PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10298291-B2
Application Number: US-201113107826-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems

Abstract:
A method and system for communicating audio, video, and/or control signals within a home entertainment system. One or more signals are communicated between an input device and one or more output devices via one or more networks. The output device can include loudspeakers, display devices, and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel loudspeaker, transmits signals to other output devices. For example, the center channel loudspeaker can transmit a combined audio signal and control signal to a remote loudspeaker over a first network and transmit a video signal to a display device over a second network. The display device displays the video signal. The networks can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for transmitting signals to speakers, the device comprising:
 a loudspeaker housing that includes a built-in speaker; 
 an audio input in the loudspeaker housing configured to receive a multi-channel audio signal from an input device, the received multi-channel audio signal being encoded in a channel format having a plurality of single-channel audio signals; 
 a processor in the loudspeaker housing configured to decode the received multi-channel audio signal into a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, wherein the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are different channels from one another; 
 a first amplifier in the loudspeaker housing configured to amplify the first channel, wherein the amplified first channel is converted into sound by the built-in speaker; 
 a second amplifier in the loudspeaker housing configured to amplify the second channel, wherein the amplified second channel is sent to an external speaker for being output as sound; 
 a destination address input in the loudspeaker housing configured to receive instructions from a user selecting one of a plurality of speakers for outputting the third channel that is unamplified, and determine a destination address associated with the selected speaker; and 
 a transmitter in the loudspeaker housing configured to wirelessly transmit the unamplified third channel along with the associated destination address and a user selected volume level to the selected speaker via a network, at least the user selected volume level being combined with the unamplified third channel into a combined signal prior to transmission. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter connects to the selected speaker via a powerline network, a RF wireless network, or an IR wireless network. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the audio input receives a textual signal, and wherein the transmitter sends the textual signal to a display device. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor connects to a display device, the display device being a user interface for the processor. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the audio input receives a video signal, and wherein the transmitter sends the video signal to a display device. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the multi-channel audio signal is encoded in one of the following channel formats: DTS, Dolby Digital, and SRS. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of connectors and an input selector, wherein at least two of the connectors connect to different devices, and wherein the input selector is reconfigurable by a user to select one of the plurality of connectors from which to receive the multi-channel audio signal. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of connectors include at least one of the following inputs: analog, digital, SPDIF, and an inter IC sound (I2S) format. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 7 , wherein the device is disposed within a television. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to (a) extract a characteristic from the multi-channel audio signal, (b) code the characteristic into a control signal, (c) combine the unamplified third channel with the control signal to form the combined signal, and (d) send the combined signal to the transmitter, and wherein the transmitter sends the combined signal with the associated destination address to the selected speaker. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the control signal comprises at least one of the following: the volume level, a balance level, a fader level, and a sub-bass level. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the control signal comprises at least one of the following: a sound processing selection, an equalizer level, a power on, a power off, a time delay, and a phase delay. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the selected speaker comprises a subwoofer or a surround speaker. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter further comprises an encryption module configured to encrypt the combined signal prior to transmission. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter transmits the unamplified third channel to another external speaker to be broadcast. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 1  further comprising a control input for receiving an input signal from the user, the processor generating the second channel based at least in part on the input signal from a user. 
     
     
       17. A device for transmitting signals to speakers, the device comprising:
 an audio input configured to receive a multi-channel audio signal from at least one input device, the multi-channel audio signal being encoded in a channel format having multiple audio channels; 
 a processor configured to convert the received multi-channel audio signal into a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, each of the first, second, and third channels representing at least one of the multiple audio channels; 
 a first power amplifier configured to only amplify the first channel, wherein the amplified first channel is converted into sound by a built-in speaker included in the device; 
 a second power amplifier configured to only amplify the second channel, wherein the amplified second channel is sent to an external speaker for being converted into sound; 
 a destination address input not located on any of a plurality of speakers, the destination address input configured to, based on instruction from a user to select one of the speakers for broadcasting the third channel that is unamplified, determine a destination address for the selected speaker; and 
 a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the unamplified third channel along with the destination address to the selected speaker via a network, at least a user selected volume level being combined with the unamplified third channel into a combined signal prior to transmission. 
 
     
     
       18. A method performed in a device for transmitting signals to speakers, the device comprising a loudspeaker housing that includes a built-in speaker, the method comprising:
 receiving a multi-channel audio signal from an input device, the received multi-channel audio signal being encoded in a channel format having a plurality of single-channel audio signals; 
 decoding the received multi-channel audio signal into a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, wherein the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are different channels from one another; 
 amplifying, by a first amplifier in the loudspeaker housing, the first channel, wherein the amplified first channel is converted into sound by the built-in speaker; 
 amplifying, by a second amplifier in the loudspeaker housing, the second channel, wherein the amplified second channel is sent to an external speaker for being output as sound; 
 receiving instructions from a user selecting one of a plurality of speakers for outputting the third channel that is unamplified, and determining a destination address associated with the selected speaker; and 
 wirelessly transmitting the unamplified third channel along with the associated destination address and a user selected volume level to the selected speaker via a network, at least the user selected volume level being combined with the unamplified third channel into a combined signal prior to transmission. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 extracting a characteristic from the multi-channel audio signal; 
 coding the characteristic into a control signal; 
 combining the unamplified third channel with the control signal to form the combined signal; and 
 sending the combined signal with the associated destination address to the selected speaker.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 12/966,719, filed Dec. 13, 2010 and entitled Wired, Wireless, Infrared, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 10/783,718, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,341, filed Feb. 20, 2004 and entitled Wired, Wireless, Infrared, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems, which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/353,805, filed Jan. 27, 2003 and entitled Wired, Wireless, Infrared, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems which itself claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 60/351,843, filed Jan. 25, 2002 and entitled Wired, Wireless, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems, 60/353,806, filed Feb. 1, 2002 and entitled Wired, Wireless, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems, 60/371,268, filed Apr. 8, 2002, and entitled Wired, Wireless, Infrared, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems, and 60/407,432, filed Aug. 28, 2002, and entitled Wired, Wireless, Infrared, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to home networks. More particularly, the invention provides a method and system for communicating one or more signals, via a wired, wireless, infrared, RF, or a powerline medium, to control one or more remote entertainment systems throughout a home. 
     Description of Related Art 
     A communication system for a home network facilitates two-way communication between a plurality of devices within the home. These devices can be fixed or portable and can include, for example, televisions, computers, stereos, speakers, monitors, printers, and other electronic appliances. For these devices to communicate throughout a home, they interface with the home network. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The systems and methods of the present invention have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments” one will understand how the features of this invention provide several advantages over traditional audio entertainment systems. 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a home entertainment system configured to provide an audio signal to a remote loudspeaker. The system comprises a left front channel loudspeaker, a right front channel loudspeaker, and a housing. The housing encloses a device providing one or both an audio signal and a video signal, a center channel loudspeaker coupled to receive at least a first portion of said audio signal from the device, and a transmitter configured to receive at least a second portion of the audio signal from the device and transmit audio signals to a remote loudspeaker. 
     Another aspect of invention is a loudspeaker housing that comprises an input coupled to receive two or more signals from an input device, a loudspeaker configured to broadcast one of the two or more received signals to a listener, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals to a remote loudspeaker. 
