Modular speakers

Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a system that includes an audio system module. The audio system module includes a speaker, a connector, and one or more processing units. The one or more processing units are configured to detect a second audio system module connected to the connector; determine a network map of audio system modules, wherein the network map comprises at least the first audio system module and the second audio system module; determine a mode of operation based on the network map; receive an audio signal; and via the speaker, output audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Various Embodiments

The various embodiments relate generally to audio systems, and more specifically, to modular speakers.

Description of the Related Art

A key component for the enjoyment of audio content is speakers, which are responsible for converting electrical audio signals into sounds. With the mass proliferation of audio-only and audio-containing content via a variety of devices, demand for speakers has greatly increased. For example, a user may have a demand for speakers in the home, in the vehicle, in the workplace, and on the go.

Multiple types of conventional speaker systems are available for various situations. One type of speaker system, typically intended for fixed or stationary installations such as for home use, includes multiple speakers, and each of these speakers is connected to a specific channel, often by a physical wire. The speakers within this type of speaker system are often configured for specific functionality within the speaker system. Another type of speaker system includes one speaker unit, often portable, that can be coupled to an audio source but not to other speakers.

A drawback of these conventional speaker systems is the limited configurability and functionality of such speaker systems. For example, fixed-installation speakers are typically large and are difficult to move and/or position, and thus are typically limited to uses where those speakers are expected to remain in place indefinitely. Additionally, specific-functionality or specific-channel speakers cannot be easily repurposed for other uses (e.g., a rear-channel speaker not used in a 5.1-channel speaker system cannot be easily deployed for single-speaker or 2.1-channel systems. Meanwhile, smaller, more portable speakers are often, for the sake of making the speaker portable, limited in connectivity options, audio processing capabilities, and/or audio output capabilities. The limited configurability and functionality of conventional speakers force the user to get multiple different speakers for different use cases, thus increasing the expense for enjoyable audio experiences across multiple use cases.

What is needed are speaker systems with broader configurability and functionality.

SUMMARY

One embodiment sets forth a method for outputting audio at an audio system module comprising detecting a second audio system module connected to the audio system module via a physical connection; determining a network map of audio system modules, wherein the network map comprises at least the audio system module and the second audio system module; determining a mode of operation based on the network map; receiving an audio signal; and outputting audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation.

Another embodiment sets forth a method for outputting audio at an audio system module comprising receiving a test signal; in response to the test signal, outputting a response signal; receiving network map information indicating a network map of audio system modules, wherein the network map is determined based on at least the response signal; determining a mode of operation based on the network map; receiving an audio signal; and outputting audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation.

Further embodiments provide, among other things, one or more computer-readable storage media and a system configured to implement any of the methods set forth above.

An advantage and technical improvement of the disclosed embodiments relative to the prior art is that an audio system module is portable and can be flexibly arranged and combined in conjunction with additional audio system modules. Accordingly, an audio system composed of such modules can be deployed and configured physically and acoustically for different use cases. Such an audio system can also be easily positioned and scaled to various form factors, sizes, and functionalities and/or capabilities based on the use case. Such an audio system can also be easily repositioned and/or reconfigured compared to conventional speaker systems. Furthermore, a set of audio system modules can be physically connected into a network of modules and self-map the network of modules. The capability of a module within the network can be controlled according to its location within the network. These technical advantages provide one or more technological improvements over prior art approaches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of an audio system module100configured to implement one or more aspects of the various embodiments. In various embodiments, audio system module100, which can also be called a “cell,” can be coupled physically and/or wirelessly with, and operate in conjunction with, one or more additional audio system modules100. As shown, audio system module100includes, without limitation, one or more processing units102, I/O device interface104, network interface106, interconnect (bus)112, and memory120. Processing unit(s)102, I/O device interface104, network interface106, and memory120can be communicatively coupled to each other via interconnect112.

Processing unit(s)102may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or the like. Each processing unit102generally comprises a programmable processor that executes program instructions to manipulate input data. In some embodiments, processing unit(s)102may include any number of processing cores, memories, and other modules for facilitating program execution. In various embodiments, processing unit(s)102further include any number of audio processing circuits, processors, modules, and/or the like for processing audio signals. Examples of audio processing circuits and/or the like include, without limitation, digital-to-analog converter, digital signal buffer, amplifier, beam-forming circuitry, and so forth. In some embodiments, processing unit(s)102include a low-power DSP unit.

