Playback Speaker Pairing for Channel Separation and Auto Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for accessing and playing multi-channel audio and video content lack the ability to efficiently 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 and left channels, or front and rear channels, and optimizing synchronization and equalization.
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 and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic device pairing and configuration without requiring manual user setup. The playback devices automatically detect each other, establish connections, and configure their audio output channels based on their physical locations and capabilities, eliminating the need for complex manual pairing procedures while enabling multi-channel audio environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts audio parameters such as equalization settings, channel assignments, and volume levels based on the paired device configurations. By automatically modifying these parameters according to the spatial relationship and capabilities of paired devices, the system enhances audio performance without requiring users to manually configure complex settings
2Manufacturing precision
If playback devices are dynamically configured for channel separation, then audio quality improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures channel assignments and equalization parameters based on device identification and spatial positioning before audio playback begins. By performing these configuration actions in advance, the system establishes optimal channel separation without requiring complex real-time processing during playback, thus improving audio quality while managing processing complexity
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.