     Still another aspect of the invention relates to a home entertainment system which comprises a housing which comprising a transmitter module configured to receive an audio signal from an input device and wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one remote loudspeaker, wherein the audio signal comprises a plurality of different audio tracks, a device located within the housing and configured to provide the audio signal, and at least one loudspeaker external to said housing having a receiver configured to wirelessly receive the audio signal. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a home entertainment system which comprises a housing enclosing at least (1) a device providing an audio signal and a video signal, and (2) a center channel loudspeaker, a left front channel loudspeaker coupled to receive at least a portion of said audio signal, a right front channel loudspeaker coupled to receive at least a portion of said audio signal, and a display device coupled to receive the video signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a communication system for a home network that can be connected using a wired, wireless, RF, or powerline network. 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the communication system that has a set top box connected to a loudspeaker using a wired, wireless, RF, or powerline network. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the transmitter module from  FIG. 1 , which includes a plurality of audio inputs. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the transmitter shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the transmitter module from  FIG. 1 , which includes a single audio input. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an Tx powerline module from  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the receiver module from  FIG. 1 , which includes an amplifier. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the receiver module from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an Rx powerline module from  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an exemplary process that is performed by the transmitter module to transmit a Tx signal and a Tx control signal into a powerline network. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an exemplary process that is performed by the receiver module to receive an Rx signal and an Rx control signal from the transmitter module via the powerline network. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system that utilizes a wireless network, for example, an infrared (IR) network. 
         FIG. 11A  is a block diagram of receiver components which can be located in a surround or speaker enclosure. 
         FIG. 11B  is a diagram showing multiple embodiments of a loudspeaker and receiver components from  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a block diagram of signal paths through components of an embodiment of a home entertainment system. 
         FIG. 11D  is a block diagram of signal paths through components of another embodiment of a home entertainment system. 
         FIG. 11E  is a front view of the display device from  FIG. 11D  arranged adjacent to the center channel loudspeaker from  FIG. 11D . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a housing for the receiver components from  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the IR transmitter shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of audio and control signal paths through an embodiment of the receiver components  1140  from  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     In connection with the following description many of the components of the various systems and the entire systems, some of which are referred to as “module,” can be implemented as software, firmware or a hardware component, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks. Such components or modules may advantageously be configured to reside on the addressable storage medium and configured to execute on one or more processors. Thus, a module may include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided for in the components and modules may be combined into fewer components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules. Additionally, the components and modules may advantageously be implemented to execute on one or more computers. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a communication system  100  configured to provide network connectivity throughout a home. The communication system  100  receives an input signal from an input device  102 . Types of input signals can include, for example, audio, video, textual, and control signals. These signals can originate from one or more input devices  102  depending on the type of input signal. For ease of explanation, the following description uses an audio signal as an exemplary input signal to the communication system  100 . However, the communication system  100  is not so limited and can be used with video, textual, and any other information signal. Examples of input devices  102  that generate an audio signal include a personal computer, digital video disk (DVD) player, a stereo receiver, MP3 player, compact disk (CD) player, digital audio tape (DAT), TV, MP3 player, cable set top, satellite set top, media center, network client, and the like. Examples of control signals include, volume level, fader level, balance level, sub-bass level, destination source, sound processing selection, equalizer levels, power on, power off, or any other manipulation of the audio signal. 
     Connected to the input devices  102  is a transmitter module  104 . Alternatively, the transmitter module  104  may be located within the input device  102 . The connection between the input device  102  and the transmitter module  104  can utilized digital or analog specialty cable. The specialty cable combines the signals from the input device  102  into a single cable. The single cable can connect to the rear panel of the input device  102 . The transmitter module  104  can be located inside or outside of the input device  102 . For example, the transmitter  104  can be located inside the media center, PC, network client, DVD, receiver, MP3 player, and cable set top. The transmitter module  104  receives the audio signal, and any control signals, from the input devices  102 . As mentioned above, an exemplary control signal is a desired volume level. The sources of the control signal can include the input device  102 . In one embodiment, the transmitter module  104  includes a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) (not shown). The DSP is configured to process and encode the control signal and the audio signal prior to their transmission by the transmitter module  104 . For example, the address of a destination receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) can be encoded by the DSP. Alternatively, control signals can originate at the transmitter module  104 . For example, a switch (not shown) can be coupled to the transmitter  104  to allow a user to select the destination receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) that will receive the audio signal. 
     The network or transmitter module  104  forms a bridge between the input devices  102  and a network, for example, a powerline medium  106 . A powerline network uses an existing infrastructure of alternating current (AC) electrical power outlets in the walls of a home or building to form multiple electrical connections between any two of the power outlets. Power outlets are located almost everywhere someone might want to use a networked device in a home or building. Thus, the powerline network allows a user to remotely connect to the networked device via the existing power outlets. The network in  FIG. 1  is a powerline  106  network. However, the communication is not so limited. Other exemplary networks include wireless, infrared, IRDA, and wired networks. 
     The transmitter module  104  is configured to combine the control signal with the audio signal produced by the input device  102  to form a combined signal. The transmitter module  104  is further configured to modulate the combined signal so as to convert the signals to a form which is compatible with transmission via the powerline  106 . An exemplary method for this conversion includes the use of a media access control (MAC) protocol coupled with a physical layer (PHY). The MAC and PHY can utilize data packets for the transmission of the combined signal. The MAC protocol controls the sharing of a PHY layer among multiple transmitters  104  and receivers  108 ( a )-( n ), while the PHY specifies the modulation, coding, and basic packet formats which are used to transmit along the powerline  106 . An exemplary transmission technique used by the communication system  100  is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The detail components which perform the conversion of the combined signal for its transmission via the powerline  106  are illustrated in, and will be explained with reference to,  FIG. 5 . 
     Alternatively, the audio signal and the control signal that are converted from an analog to a digital form are formatted at the input source  102  for their transmission. The formatted signals are sent to the network  106  without being processed by the transmitter  104 . 
     The transmitter module  104  can connect with the powerline  106  via input power receptacle  105 , such as a standard 3-prong electrical outlet. Alternatively, the transmitter module  104  is directly hard wired to the powerline  106 . More detailed block diagrams of the transmitter module  104  are illustrated in, and will be described with reference to,  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 . A process for formatting and transmitting a combined signal via the powerline  106 , that can be performed by the transmitter module  104  of  FIG. 1 , is shown in, and will be described with reference to,  FIG. 9 . 
     The powerline  106  connects with one or more receiver modules  108 ( a )-( n ) via an output power receptacle  107 ( a )-( n ). The output power receptacle  107 ( a )-( n ) operates in the same fashion as the input power receptacle  105 . The output power receptacle  107 ( a )-( n ) directly connects with the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) while the input power receptacle  105  directly connects with the transmitter module  104 . However, the input and output power receptacles can be cross identified depending on how they are utilized within the powerline communication system  100 . For example, input power receptacle  105  can be used by the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ). Moreover, the input power receptacle  105  can be used simultaneously by the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) and the transmitter module  104  to, for example, couple both for use in the same room of the home. 
     A powerline  106  is a difficult environment for audio signals. The communication path between any two power receptacle  105 ,  107  in the home can have a complicated transfer function with many branches of the powerline  106  having terminating loads at each receptacle with different impedances. Further, the transfer function can change with time due to the connection or removal of common electrical devices into the powerline  106 . Thus, the amplitude and phase response of the powerline  106  can vary widely with frequency. 
     The network or receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) is configured to receive the data packets from the powerline  106  and extract the audio signal and the control signal included therein. The detail components which may be used to perform the extraction of the control and audio signals are illustrated in, and will be explained with reference to,  FIG. 8 . 
