Apparatus, systems and methods for controllable sound regions in a media room

Systems and methods are operable to present audio content of a received media content stream in a plurality of user controllable spot focused sound regions. An exemplary embodiment receives an audio content stream comprising at least a first audio channel and a second audio channel; multiplies the first audio channel into a plurality of first audio channels, multiplies the second audio channel into a plurality of second audio channels; communicates a first one of the multiplied plurality of first audio channels and a first one of the multiplied plurality of second audio channels to a first audio sound region controller; and communicates a second one of the multiplied plurality of first audio channels and a second one of the multiplied plurality of second audio channels to a second audio sound region controller.

BACKGROUND

Media systems are configured to present media content that includes multiple audio channels. The sound from the media content is reproduced using a high-fidelity sound system that employs a plurality of speakers and other audio signal conditioning and/or reproducing components. Exemplary multiple channel audio content formats include the Dolby Digital formats, the Tomlinson Holman's experiment (THX) format, or the like. Exemplary media systems may include components such as a set top box, a stereo, a television (TV), a computer system, a game system, a digital video disk (DVD) player, surround sound systems, equalizers, or the like.

However, such media systems are limited to optimizing the audio sound for one best location or area of a media room where the user views and listens to the presented media content. This optimal area may be referred to as the “sweet spot” in the media room. For example, the sweet spot with the best sound in the media room may be located several feet back, and directly in line with, the display or TV screen. The speakers of the high-fidelity sound system are oriented and located such that they cooperatively reproduce the audio content in an optimal manner for the user when they are located in the sweet spot of the media room.

However, those users sitting outside of the sweet spot of the media room (to either side of, in front of, or behind the sweet spot) will hear less than optimal sound. For example, the center channel speaker and/or the front speakers that are oriented towards the sweet spot will not be oriented towards such users, and accordingly, will not provide the intended sound quality and sound levels to those users outside of the sweet spot of the media room. The rear speakers of a surround sound system will also not be directly behind and/or evenly separated behind the users that are outside of the sweet spot.

Further, different users perceive sound differently, and/or may have different personal preferences. That is, the presented audio sound of the media content that is configured for optimum enjoyment of one user may not be optionally configured for another user. For example, a hearing impaired user will hear sounds differently than a non-hearing impaired user. The hearing impaired user may prefer a lower presentation level of music and background sounds, and a higher volume level of the dialogue, as compared to the non-hearing impaired user. Young adults may prefer louder music and/or special effect sounds like explosions. In contrast, an elderly user may prefer a very low level of background music and/or special effect sounds so that they may better enjoy the dialogue of the media content.

Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to provide a more enjoyable audio content presentation for all users in the media room regardless of where they may be sitting and/or regardless of their personal preferences.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods of presenting audio content of a received media content stream in a plurality of user controllable spot focused sound regions are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment receives an audio content stream comprising at least a first audio channel and a second audio channel; multiplies the first audio channel into a plurality of first audio channels, multiplies the second audio channel into a plurality of second audio channels; communicates a first one of the multiplied plurality of first audio channels and a first one of the multiplied plurality of second audio channels to a first audio sound region controller; and communicates a second one of the multiplied plurality of first audio channels and a second one of the multiplied plurality of second audio channels to a second audio sound region controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a diagram of an embodiment of a controllable high-fidelity sound system100implemented in a media room102. A plurality of users104a-104eare illustrated as sitting and viewing a video portion of presented media content on a display106, such as a television, a monitor, a projector screen, or the like. The users104a-104eare also listening to the presented audio portion of the media content.

Embodiments of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100are configured to control output of a plurality of sound reproducing elements108, generically referred to as speakers, of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100. The sound reproducing elements108are adjusted to controllably provide presentation of the audio portion to each user. That is, the controllable high-fidelity sound system100is configured to generate a plurality of spot focused sound regions110, with each one of the spot focused sound regions110a-110econfigured to generate a “sweet spot” for each of the users104a-104e, respectively.

Each particular one of the spot focused sound regions110correspond to a region in the media room102where a plurality of sound reproducing elements108are configured to reproduce sounds that are focused to the intended region of the media room102. To generate a spot focused sound region110, selected ones of the sound reproducing elements108may be arranged in an array or the like so that sounds emitted by those sound reproducing elements108are directed towards and heard by the user located within that spot focused sound region110. Further, the sounds generated for one particular spot focused sound region110may not be substantially heard by those users who are located outside of that spot focused sound region110.

