WO2018113874A1

WO2018113874A1 - Loudspeaker and method for operating a loudspeaker

Info

Publication number: WO2018113874A1
Application number: PCT/DK2017/050422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Poulsen; Anders Poulsen
Original assignee: Christian Poulsen Holding Aps
Priority date: 2016-12-19
Filing date: 2017-12-12
Publication date: 2018-06-28

Abstract

Disclosed is a first loudspeaker, an audio system comprising a first loudspeaker and a method for operating a first loudspeaker, the first loudspeaker comprising: a cabinet, a first interface including an audio interface, a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, and a speaker unit connected to the first processing unit, the method comprising: obtaining first loudspeaker settings; receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel; providing a first output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the first loudspeaker settings; and converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal.

Description

LOUDSPEAKER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A LOUDSPEAKER

The present disclosure relates to a first loudspeaker, and audio system comprising the first loudspeaker, and a method for operating the first loudspeaker comprising a cabinet, a first interface including an audio interface, a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, and a speaker unit connected to the first processing unit.

BACKGROUND

Recent developments in audio systems and audio standards move towards standards with a large number of audio channels. These standards developments put strict requirements on equipment as well as positioning of sound sources, such as specific positioning of multiple loudspeakers in relation to one or more listening positions. The large number and complexity of different standards furthermore requires an audio system specifically designed for each standard.

Known solutions transmit designated audio streams with a single designated channel to each loudspeaker.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a more flexible configuration of audio systems, and a desire for audio units usable in different standards/audio systems.

Despite the known solutions there is a need for an improved method, loudspeaker and audio system providing a more flexible configuration of audio systems comprising one or more loudspeakers. Accordingly, disclosed is a method for operating a first loudspeaker. The first loudspeaker comprises a cabinet, a first interface including an audio interface, a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, and a speaker unit connected to the first processing unit. The method comprises obtaining first loudspeaker settings. The method comprises receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel. The method comprises providing a first output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the first loudspeaker settings. The method comprises converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal. Also disclosed is a first loudspeaker. The first loudspeaker comprises a first cabinet. The first loudspeaker comprises a first interface including an audio interface for receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel. The first loudspeaker comprises a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, the first processing unit being configured for providing a first output signal. The first loudspeaker comprises a first speaker unit connected to the first processing unit for converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal. The first output signal is based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to first loudspeaker settings.

Also disclosed is an audio system comprising a first loudspeaker according to the above and a second loudspeaker. The second loudspeaker comprises a second cabinet. The second loudspeaker comprises a second interface including an audio interface for receiving the at least one audio stream. The second loudspeaker comprises a second processing unit connected to the audio interface, the second processing unit being configured for providing a second output signal. The second loudspeaker comprises a second speaker unit connected to the second processing unit for converting the second output signal to a second acoustic output signal. The second output signal is based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to second loudspeaker settings.

It is an advantage of the present disclosure that high user flexibility is provided by facilitating use of the loudspeaker in different sound system configurations. For example, in a first configuration, the loudspeaker may be used in a surround sound configuration as a part of a surround sound system with e.g. three loudspeakers or more, e.g. in a living room. Surround sound configurations typically use one or more loudspeakers as front speakers, one or more loudspeakers as surround speakers and/or one or more subwoofer units. Further, in a second configuration, the

loudspeaker may be used alone or as part of a music player configuration with other loudspeakers configured for playing music, e.g. in a kitchen. Further, an easily configurable loudspeaker is provided. The audio system and loudspeakers may use standard or standardized audio signals, such as 5.1 configuration and/or stereo configuration of the loudspeakers. It is an advantage that the audio system and loudspeakers use standard or standardized audio signals as the audio system and loudspeakers may thus be used in any existing system and/or may be used with any existing loudspeakers and/or may be used with any existing audio signals.

The audio stream may comprise a plurality of audio data of a respective plurality of audio channels. The plurality of audio channels comprises the first audio channel and the second audio channel. The plurality of audio channels may comprise a third audio channel and/or a fourth audio channel and/or a fifth audio channel.