Memory120can include a memory module or collection of memory modules. Memory120generally comprises storage chips such as random access memory (RANI) chips that store application programs and data for processing by processing unit(s)102. Processing unit(s)102, I/O device interface104, and network interface106can be configured to read data from and write data to memory120. In various embodiments, audio system module100can further include non-volatile storage (not shown). The non-volatile storage can include storage for applications, software modules, and data, and can include flash memory devices, read-only memory (ROM), or other solid state storage devices, and/or the like. The non-volatile storage can include sets of instructions (e.g., applications) that, when executed, configure processing units(s)102to perform any of the operations and techniques described herein.

In some embodiments, audio system module100can communicatively couple with one or more networks160. Network(s)160may be any technically feasible type of communications network that allows data to be exchanged between audio system module100and remote systems or devices, such as a server, a cloud computing system, or other networked computing device or system. For example, network160could include a local area network (LAN), a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network), and/or the Internet, among others. Audio system module100can connect with network(s)160via network interface106. In some embodiments, network interface106is hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, that is configured to connect to and interface with network(s)160.

In some embodiments, audio system module100can communicatively couple with a local computing device170separate from audio system module100and other audio system modules coupled to audio system module100. For example, audio system module100could be paired with computing device170(e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook or desktop computer) associated with the user. One or more applications172executing on the paired computing device170can operate in conjunction with audio system module100to, for example, configure audio system module100and/or output audio signals to audio system module100. Audio system module100can be coupled to computing device170via network interface106(e.g., via network(s)160) and/or via I/O device interface104by wire or wireless in any technically feasible manner (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

Audio system module100can include one or more input devices114. Input devices(s)114can include devices capable of receiving input. Examples of input device(s)114include, without limitation, a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touchpad), a touch-sensitive screen or display, one or more microphones, buttons, knobs, dials, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the microphone(s) are configured to receive sounds from the environment (e.g., voice input from a user, test signals from computing device170). The microphone(s) may include, without limitation, unidirectional microphones, omnidirectional microphones, directional microphones, a microphone array, beam-forming microphones, microelectro-mechanical (MEMS) microphones, and/or the like.

Audio system module100can include one or more output devices116. Output device(s)116can include devices capable of providing output. Examples of output device(s)116include, without limitation, a display device. Examples of display devices include, without limitation, LCD displays, LED displays, touch-sensitive displays, LED lights (e.g., indicator lights) and/or the like. Audio system module110can also include devices capable of both receiving input and providing output, such as a touch-sensitive display, and/or the like.

Audio system module100can include an audio output device122. Audio output device122include a device capable of outputting sound to the user. In some embodiments, audio output device122includes a transducer (e.g., speaker) configured to convert electrical audio signals to audible sounds. In some embodiments, audio output device122is capable of outputting the full range of human-audible frequencies (and optionally also one or more human-inaudible frequency ranges) and can be configured to output sounds in the full human-audible range or a subset of the human-audible frequency range. For example, audio output device122could be configured to be a full-range speaker, a subwoofer, a tweeter, or the like.

Audio system module100can include a power source108. Power source108supplies electrical power to audio system module100. Power source108can include, without limitation, a battery internal to audio system module100, a power supply configured to receive electrical power from a power source external to audio system module100(e.g., an external battery, a wall power socket, another physically connected audio system module100), and/or the like. In some embodiments, power source108also includes circuitry configured to process power signals (e.g., power signals130) and manage the power consumption of audio system module100. For example, the circuitry can include circuits that respectively perform voltage conversion, perform AC-to-DC conversion, regulate the supply and delivery of power to certain components of audio system module100and/or to other physically connected audio system modules, regulate battery charging, put audio system module100into a sleep mode, and/or the like.

Audio system module100includes one or more connectors124. Connector(s)124facilitate physical connection to other audio system modules100and also input/output (e.g., signal transmission) between the physically connected audio system modules. Via connector(s)124, audio system module100can be connected to one or more other audio system modules and transmit and/or receive power signals130(e.g., electrical power) and/or other signals140(e.g., audio signals, control signals, data signals, other data or information) to/from those connected audio system module(s). In some embodiments, connectors124include magnetic connectors that can magnetically couple to similar connectors on another audio system module. These magnetic connectors are also electrically conductive, and accordingly signals (e.g., power signals130and/or other signals140) can propagate through the magnetically coupled connectors. These connectors124can be exposed on one or more outer surfaces of audio system module100. These connectors124are configured to be magnetically and/or electrically coupled to similar connectors124on another audio system module100.