     The receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) utilizes the control signal to manipulate the audio signal. This manipulation can include, for example, detection of audio signal peaking and clipping. The receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) may be configured to automatically adjust the audio signal&#39;s level to adjust for detection of peaking or clipping. The receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) may also be configured to receive a code which determines a phase for the audio signal. The receiver  108 ( a )-( n ) then manipulates the audio signal such that a desired phase relationship is maintained with other loudspeakers on the network based on the code. This can be accomplished by coding a time or phase delay in the control signal. More detailed block diagrams of the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) are illustrated in, and will be described with reference to,  FIGS. 6 and 7 . A process for receiving and extracting the audio signal and the control signal from the received combined signal, that can be performed by the receiver module  108 ( a )-( b ) of  FIG. 1 , is shown in, and will be described with reference to,  FIG. 10 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , an output device  110  is connected to the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) and receives the manipulated audio signal from the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ). The output device  110  is configured to change the audio signal into sounds loud enough to be heard at a selected distance. Output devices  110  can include, for example, stereo loudspeakers, home theater loudspeakers, and headphones. 
     As one can now recognize, the communication system  100  of  FIG. 1  provides connectivity between the input devices  102  and the output devices  110 . As explained above, the network can be wired or wireless. For example, the network can use a wireless data transmission method, such as IrDA, to communicate between the input devices  102  and the output devices  108 . IrDA is a standard defined by the IrDA consortium (Infrared Data Association) for both the input and output devices and the protocols they use to communicate with each other. IrDA specifies a way to wirelessly transfer data via infrared radiation using infrared light emitting diodes (IR-LED&#39;s). Moreover, a wireless data transmission method, such as radio frequency (RF), can be used for the network. An RF network uses the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. 
     The input and output devices can be position at fixed or portable locations within the home. For example, receiver module  108 ( a ) and receiver module  108 ( b ) can be located in different areas of the home while communicating with transmitter module  104 . The transmitter module  104  may service a few or several receiver modules  108 ( a )-( n ). 
       FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the communication system that has a set top box  140  connected to a loudspeaker  142  using a wired, wireless, or powerline network. The set top box  140  is configured to combine an audio signal and a control signal. The combined signal is transmitted via the network  144  to the loudspeaker  142 . 
     The loudspeaker  142  is coupled to an amplifier  146 . The amplifier  146  may be configured to amplify and/or manipulate the audio signal based on the control signal. The amplifier can thus be further coupled to or incorporate an equalizer (not shown). The equalizer is configured to manipulate the received audio signal prior to the loudspeaker  142  broadcasting the audio signal. 
     The communication system can further include a loudspeaker controller  150 . The loudspeaker controller  150  connects to the network  144  and is configured to manipulate the equalizer of one or more loudspeakers  142 . For example, the loudspeaker controller  150  can wirelessly connect to the loudspeaker  142  via the network  144 . Alternatively, the loudspeaker controller  150  can connect via a wired network  144  to the loudspeaker  142 . The wired network can be, for example, an Ethernet LAN or a powerline network. 
     The loudspeaker controller  150  can connect to the loudspeaker  142  via a different network than the network  144  utilized by the set top box  140 . For example, the set top box  140  can connect to the loudspeaker  142  via the powerline network and the loudspeaker controller  150  connects to the loudspeaker  142  via a wireless network. The settings of the equalizer can be stored in the amplifier  146 . 
     As another example, the loudspeaker controller  150  may connect with the loudspeaker  142  via the Internet or other wide-area network (WAN). In this example, the loudspeaker  142  can include web server software configured to allow the equalizer to receive its settings from the loudspeaker controller  150  via the Internet. 
     The loudspeaker  142  can further be configured to sense the broadcast signal levels from other loudspeakers. The processing of the sensed signal level may be performed internal to the loudspeaker  142 . The sensed signal level is then utilized by the sensing loudspeaker and the other loudspeakers to dynamically adjust the equalizer and signal balance. Alternatively, the sensed signal level is transmitted to the loudspeaker controller  150 , host, or other remote processor via the network where adjustments are calculated and transmitted to the loudspeakers. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the transmitter module  104  from  FIG. 1 . The transmitter module  104  is configured to receive, format, and transmit a combined signal via the powerline  106 . The transmitter module  104  includes receptacles  202 ( a )-( c ), an audio input connector  204 , a signal processing module  216 , a volume sensor analog to digital converter (A/D)  206  which is coupled to the signal processing module  216 , and a powerline module  222 . Each of these components is described in detail below. 
     The audio input connector  204  includes a plurality of connector designs for connecting with different input devices  102 . For example, the audio input connectors can include RCA connector module  208 , Universal Serial Bus (USB) module  212 , miniplug, S/PDIF module  210 , and SACD. The audio input connector  204  can further include any combination of digital and analog receptacles  202 ( a )-( c ). For example, the RCA connector module  208  can be used to connect an analog stereo receiver to the transmitter module  104 . For this connection, the audio input connector  204  is coupled to an analog receptacle  202 ( a ) to receive the analog audio signal. 
     Coupled to the analog connector  202 ( a ) is the volume sensor A/D  206 . The volume sensor A/D  206  is configured to sense the input power level of the analog audio signal into the analog receptacle  202 ( a ) and digitize the input power level. The volume sensor A/D  206  senses a RMS value of the audio signal. Depending on the value, the volume sensor A/D  206  changes the control signal. The sensitivity between changing the control signal in response to changes in the RMS value can vary. The control signal can be in an a variety of future developed formats, such as the well known I 2 C format. As explained below, the control signal is transmitted along with the audio signal via the powerline  106  as a combined signal. 
     The RCA connector module  208  can include an analog to digital converter (A/D). The A/D forms a digital signal from the inputted analog audio signal for its processing by the audio input connector  204 . 
     The S/PDIF module  210  is configured to receive digital signals from the input devices  102  via the receptacle  202 ( b ). 
     The USB connector module  212  is configured to connect the transmitter module  104  with a personal computer to receive a digital audio signal and an associated digital control signal. Since the control signal is in digital form, the volume sensor A/D  206  does not sense the control signal for the USB connector module  212  or the S/PDIF connector module  210 . An embodiment of the USB connector module  212  is a Stereo USB Audio Interface, part number TAS1020, which is manufactured by Texas Instruments Incorporated. Texas Instruments Incorporated is located at 12500 TI Boulevard in Dallas, Tex. 75243-4136. 
     The audio input connector  204  further includes an input selector module  214 . The audio input connector  204  is coupled to the RCA connector module  208 , the S/PDIF module  210 , and the USB connector module  212 . The input selector module  214  is configured to select the input device  102  that is to have its audio signal transmitted by the transmitter module  104 . The selected input source  102  can dynamically change from time to time. 
     The input selector module  214  receives digital signals, audio and control, from the selected input devices  102 . Various bus designs can be used to couple the input selector module  214  to the input connectors to receive the digital signals. Exemplary bus designs that are used in the audio field include, for example, inter IC sound (I 2 S). 
     Connected to the audio input connector  204  is the signal processing module  216 . The signal-processing module  216  is configured to combine the digital signal, audio and control, from the input select module  214  with an analog control signal from the volume sensor A/D  206 . For input sources  102  that provide a digital audio signal and digital control signal, the analog signal is not used. The control signal and the audio signal for the selected input device  102  forms the combined signal. 