In the various embodiments, each particular plurality of selected ones of the sound reproducing elements108associated with one of the spot focused sound regions110are controllably adjustable based on the sound preferences of the user hearing sound from that particular spot focused sound region. Additionally, or alternatively, the sound reproducing elements108are automatically adjustable by the controllable high-fidelity sound system100based on system settings and/or detected audio characteristics of the received audio content.

For example, the user104cis sitting in front of, and in alignment with, a center line112of the display106. When the user104cis located at a particular distance away from the display106, the user104cwill be located in a sweet spot114of the media room102generated by the spot focused sound region110c.

In contrast, the user104ais located to the far left of the sweet spot114of the media room102, and is not substantially hearing the presented audio content generated by the spot focused sound region110c. Rather, the user104ais hearing the presented audio content at the spot focused sound region110a. Further, the user104ais able to controllably adjust the sound within the spot focused sound region110afor their particular personal preferences.

Embodiments of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100comprise a plurality of sound reproducing elements108and an audio controller116. The audio controller116is configured to receive a media content stream120from a media content source118. The media content stream120comprises at least a video stream portion and an audio stream portion. The video stream portion is processed to generate images that are presented on the display106. The video stream may be processed by either the media content source118or other electronic devices.

In an exemplary system, the media content source118receives a media content stream120from one or more sources. For example, the media content stream120may be received from a media content distribution system, such as a satellite-based media content distribution system, a cable-based media content distribution system, an over-the-air media content distribution system, the Internet, or the like. In other situations, the media content stream120may be received from a digital video disk (DVD) system, an external memory medium, or an image capture device such as a camcorder or the like. The media content stream120may also be saved into a digital video recorder (DVR) or other memory medium residing in the media content source118, which is later retrieved for presentation.

The audio stream portion is communicated from the media content source118to the audio controller116. The audio controller116is configured to process the audio stream portion and is configured to control audio output of the plurality of sound reproducing elements108. Groups of the sound reproducing elements108work in concert to produce sounds that create the individual spot focused sound regions110. In some embodiments, the audio controller116is implemented with, or as a component of, the media content source118or another electronic device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the audio controller116has an a priori knowledge of the number and location of the exemplary five users104a-104e. Embodiments may be configured to create any suitable number of spot focused sound regions110. Accordingly, the generated spot focused sound regions110may be configured to correspond to the number of users104in the media room102.

Alternatively, or additionally, embodiments may be configured to create any number of spot focused sound regions110that correspond to the number of locations where each one of the users104are likely to be in the media room102. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the audio controller116has an a priori knowledge of the five locations in the media room of the users104a-104e.

In some embodiments, the number of and orientation of the spot focused sound regions110may be adjusted based on the actual number of and actual location of the users104in the media room102at the time of presentation of the media content. For example, if the user104ais not present in the media room102, then the audio controller116does not generate the spot focused sound region110a.

An exemplary embodiment is configured to detect the number of and/or location of users104in the media room102prior to, and/or during, presentation of the media content. One or more detectors122may be at seating locations in the media room102. Exemplary detectors include, but are not limited to, pressure detectors, movement/position detectors, and/or temperature detectors. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more detectors122may be located remotely from the seating locations. For example, an infrared heat detectors or the like may be used to remotely detect a user104. Output signals from the detectors122are communicated to the audio controller116so that a determination may be made regarding the number of, and/or location of, the users104.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an embodiment of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100. The exemplary embodiment comprises the audio controller116and a plurality of sound reproducing elements108.

The media content source118, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a video content stream204to a media presentation device, such as the exemplary television206having the display106that presents the video portion of the media content stream120to the users104. The media content source118also provides an audio content stream208to the audio controller116.

The audio content stream208comprises a plurality of discrete audio portions, referred to generically herein as audio channels210. Each of the plurality of audio channels210includes audio content that is a portion of the audio content stream208, and is configured to be communicated to one or more of the sound reproducing elements108. The audio content of the different audio channels210is different from the audio content of other audio channels210. When the audio content from the different audio channels210are synchronously presented by the sound reproducing elements108, then the users104will hear the presented audio content stream208as intended by the originators of the media content stream120.

For example, the audio content stream208may be provided in stereo, comprising two audio channels210. A first audio channel (Ch1) is intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements108that are located to the right of the centerline112(FIG. 1) and in front of the users104. A second audio channel (Ch2) is intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements108that are located to the left of the centerline112and in front of the users104. When the media content stream120is processed by the audio controller116and is then communicated to the appropriate sound reproducing elements108, the user hears the media content stream120in stereo.

