Playback Device Association Through Sound Codes for Spatial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems require user intervention through a controller device for associating playback devices, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially when dealing with portable devices.
Innovation Solution
Playback devices determine spatial relationships based on sound codes generated from sound specimens, allowing for automatic association without the need for user-controlled setup processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user intervention through controller device is used for associating playback devices, then association can be controlled and confirmed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The playback devices automatically perform association by detecting sound codes from each other's audio output. The system uses the audio environment itself as a communication channel, allowing devices to self-identify and self-associate without user intervention. The sound code generated from playback audio serves as an automatic identifier that enables peer-to-peer discovery and pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (pressing buttons, navigating menus on controller devices) with acoustic field-based communication. Sound waves carry encoded identification information that devices automatically detect and process, substituting the mechanical control system with an acoustic sensing and processing system.
2Measurement precision
If manual controller device setup is required, then precise device pairing can be achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-encodes device identification information into sound codes that are continuously generated during normal audio playback. This preliminary encoding of identification data into the audio stream allows devices to carry their identity information passively, ready for immediate detection and association without requiring separate setup actions.
Solution Approach 2:
Audio playback serves as an intermediary carrier that transmits device identification information. Instead of direct device-to-device communication or controller-mediated pairing, the patent uses the audio output itself as a medium to embed and transmit identification codes that other devices can detect and use for association.
3Reliability
If traditional pairing methods are used, then device association can be confirmed, but user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically generate and detect sound codes containing identification information, enabling self-association without user confirmation. The system autonomously completes the entire pairing process from discovery to association by leveraging the acoustic environment and automated sound code processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses audio feedback loops where devices detect sound codes from other devices' playback output. This creates a closed-loop identification system where the audio environment provides continuous feedback about nearby devices, enabling automatic recognition and association based on detected sound codes.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
In one aspect, a playback device is provided that is configured to identify a trigger event indicating a request to associate the playback device with another playback device. Based on identifying the trigger event, the playback device is configured to create a first sound code based on a first sound specimen detected by the playback device. After identifying the trigger event, the playback device is configured to receive from the other playback device a sound object and based on receiving the sound object, identify a second sound code. The playback device is also configured to, based on the first sound code and the second sound code, determine that it and the other playback device have a spatial relationship. Based on that determination, the playback device is configured to cause it and the other playback device to be associated in accordance with the indicated request.