In some embodiments, connectors124also includes one or more other physical connectors, in addition to the connectors for connecting to other audio system modules. For example, connectors124can include a USB receptacle for connecting to an external power source and/or to computing device170via a USB cable, an input source connector (e.g., a 3.5 mm audio jack socket, a line-in connector) for connecting to an audio source, a power connector for connecting to a power plug that can plug into a wall power socket, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, multiple types of audio system modules100are implemented as a family of audio system modules than can be coupled and operate together, and one or more of the above-described components may be configured differently and/or omitted depending on the type of module and a role associated with the type. For example, a family of audio system modules could include a full-range speaker module, a subwoofer module, a display module, an audio source module, a control module, a power module, and a wireless connection module. A full-range speaker would include an audio output device122configured for full-range output and may omit input devices114and output devices116. A subwoofer module is similar to the full-range speaker except that the audio output device122of the subwoofer module would be configured for outputting a low-frequency range (e.g., bass). A display module could omit audio output device122and would include a display amongst output devices116; the display module could display various information, such as information about the audio content being played, sound settings (e.g., equalizer settings), visualizations of the audio being played, etc. An audio source module could omit audio output device122and would include various source input connectors and options (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack, line-in connector, other analog audio connectors). A control module could omit audio output device122and would include input device(s)114that can receive input from a user (e.g., knob(s), touchscreen, button(s)). A power module could omit audio output device122and would include a power source108that can draw power (e.g., power signals130) from a source (e.g., battery, wall power socket) and process the power signals (e.g., AC-to-DC conversion, regulate power delivery to components and/or to other modules, etc.). A wireless connection module could omit audio output device122and would include instructions and/or applications that enable receipt routing of signals140(e.g., audio signals, control signals) to other audio system modules within the audio system; the wireless connection module can serve as a coordinator or mediator between a device providing signals140(e.g., computing device170) and other audio system modules within the audio system. A number of modules in this family can connect together physically and/or wirelessly to form an audio system. In some other embodiments, each type of audio system module in the family of modules can be configured for respective ones of the multiple roles described above and still include an audio output device122(and thus can still operate as a speaker).

In some embodiments, one or more of the above-described components of audio system module100may be located in a module shell that is separate from audio system module100and has a cavity that can house the audio system module. For example, the module shell can include one or more processing units, memory, storage, a power source (e.g., battery), a network interface, wireless transmission capability, source input connectors, I/O interface, input devices, and/or output devices. The module shell has one or more connectors (e.g., magnetic connectors), exposed on the inside walls of the cavity, that match with and can connect to externally-exposed connectors124(e.g., magnetic connectors) of an audio system module100housed in the cavity. The module shell enables an audio system module100housed in the cavity to operate without a direct physical connection to other audio system modules (e.g., as a single portable speaker, as a single speaker operating in conjunction with other wirelessly communicatively coupled audio system modules). The module shell is further described below in conjunction withFIG.4.

In various embodiments, audio system module100is a unit that can be physically connected and/or be communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly) to one or more other additional audio system modules100. A single audio system module100, or a set of physically connected and/or communicatively coupled audio system modules100, can be communicatively coupled to an audio source (e.g., computing device170, an audio source connected via a line-in connector124). Further, a set of physically connected and/or communicatively coupled audio system modules100can communicate with each other and identify their locations relative to each other and/or their respective functions. Output of audio signals by the set of physically connected and/or communicatively coupled audio system modules100can be controlled based the locations and/or functions of respective audio system modules100within the set.

In various embodiments, audio system module100has a form factor that enables audio system module100to be easily moved, positioned, and/or connected to other audio system modules100. For example, in some embodiments, audio system module100could be approximately the size of the palm of an adult hand. Audio system module100can be placed on a surface in any technically feasible manner (e.g., placed on a horizontal surface; mounted on a vertical surface via adhesive, magnet, mounting bracket, hole that hooks onto a nail or screw, and/or the like).