In the various embodiments, the audio content stream208may comprise any number of audio channels210. For example, an audio content stream208may be provided in a 5.1 surround sound format, where there are six different audio channels210. For example, with the 5.1 surround sound format the first audio channel (Ch1) and the second audio channel (Ch2) are intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements108that are located to the left of and to the right of, respectively, and in front of, a user104. A third audio channel (Ch3) is intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements108that are located directly in front of the users104to output the dialogue portion of the audio content stream208. A fourth audio channel (Ch4) is intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements108that are located to the left and behind the users104. A fifth audio channel (Ch5) is intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements108that are located to the right and behind the users104. A fifth audio channel (Ch6) is a low or ultra-low frequency sound channel that is intended to be produced as sounds by one or more of the sound reproducing elements generally located in front of the users104.

Other formats of the media content stream120having any number of audio channels210may be used. For example, a 6.1 format would employ seven different audio channels210and a 7.1 format would employ eight different audio channels210. Embodiments of the audio controller116are configured to receive and process different audio content streams208that employ different formats.

Further, embodiments of the audio controller116may be configured to receive the audio content stream208from a plurality of different media content sources118. For example, but not limited to, the audio controller116may be coupled to a digital video disk (DVD) player, a set top box, and/or a compact disk (CD) player.

The exemplary embodiment of the audio controller116comprises a channel separator212, a plurality of channel multipliers214, a plurality of audio sound region controllers216, and an optional user interface218. The channel multipliers214are configured to multiply each of the received audio channels210into a plurality of like multiplied audio channels210. The multiplied audio channels210are communicated from the channel multipliers214to each of the audio sound region controllers216. The audio sound region controllers216are configured to control one or more characteristics of its respective received audio channel210. Characteristics of the audio channels210may be controlled in a predefined manner, or may be controlled in accordance with user preferences that are received at the user interface218. The controlled audio channels210are then communicated to one or more of the sound reproducing elements108.

For example, the channel separator212processes, separates or otherwise parses out the audio content stream208into its component audio channels210(Ch1through Ch i). Accordingly, the channel separator212is configured to receive the audio content stream208and separate the plurality of audio channels210of the audio content stream208such that the separated audio channels210may be separately communicated from the channel separator212.

In some embodiments, the plurality of audio channels210may be digitally multiplexed together and communicated in a single content stream from the media content source118to the audio controller116. In this scenario, the received digital audio content stream208is de-multiplexed into its component audio channels210. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more of the audio channels210may be received individually, and may even be received on different connectors.

The plurality of channel multipliers214each receive one of the audio channels210. Each channel multiplier214multiplies, reproduces, or otherwise duplicates its respective audio channel210and then outputs the multiplied audio channels210.

Each individual audio channel210is then communicated from the channel separator212to its respective channel multiplier214. For example, the first audio channel (Ch1) is communicated to the first channel multiplier214-1, the second audio channel (Ch2) is communicated to the second channel multiplier214-2, and so on, until the last audio channel (Ch i) is communicated to the last channel multiplier214-i.

In embodiments configured to receive different formats of the audio content stream208having different numbers of audio channels210, some of the channel multipliers214may not receive and/or process an audio channel. For example, an exemplary audio controller116may have the capacity to process either a 5.1 format audio content stream208and a 7.1 format audio content stream208. This exemplary embodiment would have eight channel multipliers214. However, when processing the 5.1 format audio content stream208, two of the channel multipliers214may not be used.

Each of the audio sound region controllers216receive one of the multiplied audio channels210from the channel multipliers214. For example, the first audio sound controller216-1receives the first audio channel (Ch1) from the first channel multiplier214-1, receives the second audio channel (Ch2) from the second channel multiplier214-2, and so on, until the last audio channel (Ch i) is received from the last channel multiplier214-i.

Each of the audio sound region controllers216processes the received multiplied audio channels210to condition the multiplied audio channels210into a signal that is communicated to and then reproduced by a particular one of the sound reproducing elements108. When the group of sound reproducing elements108generate the spot focused sound region110, the sound that is heard by a particular user104located in the spot focused sound region110is pleasing to that particular user104. The audio channels210may be conditioned in a variety of manners by its respective audio sound region controller216. For example, the volume of the audio channels210may be increased or decreased. In an exemplary situation, the volume may be adjusted based upon a volume level specified by a user104. Or, the volume may be automatically adjusted based on information in the media content stream120.

Additionally, or alternatively, a pitch or other frequency of the audio information in the audio channel210may be adjusted. Additionally, or alternatively, the audio information in the audio channel210may be filtered to attenuate selected frequencies of the audio channel210.