     The signal processing module  216  includes a processor  218  coupled to the volume sensor A/D  206  for processing analog control signals. The processor  218  can be an 8-bit processor. The processor  218  is configured to control the volume sensor A/D  206 . The signal-processing module  216  may further include a programmable logic device (PLD)  220 . The PLD  220  is configured to combine the control signal with its associated audio signal. For example, the PLD  220  combines the audio signal from the audio input connector  204  with its associated control signal. The processor  218  can assist in the combining of the audio signal with the control signal. For analog input sources, the digital version of the control signal is provided by the processor  218  using information obtained from the volume sensor A/D  206 . The PLD  220  is further configured to format the combined signal to be readable by the powerline module  222 . 
     The signal processing module  216  may also include a destination source switch  221 . The destination source switch  221  is configured to select a receiver  108 ( a )-( n ) for receiving the combined signal. For example in  FIG. 1 , depending on the position of the destination source switch  221 , any of the receivers  108 ( a )-( n ) could receive the combined signal. Alternatively, more than one receiver  108 ( a )-( n ) can receive the same combined signal. In one embodiment, the signal processing module  216  includes a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown). The DSP is configured to process and encode the control signal and the audio signal. For example, the address of the destination receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) can be encoded by the DSP. 
     Coupled to the signal processing module  216  is the powerline module  222 . The powerline module  222  is configured to modulate and transmit the combined signal via the powerline  106 . The powerline module  222  includes a powerline chipset  224 , a powerline magnetics module  226 , and an A/C plug  228 . 
     The combined signal is received by the powerline chipset  224  from the signal processing module  216 . The powerline chipset  224  is configured to transform the combined signal into symbols. The symbols are then arranged into data packets for their transmission on the PHY via the powerline  106 . The PHY can utilize one or more carrier frequencies. The detail components which perform the conversion of the combined signal for its transmission via the powerline  106  are illustrated in, and will be explained with reference to,  FIG. 5 . 
     The powerline magnetics module  226  is coupled to the powerline chipset  224 . The powerline magnetics module  226  is configured to provide isolation between the low voltage powerline chip set  224  and the high voltage powerline  106 . The powerline magnetics module  226  is further coupled to an alternating current (AC) plug  228 . The AC plug  228  is configured to electrically connect the transmitter module  104  with the input power receptacle  105  (see  FIG. 1 ) for transmission of the packets. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the transmitter module  104  shown in  FIG. 2 . The transmitter module  104  includes housing  240  and a plug  228 . The housing includes a plurality of receptacles  202 ( a ), ( b ), ( c ) each accessible for attaching a connector from input devices  102  to receive the audio signal. The housing  240  may include a control signal receptacle  244 . In this embodiment, the control signal receptacle  244  receives a separate analog or digital control signal from an input device. Alternatively, and as described with reference to  FIG. 2  above, a control signal is generated via the analog signal. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the transmitter module from  FIG. 1 . In contrast to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the embodiment of  FIG. 4  is specifically designed for receiving signals from analog input devices. Thus,  FIG. 4  includes only the RCA connector module  208  from  FIG. 3  for receiving input signals. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the powerline chipset  224 , from  FIG. 2 , which performs the conversion of the combined signal for its transmission via the powerline  106 . The detail components of the powerline chipset  224  are described below. 
     The powerline chipset  224  receives the combined signal from the signal-processing module  216  via a host interface  402 . The encryption module  404  receives the combined signal from the host interface  402 . The encryption module  404  is configured to encrypt the combined signal so that it is unreadable except by authorized users, for example, a receiver  108  ( a )-( n ). Coupled to the encryption module  404  is an encode module  406 . The encode module  406  is configured to encode the combined signal. Exemplary encoding techniques include Reed-Solomon encoding. 
     A media access control (MAC) protocol  410  controls the sharing of a PHY layer  412  among multiple transmitters  104  and receivers  108 ( a )-( n ). In conjunction with the MAC protocol  410 , the PHY layer  412  specifies the modulation, coding, and basic packet formats which are used to transmit along the powerline  106 . An exemplary transmission technique used by the powerline communication system  100  is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). 
     OFDM divides the encoded signal into multiple parallel signals, each of which has a relatively low bit rate. Each encoded signal is provided to the mapper module  408 . The mapper module  408  converts the bits to symbols prior to their modulation on the PHY layer  412 . For example, the bit streams can form OFDM symbols. Alternatively, QAM symbols can be used. 
     The MAC protocol  410  arranges each series of symbols to form a payload for transmission in a data packet. Each payload can be associated with a frame control header. The frame control header includes MAC protocol  410  management information. For example, the packet&#39;s length and response status can be included in the frame control header. The data packet can further include a start-of-frame delimiter and an end-of-frame delimiter in addition to the payload and frame control header. For unicast transmissions to more than one receiver  108 ( a )-( n ), the destination receiver  108  ( a )-( n ) can respond by transmitting a response delimiter indicating the status of its reception. As mentioned above, the delimiters can be intended for more than one of the receiver modules  108 ( a )-( n ). However, the payload is intended for only the destination receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ). 
     Each data packet is then modulated one of a series of closely spaced carriers, or subcarriers of the PHY layer  412 , using, for example, OFDM. Many different types of modulation can be used to transmit the symbols on the individual carriers. Exemplary modulation techniques include differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) modulation and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), both well known in the art. DQPSK modulation encodes the data as the difference in phase between the present and previous symbol in time on the same subcarrier. 
     The payload is carried on subcarriers that have been previously agreed upon by the transmitter module  104  and destination receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ) during a channel adaptation procedure. The subcarriers are selected based on the transfer function between the transmitter module  104  and the receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ). For example, the transmitter module  104  could select a first set of subcarriers of the PHY layer  412  for transmission between itself and the receiver module  108 ( a ). The receiver module  104  could then select a different set of subcarriers of the PHY layer  412  for transmission between itself and receiver module (b) based on the transfer functions between itself and receiver modules  108 ( a ),  108 ( b ). 
     A digital to analog module  414  converts the modulated signal to an analog form. The outgoing signal is then upconverted to an intermediate frequency  416  prior to its transmission. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the receiver module from  FIG. 1 , which includes an amplifier  514 . The amplifier  514  can be a digital amplifier. Digital amplifiers internally process the audio signal in the digital domain. The receiver module  108  is configured to receive and unformat a combined signal received via the powerline  106 . The receiver module  108  is further configured to manipulate and amplify the audio signal and then broadcast the amplified signal. 
     The receiver module  108  includes a powerline module  507 , a signal processing module  508 , and an amplifier module  514 . The powerline module  507  is similar to the powerline module  222  described with reference to  FIG. 2  except that it operates in a reverse configuration. The powerline module  507  is configured to receive and demodulate the combined signal via the powerline  106 . The powerline module  507  includes a powerline chipset  506 , a powerline magnetics module  509 , and an A/C plug  510 . 
     The alternating current (AC) plug  510  is configured to electrically connect the receiver module  108  with an input power receptacle  107 ( a )-( c ) (see  FIG. 1 ) to receive the packets. The AC plug  228  is further coupled to the powerline magnetics module  509 . The powerline magnetics module  509  is configured to provide isolation between the low voltage powerline chip set  506  and the high voltage powerline  106 . The powerline magnetics module  509  is coupled to the powerline chipset  506 . 
     The symbols in the data packets are received by the powerline chipset  506 . After their transmission on the PHY via the powerline  106 , the symbols are removed from the data packets. The powerline chipset  506  is configured to transform the symbols into a combined signal. The detail components which perform the conversion of the data packets received via the powerline  106  are illustrated in, and will be explained with reference to,  FIG. 8 . 
