Field
[0001] The present specification relates to audio output devices; for example, to the control
of multi-directional audio output devices.
Background
[0002] Multi-directional and omnidirectional audio output devices, such as loudspeakers,
can provide a variety of output effects, such as providing different audio channels
in different directions. There remains a need for alternative arrangements for interacting
with and/or controlling such devices.
Summary
[0003] In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for controlling
a plurality of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device; means for
receiving a first user input for indicating a first direction, wherein based, at least
in part, on the first user input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs is
configured to be output in the first direction and is defined as a first audio output;
and means for receiving a second user input for indicating a change in an audio setup
of the multi-directional audio output device.
[0004] At least some of the plurality of audio outputs may be configured to be output in
different directions.
[0005] The first audio output may have the highest volume setting or audio gain setting
of the plurality of audio outputs.
[0006] Controlling the plurality of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device
may comprise routing at least some of a plurality of audio channels to different ones
of the plurality of audio outputs. In some example embodiments, in the event of a
change in the first direction from a previous first direction to an updated first
direction, the means for routing the audio channels may rout the audio channels such
that the audio channel that was previously being output in the direction of the updated
first direction becomes the first audio output (such that the first audio output is
changed). In other example embodiments, in the event of a change in the first direction
from a previous first direction to an updated first direction, the means for routing
the audio channels routes the audio channels such that the audio channel that was
previously being output in the direction of the previous first direction is output
in the updated first direction (such that the first audio output remains the same,
but is output in a different direction).
[0007] In some example embodiments, a different one of the plurality of audio channels is
routed to each of the plurality of audio outputs of the audio output device. Alternatively,
some audio outputs could be repeated, for example, such that there are fewer audio
outputs than audio output directions.
[0008] In some example embodiments, based (at least in part) on the second user input, a
second one of the plurality of audio outputs is configured to be output in the first
direction and is defined as the first audio output. Thus, for example, the second
user input may be used to change the audio channel that is routed to the first audio
output. Alternatively, or in addition, in some example embodiments, based (at least
in part) on the second user input, one or more characteristics (such as, for example,
a change in a bass or treble setting of an output) of at least one of the plurality
of audio outputs is changed.
[0009] Some or all of the plurality of audio outputs may include different audio content
(such as different songs, e.g. of a playlist).
[0010] The audio output device may comprise a loudspeaker or a plurality of loudspeakers.
In forms of the invention including a plurality of loudspeakers, each of the plurality
of audio outputs may be provided in the direction of one of the plurality of loudspeakers.
However, this is not essential to all embodiments. For example, audio output could
be provided in directions other than the directions of the plurality of loudspeakers.
[0011] The audio output device may an omnidirectional audio output device (such as an omnidirectional
loudspeaker).
[0012] The means for receiving the first user input may comprise one or more touch sensors.
Alternatively, or in addition, the means for receiving the second user input may comprise
a motion sensor and/or a rotation input. The said motion sensor and/or rotation input
may, for example, be implemented using one or more of an accelerometer, a magnetometer,
a gyroscope and a compass.
[0013] In a second aspect, there is provided a method comprising: controlling a plurality
of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device; receiving a first user
input for indicating a first direction, wherein based, at least in part, on the first
user input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs is configured to be output
in the first direction and is defined as a first audio output; and receiving a second
user input for indicating a change in an audio setup of the multi-directional audio
output device. At least some of the plurality of audio outputs may be configured to
be output in different directions. The first audio output may have the highest volume
setting or audio gain setting of the plurality of audio outputs.
[0014] Controlling the plurality of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device
may comprise routing at least some of a plurality of audio channels to different ones
of the plurality of audio outputs. In some example embodiments, in the event of a
change in the first direction from a previous first direction to an updated first
direction, the method comprises routing the audio channels such that the audio channel
that was previously being output in the direction of the updated first direction becomes
the first audio output (such that the first audio output is changed). In other example
embodiments, in the event of a change in the first direction from a previous first
direction to an updated first direction, the method comprises routing the audio channels
such that the audio channel that was previously being output in the direction of the
previous first direction is output in the updated first direction (such that the first
audio output remains the same, but is output in a different direction).
[0015] In some example embodiments, a different one of the plurality of audio channels is
routed to each of the plurality of audio outputs of the audio output device. Alternatively,
some audio outputs could be repeated, for example, such that there are fewer audio
outputs than audio output directions.
[0016] In some example embodiments, based (at least in part) on the second user input, a
second one of the plurality of audio outputs is configured to be output in the first
direction and is defined as the first audio output. Thus, for example, the second
user input may be used to change the audio channel that is routed to the first audio
output. Alternatively, or in addition, in some example embodiments, based (at least
in part) on the second user input, one or more characteristics (such as, for example,
a change in a bass or treble setting of an output) of at least one of the plurality
of audio outputs is changed.
[0017] Some or all of the plurality of audio outputs may include different audio content
(such as different songs, e.g. of a playlist).
[0018] In a third aspect, this specification describes an apparatus configured to perform
any method as described with reference to the second aspect.
[0019] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes computer readable instructions which,
when executed by computing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method as described
with reference to the second aspect.
