SELECTIVELY COORDINATED AUDIO PLAYER SYSTEM

• US 20150286360A1
• Filed: 11/06/2012
• Published: 10/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: D&M Holdings Incorporated (Masimo Corporation)
• Original Assignee: D&M Holdings Incorporated (Masimo Corporation)
• Inventors: Wachter, Martin Richard
• Granted Patent: US 9,703,471 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04104 Multi-touch detection in digitiser, i.e. details about the simultaneous detection of a plurality of touching locations, e.g. multiple fingers or pen and finger
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04808 Several contacts: gestures triggering a specific function, e.g. scrolling, zooming, right-click, when the user establishes several contacts with the surface simultaneously; e.g. using several fingers or a combination of fingers and pen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0485 Scrolling or panning
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/14 Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/202 by remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances

Abstract

A selectively coordinated audio playback system is disclosed. The audio playback system includes multiple audio players serving, receiving and rendering audio content audio content. A controller is in communication with the audio players and controls the audio content provided on each audio player. The controller includes a touchscreen user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to selectively coordinate the audio content from the multiple audio players according to gestures detected via the touchscreen interface.

Claims

1. A method for arranging a plurality of networked audio players according to input from a touch-sensitive display, the method comprising:

instructing the touch-sensitive display to portray a representation of at least a portion of the plurality of networked audio players;

receiving data indicative of a gesture input via the touch-sensitive display;

associating the received data with a gesture-indicated arrangement for audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players;

instructing the plurality of networked audio players to provide audio playback according to the gesture-indicated arrangement; and

instructing the touch-sensitive display to portray a representation of at least some of the plurality of networked audio players including an indication of the gesture-indicated arrangement.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the instructing the touch-sensitive display is carried out such that representations of at least a portion of the plurality of networked audio players are substantially continuously portrayed via the touch-sensitive display during the receiving input data, the associating the received data with a gesture-indicated arrangement, and the instructing the plurality of networked audio players.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including forming or supplementing one or more groups for coordinated playback, synchronizing audio playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players associated together in the formed or supplemented one or more groups; and

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including removing networked audio players from pre-existing groups, ceasing playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players removed from the pre-existing groups.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes dragging a representation of a first networked audio player to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a second networked audio player, wherein the second networked audio player is not associated with a pre-existing group, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by:

forming a new group for coordinated audio playback including the first and second networked audio players, and

synchronizing audio playback from the first and second networked audio players in the new group.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes dragging a representation of a first networked audio player to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a pre-existing group including a second networked audio player and a third networked audio player, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by:

adding the first networked audio player to the pre-existing group, and

synchronizing audio playback from the first, second, and third networked audio players in the pre-existing group.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes a squeeze or pinch gesture, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by:

combining the plurality of networked audio players in a single group for coordinated audio playback; and

synchronizing audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:

following the synchronizing audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players, receiving data indicative of a splay gesture via the touch-sensitive display, and

instructing the plurality of networked audio players to revert to providing audio playback according to a playback arrangement employed preceding the single group for coordinated audio playback.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes dragging a representation of a first networked audio player included in a pre-existing group to a region of the touch-sensitive display not associated with the pre-existing group, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by:

removing the first networked audio player from the pre-existing group; and

ceasing audio playback from the first networked audio player.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the pre-existing group further includes a second networked audio player and a third audio player;

and

wherein the controller further instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by;

ceasing audio playback from the first networked audio player without interrupting audio playback from the second and third networked audio players in the pre-existing group.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes dragging a representation of a first networked audio player included in a pre-existing group to a region of the touch-sensitive display not associated with the pre-existing group, wherein the pre-existing group includes only the first networked audio player and a second networked audio player, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by:

deleting the pre-existing group; and

ceasing audio playback from the first and second networked audio player.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes a swipe across a representation of a first networked audio player associated with a pre-existing group,

wherein the method further comprises:

responsive to the receiving, instructing the touch-sensitive display to portray a selectable button within a region associated with the first networked audio player; and