It is an advantage that the first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker may be configured to mix a plurality of audio channels, such as the first audio channel and the second audio channel and/or a third audio channel and/or a fourth audio channel and/or a fifth audio channel of the audio stream. Thus each loudspeaker may mix the unprocessed first audio channel and the unprocessed second audio channel, and optionally any plurality of audio channels. Thus the first loudspeaker may provide a different output signal than the second loudspeaker, as the first and the second loudspeaker may mix the audio channels differently. The processing unit of the loudspeaker may perform the mixing. Mixing the first audio channel and the second audio channel and/or any plurality of audio channels may comprise determining the amount of each of these channels.

Alternatively or additionally, the first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker may control the delay of the first and/or second audio data of the first and/or second audio channels.

Alternatively or additionally, the first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker may control the delay of one or more of the plurality of audio data, such as the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth and/or fifth audio data of the respective audio channels.

The first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker may control a filtering, such as high pass filtering, low pass filtering etc., of the first and/or second audio data of the first and/or second audio channels.

Alternatively or additionally, the first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker may control a filtering, such as high pass filtering, low pass filtering etc., of one or more of the plurality of audio data, such as the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth and/or fifth audio data of the respective audio channels.

The audio stream comprising the first audio channel and the second audio channel may be a wireless audio stream and/or a digital audio stream.

It is an advantage that the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker are variably configurable. Thus the configuration of the first loudspeaker is not fixed, but can be changed at any time. Likewise is the configuration of the second loudspeaker not fixed, but can be changed at any time. Every time the first and/or the second loudspeaker is to be part of a new or different sound system configuration, e.g. with one or more other loudspeakers and/or in a different room of a house etc., then each loudspeaker may be configured accordingly.

The audio system is scalable, such as configured to be upscaled by adding one or more loudspeakers to the audio system, and/or such as configured to be downscaled by removing one or more loudspeakers from the audio system. Thus one or more loudspeakers, such as a third loudspeaker and/or a fourth loudspeaker, may be added to the audio system, for providing a desired sound system configuration, such as a 3.1 surround sound configuration. Likewise may one or more loudspeakers be removed from the audio system, such as removing a third loudspeaker and/or a fourth loudspeaker, for providing another desired sound system configuration, such as a stereo sound configuration.

The audio stream comprising the first and the second audio channel may be independent from the number of loudspeakers in the audio system. Thus the audio stream may be the same audio stream when there are one, two, three, four, or five etc. loudspeakers. It is an advantage that the audio stream may be independent from the number of loudspeakers, as more loudspeakers may not require more bandwidth in the audio stream. Thus there may be no requirement for increased bandwidth, when the audio system comprises more loudspeakers. For example the audio stream may be according to a 5.1 surround sound configuration independent of how may loudspeakers are part of the audio system.

Thus it is an advantage that the method comprises receiving a first audio stream in the first loudspeaker according to a multi-channel audio standard, where the multi-channel audio standard comprises a plurality of audio channels, where the plurality of audio channels includes a first audio channel and a second audio channel. Furthermore, it is an advantage that the method comprises providing a first output signal based on the first audio channel and the second audio channel according to the first loudspeaker settings. Hereby the method provides that the first output signal and thereby the first acoustic output signal comprises more audio channels and thereby may be a unique output signal. Thus each output signal from each loudspeaker may be a unique output signal. Thus each loudspeaker in an audio system comprising a plurality of

loudspeakers may transmit a unique output signal comprising more audio channels. It is an advantage that more audio channels can be mixed and provided as one output from one loudspeaker in an audio system, since this may provide an improved sound experience for the listener.

It is an advantage that there may be no need or requirement for specific positioning of multiple loudspeakers in relation to one or more listening positions, as the output signal from each loudspeaker can be configured and changed continually and easily according to any positioning of multiple loudspeakers, as the first output signal is based on the first audio channel and the second audio channel according to the first loudspeaker settings.

The audio channels are configured to be mixed to an output signal based on a control signal, which may be generated for example from information about a calculated or determined position of the loudspeakers. Additionally or alternatively, the control signal may be generated from information about characteristics of the loudspeakers, such as the individual loudspeakers. Characteristics of the loudspeakers may for example comprise information of the loudspeakers frequency response.