     The signal processing module  508  is similar to the signal processing module  216  described with reference to  FIG. 2  except that it receives the combined signal and extracts the audio signal from the control signal. The signal processing module  508  includes a processor  218 . The processor  218  is coupled to a local volume control  512 . The local volume control  512  is configured to allow a user to change the volume level of the audio signal broadcast by the loudspeaker. The signal-processing module  508  further includes a programmable logic device (PLD)  513 . The PLD  513  is configured to extract or separate the control signal from its associated audio signal. The processor  218  can assist in separating the audio signal from the control signal. The audio signal can be in an I 2 S format while the control signal can be in an I 2 C format. The PLD  513  provides the signals to the amplifier  514 . 
     Coupled to the signal-processing module  508  is the amplifier  514 . The amplifier  514  receives the extracted audio signal and control signal from the signal-processing module  508 . The amplifier  514  is configured to manipulate and amplify the audio signal and then broadcast the amplified signal. The amplifier includes a digital signal processor (DSP) module  516 , an amplifier module  520 , a power stage module  522 ( a )-( b ), and outputs  524 ,  526 . 
     The DSP module  516  is configured to manipulate the received audio signal based on the control signal associated with the received audio signal. The DSP module  516  can include a graphical user interface (GUI) for a user to control the DSP module  516 . A PLD  518  can be coupled to the DSP module  516  to provide control logic. This logic can include processing additional channels, for example, subwoofer and center channels, for the amplifier  514 . For example, the PLD  518  can create a delay in sending a center channel signal to the DSP module  516 . An embodiment of the DSP module  516  is a Stereo Audio Digital Equalizer, part number TAS3001, which is manufactured by Texas Instruments Incorporated. Texas Instruments Incorporated is located at 12500 TI Boulevard in Dallas, Tex. 75243-4136. 
     The amplifier module  520  is coupled to the DSP module  516  and receives the manipulated I 2 S audio signal. The amplifier module  520  converts the I 2 S audio signal to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. An embodiment of the amplifier module  520  is a Digital Audio PWM Processor, part number TAS5010, which is manufactured by Texas Instruments Incorporated. The PWM signal is amplified by the power stages  522 ( a )-( b ). An embodiment of the power stages  522  is a Digital Amplifier Power Stage, part number TAS5110, which is manufactured by Texas Instruments Incorporated. The amplified signal is broadcast via outputs  524 ,  526 . 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the receiver module  108  from  FIG. 1 . The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the signal-processing module  602  does not provide an I 2 C control signal. Moreover, the embodiment of  FIG. 7  provides the I 2 S signal to an output module  604  and not to an amplifier. The output module  604  converts the I 2 S signal to an analog form for broadcast via outputs  524 ,  526 . 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the Rx powerline chipset  506  from  FIG. 6 . The Rx powerline chipset  506  operates similar to the Tx powerline chipset described in  FIG. 5  except in a reverse configuration. The Rx powerline chipset  506  performs the conversion of the combined signal received via the powerline  106 . The detail components of the Rx powerline chipset  506  are described below. 
     The incoming signal is downconverted from an intermediate frequency  802  to a baseband signal. An analog to digital module  804  converts the baseband signal to a digital form. The received data packet is demodulated from one of a series of closely spaced carriers, or subcarriers of the PHY layer  806 . Many different types of modulation can be used to transmit the symbols on the individual carriers. Exemplary modulation techniques include differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) modulation and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), both well known in the art. DQPSK modulation encodes the data as the difference in phase between the present and previous symbol in time on the same subcarrier. 
     A media access control (MAC) protocol  808  controls the sharing of the PHY layer  806  among multiple transmitters  104  and receivers  108 ( a )-( n ). In conjunction with the MAC protocol  808 , the PHY layer  806  identifies the modulation, coding, and basic packet formats which were used to transmit along the powerline  106 . 
     The MAC protocol  808  removes the symbols from the received data packet. Each data packet can be associated with a frame control header. The frame control header includes MAC protocol  808  management information. For example, the packet&#39;s length and response status can be included in the frame control header. The data packet can further include a start-of-frame delimiter and an end-of-frame delimiter in addition to the payload and frame control header. For unicast broadcast to more than one receiver  108 ( a )-( n ), the destination receiver  108  ( a )-( n ) can respond by transmitting a response delimiter indicating the status of its reception. As mentioned above, the delimiters can be intended for more than one of the receiver modules  108 ( a )-( n ). However, the payload is intended for only the destination receiver module  108 ( a )-( n ). 
     The symbols are provided to the demapper  810 . The demapper module  810  converts the demodulated symbols to bits. The bits are provided to a decode module  812 . The decode module  812  is configured to decode the bits into a combined signal. Exemplary encoding techniques include Reed-Solomon encoding. Coupled to the dencode module  812  is a decryption module  814 . The decryption module  814  receives the combined signal from the decode module  812 . The decryption module  814  is configured to decrypt the combined signal so that it is readable by the authorized user, for example, the receiver  108  ( a ). once decrypted, the powerline chipset  506  provides the combined signal to the signal-processing module  508 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an exemplary process that is performed by the transmitter module to transmit a Tx signal and a Tx control signal into the powerline  106  when the input is an analog audio signal. The process begins at a state  900  where the signal-processing module  216  receives an audio signal from the audio input connector  204 . The process then moves to a state  902  where the analog audio signal is processes through, for example, low pass filtering or other additional signal processing to produce an analog volume signal level. The process moves to a state  904  where the volume sensor A/D  206  periodically samples the sensed volume and converts the sensed volume into a digital form. Next, at a state  906 , the signal-processing module  216  receives the destination address of the receiver  108 ( a )-( n ) from the destination source switch  221 . Flow proceeds to a state  908  where the signal processing module  216  combines the audio and control signal into a combined signal. At a state  912 , the powerline module  222  transmits the combined signal via the powerline  106  to the destination receiver (a)-( n ). 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an exemplary process that is performed by a receiver module to receive an Rx signal and an Rx control signal from the transmitter module via the powerline  106 . The process begins at a state  1000  where the combined signal is received by a destination receiver module via the powerline. The process moves to a state  1002  where the destination receiver module extracts its destination address from the combined signal. Flow moves to a state  1006  where the destination receiver extracts volume and audio signals from the combined signal. Next, at a state  1008 , the receiver module adjusts the volume level of the audio signal based on the volume signal. Flow proceeds to a state  1010  where the receiver module provides the adjusted audio signal to the loudspeaker. 
       FIGS. 11-14  illustrate embodiments of the communication system that are configured to utilize an infrared (IR) transmission and reception technique to communicate within the network. However, the communication system is not so limited. Other exemplary transmission and reception techniques that are within the scope of the invention comprise wireless, powerline, RF, and wired techniques. Thus, the following description equally applies to communication systems that use techniques besides IR as well as communication systems that use a combination of techniques within the network. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication system showing an infrared (IR) transmitter  1101  and a loudspeaker  1115  connected using an IR network. The IR transmitter  1101  is configured to combine an audio signal  1103  and a control signal  1105 . Alternatively, the control signal  1105  is sensed via the audio signal  1103 . The IR transmitter  1101  can include one or more diodes  1107 . The diode  1107  is configured to transmit the combined signal in the infrared spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, the combined signal is transmitted via the IR network to the loudspeaker  1115 . 
