Playback Battery Charging for Synchronized Audio Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional media playback systems face issues with battery degradation and uneven power distribution among devices due to uniform charging, leading to reduced performance and user enjoyment during synchronized playback.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic charging schemes based on device state, operating parameters, and use patterns to optimize battery life and reduce degradation, with devices sharing responsibilities within a group to maintain synchronized playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform charging is applied to all playback devices, then charging simplicity is maintained, but battery degradation increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a static uniform charging approach to a dynamic charging scheme where each playback device receives customized charging parameters based on its individual state. The system continuously monitors battery charge levels, temperature, and usage patterns, then adjusts charging current and voltage in real-time to optimize battery life while maintaining charging simplicity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable charging parameters including adjustable charging current, voltage, and temperature thresholds for each playback device. These parameters are dynamically modified based on battery state-of-charge, temperature conditions, and predicted usage patterns, allowing the system to extend battery life without requiring user intervention in the charging process.
2Device complexity
If uniform charging is applied to all playback devices, then system complexity is reduced, but performance consistency during synchronized playback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor battery charge levels, temperature, and usage patterns of each playback device. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust charging parameters in real-time, ensuring that all devices in a synchronized playback group maintain consistent performance and battery levels without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each playback device autonomously monitors its own battery state and communicates this information to the charging coordinator. The devices self-adjust their charging requirements based on their individual conditions, eliminating the need for complex centralized control while maintaining performance consistency across the system.
3Speed
If maximum charging rate is always applied, then charging speed is improved, but battery degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements periodic adjustment of charging rates based on battery state-of-charge and temperature conditions. Instead of applying maximum charging rate continuously, the system alternates between high-rate charging when the battery can accept it and lower-rate charging when temperature or charge level requires moderation, optimizing both charging speed and battery longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging rate is dynamically adjusted in real-time based on battery conditions rather than maintaining a fixed maximum rate. The system monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature to continuously optimize the charging rate, achieving fast charging when safe and reducing rate when necessary to prevent degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for charging batteries of audio playback devices. An example method performed by a media playback system includes receiving power from a first power source to charge a first power storage of a first playback device according to a first charging scheme, and receiving power from a second power source to charge a second power storage of a second playback device according to a second charging scheme. The system receives an instruction to form a group for synchronous audio playback, and obtains one or more power parameters associated with the first playback device and/or the second playback device. After receiving the instruction to form the group, the system modifies the first charging scheme based on the one or more power parameters, and then receives power from the first power source to charge the first power storage according to the modified first charging scheme.