Additionally, or alternatively, a phase of the audio information in the audio channel210(with respect to phase of another audio channel210) may be adjusted. For example, but not limited to, a grouping of the sound reproducing elements108may be configured such that the sound reproducing elements108cooperatively act to cancel emitted sounds that fall outside of the spot focused sound region110associated with that particular group of sound reproducing elements108.

Any suitable signal conditioning process or technique may be used by the audio sound region controllers216in the various embodiments to process and condition the audio channels210.

After processing the received audio channels210, each of the audio sound region controllers216communicate the processed audio channels210to respective ones of the plurality of sound reproducing elements108that have been configured to create one of the spot focused sound regions110that is heard by a user that is at a location in the media room102intended to be covered by that particular spot focused sound region110. For example, the spot focused sound region110ais intended to be heard by the user104a(FIG. 1). Thus, the audio sound region controller216-ais configured to provide the processed audio channels210to a plurality of sound reproducing elements108athat are located about and oriented about the media room102so as to generate the spot focused sound region110a.

The user interface218is configured to receive user input that adjusts the processing of the received audio channels210by an individual user104operating one of the audio sound region controllers216. For example, the user104amay be more interested in hearing the dialogue of a presented movie, which may be predominately incorporated into the first audio channel (Ch1). Accordingly, the user104amay provide input, for example using an exemplary remote control220, to increase the output volume of the first audio channel (Ch1) to emphasize the dialogue of the movie, and to decrease the output volume of the second audio channel (Ch2) and the third audio channel (Ch3). In contrast, the user104cmay be more interested in enjoying the special effect sounds of the movie, which may be predominately incorporated into the second audio channel (Ch2) and the third audio channel (Ch3). Accordingly, the user104cmay increase the output of the second audio channel (Ch2) and the third audio channel (Ch3) to emphasize the special sound effects of the movie.

Some embodiments of the audio controller116may be configured to communicate with the media content source118and/or the media presentation device206. A backchannel connection222, which may be wire-based or wireless, may communicate information that is used to present a sound setup graphical user interface (GUI)224to the users104in the media room102. When a particular user wishes to adjust audio processing of a particular one of the audio sound region controllers216, the sound setup GUI224may be generated and presented on the display106. The sound setup GUI224may be configured to indicate the controlled and/or conditioned characteristics, and the current setting of each characteristic, of the various processed audio channels210. The user104may interactively adjust the viewed controlled characteristics of the audio channels210as they prefer. An exemplary sound setup GUI224is configured to graphically indicate the location and/or orientation of each of the sound reproducing elements108, and may optionally present graphical icons corresponding to one or more of the spot focused sound regions110, to assist the user104in adjusting the characteristics of the audio channels210in accordance with their preferences.

For example, an orientation of and/or a location of at least one sound reproducing element108of a group of sound reproducing elements108may be detected by one or more of the detectors122. Then, a recommendation is presented on the sound setup GUI224recommending an orientation change to the orientation of, and/or a location change to a location of, the sound reproducing element108. The recommended orientation change and/or location change is based upon improving the sound quality of a spot focused sound region110in the media room102that is associated with the group of sound reproducing elements108. For example, a recommendation may be presented to turn a particular sound reproducing element108a few degrees in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, or to turn the sound reproducing element108to a specified angle or by a specified angle amount. As another example, a recommendation may be presented to move the sound reproducing element108a few inches in a specified direction. The recommendations are based upon a determined optimal orientation and/or location of the sound reproducing element108for generation of the associated spot focused sound region110.

FIG. 3conceptually illustrates an embodiment of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100in a media room102with respect to a single user104a. Here, a plurality of sound reproducing elements108bare located about the media room and are generally oriented in the direction of the user104b. In this example, the format of the received audio content stream208is formatted with at least nine audio channels210. Thus, the audio sound region controller216bis receiving nine audio channels210from nine channel multipliers214residing in the audio controller116.

Each of the sound reproducing elements108b-1through108b-9each generate a respective sub-sound region110b-1through110b-9. The generated sub-sound regions110b-1through110b-9cooperatively create the spot focused sound region110b(FIG. 1). Similarly, other spot focused sound regions110are created by other groupings of selected ones of the sound reproducing elements108so that a plurality of spot focused sound regions110are created in the media room102.

