Networked Playback Pairing for Automatic Channel Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for accessing and playing multi-channel audio and video content lack the ability to dynamically pair and configure playback devices to enhance the listening experience, particularly in creating or enhancing multi-channel audio environments such as stereo or surround sound.
Innovation Solution
The described technology involves pairing two or more playback devices to configure them to output different subsets of audio channels, using a network interface, amplifier, and processor to process and equalize audio data, allowing for the creation of a multi-channel listening environment by reconfiguring devices to output specific channels, such as right, left, or additional channels like front-center and rear channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If playback devices are paired to create multi-channel audio environments, then the listening experience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects available playback devices and performs pairing operations without requiring manual user configuration. The playback devices self-configure to create multi-channel audio environments, eliminating the need for users to understand complex pairing procedures while still achieving enhanced listening experiences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If playback devices are dynamically reconfigured to output specific audio channels, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the playback device's location and characteristics, then self-configures the appropriate audio channel output without user intervention. This enables dynamic reconfiguration for different listening scenarios while maintaining simple operation for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses location information and playback responsibility data as feedback to automatically adjust audio channel configuration. This closed-loop approach ensures the device is optimally configured for its specific environment and role in the multi-channel setup.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple playback devices are paired to create stereo or surround sound, then the audio quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Playback devices automatically detect and pair with other devices to form stereo or surround sound configurations. The system self-manages the complexity of multi-device coordination, allowing high-quality audio reproduction without burdening the user with configuration tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an audio signal containing a range of audio frequencies; amplifying, according to a gain parameter, the audio signal to be reproduced by at least one speaker. The example method includes automatically increasing the gain parameter to a higher gain parameter responsive to a determination that no more than a subset of the range of audio frequencies is to be reproduced by the at least one speaker. The example method includes amplifying, according to the higher gain parameter, the audio signal containing no more than the subset of the range of audio frequencies to be reproduced by the at least one speaker.