Playback Speaker Pairing for Wireless Channel Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for accessing and playing multi-channel audio and video content lack the ability to dynamically 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 multi-channel listening environments by reconfiguring devices to output specific channels, such as right, left, or additional channels like front-center and rear channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If playback devices are physically reconnected to create multi-channel audio environments, then the audio channel configuration is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to physical reconnection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical speaker connections with a wireless network-based audio data transmission system. Playback devices communicate audio channels over a network interface, eliminating the need for physical reconnection of speakers while maintaining multi-channel audio configuration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of playback devices to output different subsets of audio channels through software control. Devices can be dynamically assigned to output specific channels (e.g., left, right, center, surround) without physical changes, allowing flexible adaptation to different audio environments.
2Manufacturing precision
If playback devices are reconfigured to output specific audio channels, then the multi-channel audio quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to pairing and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic pairing and configuration mechanisms where playback devices self-identify and self-configure their audio channel outputs. The system automatically detects available devices, establishes network connections, and assigns channel configurations without requiring complex manual pairing procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise audio channel output.
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.