As described above, two or more audio system modules100can be physically connected via connectors124(e.g., magnetic connectors) on each of the two or more audio system modules100. The two or more audio system modules100physically connect to form a planar arrangement (e.g., a planar array) of audio system modules100. The form factor of audio system module100can be designed to facilitate physical connection into a planar arrangement. In some embodiments, form factor of audio system module100has a right prism geometry, where the front and rear face or base of the geometry are n-sided polygons of the same shape, and the side faces or walls are rectangles joining corresponding sides of the front and rear faces. The n-sided polygon of the front/rear face can be, for example, a triangle (e.g., equilateral triangle), a square, a hexagon, or the like. Connectors124are exposed on the side walls, and audio system modules100can physically connect via the connectors on the side walls.

FIGS.2A-2Billustrate different views of an audio system module, according to various embodiments.FIG.2Aillustrates a front plan view of an audio system module200, andFIG.2Billustrates a perspective view of the audio system module200. As shown inFIG.2A, audio system module200(e.g., one audio system module100) has a housing202, of which the front face is shown inFIG.2A. Housing202houses the components of audio system module200(e.g., components described with respect toFIG.1above). As shown inFIGS.2A-2B, audio system module200has a prism geometry, with both a front face and a rear face (not shown) having a hexagonal shape.

Housing202has a number of side walls206matching the number of sides of the shape of the front/rear face. Accordingly, housing202as shown has six side walls, of which two side walls206-1and206-2are shown.

Audio system module200as shown includes a speaker204(e.g., audio output device122). On the front face of housing202as shown inFIG.2A, speaker204is exposed (e.g., a diaphragm and/or a speaker grille of speaker204is exposed). For an audio system module200that omits audio output device122, another component can be exposed on the front face of housing202in place of speaker204. For example, a display device (of output devices116) and/or one or more input devices114can be exposed on the front face in place of speaker204.

Audio system module200also has a rear face (not shown) opposite of the front face shown inFIG.2A. The rear face can include any number of features that enable the module to be mounted on a surface (e.g., a wall). The rear face can include, for example, an adhesive pad, a magnetic pad, or a hole configured to hook onto a nail or screw on a wall.

Side walls206includes and exposes connectors208(e.g., connectors124). As shown, each side wall206includes four connectors208. Each of these connectors208are magnetic and electrically conductive, and can magnetically and/or electrically couple to a set of four similar connectors208on a side wall of another audio system module200.

In some embodiments, each connector of a set of four connectors208on a side wall carries certain signals. For example, connectors208-1and208-4can carry power signals130and connectors208-2and208-3can carry other signals140, such as data or audio signals. Accordingly, two audio system modules200physically coupled to each other can exchange power signals via connectors208-1and/or208-4, and exchange other signals140via connectors208-2and/or208-3.

FIGS.3A-3Dillustrate example arrays of physically connected audio system modules, according to various embodiments. As described above, two or more audio system modules (e.g., audio system modules100or200) can be physically connected into a planar, tiled arrangement via the connectors (e.g., connectors208) exposed on the side walls (e.g., side walls206), with the front faces of the connected audio system modules facing the same direction.

FIGS.3A-3Billustrate linear arrangements of multiple audio system modules physically connected via their side walls.FIG.3Aillustrates a linear arrangement oriented vertically, andFIG.3Billustrates a linear arrangement oriented horizontally. The vertically oriented arrangement shown inFIG.3Acan be deployed similarly as a speaker tower, and the horizontally oriented arrangement can be deployed similarly as a sound bar.

FIG.3Cillustrates a symmetric arrangement of multiple audio system modules physically connected via their side walls. As shown, the audio system modules are connected into a symmetric array resembling a honeycomb.FIG.3Dillustrates an arbitrary arrangement of multiple audio system modules physically connected via their connectors.

WhileFIGS.3A-3Dillustrate arrangements of specific numbers of connected audio system modules, it should be appreciated that any number of audio system modules can be physically connected via their connectors (e.g., connectors124,208) to form any array or other planar arrangement feasible for the geometries of the audio system modules.