     The loudspeaker  1115  can be coupled to a housing  1200 . The housing includes one or more receiver components  1140 , an IR detector  1111 , and a power supply  1113 . The receiver components  1140  are configured to receive the combined signal that is transmitted by the IR transmitter  1101 . The receiver components  1140  provide the received combined signal to the loudspeaker  1115 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the housing  1200  includes one IR detector  1111 . However, the housing can include additional IR detectors  1111 . The IR detector  1111  is configured to receive the transmitted combined signal from the IR transmitter  1101 . In another embodiment, the receiver components  1140  and the IR detector  1111  are incorporated within the loudspeaker  1115 . In such a configuration, the IR detector  1111  can be incorporated into the external surface of the loudspeaker  1115 . In still another embodiment, the IR detector  1111  is located external to the loudspeaker and coupled through the loudspeaker  1115  to internal receiver components. 
     In one embodiment, the IR transmitter  1101  is coupled to a headphone  1117  via the IR network. In this configuration, the IR transmitter  1101  transmits the combined signal via the diode  1107  to the headphone  1117 . The transmitter is configured with a switch  1122  to create an address to enable operation of the speakers or headphones. For example, when the switch  1122  is set to headphones, only the headphones will play. When the switch  1122  is set to speakers, only the speakers receiving the audio signal will play. The switching can be accomplished by many alternative means such as by creating an address that will be transmitted along with the audio signal. The headphone  1117  can include receiver components  1119 , one or more detectors  1120 , and one or more loudspeakers  1121 . The detector  1120  is configured to receive the combined signal from the IR transmitter  1101 . The detector  1120  further provides the combined signal to the receiver components  1119 . In one embodiment, a housing for the receiver components  1119  is shaped like a pyramid with detectors  1120  located on each of its four sides. In one embodiment, the receiver components  1119  are combined with the loudspeaker  1121  of the headphone  1117 . As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, various combinations of these components can be selected while staying within the scope of the invention. 
     As explained above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the IR network of  FIG. 11  can provide the combined signal to the loudspeaker  1115  and/or the headphone  1117  for a listener&#39;s enjoyment. In one embodiment, the receiver components of the system  1109  manipulates the audio signal portion of the combined signal based on the associated control signal prior to the audio signal&#39;s broadcast by the loudspeaker  1115 . Similarly, the receiver components  1119  of the headphone  1117  can manipulate the audio signal portion of the combined signal based on the associated control signal prior to the audio signal&#39;s broadcast via the loudspeaker  1121  to the user. 
       FIG. 11A  is a block diagram of receiver components  1140  which can be located in a surround or speaker enclosure. The receiver components  1140  can comprise an IR receiver  1109 , a DSP module  516  for multiple channels, an amplifier module  520 , and power stage modules  522  for one or more surround or speaker channels. The IR receiver  1109  receives the transmitted audio signal from the IR detector  1111 . The DSP module  516  processes the audio signal using any control information that was transmitted with the audio signal. The DSP module  516  can further enhance the signal using signal processing techniques known in the art. The amplifier module  520  can be configured as a pulse width modulation (PWM) converter/amplifier driven directly from a digital input from the DAP/DSP. The power stage modules  522  receive the audio power signal from the amplifier module  520  and provides the audio signal to the audio output lines  1205 ,  1207 . The audio output lines provide the manipulated audio signal to one or more surround or speaker enclosures. The surround or speaker enclosure and associated receiver components  1140  can be configured to operate in mono or stereo depending on the system requirements. 
       FIG. 11B  is a diagram showing multiple embodiments of a housing or speaker  1150  and associated receiver components  1140  from  FIG. 11A . One embodiment of the speaker is a housing for a surround speaker. However, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11B ( 1 )-( 5 ), the invention is not so limited. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 11B ( 1 ), the receiver components  1140  are mounted inside a speaker enclosure  1150 . This enclosure can be any speaker. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 11B ( 2 ), the receiver components are mounted inside a stereo speaker  1150 , all in one housing. One or more of the receiver components  1140  are mounted inside the enclosure. The receiver components may include signal processing techniques to enhance the audio signal to give the listener the impression of a wider separation of sound. 
     In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 11B ( 3 ), the receiver components  1140  are mounted in various possible locations within a speaker stand. This embodiment integrates the stand and the receiver components. A user can advantageously select any standard speaker to receive the audio signal from receiver speaker outputs. The stand can be configured to operate in a mono or stereo mode. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 11B ( 4 ), the housing for the receiver is incorporated in a speaker wall mount. In this embodiment, the receiver housing, mount, and receiver components are integrated. As explained above with  FIG. 11B ( 3 ), any standard speaker receives the audio signal from the receiver speaker outputs and is further mounted on the bracket. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 11B ( 5 ), the housing for the receiver components is wall mounted, floor mounted or mounted on a speaker. As explained above with  FIG. 11B ( 3 ), any standard speaker receives the audio signal from the receiver speaker outputs. 
     The embodiments of  FIG. 11B ( 1 ) and  FIG. 11B ( 2 ) form complete speaker systems where the receiver components are integral with the speaker. The embodiments of  FIGS. 11B ( 3 ),  11 B( 4 ) and  11 B( 5 ) are adapter systems which allow the user to transform any speaker system into a wireless system. This advantageously allows the user to incorporate the receiver components disclosed herein with a home entertainment system&#39;s pre-existing loudspeakers. Moreover, should the user decide to purchase new loudspeakers, the user may select from a myriad of speaker manufacturers and speaker designs for attachment to the receiver components. 
     The receiver components  1140  illustrated in  FIGS. 11B ( 1 ) and  11 B( 2 ) can be configured to operate in a stereo or mono mode. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver components  1140  comprise the receiver module  1109 , PWM amplifier  520 , power stage modules  522 , and power supply. The receiver components  1140  may or may not include DSP  516  and signal processing depending on the application. 
     The transmitter which transmits the audio signal to the loudspeakers shown in  FIG. 11B  can be mounted inside another speaker. For example, the transmitting speaker can be a center channel or other speaker. This is most likely to be a center channel for IR networks but alternatively, the subwoofer loudspeaker, left loudspeaker, right loudspeaker, effects loudspeaker, surround/satellite loudspeaker and the like is used instead of the center channel speaker. In an embodiment where the IR transmitter  1101  is located in a center loudspeaker, the IR transmitter  1101  transmits the signal to the surround or satellite loudspeakers or subwoofer. The transmitter may be combined with one or more digital amplifiers which will be described with reference to  FIG. 11C . 
       FIGS. 11C and 11D  are block diagrams of audio, control, and video signal paths through components of home entertainment systems. The home entertainment systems receive one or more input signals from an input device  102 . Types of input signals can include, for example, audio, video, textual, and control signals. These signals can originate from one or more input devices  102  depending on the type of input signal. For example, a digital video disk (DVD) provides an audio signal and a video signal to the home entertainment system. For ease of explanation, the following description uses an audio signal and a video signal as exemplary input signals to the home entertainment systems. However, the communication system  100  is not so limited and can be used with textual and any other information signal. Examples of input devices  102  that generate an audio signal include a personal computer, DVD player, a stereo receiver, MP3 player, compact disk (CD) player, digital audio tape (DAT), TV, cable set top, satellite set top, media center, network client, and the like. DVD audio signals can include, for example, dolby digital and/or DTS digital signals. 
     Examples of input devices  102  that generate a video signal include a DVD player, laserdisc player, camcorders, VHS player, and the like. Examples of control signals include, volume level, fader level, balance level, sub-bass level, destination source, sound processing selection, equalizer levels, power on, power off, or any other manipulation of the audio signal. 
