US 10,484,806 B2 · Managing audio output through an intermediary

Abstract

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for wirelessly connecting an audio output device to an audio controller, the method comprising:

sending, by a wireless network interface, a request for communication configuration information to accessible wireless access points;
receiving, by the wireless network interface, communication configuration information from a wireless audio controller, the communication configuration information for use in subsequent wireless communication with the wireless audio controller;
sending an advertisement signal advertising availability of the audio output device to wirelessly pair with audio source devices;
accepting a pairing request from the wireless audio controller based at least in part on received controller pairing information;
receiving, by the wireless network interface, a signal from the wireless audio controller, the signal prompting the audio output device to stop sending advertisement signals;
and
locking the audio output device to the wireless audio controller based at least in part on the received signal.

4 more elements

An audio output device, comprising:

a processor;
memory in electronic communication with the processor;
and
instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:
send a request for communication configuration information to any accessible wireless access points;
receive communication configuration information from a wireless audio controller, the communication configuration information for use in subsequent wireless communication with the wireless audio controller;
send an advertisement signal advertising availability of the audio output device to wirelessly pair with audio source devices;
accept a pairing request from the wireless audio controller based at least in part on received controller pairing information;
receive a signal from the wireless audio controller, the signal prompting the audio output device to stop sending advertisement signals;
and
lock the audio output device to the wireless audio controller based at least in part on the received signal.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Managing audio output through an intermediary

Life of this patent

Managing audio output through an intermediary

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20