The method comprises obtaining first loudspeaker settings. Obtaining the first loudspeaker settings may comprise receiving a first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings via the interface. Obtaining the first loudspeaker settings may comprise receiving the first loudspeaker settings, such as from a control unit and/or from another unit or device, such as from a personal computer or a smart phone or a tablet computer or other electronic or communication device.

The first loudspeaker may be a part of an audio system comprising one or more loudspeakers including the first loudspeaker and a second loudspeaker and/or a third loudspeaker etc.

The audio system may comprise a plurality of loudspeakers. The audio system may further comprise a control unit for configuration of the audio system. The control unit may be a dedicated unit and/or a smart phone, a personal computer or a smart phone or a tablet computer or other electronic or communication device.

The control unit may be configured to obtain loudspeaker parameters from one or more loudspeakers of the plurality of loudspeakers of the audio system. The loudspeaker parameters may include a loudspeaker parameter of any respective loudspeaker. For example, the loudspeaker parameters may include a first loudspeaker parameter of the first loudspeaker, a second loudspeaker parameter of the second loudspeaker, and/or a third loudspeaker parameter of the third loudspeaker.

The control unit may be configured to obtain loudspeaker parameters from the loudspeakers including at least one first loudspeaker parameter of the first loudspeaker and at least one second loudspeaker parameter of the second loudspeaker.

The control unit may be further configured to determine loudspeaker settings, e.g. control signals, based on the loudspeaker parameters, such as the first loudspeaker parameter, the second loudspeaker parameter and/or the third loudspeaker parameter. The control unit may be configured to determine first loudspeaker settings, e.g. control signals, based on one or more of the at least one first loudspeaker parameter and one or more of the at least one second loudspeaker parameter.

The control unit may be further configured to transmit the first loudspeaker settings to the first loudspeaker.

The control unit may be further configured to determine second loudspeaker settings based on one or more of the at least one first loudspeaker parameter and one or more of the at least one second loudspeaker parameter.

The control unit may be further configured to transmit the second loudspeaker settings to the second loudspeaker.

The control unit may further be configured to obtain the loudspeaker configuration by transmitting a first configuration request to the first loudspeaker and receiving a configuration signal from one or more of the plurality of loudspeakers.

For example, the control unit may transmit a first configuration request to the first loudspeaker. In response to the configuration request, the first loudspeaker may transmit a first acoustic signal received by the plurality of loudspeakers. The plurality of loudspeakers may transmit configuration signals to the control unit based on the first acoustic signal, e.g. the configuration signal may provide information of delay etc. The control unit may determine the audio output for each loudspeaker and transmit this information to the respective loudspeaker. Instead of the control unit determining the audio output for each loudspeaker, each loudspeaker may determine its own audio output based on its own loudspeaker settings. Thus, the same audio stream may be transmitted to each loudspeaker, and each loudspeaker may determine its own audio output based on the audio stream.

According to an aspect, disclosed is a set-up device for configuration of an audio system, the audio system comprising at least a first loudspeaker and a second loudspeaker. The set-up device may be the control unit. The set-up device may comprise a processing unit, a memory, and an interface. The processing unit of the setup device is configured to obtain a loudspeaker configuration including at least one first loudspeaker parameter of the first loudspeaker and at least one second loudspeaker parameter of the second loudspeaker. The processing unit of the set-up device is configured to determine first loudspeaker settings based on one or more of the at least one first loudspeaker parameter and one or more of the at least one second

loudspeaker parameter. The processing unit of the set-up device is configured to transmit the first loudspeaker settings to the first loudspeaker.

The set-up device may be a remote unit, such as a personal electronic device, such as a computing unit, such as a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a smart watch etc. The set-up device may have installed a software application, such as a software program or app, for configuration of the audio system. The set-up device may be integrated in one or more of the loudspeakers of the audio system, such as integrated in the first loudspeaker and/or in the second loudspeaker.

When the audio system is configured using the set-up device, the audio system may operate, such as playing music using the loudspeakers according to their configuration. The set-up device may not be needed during the operation, e.g. when the

loudspeakers are playing music, as the audio system may operate without the set-up device. Thus the audio system may operate without burdening the set-up device, such as without draining for example a battery of the set-up device, e.g. a smartphone.