In this example embodiment, a first one (or more) of the sound reproducing elements108b-1may be uniquely controllable so as to generate a first sub-sound region110b-1based upon the first audio channel (Ch1) output by the audio sound region controller216-b(FIG. 2). Depending upon the system configuration, two, or even more than two, of the sound reproducing elements108may be coupled to the same channel output of the audio sound region controller216aso that they cooperatively output sounds corresponding to the first audio channel (Ch1).

In some embodiments, the audio sound region controllers216may optionally include an internal channel multiplier (not shown) so that a selected audio channel210can be separately generated, controlled, and communicated to different sound reproducing elements108that may be in different locations in the media room102and/or that may have different orientations. The audio channel210output from the audio sound region controllers216to a plurality of sound reproducing elements108may be individually controlled so as to improve the acoustic characteristics of the created spot focused sound region110.

Similarly, a second one (or more) of the sound reproducing elements108b-2may be uniquely controllable so as to generate a second sub-sound region110b-2. The audio sound region controller216bcontrols the output audio signal that is communicated to the one or more sound reproducing elements108b-2that are intended to receive the second sound channel (Ch2). The sub-sound regions110b-3through110b-9are similarly created.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user104bmay selectively control the audio sound region controller216bto adjust acoustic characteristics of each of the sub-sound regions110b-1through110b-9in accordance with their personal listening preferences. The acoustic characteristics of the sub-sound regions110b-3through110b-9may be individually adjusted, adjusted as a group, or adjusted in accordance with predefined sub-groups or user defined sub-groups. That is, the output of the sound reproducing elements108may be adjusted by the user in any suitable manner.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary audio controller116of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100. The exemplary audio controller116comprises the user interface218, a media content interface402, a processor system404, an audio channel controller406, a memory408, and an optional detector interface410. The memory408comprises portions for an optional channel separator module412, an optional channel multiplier module414, an optional audio sound region controller module416, an optional manual acoustic compensation (comp) module418, an optional automatic acoustic compensation module420, an optional media room map data module422, and an optional media room map data424.

The media content interface402is configured to communicatively couple the audio controller116to one or more media content sources118. The audio content stream208may be provided in a digital format and/or an analog format.

The processor system404, executing one or more of the various modules412,414,416,418,420,422retrieved from the memory408, processes the audio content stream208. The modules412,414,416,418,420,422are described as separate modules in an exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, one or more of the modules412,414,416,418,420,422may be integrated together and/or may be integrated with other modules (not shown) having other functionality. Further, one or more of the modules412,414,416,418,420,422may reside in another memory medium that is local to, or that is external to, the audio controller116.

The channel separator module412comprises logic that electronically separates the received audio content stream208into its component audio channels210. Thus, the channel separator module412electronically has the same, or similar, functionality as the channel separator212(FIG. 2). Alternatively, information corresponding to the component audio channels210may be made available on a communication bus (not shown) such that appropriate modules, the processor system404, and/or the audio channel controller406, may read or otherwise access the information for a particular component audio channel210as needed for processing and/or conditioning.

The channel multiplier module414comprises logic that electronically multiplies the component audio channels210so that of the audio channels210may be separately controllable. Thus, the channel multiplier module414electronically has the same, or similar, functionality as the channel multipliers214(FIG. 2). Alternatively, information corresponding to the component audio channels210may be made available on a communication bus (not shown) such that appropriate modules, the processor system404, and/or the audio channel controller406, may read or otherwise access the information for a particular component audio channel210as needed for processing and/or conditioning.

The audio sound region controller module416comprises logic that determines control parameters associated with the controllable acoustic characteristics the component audio channels210. For example, but not limited to, a volume control parameter may be determined for one or more of the audio channels210based upon a user specified volume preference and/or based on automatic volume control information in the received media content stream120. As another non-limiting example, the audio sound region controller module416may comprise logic that performs sound cancelling and/or phase shifting functions on the audio channels210for generation of a particular spot focused sound region110. Thus, the audio sound region controller module416electronically has the same, or similar, functionality as the audio sound region controllers216(FIG. 2).

In operation the processor system404may execute at least one of the channel separator module412to separate the plurality of audio channels of the audio content stream208, execute the channel multiplier module414to reproduce the received separated audio channel into a plurality of multiplied audio channels210, and/or execute the audio sound region controller module416to determine an audio characteristic for each of the received multiplied audio channels210.

The audio channel controller406conditions each of the received multiplied audio channels210based upon the audio characteristic determined by the processor system404.

The user interface218receives user input so that the generated sound within any particular one of the spot focused sound regions110may be adjusted by the user104in accordance with their personal preferences. The user inputs are interpreted and/or processed by the manual acoustic compensation module418so that user acoustic control parameter information associated with the user preferences is determined.