FIG.4illustrates an audio system module held in a module shell, according to various embodiments. As described above, a module shell can be separate from, and house, an audio system module100.FIG.4illustrates a front plan view of an audio system module housed in a cavity of the module shell. As shown, an audio system module with housing402and speaker404is housed in a module shell406. The front face of the audio system module is exposed; module shell406can enclose the sides and rear face of the audio system module while exposing the front face of the audio system module. Module shell406can receive housing402in a cavity having a geometry that matches the geometry of housing402(e.g., a hexagonal cavity for a hexagonal housing402). The side walls of the cavity of module shell406include connectors (not shown) that physically connect (e.g., magnetically and/or electrically connect) to the connectors (e.g., connectors208) on the side walls of the audio system module, similar to how connectors208on two audio connector modules can connect to each other. These connectors of module shell406communicatively couple the audio system module to the internal components (e.g., I/O interface, processing units, network interface, etc.) of module shell406. Module shell406can have a prism geometry, similar to the audio system module. The rear face of module shell406, opposite of the front face of module shell406, can have features that enable mounting on a surface (e.g., adhesive pad, magnetic pad, hole configured to hook onto a nail or screw on a wall).

WhileFIG.4shows a module shell406that has a similar outer geometry as housing402of the audio system module, in some embodiments module shell406can have an overall geometry different from housing402while the cavity for receiving housing402still has a geometry that matches the geometry of housing402. For example, module shell406can have a rectangular prism or cylinder geometry (e.g., so the front face of module shell406would be a rectangle (e.g., square) or circle, respectively, instead of the hexagon as shown inFIG.4), while still having a hexagonal cavity for receiving a hexagonal audio system module.

FIG.5illustrates an example distribution of audio system modules in a space, according to various embodiments. Two or more audio system modules forming an audio system can be distributed across a space (e.g., a room) in any feasible arrangement. For example, as shown, audio system modules504and506can be positioned adjacent to a wall-mounted television502in a space500, on either side of television502. A set508of physically connected audio system modules (e.g., a horizontally oriented linear array) can be positioned below television502. Another set510of physically connected audio system modules (e.g., a vertically oriented linear array) can be placed on one side of space500, and a further set512of physically connected audio system modules (e.g., a vertically oriented linear array) can be placed the opposite side of space500.

FIG.6illustrates an example user interface for specifying a distribution layout of audio system modules in a space, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, a distribution of the audio system modules can be input into an external device (e.g., computing device170) by a user via an application executing on the external device.FIG.6shows an example user interface of such an application. As shown, user interface600is a touch-based interface displayed on a touch-sensitive display of an external device. A user can use touch-based controls (e.g., gestures, etc.) to specify locations audio system modules and notable pieces of furniture or equipment in a floor plan view of a space. For example, as shown, a television604and a couch606has been marked in the floor plan view. The user can tap on user interface600with finger602to mark locations of audio system modules in the floor plan view. As shown, locations608,610,612,614, and616are marked as locations of audio system modules. Locations608and610are on either side of television604, locations612and614are on either side of couch606, and location616is in front of television604.

WhileFIG.6shows the application providing a floor plan view in user interface600for marking locations of audio system modules, the application can also provide other views of the space, including for example a view from inside the space. Further in some embodiments, if the external device is equipped with an image capture device (e.g., a camera), an application executing on the external device could capture one or more images of the space and display the image(s) in user interface600, where the user can mark locations of audio system modules on the displayed image(s) (e.g., via an augmented reality interface presented in conjunction with the captured images).

In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the external device can automatically detect and/or determine the distribution of audio system modules. For example, if the external device is equipped with an image capture device (e.g., a camera), an application executing on the external device could capture one or more images of the space, recognize audio system modules in the image(s), and determine a layout of the space and locations of the audio system modules within the space based on the image(s). In some other embodiments, from a stationary location in the space (e.g., approximately in the center of the room), computing device170can emit a test signal (e.g., a sound in a human-inaudible frequency) to the audio system modules in the space. The audio system modules in the space can detect the test signal via a microphone of input devices114. Additionally and/or alternatively, computing device170may transmit the test signal and/or a test command to the audio system modules in the space via a wireless and/or other type of connection. Each audio system module in the space, one at a time, can emit a response signal (e.g., another sound in a human-inaudible frequency, a light from an indicator light) in response to the test signal. Computing device170can, based on the response signals, determine locations of the audio system modules (e.g., based on sound triangulation and/or mapping of response lights) and accordingly determine a distribution layout and network map of the audio system modules.

FIG.7illustrates an example network map of an array of physically connected audio system modules, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, a set of physically connected audio system modules can self-map the network of the physically connected audio system modules. By mapping the network of the physically connected modules, the modules can synchronize and manipulate audio output by the physically connected modules based on the network. The network can be represented as a graph where each of the physically connected audio system modules is a node and each physical connection is an edge.

