Networked Speaker System With PoE Audio Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networked speaker systems face challenges in efficiently delivering power and audio over Ethernet, particularly in configurations where multiple speakers require distinct channel assignments and power distribution, leading to complexity in setup and optimization for optimal audio experience.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a controller with integrated power over Ethernet (PoE) modules and processors to send power and audio data over Ethernet cables to multiple speakers, allowing each speaker to up-mix stereo audio into N-channel audio, with the ability to dynamically assign channels and adjust power distribution based on speaker requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple speakers are connected to a centralized controller with separate power and audio cables, then reliable power delivery and audio transmission are achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and audio data transmission into a single Ethernet cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. The centralized controller integrates both power supply functionality and audio source functionality, allowing simultaneous delivery of electrical power and audio data through the same cable infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both electrical power (through PoE modules) and audio data signals simultaneously. The controller is designed with dual functionality as both a power supply device and an audio source device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power cables and audio cables for each speaker.
2Reliability
If separate power cables and audio cables are used for each speaker, then stable power supply and clear audio transmission are ensured, but the number of cables and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate power cables and audio cables into a single Ethernet cable. The PoE module enables power transmission over the same cable that carries audio data, reducing the total number of cables needed and simplifying the installation process while maintaining stable power supply and clear audio transmission.
3Manufacturing precision
If predefined speaker configurations are required for channel assignments, then optimal audio rendering is achieved, but system flexibility and ease of setup are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic channel assignment where each speaker automatically determines its own channel based on its position in the network rather than requiring predefined configurations. The controller dynamically renders audio channels by sending different portions of the audio signal to different speakers based on their connection order, allowing the system to adapt to various speaker arrangements while maintaining optimal audio rendering.
4Device complexity
If centralized power supply is used for all speakers, then power distribution is simplified, but power loss and efficiency decrease with longer cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution by placing PoE modules at both the controller and each speaker. This allows power to be converted from electrical form to optical form (light signals) within the Ethernet cable, transmitted without significant loss, and then converted back to electrical power at the speaker end, eliminating the power loss issues associated with long electrical cable runs while maintaining simplified centralized power distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the setup and optimization of multi-speaker systems by enabling efficient power and audio delivery, allowing for flexible channel assignments and optimized audio rendering, enhancing the overall audio experience without the need for predefined speaker configurations.
Implementation Method 1
transforming the electrical power to be delivered to the speaker via the Ethernet cable from the electrical form to the optical form, and delivering the optical power signals via the Ethernet cable to the speaker
Implementation Method 2
transforming the optical power signals received from the controller via the Ethernet cable from the optical form to the electrical form
Implementation Method 3
delivering both the electrical power and the audio data to the speaker via the Ethernet cable
Data Source
AI summary
A networked speaker system communicates using Ethernet. Both power and audio data are communicated over a single Ethernet cable to each speaker, so that the speakers need not be located near power outlets.