Wireless Audio Playback Device Inter-Room Voice Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-room wireless audio playback systems lack seamless inter-room communication functionality, where users cannot easily establish voice communication between devices in different rooms without manual intervention or complex setup.
Innovation Solution
A method for wireless audio playback devices to detect specific user actions, such as button presses or voice commands, to establish communication with other devices, allowing for synchronized audio playback and inter-room voice communication, utilizing electro-acoustic transducers, microphones, and processors to transmit and receive audio signals across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless audio playback devices are synchronized for audio playback in multiple locations, then the listening experience remains consistent across rooms, but inter-room communication functionality is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless audio playback device is designed to perform multiple functions: synchronized audio playback across multiple rooms and inter-room communication (intercom functionality). By integrating both audio playback and communication capabilities into a single device system, the patent eliminates the need for separate communication devices in each room, thereby adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the audio playback function and inter-room communication function into a unified system. The same wireless audio playback devices that deliver synchronized music throughout the home are also used for two-way voice communication, merging what would traditionally require separate systems into one integrated solution.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is established between devices in different rooms, then inter-room voice communication is enabled, but manual intervention or complex setup is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically establishes wireless communication between devices without requiring manual pairing or complex setup procedures. When a user presses any button on the device, the system self-initiates the communication establishment process, automatically connecting to other devices in the network and enabling inter-room communication instantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The devices are pre-configured and connected to the same wireless network beforehand, so that when communication is needed, the connection infrastructure is already in place. This preliminary networking setup eliminates the need for real-time pairing or complex establishment procedures during actual use.
3Ease of operation
If a button press is used to initiate communication, then the process is simplified, but the button operation must differ from standard audio source connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically interprets button presses based on context. The same physical button can serve different functions depending on the current system state: standard operation for audio source selection, and alternative operation for initiating inter-room communication. This dynamic functionality allows simple user interaction while the system intelligently determines the appropriate action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors button presses continuously and evaluates them against predefined criteria. When specific conditions are met (such as the nature of the button press or system state), the button action triggers communication initiation rather than audio source selection, allowing the same interface element to serve multiple purposes through contextual differentiation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless inter-room voice communication and synchronized audio playback between devices in different rooms, enhancing user interaction and convenience by simplifying the process of establishing communication through intuitive user interfaces and wireless connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless audio playback device that has an electro-acoustic transducer and a microphone
Implementation Method 2
transmitting to the other wireless audio playback device an audio signal received by the microphone
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wireless audio playback device that has an electro-acoustic transducer and a microphone, wherein the wireless audio playback device is configured for playback of audio signals received from a plurality of digital audio sources and for synchronized audio playback with one or more other wireless audio playback devices. A particular predefined user action is detected. Based on the detection, wireless communication with another wireless audio playback device is enabled. Then an audio signal received by the device microphone is transmitted to and played by the other wireless audio playback device.