As shown inFIG.7, a network700of physically connected audio system modules702includes audio system modules702-1thru702-9physically connected via connectors (e.g., connectors208) on their side walls. Each audio system module702as shown is hexagonal and accordingly has six side walls, each side wall having a set of connectors for connecting with another audio system module702. Accordingly, a given audio system module702can directly physically connect with up to six other audio system modules702. A given audio system module702can map at least a portion of network700by detecting any audio system modules702that are physically connected to audio system module702and determining the side walls(s) to which those modules are connected. For example, starting from one end of network700, audio system module702-1would detect that module702-2is physically connected via the side wall labeled inFIG.7as “C.” Similarly, module702-2would detect that modules702-1,702-3, and702-4are physically connected via respective side walls of module702-2, and so on until the set of physically connected audio system modules702are traversed. Based on these detections and determinations, set of physically connected audio system modules702can determine a map of network700, represented inFIG.7by the directed arrows. The set of physically connected audio system modules702can self-map network700using any technically feasible technique, examples of which include, without limitation, wireless tagging, ZigBee network mapping, current sensing, digital addressing, and/or the like. One or more of audio system modules702can transmit the map of network700to a computing device (e.g., computing device170).

In some embodiments, the set of physically connected audio system modules702can also exchange identifying information, including functionality information. An audio system module702can transmit identification information to a physically connected module, where the identification information can include an identifier of audio system module702and information indicating a functionality or role of audio system module702(e.g., whether audio system module702is a full-range speaker module, a subwoofer module, a control module, etc.).

In some embodiments, the set of physically connected audio system modules702can determine one module amongst the set to be a coordinator/routing module for the set. The coordinator/routing module is responsible for communicating with other, wirelessly communicatively coupled audio system modules and/or a paired device (e.g., computing device170). For example, the coordinator/routing module can report information indicating the map of network700to a wirelessly coupled audio system modules and/or a computing device170, receive audio and/or control signals from the wirelessly coupled audio system modules and/or a computing device170, and/or transmit the audio and/or control signals to other physically connected audio system modules702in network700. The set of physically connected audio system modules702can automatically determine a coordinator/routing module using any technically feasible technique.

In various embodiments, audio system modules of an audio system, distributed across a space, can be communicatively coupled with each other and/or a paired device (e.g., computing device170). Thus, for example, the audio system modules distributed across space500above can be communicatively coupled to each other and/or a computing device170. For example, as described above with reference toFIG.7, the coordinator/router module within a set of physically connected audio system modules can communicate with other audio system modules and/or computing device170. A single module, not physically connected with any other module, can also be communicatively coupled to other modules and/or computing device170. Further, in some embodiments, amongst the coordinator/router modules and single modules in the audio system, one of these can be specified or configured to be the master coordinator/routing module for the audio system as a whole. The master coordinator/routing module is responsible for receiving audio signals and optionally control signals (e.g., from a directly connected audio source, from computing device170) and distribute those signals to the other coordinator/routing modules and single modules within the audio system. The master coordinator/routing module can be determined using any technically feasible technique.

In various embodiments, operation of an audio system module in an audio system can be controlled based on its position in a set of physically connected modules and/or its position in the audio system module as a whole. For example, each of audio system modules shown inFIG.5can operate according to its respective position in space500. Set508of audio system modules508can operate as a center speaker of a surround system. Audio system modules504and506can operate as left and right front speakers, respectively. Sets510and512of audio systems modules can operate as left and right rear or side speakers, respectively. Example of audio system module operations that can depend on position include, for example and without limitation, phased array operation, audio output beamforming, and surround sound effects. A module can be configured to operate in a certain mode (e.g., in a center, front, or rear speaker mode within a surround system), with certain parameters (e.g., a degree and/or amount of beam forming), and/or with certain attributes via control signals. The control signals can be generated by computing device170, a master coordinator/routing module, and/or a coordinator/routing module within a set of physically connected modules based to the positions of the modules. In some embodiments, an audio system module can self-determine its mode, parameter(s), and/or attribute(s) of operation based on its position. In some embodiments, computing device170can generate a map of positions of audio system modules in the audio system (e.g., based on user input and/or automatic detection as described above with reference toFIG.6) and distribute information indicating the map to the audio system modules via a master coordinator/routing module.