Obtaining loudspeaker settings may comprise receiving a control signal indicative of the loudspeaker settings via a user interface. For example, obtaining the first, second, and/or third loudspeaker settings may comprise receiving a respective first, second, and/or third control signal indicative of the respective first, second, and/or third loudspeaker settings via the respective first, second, and/or third user interface.

In some embodiments obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises receiving a first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings via the first interface. Thus the first loudspeaker settings may be obtained by receiving in the first loudspeaker a first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings. Thus the first loudspeaker may receive the first loudspeaker settings.

Receiving a control signal may comprise receiving the control signal from a control unit. In some embodiments receiving the first control signal comprises receiving the first control signal from a control unit. Thus, the first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings may be received by the first loudspeaker from a control unit. Thus the control unit may transmit the first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings to the first loudspeaker.

The control unit may be provided as a dedicated control unit for the audio system. The control unit may be provided as a control unit in an electronic device. The control unit may be provided in one or more of the loudspeakers. The control unit may be a set-up device.

A loudspeaker, such as the first, second and/or third loudspeaker, may comprise a memory unit. Obtaining loudspeaker settings may comprise retrieving the loudspeaker settings from the memory unit. Thus the loudspeaker settings, such as the first, second and/or third loudspeaker settings, may be provided in a memory unit of the respective loudspeaker.

In some embodiments the first loudspeaker comprises a memory unit, and obtaining the first loudspeaker settings may comprise retrieving the first loudspeaker settings from the memory unit. Thus the first loudspeaker settings may be provided in a memory unit of the first loudspeaker.

A loudspeaker, such as the first, second and/or third loudspeaker, and/or a processing unit of the loudspeaker, may be configured to determine the position of the

loudspeaker, e.g. respective to a reference point, such as a listening position and/or a specific loudspeaker. The method may comprise determining the position of one or more of the loudspeakers, such as the first loudspeaker, the second loudspeaker and/or the third loudspeaker. A loudspeaker, such as the first, second and/or third loudspeaker, may comprise a sensor unit for providing a sensor signal. Determining the position of a loudspeaker, such as the first, second and/or third loudspeaker, may be based on the sensor signal.

In some embodiments the first loudspeaker comprises a first sensor unit for providing a first sensor signal, the second loudspeaker comprises a second sensor unit for providing a second sensor signal, and/or the third loudspeaker comprises a third sensor unit for providing a third sensor signal.

The method may comprise receiving a first configuration request, e.g. via the first interface. The method may comprise generating a configuration signal based on the first sensor signal and/or the first configuration request. The generated configuration signal may be transmitted e.g. to a control unit. The configuration signal may be an acoustic signal used for determining the positioning of the one or more loudspeakers of the audio system, e.g. respective to a reference point, such as a listening position and/or a specific loudspeaker. The first sensor signal may provide an easy

configuration of the sound system. Thus the first sensor unit may be provided for determining the position of the first loudspeaker, and/or for determining the position of one or more other loudspeakers of the audio system.

In some embodiments obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises generating the first loudspeaker settings based on the configuration signal and/or obtaining the second loudspeaker settings comprises generating the second loudspeaker settings based on the configuration signal and/or obtaining the third loudspeaker settings comprises generating the third loudspeaker settings based on the configuration signal. Thus, the configuration signal may be used for generating loudspeaker settings, such as the first, second and/or third loudspeaker settings.

In some embodiments obtaining loudspeaker settings, such as the first loudspeaker settings, the second loudspeaker settings and/or the third loudspeaker settings, comprises obtaining a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data. The set of first parameters may comprise a first primary parameter indicative of a first gain to be applied to the first audio data. The set of second parameters may comprise a second primary parameter indicative of a second gain to be applied to the second audio data. If the first gain is 1 , then the second gain may be 0. If the first gain is 0.5, then the second gain may be 0.5 etc. The set of first parameters and/ the set of second parameters may comprise parameters of the audio, such as bass, treble etc. In some embodiments a first audio stream of the at least one audio stream is according to a multi-channel audio standard.

In some embodiments the multi-channel audio standard is an N.M surround sound standard, wherein N is at least 3. Thus, the surround sound standard may be a 3.1 , a 5.1 , a 7.1 etc.