     Each of the home entertainment systems illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D  comprises a housing for a center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ). The embodiments of the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ) illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D  comprise different components which are arranged within the housing for each respective center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ). The embodiment of the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ) illustrated in  FIG. 11C  receives one or more input signals from an input device  102  that is external to the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ) housing. The connection between the input device  102  and the center channel loudspeaker  1142  can utilized digital or analog specialty cable. The specialty cable combines the signals from the input device  102  into a single cable. The single cable can connect to the rear panel of the input device  102 . In contrast, the embodiment of the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ) illustrated in  FIG. 11D  receives one or more input signals from an input source that is internal to the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ) housing. Therefore, the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ) can include loudspeakers, transmitters, a personal computer, a DVD player, a stereo receiver, a MP3 player, a compact disk (CD) player, a digital audio tape (DAT), a TV, a cable set top, a satellite set top, a media center, a network client, and the like. 
     Each home entertainment system can further comprise a TV, video monitor, or other display device  1145  for displaying one or more of the input signals. For example, the display device  1145  can display a video signal from the input device  102  when the input device is a DVD player. Continuing with this example, the audio signal associated with the video signal is processed by the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ) and transmitted to a remote loudspeaker. Textual information can also be displayed on the display device  1145 . For example, information related to an audio signal (song title, artist, track order, elapsed time and other information) can be displayed on the display device  1145 . 
     The display device  1145  can be connected directly to the input device  102  or, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D , indirectly to the input device  102  via the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ). The connection between the display device  1145  and the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ) or input device  102  can be wired or wireless. Since the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ) is advantageously located near the display device  1145 , ease of installation is enhanced by routing the video signal together with one or more other signals to the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ),  1142 ( b ). However, as explained above, the invention is not limited to the video signal routing illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D . 
     The components of the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a )/ 1142 ( b ) may comprise a DSP module  516  for multiple channels, a PWM converter/amplifier module  520 , a power stage module  522  for the center channel, and an IR transmitter  1101 . Depending on the channel format available from the source  102 , the DSP processes the audio signal into the selected channel configuration, such as Dolby Digital, DTS, SRS or alike. These channel formats include, for example, stereo, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 and the like. The DSP may further process control information such as equalizer information, volume or other signal processing information. 
     The input device  102  may select from one or more surround sound formats for the audio signal associated with a selected DVD. The one or more surround sound formats may each have a different number of channels or the same number of channels. 
     Each of the multiple channels or audio tracks can be a discrete audio channel or a virtual audio channel. Discrete audio channels are unique channels with respect to the other channels received from the same input source  102  and are not derived from the other channels. Virtual or derived audio channels are created from the other channels. An exemplary virtual surround sound format is Sound Retrieval System (SRS). SRS make use of only a left channel and a right channel to create an acoustic effect which emulates a surround sound format. A DVD encoded with a 5.1 channel configuration may employ, for example, a dolby digital format or a DTS format. As explained below, dolby digital as well as DTS each may include discrete channels or a combination of discrete and virtual channels. 
     Dolby digital 5.1 is a surround sound format which provides up to five discrete (independent) channels (center channel, left front, right front, surround left, surround right; giving it the “5” designation) of full frequency effects (for example, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz). The center loudspeaker is placed at the front center of the audio listening area. The center channel is often aligned with a vertical axis that passes through the center of the display device  1145 . In this way, the center channel is preferably located above or below the display device  1145 . The left and right front loudspeakers are placed on both sides of the center channel loudspeaker. The surround left and surround right loudspeakers are placed on respective sides of the audio listening area. Thus, five discrete loudspeakers are located around the audio listening area for reproducing five discrete channels. 
     A dolby digital 5.1 signal further includes an optional sixth channel dedicated for low frequency effects (LFE). A subwoofer loudspeaker is often included in the audio listening area and is specifically designed to reproduce LFE. The LFE channel gives dolby digital the “0.1” designation. The “0.1” signifies that the sixth channel is not full frequency, as it contains only deep bass frequencies (for example, 20 Hz to 120 Hz). Many DVD titles come with a dolby digital 5.1 audio signal. Other variants of dolby digital include mono (dolby digital 1.0), two channel dolby digital (stereo or dolby digital 2.0), and five channels of audio (dolby digital). DTS Digital Surround (a.k.a. DTS) is another 5.1 channel configuration format. 
     Depending on the audio signal, the DSP module  516  may decode a hybrid 5.1 channel configuration format. Hybrid 5.1 channel configurations include, for example, THX Surround EX (a.k.a. dolby digital EX) and DTS Extended Surround (DTS-ES). THX Surround EX is the extended surround version of dolby digital 5.1, while DTS-ES is the extended surround version of DTS 5.1. These hybrid 5.1 channel configurations differ from their true 5.1 counterparts in that the hybrids derive or create a sixth full frequency channel or surround back channel from the existing channels. THX Surround EX and DTS-ES create the surround back channel from the surround left and surround right channels. Thus, the surround back channel is not a true discrete channel. This surround back channel is properly located behind the audio listening area. 
     Unlike the format described above, DTS-ES discrete 6.1 is a true 6.1 channel format. DTS-ES 6.1 supports a discrete surround back channel. Thus, the DSP module  516  decodes a surround back channel from a discrete data stream that is independent from those of the surround left and surround right channels. This surround back channel may be utilized with two surround back channel loudspeakers. Each back channel loudspeaker can be spaced symmetrically behind the audio listening area. Since DTS-ES 6.1 only provides six discrete full frequency channels and one LFE channel, an audio listening area employing two surround back channels loudspeakers has a hybrid 6.1 channel configuration. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D , the receiver components  1142  further comprise power stage modules  524 ( b )-( n ) for other audio channels in addition to the amplifier for the center channel. In some embodiments, for example, the receiver components  1142  comprise power stage modules for the subwoofer loudspeaker, left loudspeaker, right loudspeaker, effects loudspeaker, surround/satellite loudspeaker and the like. 
     For example, depending on the channel format desired, a corresponding number of distinct loudspeakers and channels of amplification may be employed. Amplification for each discrete channel may be performed in separate amplifiers. Amplification may be employed in a different loudspeaker than the designated loudspeaker, for example, the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( a ) can amplify the left front channel. Alternatively, the amplification may be performed in the designated loudspeaker. Due to the high power requirements to reproduce low frequency effects, amplification of the LFE (0.1 designation) subwoofer channel can be performed separately from amplification of the other full frequency channels. However, such an arrangement is not required to practice the invention. 
     In operation, the receiver components  1142  receive an input signal from the input device  102 . The input signal can be in the form of a digital or analog signal. The input signal(s) is provided to the receiver components  1142  via connector interface  204 . When the input signal comprises a video signal, the video signal is routed through the center channel loudspeaker  1142  and to the display device  1145 . The audio signal is routed to the DSP module  516 . The DSP module  516  processes the input signal for one or more of the channels. As shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 11C and 11D , the DSP module  516  may process the input signals for all the channels, some of the channels or none of the channels. 
     A series of jumpers or switches  1122  allows the input signals for the loudspeakers to be either processed by the DSP module  516 , sent directly to PWM or transmitted to the loudspeakers. The center channel loudspeaker  1142  illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D  provides audio channel signals to the power stage modules  524 ( b )-( n ).  FIGS. 11C and 11D  illustrate five power stage modules  524 ( b )-( n ). In other embodiments, more or less power stage modules  524 ( b )-( n ) may be used depending on the number of channels that are amplified by the center channel loudspeaker  1142 . The center channel loudspeaker  1142  illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D  further provides two audio channels to the IR transmitter  1101 . The two channels provided to the IR transmitter  1101  are wireless transmitted to the loudspeakers  1144 ( a ),  1144 ( b ). The wireless transmission technique may utilize, for example, RF or an IR transmitter  1101 . The IR transmitter  1101  is configured to transmit the combined signal to one or more loudspeakers  1144 ( a )-( b ). Each IR transmitter  101  can transmit one channel or multiple channels. Alternatively, multiple IR transmitters  1101  are utilized to transmit the audio channels. 