In some situations, the acoustic characteristics of one or more of the audio channels210is automatically controllable based on automatic audio control parameters incorporated into the received audio content stream208. Such control parameters may be specified by the producers of the media content. Alternatively, or additionally, some audio control parameters may be specified by other entities controlling the origination of the media content stream120and/or controlling communication of the media content stream120to the media content source.

In an exemplary embodiment, an automatic volume adjustment may be included in the media content stream120that specifies a volume adjustment for one or more of the audio content streams208. For example, volume may be automatically adjusted during presentation of a relatively loud action scene, during presentation of a relatively quite dialogue scene, or during presentation of a musical score. As another example, a volume control change may be implemented for commercials or other advertisements. Such changes to the volume of the audio content may be made to the audio content stream208, or may be made to one or more individual audio channels210. Accordingly, the volume is readjusted in accordance with both the specified user volume level and the automatic volume adjustment.

The automatic acoustic compensation module420receives predefined audio characteristic input information from the received audio content stream208, or another source, so that the generated sound within any particular one of the spot focused sound regions110may be automatically adjusted by the presented media content. That is, the automatic acoustic compensation module420determines the automatic acoustic control parameters associated with the presented media content.

The manual acoustic compensation module418and the automatic acoustic compensation module420cooperatively provide the determined user acoustic control parameters and the determined automatic acoustic control parameters, respectively, to the audio sound region controller module416. The audio sound region controller module416then coordinates the received user acoustic control parameters and the automatic acoustic control parameters so that the acoustic characteristics of each individual audio channels210are individually controlled.

Information corresponding to the acoustic characteristics of each individual audio channel210determined by the audio sound region controller module416is communicated to the audio channel controller406. The audio channel controller406is configured to communicatively couple to each of the sound reproducing elements108in the media room102. Since each particular one of the sound reproducing elements108is associated with a particular one of the spot focused sound regions110, and since each of the individual audio channels210are associated with a particular one of the spot focused sound regions110and the sound reproducing elements108, the audio channel controller406generates an output signal that is communicated to each particular one of the sound reproducing elements108that has the intended acoustic control information. When the particular one of the sound reproducing elements108produces sound in accordance with the received output signal from the audio channel controller406, the produced sound has the intended acoustic characteristics.

In the various embodiments, one or more detectors122(FIG. 1) may be located about the media room102to sense sound. The detectors122, using a wireless signal or a wire-based signal, communicate information corresponding to the detected sound to the detector interface410. The detector information is then provided to the automatic acoustic compensation module420, or another module, so that automatic acoustic control parameters may be determined based upon the detected sounds detected by the detectors122. For example, acoustic output from a rear left channel and a rear right channel sound reproducing elements108may need to be automatically adjusted during presentation to achieve an intended surround sound experience. Detectors122in proximity to theses sound reproducing elements108would detect sounds from the sound reproducing elements108, provide the sound information as feedback to the automatic acoustic compensation module420, and then the automatic acoustic compensation module420could adjust one or more of automatic acoustic control parameters for the selected audio channels210to achieve the intended acoustic effects.

Some embodiments include the media room map data module422and the media room map data424. An exemplary embodiment may be configured to receive information that defines characteristics of the media room102. The media room102characteristics are stored into the media room map data424. For example, characteristics such as, but not limited to, the length and width of the media room may be provided. The user or a technician may input the characteristics of the media room102. Some embodiments may be configured to receive acoustic information pertaining to acoustic characteristics of the media room102, such as, but not limited to, characteristics of the wall, floor, and/or ceilings.

Further, location and orientation information of the sound reproducing elements108may be provided and stored into the media room map data424. In some embodiments, the location and/or orientation information may be provided by the user or the technician. Alternatively, or additionally, detectors122may be attached to or included in one or more of the sound reproducing elements108. Information from the detectors122may then be used to determine the location and/or orientation of the sound reproducing elements108. Location information of the sound reproducing elements108may include both the plan location and the elevation information for the sound reproducing elements108. Orientation refers to the direction that the sound reproducing element108is pointing in, and may include plan information, elevation angle information, azimuth information, or the like. The location information and the orientation information may be defined using any suitable system, such as a Cartesian coordinate system, a polar coordinate system, or the like.

