Smart Speaker System Adapts Sound Based on Speaker Placement
This patent describes an audio system that intelligently chooses how to play different parts of a sound through different speakers, adapting its method based on where each speaker is placed in a room.
Original patent title: “Audio processing apparatus and method therefor”
This patent describes an audio system that intelligently chooses how to play different parts of a sound through different speakers, adapting its method based on where each speaker is placed in a room. Granted to Koninklijke Philips NV in 2023 with 20 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2041.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes an audio processing system that receives sound information, including separate sound parts (audio components) and data about where your speakers (audio transducers) are located. A "renderer circuit" then creates the actual sound signals for these speakers. Crucially, a "render controller circuit" picks different ways to play the sound (rendering modes, like stereo or 3D audio) for different speakers or even different sound parts. For example, if one speaker is out of place compared to its ideal spot, the system might use a different rendering mode for that speaker or a group of speakers to make the sound still feel right, as described in claimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1 and 4. It can also adjust based on the type of sound, like speech versus music.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Systems that only use a single rendering mode for all speakers and all audio components, without adaptation.
- Audio systems that do not consider the actual physical position of the speakers when choosing how to render sound.
- Systems that cannot apply different rendering modes to different *subsets* of speakers simultaneously.
- Systems that cannot apply different rendering modes to different *audio components* (e.g., a voice track vs. background music).
- Basic stereo or surround sound systems that do not dynamically adapt rendering based on speaker position deviations.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in dynamically selecting different rendering modes for *subsets* of speakers or even individual *audio components*, based on the actual physical location of the speakers relative to ideal positions. This allows the system to compensate for imperfect setups.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Advanced home theater receivers with room correction
Soundbars with spatial audio capabilities
Smart speakers with adaptive sound features
Immersive audio systems (e.g., Dolby Atmos, DTS:X)
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology aims to improve the listening experience in real-world setups where speakers might not be perfectly positioned. It allows for more flexible and adaptive audio systems, potentially making advanced audio formats like immersive sound more accessible and enjoyable in various home environments. This could be important for consumer electronics companies developing next-generation soundbars, home theater systems, and smart speakers.
Filed
January 20, 2021
Granted
August 29, 2023
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Koninklijke Philips NV, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is active in audio technology, including professional and consumer audio. Other companies like Dolby Laboratories, DTS (now Xperi), and Sony are also deeply involved in developing adaptive and immersive audio rendering technologies for home entertainment and professional use.
Market impact
This patent supports the trend towards more personalized and adaptive audio experiences, especially as immersive sound formats become more common. It could enable manufacturers to create more robust audio systems that perform well even in imperfect home environments, potentially reducing setup complexity for consumers and improving overall sound quality.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes an audio processing system that receives sound information, including separate sound parts (audio components) and data about where your speakers (audio transducers) are located. A "renderer circuit" then creates the actual sound signals for these speakers. Crucially, a "render controller circuit" picks different ways to play the sound (rendering modes, like stereo or 3D audio) for different speakers or even different sound parts. For example, if one speaker is out of place compared to its ideal spot, the system might use a different rendering mode for that speaker or a group of speakers to make the sound still feel right, as described in claim 1 and 4. It can also adjust based on the type of sound, like speech versus music.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in dynamically selecting different rendering modes for *subsets* of speakers or even individual *audio components*, based on the actual physical location of the speakers relative to ideal positions. This allows the system to compensate for imperfect setups.
What it does not cover
- Systems that only use a single rendering mode for all speakers and all audio components, without adaptation.
- Audio systems that do not consider the actual physical position of the speakers when choosing how to render sound.
- Systems that cannot apply different rendering modes to different *subsets* of speakers simultaneously.
- Systems that cannot apply different rendering modes to different *audio components* (e.g., a voice track vs. background music).
- Basic stereo or surround sound systems that do not dynamically adapt rendering based on speaker position deviations.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
13/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$41K – $131K
Midpoint $82K · 14.4 yr remaining · industry ×1.4
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
20 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Oomen, A. W. J., Bruijn, W. P. J. D., & Harma, A. S. (2023). Smart Speaker System Adapts Sound Based on Speaker Placement (U.S. Patent No. 11,743,673). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11743673/audio-processing-apparatus-and-method-therefor
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Smart Speaker System Adapts Sound Based on Speaker Placement cover?
This patent describes an audio system that intelligently chooses how to play different parts of a sound through different speakers, adapting its method based on where each speaker is placed in a room.
Who owns patent US 11743673?
Koninklijke Philips NV owns this patent, granted in 2023.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on January 20, 2041, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology aims to improve the listening experience in real-world setups where speakers might not be perfectly positioned. It allows for more flexible and adaptive audio systems, potentially making advanced audio formats like immersive sound more accessible and enjoyable in various home environments. This could be important for consumer electronics companies developing next-generation soundbars, home theater systems, and smart speakers.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Systems that only use a single rendering mode for all speakers and all audio components, without adaptation.
Same assignee
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