Wireless Speaker Network Auto-Configuration via Signal Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-technical users face difficulties in optimizing speaker settings for high-quality sound systems, particularly in home entertainment, as existing systems lack easy setup and configuration options, especially when speakers are moved or rearranged.

Innovation Solution

A flexible networked speaker system that uses MAC addresses and signal strength or UWB to aid in setup and configuration, automatically adjusts audio signals based on speaker locations, and includes features like room correction and microphone-assisted optimization to ensure optimal sound distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of speaker settings is performed, then optimization knowledge can be applied, but non-technical users find it difficult and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker settings optimizationVSAvoidsetup configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting speaker locations through network address identification and signal strength measurement, then autonomously determining optimal audio channel assignments and signal routing without requiring manual user input for configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from signal strength measurements and speaker location detection to automatically adjust audio configuration, with the control application continuously monitoring and adapting the setup based on detected speaker positions and network conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If speaker locations are fixed during setup, then configuration can be established, but speakers cannot be moved or rearranged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidspeaker placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static configuration to dynamic adaptation by continuously monitoring speaker locations through network detection and automatically reconfiguring audio channels and signal routing when speakers are moved, allowing the system to adapt to changing physical arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that detect speaker movement through changes in network signal strength and location data, then automatically adjust the configuration to maintain optimal audio performance despite repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automatic configuration is implemented, then setup is simplified for non-technical users, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup configurationVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control application serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex audio system, providing a simplified interface that handles configuration automatically while the underlying system maintains the necessary complexity for sophisticated audio processing and routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9288597B2Distributed wireless speaker system with automatic configuration determination when new speakers are added

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

In an audio speaker network, setup of speaker location, sound track or channel assignation, and speaker parameters is facilitated by an application detecting speaker locations and prompting a user to input rough room boundaries and a desired listener location in the room. Based on this, optimum speaker locations/frequency assignations/speaker parameters may be determined and output.