Playback Audio Allocation Using Trigger-Based Device Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media playback systems require manual configuration and user input to adjust audio allocations when playback devices are moved or repositioned, leading to inconvenience and potential interruptions in media playback.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically updating audio allocations based on detected triggers and retrieved configuration information, allowing playback devices to adjust channel and frequency allocations dynamically without user intervention, using techniques such as voice input detection, proximity sensing, and wireless communication to determine device positions and groupings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used to adjust audio allocations when playback devices are moved, then user control over audio setup is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and potential interruptions in media playback occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidmanual configuration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when playback devices are moved or repositioned and autonomously updates audio allocations without requiring user intervention. The playback devices self-configure by detecting triggers (such as device movement) and automatically retrieving configuration information to adjust channel and frequency allocations, eliminating the need for manual user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring of device positions and configurations, using this feedback to automatically adjust audio allocations. When a trigger indicating device movement is detected, the system retrieves updated configuration information and automatically reconfigures the audio distribution, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing conditions without user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If automatic audio allocation updating is implemented, then user convenience is improved and media playback continuity is ensured, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup efficiencyVSAvoidautomatic detection and updating mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring playback devices with configuration information that includes audio allocation parameters. When devices are initially set up, the system anticipates future reconfiguration needs by having configuration data ready, enabling rapid automatic adjustment when triggers are detected without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary configuration information structure that mediates between device positions and audio allocations. This intermediary layer contains pre-defined configuration data that can be automatically retrieved and applied when triggers are detected, simplifying the automatic reconfiguration process by providing a structured intermediate representation of the desired audio allocation state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11943594B2Automatically allocating audio portions to playback devices
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 SONOS INC
  • US11943594B2 patent drawing
  • US11943594B2 patent drawing
  • US11943594B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for allocating audio data between a first playback device and a second playback device are disclosed. The audio data comprises a plurality of audio portions and the method comprises: detecting a trigger associated with the first playback device; responsive to detecting the trigger: retrieving configuration information related to the first playback device and the second playback device; and automatically updating an allocation of the audio portions for reproduction by at least one of the first playback device and the second playback device based on the configuration information.