wherein the instructing includes, responsive to receiving an indication that the selectable button is selected;

removing the first networked audio player from the pre-existing group; and

ceasing audio playback from the first networked audio player.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes a splay gesture, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players according to the gesture-indicated arrangement by:

deleting pre-existing groups, if any, associating one or more of the plurality of networked audio players together for coordinated audio playback; and

ceasing audio playback from all of the plurality of networked audio players.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received data indicates that the gesture includes dragging a representation of a first networked audio player not associated with a pre-existing group to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a position on the display, wherein the region is not associated with any of the plurality of networked audio players,

wherein the associating is carried out such that the gesture-indicated arrangement is unchanged from a previous arrangement for coordinated feedback, and

wherein the instructing the touch-sensitive display to portray a representation of at least some of the plurality of the plurality of networked audio players responsive to the associating includes portraying the representation of the first networked audio player in the position of the display.

14. A device for arranging a plurality of networked audio players, the device comprising:

a touch-sensitive display; and

a controller configured to;

detect a gesture via the touch-sensitive display while the touch-sensitive display portrays a representation of at least some of a plurality of networked audio players;

associate the detected gesture with a gesture-indicated arrangement for audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players;

instruct the plurality of networked audio players to provide audio playback according to the gesture-indicated arrangement; and

display, via the touch-sensitive display, a representation of at least some of the plurality of networked audio players including an indication of the gesture-indicated arrangement.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to substantially continuously portray the at least some of the plurality of networked audio players while detecting the gesture, associating the gesture, and instructing the plurality of networked audio players.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to:

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including forming or supplementing one or more groups for coordinated playback, synchronize audio playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players included together in the formed or supplemented one or more groups; and

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including removing networked audio players from pre-existing groups, cease playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players removed from the pre-existing groups.

17. The device according to claim 14, further comprising:

an antenna for wirelessly communicating with the plurality of networked audio players.

18. A method comprising:

detecting a gesture via a touch-sensitive display while the touch-sensitive display displays a representation of at least some of a plurality of networked audio players;

associating the detected gesture with a gesture-indicated arrangement for audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players;

instructing the plurality of networked audio players to provide audio playback according to the gesture-indicated arrangement; and

displaying, via the touch-sensitive display, a representation of at least some of the plurality of networked audio players including an indication of the gesture-indicated arrangement.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the instructing includes:

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including forming or supplementing one or more groups for coordinated playback, synchronizing audio playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players associated together in the formed or supplemented one or more groups; and

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including removing networked audio players from pre-existing groups, ceasing playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players removed from the pre-existing groups.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein representations of the at least some of a plurality of networked audio players are substantially continuously displayed via the touch-sensitive display while the detecting the gesture, associating the gesture, and displaying the representation are carried out.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the associating includes:

identifying the detected gesture as dragging a representation of a first networked audio player to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a second networked audio player, wherein the second networked audio player is not associated with a pre-existing group, and

wherein the instructing includes;

forming a new group for coordinated audio playback including the first and second networked audio players, and

synchronizing audio playback from the first and second networked audio players in the new group.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the associating includes:

identifying the detected gesture as dragging a representation of a first networked audio player to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a pre-existing group, wherein the pre-existing group includes second and third networked audio players, and

wherein the instructing includes;

supplementing the pre-existing group to include the first networked audio player, and

synchronizing audio playback from the first, second, and third networked audio players in the supplemented pre-existing group.

23. The method according to claim 18, wherein the associating includes:

identifying the detected gesture as a squeeze gesture including multiple points of contact with the touch-sensitive display moving together, and

wherein the instructing includes;

combining the plurality of networked audio players in a single group for coordinated audio playback; and

synchronizing audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein the associating includes:

identifying the detected gesture as dragging a representation of a first networked audio player included in a pre-existing group to a region of the touch-sensitive display not associated with the pre-existing group, and

wherein the instructing includes;

removing the first networked audio player from the pre-existing group; and

ceasing audio playback from the first networked audio player.