In some embodiments the method comprises operating a second loudspeaker. The second loudspeaker may comprise a second processing unit. The method may comprise obtaining second loudspeaker settings. The method may comprise receiving the at least one audio stream comprising the first audio data of the first audio channel and the second audio data of the second audio channel. The method may comprise providing a second output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the second loudspeaker settings. The method may comprise converting the second output signal to a second acoustic output signal.

Thus, the same audio stream, e.g. the at least one audio stream, may be received by the plurality of loudspeakers, such as the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker and/or a third loudspeaker. The first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker and/or a third loudspeaker may output a different output signal, such as the first output signal and/or the second output signal and/or a third output signal, from the same audio stream based on the first loudspeaker setting and the second loudspeaker settings and/or third loudspeaker settings, respectively.

An output signal, such as the first output signal and/or the second output signal and/or the third output signal may comprise at least a part of a plurality of audio data, such as at least a part of the first audio data and at least a part of the second audio data. For example, the output signal may comprise a mix of the contents of the first audio channel and the second audio channel and/or the third audio channel.

In some embodiments obtaining the second loudspeaker settings comprises receiving a second control signal indicative of the second loudspeaker settings via a second interface of the second loudspeaker.

In some embodiments receiving the second control signal comprises receiving the second control signal from the control unit. A loudspeaker, such as the first loudspeaker, the second loudspeaker and/or the third loudspeaker, may be configured for changing the loudspeaker settings, such as the respective first loudspeaker settings, second loudspeaker settings and/or third loudspeaker settings, based on a control signal received via the interface, such as the respective first interface, second interface and/or third interface.

In some embodiments the first loudspeaker is configured for changing the first loudspeaker settings based on a first control signal received via the first interface.

Loudspeaker settings may comprise a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data and/or a set of third parameters for third audio data. Loudspeaker settings may comprise parameters indicative of gain and/or delay and/or phase shift to be applied to the audio data.

Loudspeaker settings may comprise first parameters indicative of gain and/or delay and/or phase shift to be applied to the first audio data, and other second parameters indicative of gain and/or delay and/or phase shift to be applied to the second audio data.

In some embodiments the first loudspeaker settings comprise a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data.

In some embodiments the set of first parameters comprises a first primary parameter indicative of a first gain and/or a first secondary parameter indicative of first delay and/or phase shift, such as a first gain and/or a first delay and/or phase shift to be applied to the first audio data.

In some embodiments the set of second parameters comprises a second primary parameter indicative of a second gain and/or a second secondary parameter indicative of second delay and/or phase shift, such as a second gain and/or a second delay and/or phase shift to be applied to the second audio data

In some embodiments a first audio stream of the at least one audio stream is according to a multi-channel audio standard. The multi-channel audio standard may be an N.M surround sound standard. N may be at least 3, such as 5, such as 7, such as 9.

In some embodiments the first loudspeaker comprises a first sensor unit for providing a first sensor signal and/or the second loudspeaker comprises a second sensor unit for providing a second sensor signal and/or the third loudspeaker comprises a third sensor unit for providing a third sensor signal. A sensor unit may be connected to a respective interface. For example, the first sensor unit may be connected to the first interface, the second sensor unit may be connected to the second interface, and/or the third sensor unit may be connected to the third interface.

The first, second, and/or third loudspeaker may be configured for generating a respective first, second and/or third configuration signal based on the respective first, second and/or third sensor signal.

The first loudspeaker may be configured for generating a first configuration signal based on the first sensor signal and/or a first configuration request.

The sensor unit(s) may comprise one or more microphones, e.g. including a first microphone and/or a second microphone. The one or more microphones may be configured for providing at least a part of a respective sensor signal.

In some embodiments the first sensor unit comprises a first microphone. Thus the first microphone may be configured for providing at least part of the first sensor signal. In some embodiments the first sensor unit comprises a second microphone. Thus the second microphone may be configured for providing at least part of the first sensor signal.

The loudspeakers comprising one or more microphones may be used to detect the direction and/or distance to other loudspeakers of the audio system, e.g. by

determining delay of the sound received and/or the direction of the origin of the sound.

In some embodiments an interface, such as the first interface and/or the second interface may comprise a wireless interface, e.g. the audio interface may be a wireless audio interface.

