Methods and systems to provide automatic configuration of wireless speakers

An apparatus is described that includes an AV receiver with a wireless audio module (WAM) host. The apparatus further includes a plurality of wireless speakers each having a WAM device to enable bi-directional communications with the WAM host. The apparatus further includes a wireless input/output device or a plurality of wireless input/output devices embedded in speakers to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host in order to automatically configure the plurality of wireless speakers to optimize audio parameters of the wireless speakers. The automatic configuration includes determining a location for each speaker in order to identify each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting time delay parameters for each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting volume parameters for each speaker.

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention pertain to methods and systems to provide automatic configuration of wireless speakers.

BACKGROUND

In the consumer electronics and computer industries, transmission of audio signals from a host player to remote device speakers has generally been accomplished over an analog wired interface comprising speaker. With the advent of digital audio content, the desire to maintain the pristine digital audio signal as far as possible along the audio signal chain has motivated designers to pursue digital interfaces to replace unsightly, signal-loss-prone analog speaker wires.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams. HDMI is compatible with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) Digital Rights Management technology. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, a DVD player, a PC, a video game console, or an audio video (AV) receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).

FIG. 1shows an example of a conventional prior art audio video system that includes a source, HDMI AV receiver, with a centralized amplifier connected via an HDMI cable to HDMI DVD player and also connected via an HDMI cable to a display (HDMI TV). The HDMI AV receiver is also connected via analog speaker wires to a set of 6 speakers, each connected point-to-point from the HDMI AV receiver. Speakers inFIG. 1are identified as follows: Front Left (FL), Front Right (FR), Center (C), Surround Left (SL), Surround Right (SR), and Low Frequency Effect (LFE), also commonly referred to as a “subwoofer.”

FIG. 1contains components which can maintain pristine digital audio and video from source to display through HDMI interconnects. The interconnects from the source to the speakers still comprise analog via conventional speaker wires. For prior art systems containing 6 individual speakers, and other, more advanced systems that support up to 8 speakers or more, the speaker wire interconnections not only suffer from analog signal loss, but the speaker wire interconnections can be an eyesore or be a wire-hiding challenge.

Additionally, configuration and calibration of the speakers inFIG. 1is performed with a wired analog microphone coupled by a wire to the HDMI AV receiver. Test tones are sent from the AV receiver to a test speaker, which reproduces the test tones. The wired microphone coupled to the AV receiver listens for the test tones reproduced by the test speaker. The AV receiver then calculates delay and volume parameters for the test speaker. The wired microphone is limited in its location and convenience of use by the wire coupled to the AV receiver. The wired microphone also provides analog audio input, rather than pristine digital audio.

SUMMARY

For certain embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is described that includes an AV receiver with a wireless audio module (WAM) host. The apparatus further includes a plurality of wireless speakers each having a WAM device to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host. The apparatus further includes a wireless input/output device to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host in order to automatically configure the plurality of wireless speakers to optimize audio parameters of the wireless speakers. The automatic configuration includes determining a location for each speaker in order to identify each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting time delay parameters for each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting volume parameters for each speaker.

For some embodiments of the present invention, a method for automatic configuration of a plurality of wireless speakers is described. The method includes sending an audio test tone from a wireless audio module (WAM) host located in an audio receiver to the plurality of wireless speakers. The method further includes sending the audio test tone from each wireless speaker to a wireless input/output device located in an optimum location for configuring audio parameters associated with the plurality of wireless speakers. The method further includes sending audio information from the wireless input/output device to the receiver in order to enable an automatic configuration of the plurality of wireless speakers.

Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method for automatic configuration of a plurality of wireless speakers is described. The method includes sending an audio test tone from a WAM host located in a source (e.g., an AV receiver, a DVD player, a display, a integrated DVD player/display, a HDMI AV receiver, a HDMI DVD player, a HDMI display, or an HDMI integrated DVD player/display) to the plurality of wireless speakers. The method further includes sending the audio test tone from each wireless speaker to a wireless input/output device located in an optimum location for configuring audio parameters associated with the plurality of wireless speakers. The method further includes sending audio information from the wireless input/output device to the source in order to enable an automatic configuration of the plurality of wireless speakers.

