Multi-Zone Audio Amplifier Routing on a Single Data Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-zone audio systems are complex to install, consume significant power, and generate heat, particularly in wired systems that require multiple amplifiers and complex signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone audio amplifier system that receives multiple audio inputs, maps them to specific zones, and transmits the selected audio inputs to the corresponding zones using a single data bus, thereby simplifying installation and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplifiers are used to provide amplification to audio output devices in multiple zones, then the audio system can serve more zones, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single amplifier that can serve multiple zones by digitally routing audio signals to different zones. The amplifier acts as a universal device that can amplify and distribute audio to any number of zones through software control, eliminating the need for separate physical amplifiers for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple amplifier functions into a single device. Instead of having separate amplifiers for each zone, the system merges all amplification and signal distribution functions into one unit with digital signal processing capabilities that can route audio to multiple zones simultaneously or independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplifiers and complex signal processing are used in wired multi-zone audio systems, then audio can be distributed to multiple zones, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple amplifier functions into a single device, which reduces the total power consumption compared to running multiple separate amplifiers. The single amplifier with digital signal processing can serve multiple zones more efficiently than multiple analog amplifiers would consume power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex wired analog signal processing with digital signal processing. By using digital audio signals and software-based routing, the system reduces the need for multiple physical amplification paths, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining multi-zone distribution capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplifiers are used in multi-zone audio systems, then more zones can be served, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple amplifier functions into a single device, which consolidates heat generation into one unit rather than having multiple amplifiers each generating heat. This single amplifier with digital signal processing generates less total heat than multiple analog amplifiers would produce.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes digital signal processing for analog signal processing across multiple amplifiers. Digital processing generates significantly less heat than multiple analog amplification stages, thereby reducing the harmful thermal effect while maintaining the ability to serve multiple zones.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wired systems with multiple amplifiers are used, then audio can be distributed to multiple zones, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple amplifier functions into a single device, which simplifies installation by reducing the number of components that need to be installed and configured. Instead of installing multiple amplifiers and their associated wiring, only one amplifier unit needs to be installed with simplified connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single amplifier is designed as a universal device that can serve any number of zones through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware for each zone. This universality greatly simplifies installation, as the same physical device can be configured to serve different numbers and combinations of zones without additional hardware installation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method may include receiving, at an embedded computing device of a multi-zone audio amplifier system, audio inputs from audio sources. The method may further include mapping the audio inputs to an zone for the audio inputs to be available for the zone, in which the zone represents a location having a speaker configured for playback of sound. A particular audio input may be selected from the audio inputs for transmission to the zone, where such selection may be based on a priority policy. The embedded computing device may transmit the particular audio input to the zone using an amplifier associated with the zone. The method may further include causing the speaker to play the particular audio input.