Smart Speaker Cloud Equalizer With Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart speakers in large homes often lack sufficient wireless access point range, preventing internet connectivity and requiring manual tuning through controller applications, which limits their ability to provide seamless broadband connectivity and high-fidelity audio streaming.
Innovation Solution
Each smart speaker is equipped with a wireless range extender allowing direct data communication with cloud-based processors for enhanced analytics and customized listening experiences, prioritizing audio packets to maintain streaming quality through best effort traffic management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If smart speakers rely on traditional wireless access point connections, then audio playback function is maintained, but wireless coverage area is limited and internet connectivity is lost in areas outside WAP range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a smart speaker and a wireless range extender into a single device. The smart speaker not only plays audio but also extends the wireless network coverage by receiving signals from the access point and retransmitting them, thereby expanding the effective coverage area while maintaining reliable internet connectivity throughout the extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart speaker is designed to perform multiple functions: audio playback, wireless signal extension, and cloud communication. This multi-functionality allows the device to serve both as an entertainment center and as a network infrastructure component, eliminating the need for separate range extender devices and providing comprehensive coverage in large spaces.
2Extent of automation
If smart speakers route all traffic through controller application, then device control is simplified, but manual tuning complexity increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The smart speaker performs automatic equalizer tuning by independently communicating with cloud-based services to obtain and apply optimal equalization settings for different music genres. The device autonomously analyzes audio characteristics and adjusts its sound profile without requiring manual intervention through a controller application, thereby achieving self-service automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the smart speaker sends audio data to the cloud, receives analysis results and equalizer settings, applies them locally, and continuously optimizes the audio output. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates manual tuning while maintaining simplicity for the end user.
3Reliability
If audio packets are prioritized in traffic management, then audio streaming quality is maintained, but data communication speed for cloud analytics may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic management system dynamically adjusts packet prioritization based on current network conditions and application requirements. During active audio playback, audio packets receive highest priority to ensure continuous high-quality streaming. During periods when the device is communicating with the cloud for analytics or updates, data packets are prioritized, thereby optimizing overall system performance under varying conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud-based equalizer system for a plurality of smart speakers. Each speaker has a wireless range extender connecting to a wireless access point to directly send and receive data, including audio packet transmissions, to and from the cloud. Equalizer settings associated with the audio packet transmissions are retrieved from a cloud-based search and are communicated to and implemented by at least one of the speakers in the plurality of smart speakers. A wireless communication protocol prioritizes audio packet transmissions over other data that may be transmitted to and from each speaker.