# 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. - **Patent:** US 11743673 - **Original title:** Audio processing apparatus and method therefor - **Owner:** Koninklijke Philips NV - **Granted:** 2023 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, telecommunications ## What it does 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Advanced home theater receivers with room correction 2. Soundbars with spatial audio capabilities 3. Smart speakers with adaptive sound features 4. Immersive audio systems (e.g., Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) ## Why it matters 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. ## 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. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11743673/audio-processing-apparatus-and-method-therefor **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11743673 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Smart Speakers Adapt Sound to Your Room and Listening Spot](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11178503/system-for-rendering-and-playback-of-object-based-audio-in-various-listening-env) — This patent describes a system that automatically adjusts how spatial audio sounds in a room by sensing speaker locations, listener position, and room acoustics, then dynamically calibrating the sound output. - [How a Device Renders Immersive Sound Objects Using Speaker Virtualization](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10743125/audio-processing-apparatus-with-channel-remapper-and-object-renderer) — Dolby's patent describes an audio processing system that takes individual sound elements, like a buzzing bee, and places them precisely in a 3D space using smart software that makes speakers sound like they are in different locations. - [How a Speaker Bounces Sound Off the Ceiling for Wider Audio](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11006212/upward-firing-loudspeaker-having-asymmetric-dispersion-for-reflected-sound-rende) — This patent describes a speaker system with special upward-firing drivers and slots designed to bounce high-frequency sound off a ceiling, creating a wider, more immersive listening experience. - [How Voice Assistants Change Their Speech Based on How You Talk](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10276149/dynamic-text-to-speech-output) — This patent describes a system where a voice-controlled device adjusts its text-to-speech output characteristics, like speed or tone, based on the user's speaking habits or current situation, making responses feel more natural and personalized. - [How Wearable Tech Uses 3D Sound to Guide Visually Impaired People](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10362429/find-my-network) — A system that builds a 3D map of the world and uses spatial audio to act as a virtual guide, helping visually impaired users navigate around obstacles.