Further, the number and location of the users104in the media room102may be input and stored. Accordingly, the audio controller116has a priori information of user location so that the spot focused sound regions110for each user104may be defined. In some embodiments, a plurality of different user location configurations may be used. Accordingly, a plurality of different spot focused sound regions110may be defined during media content presentation based upon the actual number of users present in the media room102, and/or based on the actual location of the user(s) in the media room102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the characteristics of the media room102and/or the location and/or orientation of the sound reproducing elements108in the media room102are input and saved during an initial set up procedure wherein the sound reproducing elements108are positioned and oriented about the media room102during initial installation of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100. The stored information may be adjusted as needed, such as when the user rearranges seating in the media room102and/or changes the location and/or orientation of one or more of the sound reproducing elements108.

The sound setup GUI224may be used to manually input the information pertaining to the characteristics of the media room102, location of the users104, and/or the location and/or orientation of the sound reproducing elements108. For example, but not limited to, a mapping function may be provided in the media room map data module422that causes presentation of a map of the media room102.

An exemplary embodiment may make recommendations for the location and/or orientation of the sound reproducing elements108during set up of media room102. For example, the user may position and/or orient one of the sound reproducing elements108in a less that optimal position and/orientation. The media room map data module422, based upon analysis of the input current location and/or current orientation of the sound reproducing element108, based upon the input characteristics of the media room102, based upon the input location of a user seating location in the media room102, and/or based upon characteristics of the sound reproducing element108itself, may make a recommendation to the user104to adjust the location and/or orientation of the particular sound reproducing element108. For example, the controllable high-fidelity sound system100may recommend a location and/or an orientation of a sub-woofer.

In some embodiments, recommendations for groupings of sound reproducing elements108may be made based upon the audio characteristics of individual sound reproducing elements108. For example, a group of sound reproducing elements108may have one or more standard speakers for reproducing dialogue of the media content, a sub-woofer for special effects, and high frequency speakers for other special effects. Accordingly, the controllable high-fidelity sound system100may present a location layout recommendation of the selected types of sound reproducing elements108so that the plurality of sound reproducing elements108, when controlled as a group, are configured to generate a pleasing spot focused sound region110at a particular location in the media room102.

Embodiments may make such recommendations by presenting textual information and/or graphical information on the sound setup GUI224presented on the display106. For example, graphical icons associated with particular one of the sound reproducing elements108may be illustrated in their recommended location and/or orientation about the media room102.

Embodiments of the audio channel controller406may comprise a plurality of wire terminal connection points so that speaker wires coupled to the sound reproducing elements108can terminate at, and be connected to, the audio controller116. The audio channel controller406may include suitable amplifiers so as to control the audio output signals that are communicated to its respective sound reproducing element108.

Alternatively, or additionally, the sound reproducing elements108may be configured to wirelessly receive their audio output signals from the audio controller116. Accordingly, a transceiver, a transmitter, or the like, may be included in the audio channel controller406to enable wireless communications between the audio controller116and the sound reproducing elements108. Radio frequency (RF) and/or infrared (IR) wireless signals may be used.

FIG. 5conceptually illustrates an embodiment of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100in a media room102with respect to a plurality of users104b,104dlocated in a common spot focused sound region502. In this exemplary embodiment, the common spot focused sound region502is configured to provide controllable sound that is heard by a plurality of users104band104dlocated in a common area in the media room102. For example, the center channel of a 5.1 channel media content stream120may provide dialogue. One or more of the sound reproducing elements108may be located and oriented about the media room102so that the users104band104d, for example, are hearing the dialogue in the common spot focused sound region502. The configuration where multiple users hear the audio from a commonly generated spot focused sound region110may result in a reduced number of required sound reproducing elements108and/or in a less complicated audio channel control system.

In the various embodiments, each of the users104is able to control the audio characteristics of the particular one of the spot focused sound regions110that they are located in. In an exemplary embodiment, each user104has their own electronic device, such as the exemplary remote control220, that communicates with the audio controller116using a wire-based, or a wireless based, communication medium. In some embodiments, the remote control220may have other functionality. For example, the remote control220may be configured to control the media content source118and/or the media presentation device, such as the exemplary television206. Any suitable controller may be used by the various embodiments. Further, some embodiments may use controllers residing on the surface of the audio controller116to receive user inputs.

In some embodiments, the remote control220may allow multiple users to individually control their particular spot focused sound region110. For example, the user may specify which of the particular one of the spot focused sound regions110that they wish to control. Alternatively, or additionally, a detector residing in the remote control220may provide information that is used by the audio controller116to determine the user location. Alternatively, or additionally, a map of the media room102may be presented on the sound setup GUI224that identifies defined ones of the spot focused sound regions110, wherein the user104is able to operate the remote control220to navigate about the sound setup GUI224to select the particular one of the spot focused sound regions110and/or a particular sub-sound region, that they would like to adjust.