An intended advantage of providing automatic configuration of wireless speakers is that the wireless input/output device is not coupled to the source. A consumer can easily configure the wireless speakers by locating the wireless input/output device in an ideal listening and configuration position. Another intended advantage is that bidirectional communications between the source and wireless input/output device can optimize the configuration and calibration procedures. Another intended advantage is that the wireless input/output device can be embedded in a remote source controller or in the wireless speakers.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an apparatus having an AV receiver with a WAM host in communication with wireless speakers and a wireless input/output device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus200includes the AV receiver202with a WAM host204. The AV receiver202is coupled to a TV220and a DVD player290. For certain embodiments, the AV receiver202is a HDMI AV receiver which is coupled to a HDMI TV and a HDMI DVD player. For one embodiment, the apparatus200further includes a plurality of wireless speakers230,240,250,260,270, and280each having a respective WAM device232,242,252,262,272, and282to enable communication with the WAM host204. For another embodiment, the WAM devices and WAM host communicate control and data information bidirectionally.

The apparatus200further includes a wireless input/output device210to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host204in order to automatically configure the plurality of wireless speakers230,240,250,260,270, and280and to optimize audio parameters of the wireless speakers230,240,250,260,270, and280.

The automatic configuration of the wireless speakers includes determining a location for each speaker in order to identify each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting time delay parameters for each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting volume parameters for each speaker.

For one embodiment, the wireless input/output device210is a wireless microphone. For another embodiment, the wireless input/output device210is embedded in a remote control device that operates the HDMI receiver. The HDMI receiver can be a separate component or located in a HDMI TV, a HDMI DVD player, or an integrated HDMI TV/DVD player.

The wireless speakers230,240,250,260,270, and280may represent a front left speaker240, a front right speaker260, a center speaker250, a surround left speaker270, a surround right speaker280, and a subwoofer speaker230. Additional types and kinds of wireless speakers may be added to the apparatus200in accordance with certain embodiments.

For some embodiments, the apparatus200will adjust various audio parameters to optimize playback based on room acoustics for a given location of the apparatus200. Communication between the wireless input/output device210and the HDMI AV receiver is handled wirelessly to simplify the operation for the end user or consumer. The wireless input/output device210can be easily located in an ideal listening position for configuration of the wireless speakers. A consumer can easily configure audio equipment to optimize audio quality in order to match room acoustics.

The wireless audio topology ofFIG. 2reduces clutter and also enables consolidation of devices and multiple locations of the WAM host, as shown inFIGS. 2-5. In each ofFIGS. 3-5, the AV receiver separate component has been combined with an HDMI DVD player302(FIG. 3) or an HDMI TV402(FIG. 4) or an integrated HDMI DVD player/TV502(FIG. 5). This consolidation is possible with the wireless audio topology because a major portion of the AV receiver—namely, the centralized amplifier for the speakers—has been effectively distributed to each of the speakers. With this often large and heat-producing section removed from the core components, replaced with a single WAM host, it is possible to economically create multi-channel audio output capabilities from a source. Such a WAM host can reside inside a DVD player or TV chassis. Even better, neither the DVD player nor the TV need to add any extra connectors to provide such support, as the capability is made available via a wireless system, when the associated antennas are located internal to the box that contains the WAM host.