25. The method according to claim 18, wherein the associating includes:

identifying the detected gesture as a splay gesture including multiple points of contact with the touch-sensitive display moving apart, and

wherein the instructing includes;

deleting pre-existing groups, if any, associating one or more of the plurality of networked audio players together for coordinated audio playback; and

ceasing audio playback from all of the plurality of networked audio players.

26. The method according to claim 18, wherein the associating includes:

identifying the detected gesture as dragging a representation of a first networked audio player not associated with a pre-existing group to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a position on the display, wherein the region is not associated with any of the plurality of networked audio players, and

wherein the displaying includes portraying the representation of the first networked audio player in the position of the display.

27. The method according to claim 18, wherein the displayed representation includes a distinct region of the touch-sensitive display for each of the at least some of the plurality of networked audio players, and wherein a group associating two or more of the at least some of the plurality of networked audio players for coordinated audio playback is indicated by a visually apparent background surrounding only the two or more networked audio players included in the group.

28. A system comprising:

a plurality of networked audio players each configured to playback audio content according to network-delivered instructions; and

a controller including a user interface having a touch-sensitive display, wherein the controller is configured to;

detect a gesture via the touch-sensitive display while the touch-sensitive display portrays a representation of at least some of the plurality of networked audio players;

associate the detected gesture with a gesture-indicated arrangement for audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players;

instruct the plurality of networked audio players to provide audio playback according to the gesture-indicated arrangement; and

display a representation of at least some of the plurality of networked audio players including an indication of the gesture-indicated arrangement for coordinated audio playback.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to:

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including forming or supplementing one or more groups for coordinated playback, synchronize audio playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players associated together in the formed or supplemented one or more groups;

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including removing networked audio players from pre-existing groups, cease playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players removed from the pre-existing groups.

30. The system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to:

identify the detected gesture as dragging a representation of a first networked audio player to a region of the touch-sensitive display associated with a second networked audio player, wherein the second networked audio player is not associated with a pre-existing group, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players by;

forming a new group for coordinated audio playback including the first and second networked audio players, and

synchronizing audio playback from the first and second networked audio players in the new group.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the controller is configured to synchronize audio playback from the first and second networked audio players by synchronously providing a source of audio content, if any, played on the first networked audio player prior to the detection of the gesture.

32. The system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to:

identify the detected gesture as a squeeze gesture including multiple points of contact with the touch-sensitive display moving together, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players by;

combining the plurality of networked audio players in a single group for coordinated audio playback; and

synchronizing audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players.

33. The system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to:

identify the detected gesture as dragging a representation of a first networked audio player associated with a pre-existing group to a region of the touch-sensitive display not associated with the pre-existing group, and

wherein the controller instructs the networked audio players by;

removing the first networked audio player from the pre-existing group; and

ceasing audio playback from the first networked audio player.

34. A computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors in a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations, the operations comprising:

instructing a touch-sensitive display to portray a representation of at least a portion of a plurality of networked audio players;

receiving input data indicative of a gesture input via the touch-sensitive display;

associating the received data with a gesture-indicated arrangement for audio playback from the plurality of networked audio players;

instructing the plurality of networked audio players to provide audio playback according to the gesture-indicated arrangement; and

instructing the touch-sensitive display to portray a representation of at least some of the plurality of networked audio players including an indication of the gesture-indicated arrangement.

35. The computer readable medium according to claim 34, wherein the instructing the touch-sensitive display is carried out such that representations of at least a portion of the plurality of networked audio players are substantially continuously portrayed via the touch-sensitive display during the receiving input data, the associating the received data with a gesture-indicated arrangement, and the instructing the plurality of networked audio players.

36. The computer readable medium according to claim 34, wherein the operations further comprise:

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including forming or supplementing one or more groups for coordinated playback, synchronizing audio playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players associated together in the formed or supplemented one or more groups; and

responsive to the gesture-indicated arrangement including removing networked audio players from pre-existing groups, ceasing playback from ones of the plurality of networked audio players removed from the pre-existing groups.