The present invention relates to different aspects including the method described above and in the following, and corresponding loudspeakers, audio systems, set-up devices, methods, devices, networks, uses and/or product means, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the first mentioned aspect, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the first mentioned aspect and/or disclosed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary audio system.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary loudspeaker.

Fig. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for operating a loudspeaker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary audio system 2. The audio system 2 comprises a plurality of loudspeakers 4, 8, 12, 16. The audio system 2 further comprises a control unit 20 for configuration of the audio system 2.

The control unit 20 is configured to obtain loudspeaker parameters 6, 10, 14, 18 from the loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16 including at least one first loudspeaker parameter 6 of the first loudspeaker 4 and at least one second loudspeaker parameter 10 of the second loudspeaker 8.

The control unit 20 is further configured to determine first loudspeaker settings, e.g. control signals, based on one or more of the at least one first loudspeaker parameter 6 and one or more of the at least one second loudspeaker parameter 10. The control unit 20 is further configured to transmit the first loudspeaker settings 7 to the first loudspeaker 4. The control unit 20 is further configured to determine second loudspeaker settings based on one or more of the at least one first loudspeaker parameter 6 and one or more of the at least one second loudspeaker parameter 10. The control unit 20 is further configured to transmit the second loudspeaker settings 11 to the second loudspeaker 8.

The control unit 20 may further be configured to obtain the loudspeaker configuration by transmitting a first configuration request 21 to the first loudspeaker 4 and receiving a configuration signal 6, 10, 14, 18 from one or more of the plurality of loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16.

For example, the control unit 20 may transmit a first configuration request 21 to the first loudspeaker 4. In response to the configuration request 21 , the first loudspeaker 4 may transmit a first acoustic signal 22 received by the plurality of loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16. The plurality of loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16 may transmit configuration signals to the control unit 20 based on the first acoustic signal 22, e.g. the configuration signal may provide information of delay etc.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16. The loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16 comprises a cabinet 102, an interface 104, a processing unit 106, and a speaker unit 108.

The interface 104 includes an audio interface for receiving an audio stream comprising a plurality of audio channels 1 12 including a first audio channel and a second audio channel. The audio stream comprises first audio data for the first audio channel and second audio data for the second audio channel.

For example, the audio stream may be according to a multi-channel audio standard. For example a 3.1 or a 5.1 surround sound standard.

It should be understood that the plurality of audio channels may be any number of audio channels, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. Hence, the audio stream may comprise a plurality of audio data for respective audio channels. However for simplicity, only two audio channels and respective audio data are given in the examples.

The processing unit 106 is connected to the audio interface. The processing unit 106 is configured for providing an output signal 1 14. The speaker unit 108 is connected to the processing unit 106 for converting the output signal 1 14 to an acoustic output signal 116.

The processing unit 106 is further configured for providing the output signal 114 based on first audio data of the first audio channel and second audio data of the second audio channel according to loudspeaker settings. The loudspeaker is configured for changing the loudspeaker settings based on a control signal 118 received via the interface 104.

The output signal 114 may comprise at least a part of the first audio data and at least a part of the second audio data, e.g. the output signal 114 may comprise a mix of the contents of the first audio channel and the second audio channel.

The output signal 114 may comprise a part of the first audio data with a first delay and a part of the second audio data with a second delay. For example, the output signal 1 14 may comprise a signal wherein audio of the plurality of audio channels are delayed differently.

The output signal 114 may comprise a part of the first audio data with a first gain and a part of the second audio data with a second gain. For example, the output signal 114 may comprise a signal wherein audio of the plurality of audio channels are amplified differently.

Another loudspeaker (not illustrated), e.g. a second loudspeaker, may receive the same audio stream comprising the plurality of audio channels 1 12 including the first audio channel and the second audio channel. However, the loudspeaker settings of the second loudspeaker may be different, and thereby the second loudspeaker may, based on the same audio data, provide a different output than the first loudspeaker.

The loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16 may comprise a sensor unit 110 for providing a sensor signal 120. For example, the sensor unit 110 may be a microphone or a GPS module. The sensor signal 120 may comprise information about the position of the loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16.

The sensor unit 110 may be connected to the interface 104, e.g. via the processing unit 106 as illustrated. The loudspeaker may be configured for transmitting a configuration signal 122 based on the sensor signal 120 and/or a configuration request 124.