Note that the topology between WAM host and WAM devices is point-to-multi-point, implemented via a Ultra Wideband (UWB) Host/Device architecture. Also noteworthy is the ability for bidirectional communications over the wireless link, as depicted with the wireless beacon-like icons. The majority of the data transferred in such an audio application is from host to devices, but very important, infrequent data is sent from the devices to the host, communicating acknowledgements of data transfers and application-specific information, such as packet reception reliability statistics. Such bidirectional communication is also useful to enable detection of devices, which allows for many ease-of-use capabilities, such as auto-configuration of the audio system optimized to the speakers available for output. Additionally, the absence of speaker wires enables a simpler-to-setup, less cluttered environment, and allows the pristine digital audio content to reach the speakers with no signal loss.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of an AV system having a DVD player with a WAM host in communication with wireless speakers and a wireless input/output device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system300includes the HDMI DVD player302with the WAM host304. The HDMI DVD player302is coupled to a HDMI TV320. For one embodiment, the system300further includes a plurality of wireless speakers330,340,350,360,370, and380each having a respective WAM device332,342,352,362,372, and382to enable communication with the WAM host304. The WAM devices and WAM host communicate control and data information bidirectionally for various purposes including configuring and calibrating audio parameters of the wireless speakers.

The system300further includes a wireless input/output device310to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host304in order to automatically configure the plurality of wireless speakers330,340,350,360,370, and380and to optimize audio parameters of the wireless speakers330,340,350,360,370, and380.

For an embodiment, the DVD player302is a home theatre in a box (HTiB) with a wireless audio module (WAM) host304. The plurality of wireless speakers each having a wireless transceiver (e.g., WAM device332,342,352,362,372, or382) to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host304.

The automatic configuration of the wireless speakers includes determining a location for each speaker in order to identify each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting time delay parameters for each speaker. For example, a speaker closer in distance to the WAM host304may require a different delay compared to a speaker further from the WAM host304in order to optimize audio parameters from the speakers as a group. The automatic configuration further includes setting volume parameters for each speaker.

For some embodiments, the system300will adjust various audio parameters to optimize playback based on room acoustics for a given location of the system300. Communication between the wireless input/output device310and the DVD player302is handled wirelessly to simplify the operation for the end user or consumer. The wireless input/output device310can be easily located in an ideal listening position for configuration of the wireless speakers. A consumer can easily configure audio equipment to optimize audio quality in order to match room acoustics.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an AV system having a display with a WAM host in communication with wireless speakers and a wireless input/output device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system400includes the display or HDMI display402with the WAM host404. The HDMI display402is coupled to a HDMI DVD player490. For one embodiment, the system400further includes a plurality of wireless speakers430,440,450,460,470, and480each having a respective WAM device432,442,452,462,472, and482to enable communication with the WAM host404. The WAM devices and WAM host communicate control and data information bidirectionally for various purposes including configuring and calibrating audio parameters of the wireless speakers.

The system400further includes a wireless input/output device410to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host404in order to automatically configure the plurality of wireless speakers430,440,450,460,470, and480and to optimize audio parameters of the wireless speakers430,440,450,460,470, and480.

For some embodiments, the system400will adjust various audio parameters to optimize playback based on room acoustics for a given location of the system400. Communication between the wireless input/output device410and the display402is handled wirelessly to simplify the operation for the end user or consumer. The wireless input/output device410can be easily located in an ideal listening position for configuration of the wireless speakers. A consumer can easily configure audio equipment to optimize audio quality in order to match room acoustics.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of an AV system having an integrated DVD player and display with a WAM host in communication with wireless speakers and a wireless input/output device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system500includes the integrated DVD player and display or a HDMI integrated DVD player and display502with the WAM host504. For one embodiment, the system500further includes a plurality of wireless speakers530,540,550,560,570, and580each having a respective WAM device532,542,552,562,572, and582to enable communication with the WAM host504. The WAM devices and WAM host communicate control and data information bidirectionally for various purposes including configuring and calibrating audio parameters of the wireless speakers.

The system500further includes a wireless input/output device510to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host504in order to automatically configure the plurality of wireless speakers530,540,550,560,570, and580and to optimize audio parameters of the wireless speakers530,540,550,560,570, and580.

