and generate heat, especially in wired configurations, and often rely on analog signal processing and multiple power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone audio amplifier system that includes an embedded computing device and amplifiers, allowing for centralized management and routing of multiple audio inputs to various zones using a single data bus, with user interface control via a mobile application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wired multi-zone audio systems are used, then audio output can be provided to multiple zones, but installation complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple amplifier functions and zone management into a single centralized amplifier unit. Instead of requiring separate amplifiers for each zone, the system merges all audio processing, amplification, and zone routing capabilities into one device, dramatically simplifying installation while maintaining multi-zone functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: it can route audio to multiple zones simultaneously, provide independent volume control for each zone, support various audio input sources, and manage power distribution to multiple speakers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wired multi-zone audio systems are used, then audio output can be provided to multiple zones, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple amplifier channels into a single centralized unit, the system eliminates redundant power consumption associated with multiple separate amplifier devices. The shared power supply and processing architecture reduces overall energy usage while maintaining the capability to drive multiple zones.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplifiers are used to provide amplification to multiple zones, then audio coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate amplifiers into a single multi-channel amplifier unit. This centralized device provides audio coverage for multiple zones through integrated routing and amplification channels, eliminating the complexity of coordinating multiple independent amplifier devices while maintaining comprehensive audio coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If analog signal processing is used in multi-zone systems, then audio processing is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional analog signal processing with digital signal processing. Audio signals are processed in digital form, allowing for more efficient routing, volume control, and source management. This substitution reduces the complexity of analog circuitry while enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the multi-zone audio system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include an embedded computing device and amplifiers coupled to the embedded computing device. The embedded computing device may cause a user interface to be displayed on a mobile device via a mobile application. The user interface may show a list of zones and a list of audio inputs. The embedded computing device may obtain a user input via the user interface. The user input may indicate relationships between the audio inputs and the zones. The zones may represent physical locations. Each of the physical locations may include an audio output device configured to play sound. The embedded computing device may map the relationships between the audio inputs and the zones based on the user input. The amplifiers may obtain a portion of the audio inputs based on the relationships. The amplifiers may also provide the portion of the audio inputs to the audio output device.