The configuration signal 122 may comprise information about the position of the loudspeaker 4, 8, 12, 16. For example, the processing unit 106 may determine the position of the loudspeaker based on the sensor signal 120, e.g. by determining delay and/or direction of origin of a received acoustic signal, such as an acoustic signal received from another loudspeaker.

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 200 operating a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker comprising a cabinet, an interface including an audio interface, a processing unit connected to the audio interface, and a speaker unit connected to the processing unit. The method 200 comprising: obtaining 206 loudspeaker settings; receiving 208 an audio stream comprising a plurality of audio channels including a first audio channel and a second audio channel; providing 210 an output signal based on the first audio channel and the second audio channel according to the loudspeaker settings; and converting 212 the output signal to an acoustic output signal.

Receiving 208 the audio stream may comprise receiving an audio stream according to a multi-channel audio standard. For example a 3.1 or a 5.1 surround sound standard.

The loudspeaker may comprise a sensor unit for providing a sensor signal, and the method 200 may further comprise an optional step of receiving 202 a configuration request via the interface and transmitting 204 a configuration signal based on the sensor signal and/or the configuration request.

Exemplary methods, loudspeakers and audio systems are set out in the following items:

1. Method for operating a first loudspeaker comprising a cabinet, a first interface including an audio interface, a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, and a speaker unit connected to the first processing unit, the method comprising:

obtaining first loudspeaker settings;

receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel; providing a first output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the first loudspeaker settings; and converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal.

2. Method according to item 1 , wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises receiving a first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings via the first interface. 3. Method according to the preceding item, wherein receiving the first control signal comprises receiving the first control signal from a control unit.

4. Method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first loudspeaker comprises a memory unit, and wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises retrieving the first loudspeaker settings from the memory unit.

5. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first loudspeaker comprises a first sensor unit for providing a first sensor signal, the method comprising receiving a first configuration request and generating a configuration signal based on the first sensor signal and/or the first configuration request.

6. Method according to item 5, wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises generating the first loudspeaker settings based on the configuration signal.

7. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises obtaining a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data, the set of first parameters comprising a first primary parameter indicative of a first gain to be applied to the first audio data, and the set of second parameters comprising a second primary parameter indicative of a second gain to be applied to the second audio data.

8. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein a first audio stream of the at least one audio stream is according to a multi-channel audio standard, and wherein the multi-channel audio standard is an N.M surround sound standard, wherein N is at least 3.

9. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises operating a second loudspeaker comprising a second processing unit, by:

- obtaining second loudspeaker settings;

receiving the at least one audio stream comprising the first audio data of the first audio channel and the second audio data of the second audio channel;

providing a second output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the second loudspeaker settings; and converting the second output signal to a second acoustic output signal. 10. Method according to the preceding item, wherein obtaining the second loudspeaker settings comprises receiving a second control signal indicative of the second loudspeaker settings via a second interface of the second loudspeaker.

1 1. Method according to the preceding item as dependent on item 3, wherein receiving the second control signal comprises receiving the second control signal from the control unit.

12. A first loudspeaker comprising:

a first cabinet;

- a first interface including an audio interface for receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel;

a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, the first processing unit being configured for providing a first output signal; and - a first speaker unit connected to the first processing unit for converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal;

wherein the first output signal is based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to first loudspeaker settings.

13. First loudspeaker according to the preceding item, wherein the first loudspeaker is configured for changing the first loudspeaker settings based on a first control signal received via the first interface.

14. First loudspeaker according to any of items 12-13, wherein the first loudspeaker settings comprise a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data.

15. First loudspeaker according to the preceding item, wherein the set of first parameters comprises a first primary parameter indicative of a first gain and/or a first secondary parameter indicative of first delay/phase shift.

16. First loudspeaker according to any of items 12-15, wherein a first audio stream of the at least one audio stream is according to a multi-channel audio standard, and wherein the multi-channel audio standard is an N.M surround sound standard, wherein N is at least 3. 17. First loudspeaker according to any of items 12-16, wherein the first loudspeaker comprises a first sensor unit for providing a first sensor signal.