For some embodiments, the system500will adjust various audio parameters to optimize audio performance based on room acoustics. Communication between the wireless input/output device510and the integrated DVD player and display502is handled wirelessly to simplify the operation for the end user or consumer. The wireless input/output device510can be easily located in any desired position for configuration of the wireless speakers. A consumer can easily configure the system500to optimize audio quality in order to match room acoustics.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of a method for configuring wireless speakers with a wireless input/output device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method600includes sending an audio test tone from a WAM host located in a source (e.g., an AV receiver, a DVD player, a display, an integrated DVD player/display, a HDMI AV receiver, a HDMI DVD player, a HDMI display, or a HDMI integrated DVD player/display) to the plurality of wireless speakers at block602. The method600further includes sending the audio test tone from each wireless speaker to a wireless input/output device located in an optimum location for configuring audio parameters associated with the plurality of wireless speakers at block604. The method600further includes sending audio information from the wireless input/output device to the source in order to enable an automatic configuration of the plurality of wireless speakers at block606.

The method600further includes determining a location for each wireless speaker in order to identify each wireless speaker at block608. The method600further includes setting time delay parameters for each wireless speaker at block610. The method600further includes setting volume parameters for each wireless speaker at block612.

The wireless input/output device can be a separate wireless microphone or embedded in a remote controller of the source. For example, in addition to enabling auto-configuration of the wireless speakers, the wireless input/output device can also be used as a microphone for karaoke or other types of entertainment.

The wireless input/output device is not coupled to the source in contrast to a prior approach for configuring speakers, wired or wireless. A consumer can easily configure the wireless speakers by locating the wireless input/output device in an ideal listening and configuration position. Also, in contrast to the prior art having one-directional communication, bidirectional communications between the source and wireless input/output device can optimize the configuration and calibration procedures.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of an AV system having a source with a WAM host in communication with wireless speakers having embedded input/output devices in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system700includes the source702(e.g., an AV receiver, a DVD player, a display, an integrated DVD player/display, a HDMI AV receiver, a HDMI DVD player, a HDMI display, or a HDMI integrated DVD player/display) with the WAM host704. The source702may optionally be coupled to a HDMI TV720and HDMI DVD player790as illustrated inFIG. 7. Alternatively, one or more of these components may be included in the source702. For one embodiment, the system700further includes a plurality of wireless speakers730,740,750,760,770, and780each having a respective WAM device732,742,752,762,772, and782to enable communication with the WAM host704. The WAM devices and WAM host communicate control and data information bidirectionally for various purposes including configuring and calibrating audio parameters of the wireless speakers.

Each speaker further includes an embedded wireless input/output device (e.g.,734,744,754,764,774, and784) to enable bidirectional communications with the WAM host704in order to adjust audio parameters of the plurality of wireless speakers730,740,750,760,770, and780and to optimize these audio parameters of the wireless speakers730,740,750,760,770, and780. The embedded wireless input/output device may be an additional separate component as illustrated inFIG. 7or it may be an existing component of a speaker such as a speaker cone used to perform the functionality of the input/output device (e.g., a microphone). For example, a speaker can be configured to perform the functionality of a microphone.

The automatic configuration of the wireless speakers includes determining a location for each speaker in order to identify each speaker. For example, an algorithm with a certain number of reference points may be used to determine a location for each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting time delay parameters for each speaker. The automatic configuration further includes setting volume parameters for each speaker. For example, a speaker closer in distance to the WAM host704may require a different volume parameter compared to a speaker further from the WAM host704in order to optimize audio parameters from the speakers as a group.