While the present disclosure describes various embodiments in which multiple audio system modules operate together, it should be appreciated that a single audio system module (e.g., audio system module100) can operate alone or independently (e.g., as a single speaker). For example, a user could carry around a single audio system module and use that as a portable speaker. As another example, each of multiple audio system modules in a space can operate as speakers independently of each other. A location of a single speaker can be positioned in a space and located in the space via a paired device, similar to the embodiments described with reference toFIGS.5-6above.

FIG.8illustrates a flow diagram of method steps for outputting audio according to a network map of audio system modules, according to various embodiments. Although the method steps are described with respect to the systems ofFIGS.1-7, persons skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps, in any order, falls within the scope of the various embodiments.

As shown, method800begins at step802, where an audio system module identifies one or more physically connected audio system modules. An audio system module can detect any other audio system modules directly physically connected to the audio system module and to identify those modules. For example, inFIG.7audio system module702-1can detect and identify physically connected module702-2. Similarly, module702-2can detect and identify physically connected audio system modules702-1,702-3, and702-4. In some embodiments, the identifying includes identifying a functionality or role of a module (e.g., is a module a full-range speaker, a subwoofer, a control module, etc.).

At step804, the audio system module determines a map of audio system modules. Based on the identification of physically connected audio system modules, an audio system module can determine and/or generate at least a partial network map of physically connected modules. For example, audio system module702-1can determine a network map that includes at least audio system modules702-1and702-2. Audio system module702-2can determine a network that includes at least audio system modules702-1thru702-4.

At step806, the audio system module determines a mode of operation based on the network map. A module can determine, based on its position in the network map and the functionalities/roles of other modules in the network map, its mode of operation, including but not limited to a mode (e.g., as a subwoofer, as a full-range speaker, as a front speaker in a surround system, as a speaker in a sound bar, etc.), one or more parameters, and/or one or more attributes.

At step808, the audio system module transmits network map information to a physically connected audio system module. An audio system module can transmit its network map determined in step804to a physically connected audio system module. Accordingly, the audio system modules can pass on network map information amongst each other, and each of the modules can get a fuller picture of the network map as a whole. In some embodiments, step806(determining a mode of operation) can be performed after network map information is passed around the set of physically connected audio system modules and each of the set of physically connected audio system modules has a full picture of the network map (e.g., each of physically connected audio system modules702has the full network map of network700).

At step810, the audio system module receives an audio signal. The audio system module can receive audio signals from a communicatively coupled (e.g., physically or wirelessly connected) audio system module or from a paired device (e.g., computing device170).

At step812, the audio system module outputs audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation. The audio system module generates and outputs audible sounds corresponding to the audio signal according to the mode, parameter(s), and/or attributes determined in step806. For example, an audio system module configured to beam-form audio can output sounds that correspond to beamforming of the audio signal. The audio system module can perform any technically suitable processing of the audio signal to output sounds according to the determined mode, parameter(s), and/or attributes (e.g., beamforming, surround effects, frequency filtering, etc.).

FIG.9illustrates another flow diagram of method steps for outputting audio according to a network map of audio system modules, where the network map is generated based on a test signal, according to various embodiments. Although the method steps are described with respect to the systems ofFIGS.1-7, persons skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps, in any order, falls within the scope of the various embodiments.

As shown, method900begins at step902, where an audio system module receives a test signal. A computing device170can emit a test signal to elicit a response from the audio system module for purposes of determining a position of the audio system module in a space and relative to other audio system modules in the space.

At step904, the audio system module outputs a response signal based on the test signal. In response to the test signal, the audio system module can output a response sound and/or light, which can be detected by computing device170.

At step906, the audio system module receives network map information of audio system modules, where the network map is determined based on at least the response signal. Computing device170can determine and/or generate a network map of audio system modules based on the response sounds/lights from the audio system module and other audio system modules, output in accordance with step904above. Computing device170can then propagate information indicating the network map to the audio system module (e.g., via one or more modules communicatively coupled to computing device170).

At step908, the audio system module determines a mode of operation based on the network map. A module can determine, based on its position in the network map (as indicated in the network map information) and the functionalities/roles of other modules in the network map, its mode of operation, including but not limited to a mode (e.g., as a subwoofer, as a full-range speaker, as a front speaker in a surround system, as a speaker in a sound bar, etc.), one or more parameters, and/or one or more attributes.

At step910, the audio system module receives an audio signal. The audio system module can receive audio signals from a communicatively coupled (e.g., physically or wirelessly connected) audio system module or from a paired device (e.g., computing device170).