     In other embodiments, the center channel loudspeaker  1142  amplifies fewer audio channels and thus may require fewer power stage modules  524 ( b )-( n ). In such embodiments, the non-amplified audio channels are wirelessly transmitted to loudspeakers in addition to the loudspeakers  1144 ( a ),  1144 ( b ) that are illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D  as receiving a wireless audio signal. 
     This other loudspeaker can be a surround loudspeaker, multiple surround loudspeakers, or other speaker. Typically, it is advantageous to transmit to loudspeakers other than left, right, or center in a surround sound system described above. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11C , the IR transmitter  1101  in the center channel loudspeaker encodes and transmits a signal to the surround or satellite loudspeakers via an infrared network. Alternatively, the IR transmitter  1101  in the center channel loudspeaker transmits the combined signal via powerline, RF, wireless, or a wired network to the surround or satellite loudspeakers. 
     The amplifier module  520  is coupled to the DSP module  516  and receives the audio signal. The amplifier module  520  converts the audio signal to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The PWM signal is amplified by the power stage  522 . The amplified signal is broadcast via outputs  524 ( a )-( n ). 
       FIG. 11E  is a front view of the display device  1145  from  FIG. 11D  arranged adjacent to the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ) from  FIG. 11D . A left front loudspeaker  1143 ( a ) and a right front loudspeaker  1143 ( b ) are further illustrated in  FIG. 11E . The left front loudspeaker  1143 ( a ) is located below the display device  1145  and to the left side of the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ). The right front loudspeaker  1143 ( b ) is located below the display device  1145  and to the right side of the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ). As described above with reference to  FIG. 11D , the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ) comprises an input device  102  which is internal to the housing for the center channel loudspeaker  1142 ( b ). In the embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 11E , the input device  102  is a DVD player. Examples of other input devices  102  include a personal computer, a stereo receiver, MP3 player, compact disk (CD) player, digital audio tape (DAT), and the like. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a housing  1200  for the receiver components  1140  described in  FIG. 11A . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the housing  1200  can include two detectors  1111 ( a ), ( b ) and a power supply  1113  as described with reference to  FIG. 11 . Detectors can be located on the same or different surfaces of the IR receiver  1109 . For example, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12  further includes detector  1201  on a different surface of the housing  1200 . By locating one or more detectors  1111 ,  1201  on different surfaces of the housing  1200 , the IR receiver can receive the transmitted combined signal from the IR transmitter  1101  from more than one direction. The housing  1200  can further include audio output lines  1205 ,  1207 . The audio output lines provide the manipulated audio signal to one or more loudspeakers  1115  (see  FIG. 11 ). In one embodiment, the housing  1200  includes a female or male fastener  1203  for mounting the housing  1200  to a speaker bracket. The housing  1200  can further include mounting holes  1209 . The mounting holes  1209  allow the housing  1200  to be mounted inside or outside of the loudspeaker  1115 . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of one embodiment of the IR transmitter  1101  shown in  FIG. 11 . The IR transmitter  1101  can be configured to receive, format, and transmit a combined signal via the IR network. The IR transmitter  1101  can comprise an audio input connector  204 , a signal processing module  1301 , a volume sensor analog-to-digital converter (A/D)  206 , and an IR encoder/transmitter module  1305 . The audio input connector  204  is the same as described with reference to  FIG. 2  except that the audio input connector can additionally or alternatively comprise a speaker-level input connector  1302 . The speaker-level input connector  1302  allows the IR transmitter  1101  to receive speaker level analog signals and line level analog signals. The volume sensor  206  is the same as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The volume sensor analog-to-digital converter (A/D)  206  can be coupled to the signal processing module  1301 . The IR encoder  1305  is further connected to transmitting diodes  1107 ( a )-( n ). 
     The signal processing module  1301  can include an 8-bit processor  218 , a digital signal processor  1303 , and a destination source switch  221 . The 8-bit processor  218  and the destination source switch  221  are the same as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The digital signal processor  1303  can be configured to decode algorithms, for example, DTS, Dolby, Dolby Digital, and perform pre-processing before transmission by the IR transmitter  1101 . The signal processing module  1301  provides the control signal and the audio signal to the IR encoder  1305 . The IR encoder  1305  combines the audio signal and the control signal for its transmission via, for example, the diode  1107 . In one embodiment, the DSP is configured to process and encode the control signal and the audio signal. For example, the address of the destination receiver module can be encoded by the DSP. In this embodiment, the destination source switch  221  is not utilized. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of audio and control signal paths through an embodiment of the receiver components  1140  from  FIG. 11 . For ease of explanation, the following describes the IR receiver components  1140 . However, the following description also applies to the headphone embodiment of the IR receiver  1119 . The receiver components  1140  are configured to receive and decode the combined signal received via the IR network. The receiver components  1140  can be further configured to manipulate and amplify the audio signal and then broadcast the amplified signal. One embodiment of the receiver components  1140  includes optical detector  1111 ( a )-( n ), IR receiver  1109 , and an amplifier module  514 . 
     The detector  1111  is configured to receive the combined signal transmitted by the IR transmitter  1101  (see  FIG. 11 ). The detector  1111  provides the combined signal to the IR receiver  1109 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the combined signal can be in an I 2 S format. Other formats for transmitting the combined signal are within the scope of the invention. The IR receiver  1109  receives the combined signal via the detector  1111 . The decoder/receiver  1109  is configured to decode and extract the audio signal from the control signal. In embodiments where an address corresponding to a destination receiver is transmitted, the extracted signals are only provided to the amplifier module  514  of the destination receiver. In one embodiment, the 8-bit processor  218  is configured to receive the address and determine whether its associated received corresponds to the address. If the address does not correspond, the receiver will enter a standby mode and not amplify the signal. Thus, depending on whether the address corresponds to the receiver receiving the signal, that receiver can be enabled and amplify the signal, or disabled and not amplify the signal. In one embodiment, the receiver components  1140  time out in response to not receiving their address for a period of time and power down to a standby mode. If the transmitted address changes and corresponds to the receiver components  1140  in standby mode, the receiver will be enabled, power up, and play. 
     The amplifier  514  receives the extracted audio signal and control signal from the IR receiver  1109 . The amplifier  514  is configured to manipulate and amplify the audio signal and then broadcast the amplified signal. The amplifier  514  can include, for example, a digital signal processor module  516 , an amplifier module  520 , a power stage module  522 ( a )-( b ), and outputs  524 ,  526 . The components of the amplifier  514  are the same as described above with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The foregoing description details certain preferred embodiments of the present invention and describes the best mode contemplated. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. The embodiments of the receivers herein disclosed can be fixed or modular in design. For example, the digital amplifier can be designed for a DSP/DAP to plug into a digital bus. For a modular design, the receiver is configured to connect via Ethernet, wireless, wired, powerline, infrared, and/or RF through a common bus. Examples of common bus designs include I 2 S, I 2 C, parallel, and serial. 
     As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the present invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the present invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110513
Publication Date: 20190521
Grant Date: 20190521
Priority Date: 20020125
Inventors: MCCARTY, WILLIAM A.
RODRIGUEZ, YADIR
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B3/54", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04S3/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R27/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B2203/545", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B3/54", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04S3/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R27/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B2203/545", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46300887