The wireless input/output devices734,744,754,764,774, and784located in the respective wireless speakers730,740,750,760,770, and780are not physically coupled to the source in contrast to a prior wired approach for configuring speakers, wired or wireless. The system700performs an auto-configuration of the wireless speakers without a wired microphone or remote controller, and without a dependence upon location of the microphone. Also, in contrast to the prior art having a one directional communication, bidirectional communications between the source and wireless input/output devices can optimize the configuration and calibration procedures.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of a method for configuring wireless speakers having embedded input/output devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method800includes sending an audio test tone from a WAM host located in a source (e.g., an AV receiver, a DVD player, a display, or an integrated DVD player/display, a HDMI AV receiver, a HDMI DVD player, a HDMI display, or a HDMI integrated DVD player/display) to the plurality of wireless speakers at block802. The method800further includes sending the audio test tone from a wireless test speaker to the other wireless speakers not currently being tested at block804. The method800further includes sending audio information from each wireless speaker not being tested to the source in order to enable an automatic configuration of the tested speaker at block806. The operations of blocks802,804, and806may be repeated in order to test each wireless speaker individually. The method800further includes determining a location for each wireless speaker in order to identify each wireless speaker at block808. The method800further includes setting time delay parameters for each wireless speaker at block810. The time delay parameters may include a time reference or base and time stamps to indicate when a speaker received a test tone. The method800further includes setting volume parameters for each wireless speaker at block812.

FIG. 9Ais a block diagram of a wireless speaker subsystem with a WAM device communicating with a WAM host in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. To expand upon the automatic configuration of wireless speakers, it is helpful to understand the internals of the wireless speaker subsystem900, an example of which is shown inFIG. 9A. The wireless speaker subsystem900includes the WAM device920, which receives wireless audio data, auxiliary packets, and/or audio test tones from the WAM host910as well as sends back audio information to the host910, as required, and further illustrated inFIG. 9B. The WAM device920may also send audio information to other wireless speakers and/or a wireless input/output device as discussed above.

The wireless speaker subsystem900further includes an audio Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)930, which takes in the digital audio data from the WAM device920, and converts it to analog. This analog line-level signal is then sent to the audio amplifier940, which can be specifically designed to match the loudspeaker driver944, as it is resident in the same enclosure as the driver944in this topology. Power946is specifically noted in this block diagram showing that there is a need for power in the wireless speakers to allow the active electronics to be powered, as well as allocating sufficient power for the audio amplifier performance desired for the subsystem900.

FIG. 9Bis a block diagram of a system with a WAM host communicating with a WAM device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The WAM host960includes an audio-in first-in first-out buffer (“FIFO”)962, a microprocessor964, memory966allocated for packet storage, and a certified wireless USB (“CWUSB”) host device968. The WAM device970includes an audio-out FIFO978, a microprocessor976, memory974allocated for packet storage, and a UWB device972. The system950receives digital audio input980from a source, sends it wirelessly over UWB, and produces digital audio output990from each device970. The microprocessor included in each WAM embodiment must perform sophisticated management and execute complex algorithms tailored to the wireless medium and the dynamic system requirements. Although not shown inFIG. 9B, the WAM host must process and transmit all digital audio channels, while a WAM device might only consume a single audio channel. The WAM host's management of communications, data routing, and synchronization for all the audio channels supported in a system is a significant task.

FIGS. 2-5and7illustrate various AV systems with 5.1 surround sound based on having a plurality of wireless speakers including a front left speaker, a front right speaker, a center speaker, a surround left speaker, a surround right speaker, and a first low frequency effect (LFE) speaker. For one embodiment, the various AV systems may further include a side left surround speaker and a side right surround speaker to provide 7.1 surround sound. For another embodiment, the various AV systems may further include a second LFE speaker. The various AV systems can provide up to 127 separate wireless audio channels enabling various surround sound arrangements such as 10.2 theatre surround, 22.2 surround, or 22.3 surround.

High quality pristine digital audio based on optimized wireless speaker configuration can be provided for various arrangements with no wired microphone required. For example, a consumer can quickly and easily configure the wireless speakers without having to properly position a wired microphone. For one embodiment, a speaker configuration can be performed without having a separate microphone component.