At step912, the audio system module outputs audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation. The audio system module generates and outputs audible sounds corresponding to the audio signal according to the mode, parameter(s), and/or attributes determined in step908. For example, an audio system module configured to beam-form audio can output sounds that correspond to beamforming of the audio signal. The audio system module can perform any technically suitable processing of the audio signal to output sounds according to the determined mode, parameter(s), and/or attributes (e.g., beamforming, surround effects, frequency filtering, etc.).

In sum, an audio system includes one or more various audio system modules, or “cells,” that can be arranged and/or coupled together in various combinations. An audio system module can operate singly or in combination with other audio system modules. In some embodiments, the audio system can include cells for speaker/transducer functionality, subwoofer functionality, source input functionality, user interface functionality, power functionality, etc. The audio system can be operated and/or configured with or without the aid of an application running on a computing device paired with the audio system. Audio system modules can couple with each other wirelessly and/or via a physical connection. When multiple audio system modules are coupled physically into a group, the modules within the group can self-map the network of modules within the group and the respective locations of the modules within the network. Based on the mapping of the network of modules, the audio system can control the capabilities of individual modules within the network.

An advantage and technical improvement of the disclosed embodiments relative to the prior art is that an audio system module is portable and can be flexibly arranged and combined in conjunction with additional audio system modules. Accordingly, an audio system composed of such modules can be deployed and configured physically and acoustically for different use cases. Such an audio system can also be easily positioned and scaled to various form factors, sizes, and functionalities and/or capabilities based on the use case. Such an audio system can also be easily repositioned and/or reconfigured compared to conventional speaker systems. Furthermore, a set of audio system modules can be physically connected into a network of modules and self-map the network of modules. The capability of a module within the network can be controlled according to its location within the network. These technical advantages provide one or more technological improvements over prior art approaches.

1. In some embodiments, a system comprises a first audio system module comprising a speaker, a connector, and one or more processing units, wherein the one or more processing units are configured to detect a second audio system module connected to the connector; determine a network map of audio system modules, wherein the network map comprises at least the first audio system module and the second audio system module; determine a mode of operation based on the network map; receive an audio signal; and via the speaker, output audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation.

2. The system of clause 1, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to transmit the network map to the second audio system module or a computing device.

3. The system of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the mode of operation comprises at least one of a parameter of operation or an attribute of operation.

4. The system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the connector is a magnetic connector, and the connector is connected to a second connector of the second audio system module.

5. The system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to receive network map information from the second audio system module.

6. The system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to receive one or more control signals; and determine the mode of operation based on the one or more control signals.

7. The system of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the one or more processing units are further configured to receive one or more control signals; and transmit the one or more control signals to the second audio system module.

8. The system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the audio signal is received from the second audio system module.

9. The system of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the audio signal is received from a third audio system module wirelessly and communicatively coupled to the first audio system module.

10. The system of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the audio signal is received from a computing device communicatively coupled to the first audio system module.

11. The system of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the first audio system module is one of a full-range speaker module, a subwoofer module, a display module, an audio source module, a control module, a power module, or a wireless connection module.

12. In some embodiments, a method for outputting audio at an audio system module comprises detecting a second audio system module connected to the audio system module via a physical connection; determining a network map of audio system modules, wherein the network map comprises at least the audio system module and the second audio system module; determining a mode of operation based on the network map; receiving an audio signal; and outputting audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation.

13. The method of clause 12, further comprising transmitting the network map to the second audio system module or a computing device.

14. The method of clauses 12 or 13, further comprising receiving the audio signal wirelessly from a computing device.

15. The method of any of clauses 12-14, further comprising receiving the audio signal from the second audio system module.

16. The method of any of clauses 12-15, further comprising transmitting the audio signal to the second audio system module via the physical connection.

17. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of, at an audio system module, receiving a test signal; in response to the test signal, outputting a response signal; receiving network map information indicating a network map of audio system modules, wherein the network map is determined based on at least the response signal; determining a mode of operation based on the network map; receiving an audio signal; and outputting audio corresponding to the audio signal based on the mode of operation.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of clause 17, wherein the audio system module is connected to a second audio system module via a physical connection, and the network map includes the audio system module and the second audio system module.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of clauses 17 or 18, wherein the network map is determined based further on a second response signal output by the second audio system module.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of any of clauses 17-19, wherein the test signal is received from a computing device.