18. First loudspeaker according to the preceding items, wherein the first sensor unit is connected to the first interface, and wherein the first loudspeaker is configured for generating a first configuration signal based on the first sensor signal and/or a first configuration request.

19. First loudspeaker according to any of items 17-18, wherein the first sensor unit comprises a first microphone.

20. First loudspeaker according to the preceding items, wherein the first sensor unit comprises a second microphone.

21. An audio system comprising a first loudspeaker according to any of items 12-20 and a second loudspeaker comprising:

a second cabinet;

a second interface including an audio interface for receiving the at least one audio stream;

a second processing unit connected to the audio interface, the second processing unit being configured for providing a second output signal; and

a second speaker unit connected to the second processing unit for converting the second output signal to a second acoustic output signal; wherein the second output signal is based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to second loudspeaker settings.

Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. 2 audio system

4 first loudspeaker

6 first loudspeaker parameters

7 first loudspeaker settings

8 second loudspeaker

10 second loudspeaker parameters

1 1 second loudspeaker settings

12 third loudspeaker

14 third loudspeaker parameters

15 third loudspeaker settings

16 fourth loudspeaker

18 fourth loudspeaker parameters

19 fourth loudspeaker settings

20 control unit

21 configuration request

22 first acoustic signal

102 cabinet

104 interface

106 processing unit

108 speaker unit

110 sensor unit

112 audio channels

114 output signal

116 acoustic output signal

118 control signal

120 sensor signal configuration signal

configuration request

method

receiving configuration request

transmitting configuration signal

obtaining loudspeaker settings

receiving audio stream

providing output signal

converting output signal to acoustic output signal

Claims

- obtaining first loudspeaker settings;

receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel; providing a first output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the first loudspeaker settings; and

- converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal.

2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises receiving a first control signal indicative of the first loudspeaker settings via the first interface.

3. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein receiving the first control signal comprises receiving the first control signal from a control unit.

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first loudspeaker comprises a memory unit, and wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises retrieving the first loudspeaker settings from the memory unit.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first loudspeaker comprises a first sensor unit for providing a first sensor signal, the method comprising receiving a first configuration request and generating a configuration signal based on the first sensor signal and/or the first configuration request.

6. Method according to claim 4, wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises generating the first loudspeaker settings based on the configuration signal.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the first loudspeaker settings comprise a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the set of first parameters may comprise a first primary parameter indicative of a first gain and/or a first secondary parameter indicative of first delay/phase shift.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein obtaining the first loudspeaker settings comprises obtaining a set of first parameters for the first audio data and a set of second parameters for the second audio data, the set of first parameters comprising a first primary parameter indicative of a first gain to be applied to the first audio data, and the set of second parameters comprising a second primary parameter indicative of a second gain to be applied to the second audio data.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first audio stream of the at least one audio stream is according to a multi-channel audio standard, and wherein the multi-channel audio standard is an N.M surround sound standard, wherein N is at least 3.

1 1. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises operating a second loudspeaker comprising a second processing unit, by:

obtaining second loudspeaker settings;

- receiving the at least one audio stream comprising the first audio data of the first audio channel and the second audio data of the second audio channel; providing a second output signal based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to the second loudspeaker settings; and converting the second output signal to a second acoustic output signal.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein obtaining the second loudspeaker settings comprises receiving a second control signal indicative of the second loudspeaker settings via a second interface of the second loudspeaker.

13. Method according to the preceding claim as dependent on claim 3, wherein receiving the second control signal comprises receiving the second control signal from the control unit.

A first loudspeaker comprising:

a first cabinet;

a first interface including an audio interface for receiving at least one audio stream comprising first audio data of a first audio channel and second audio data of a second audio channel; a first processing unit connected to the audio interface, the first processing unit being configured for providing a first output signal; and

a first speaker unit connected to the first processing unit for converting the first output signal to a first acoustic output signal;

15. An audio system comprising a first loudspeaker according to claim 14 and a second loudspeaker comprising:

a second cabinet;

a second processing unit connected to the audio interface, the second processing unit being configured for providing a second output signal; and a second speaker unit connected to the second processing unit for converting the second output signal to a second acoustic output signal; wherein the second output signal is based on the first audio data and the second audio data according to second loudspeaker settings.