In some embodiments, the audio controller116is integrated with the media content source118. For example, but not limited to, the media content source118may be a home entertainment system, or a component thereof, that performs a variety of different media entertainment functions. As another non-limiting example, the media content source118may be a set top box (STB) that is configured to receive media content from a broadcast system.

Any suitable sound reproducing element108may be employed by the various embodiments to produce the sounds of the audio channel210that is received from the audio controller116. An exemplary sound reproducing element108is an magnetically driver cone-type audio speaker. Other types of sound reproducing elements108may include horn loudspeakers, piezoelectric speakers, magnetostrictive speakers, electrostatic loudspeakers, ribbon and planar loudspeakers, bending wave loudspeakers, flat panel loudspeakers, distributed mode loudspeakers, Heil air motion transducers, plasma arc loudspeakers, hypersonic sound speakers, and/or digital speakers. Any suitable sound reproducing device may be employed by the various embodiments. Further, embodiments may be configured to employ different types of sound reproducing elements108.

Grouping of sound reproducing elements108may act in concert with each other to produced a desired acoustic effect. For example, but not limited to, group delay, active control, phase delay, phase change, phase shift, sound delay, sound filtering, sound focusing, sound equalization, and/or sound cancelling techniques may be employed to direct a generated spot focused sound region110to a desired location in the media room102and/or to present sound having desirable acoustic characteristics. Any suitable signal conditioning technique may be used, alone or in combination with other signal conditioning techniques, to condition the audio channels210prior to communication to the sound reproducing elements108.

The sound reproducing element108may have a plurality of individual speakers that employ various signal conditioning technologies, such as an active crossover element or the like, so that the plurality of individual speakers may cooperatively operate based on a commonly received audio channel210. One or more of the sound reproducing elements108may be a passive speaker. One or more of the sound reproducing elements108may be an active speaker with an amplifier or other signal conditioning element. Such speakers may be a general purpose speaker, such as a full range speaker. Other exemplary sound reproducing elements108may be specialized, such as tweeter speaker, a midrange speaker, a woofer speaker and/or a sub-woofer speaker.

The sound reproducing elements108may reside in a shared enclosure, may be grouped into a plurality of enclosures, and/or may have their own enclosure. The enclosures may optionally have specialized features, such as ports or the like, that enhance the acoustic performance of the sound reproducing element108.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sound setup GUI224presents a graphical representation corresponding to the media room102, the generated spot focused sound regions110, the sound reproducing elements108, and/or the seating locations of the users in the sweet spots of each generated spot focused sound region110. For example, but not limited to, the sound setup GUI224may be substantially the same, or similar to, the exemplary illustrated embodiments of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100in the media room102ofFIG. 1,FIG. 3, and/orFIG. 5.

In some embodiments, the controllable high-fidelity sound system100is configured to generate spot focused sound regions110based on different media content streams202. For example, the exemplary television206having the display106may be configured to present multiple video portions of multiple media content streams120. The video portions may be concurrently present on the display106using a picture in picture (PIP) format, a picture over picture (POP) format, a split screen format, or a tiled image format. Alternatively, or additionally, there may be multiple televisions206or other devices that are configured to present different video portions of multiple media content streams120.

In such situations, the controllable high-fidelity sound system100generates a plurality of spot focused sound regions110for the different audio portions of the presented media content streams202. Each of the presented media content streams202are associated with a particular user104and/or a particular location in the media room102. Accordingly, each user104may listen to the audio portion of the particular one of the media content streams202that they are interested in viewing. Further, any user104may switch to the audio portion of different ones of the presented media content streams202.

For example, the video portions of a football game and a movie may be concurrently presented on the display106. A first user104bmay be more interested in hearing the audio portion of the football game. The controllable high-fidelity sound system100generates a spot focused sound region110bsuch that the user104bmay listen to the football game. Concurrently, a second user104dmay be more interested in hearing the audio portion of the movie. The controllable high-fidelity sound system100generates a spot focused sound region110dsuch that the user104dmay listen to the movie.

Further, in the event that the user104bwishes to hear the audio portion of the movie, the user104bmay operate the controllable high-fidelity sound system100to change to presentation of the audio portion of the movie. Some embodiments of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100may be configured to store volume setting and other user specified acoustic characteristics such that, as the user104bswitches between presentation of the audio portion of the football game and the movie, the acoustic characteristics of the presented audio portions can be maintained at the settings specified by the user104b.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the controllable high-fidelity sound system100are merely possible examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.