[0020] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a computer program comprising instructions
for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: control a plurality of
audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device; receive a first user input
for indicating a first direction, wherein based, at least in part, on the first user
input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs is configured to be output in
the first direction and is defined as a first audio output; and receive a second user
input for indicating a change in an audio setup of the multi-directional audio output
device.
[0021] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes a computer readable medium (e.g.
a non-transitory computer readable medium) comprising program instructions stored
thereon for performing at least the following: controlling a plurality of audio outputs
of a multi-directional audio output device; receiving a first user input for indicating
a first direction, wherein based, at least in part, on the first user input, a first
one of the plurality of audio outputs is configured to be output in the first direction
and is defined as a first audio output; and receiving a second user input for indicating
a change in an audio setup of the multi-directional audio output device.
[0022] In a seventh aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least
one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when
executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: control a plurality
of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device; receive a first user
input for indicating a first direction, wherein based, at least in part, on the first
user input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs is configured to be output
in the first direction and is defined as a first audio output; and receive a second
user input for indicating a change in an audio setup of the multi-directional audio
output device.
Brief description of the drawings
[0023] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference
to the following schematic drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a multi-directional audio output device used in example embodiments;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the multi-directional audio output device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing example outputs of the audio output device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows a multi-directional audio output device used in example embodiments;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 6 shows an example user interaction with an audio output device in accordance
with an example embodiment;
FIGS. 7 to 10 show example outputs of the audio output device of FIG. 6;
FIGS. 11 and 12 show example user interactions with an audio output device in accordance
an example embodiment;
FIG. 13 shows example outputs of the audio output device of FIGS. 11 and 12;
FIG. 14 shows an example user interaction with an audio output device in accordance
an example embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a table showing example outputs of the audio output device of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 17 shows an example user interaction with an audio output device in accordance
an example embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; and
FIGS. 19a and 19b show tangible media, respectively a removable memory unit and a
compact disc (CD) storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer perform
operations according to embodiments.
Detailed description
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a multi-directional audio output device, indicated generally by the
reference numeral 1, used in example embodiments. The multi-directional audio output
device 1 may be a multi-directional loudspeaker having a plurality of directional
loudspeakers (first to sixth directional loudspeakers 2 to 7 are shown in the example
device 1). The multi-directional audio output device 1 may take many forms. For example,
one or more loudspeakers forming part of an example multi-directional audio output
device could be formed from a plurality of loudspeaker elements. The skilled person
will be aware of many alternative arrangements.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a plan view, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10, of the multi-directional
audio output device 1. The plan view 10 includes the first to sixth loudspeakers 2
to 7 described above. Each of the loudspeakers is orientated in a different direction
such that each loudspeaker can provide an audio output in a different direction. Thus,
as shown in FIG. 2, the first loudspeaker 2 is orientated in a first direction having
an angle 0 degrees, with each of the other loudspeakers being orientated in a direction
having an angle relative to the angle of the first loudspeaker. Specifically, the
second loudspeaker 3 is orientated in a direction having an angle 45 degrees, the
third loudspeaker 4 is orientated in a direction having an angle 135 degrees, the
fourth loudspeaker 5 is orientated in a direction having an angle 180 degrees, the
fifth loudspeaker 6 is orientated in a direction having an angle 225 degrees, and
the sixth loudspeaker 7 is orientated in a direction having an angle 315. Of course,
in any particular embodiment, the number of loudspeakers and the relative angles of
those loudspeakers may be different to that shown in FIG. 2.
[0026] The loudspeakers 2 to 7 can provide audio outputs in the directions of the respective
loudspeakers, but audio output can, of course, be provided in other directions. By
way of example, as indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 2, audio outputs may be provided
in the directions 0 degrees (referred to below as the reference direction), 45 degrees,
90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees and 315 degrees. Of
course, the directions shown in FIG. 2 are provided by way of example only. Any combination
of directions could, in principle, be provided by the audio output device 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a plan view, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, showing example
outputs of the audio output device 1. The plan view 20 includes the first to sixth
loudspeakers directional 2 to 7 described above and the various audio outputs direction
described above.
[0028] As shown in the plan view 20, the first loudspeaker 2 provides an audio output in
a reference direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the audio output in the reference
direction is a first song (song N, as labelled in FIG. 3).
[0029] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a second song (song N+1) is provided in the 45 degree
direction, a third song (song N+2) is provided in the 90 degree direction, a fourth
song (song N+3) is provided in the 135 degree direction and a fifth song (song N+4)
is provided in the 180 degree direction. Furthermore, a sixth song (song N-1) is provided
in the 315 degree direction, a seventh song (song N-2) is provided in the 270 degree
direction and an eighth song (song N-3) is provided in the 225 degree direction. Of
course, the audio outputs shown in FIG. 3 are examples only.
[0030] The eight songs shown in FIG. 3 may form part of a playlist of songs, with different
songs being output in different directions. In one example embodiment, the first song
(song N) is played louder than the other songs. The other songs may all be played
at a similar volume or may themselves be output at different volumes. For example,
the volume at which a song is output may be dependent on the angle between the reference
direction and the direction in which the song is output (such that, for example, the
songs N+3 and N-3 are played more quietly than the songs N+2 and N-2, with the songs
N+2 and N-2 being played more quietly than the songs N+1 and N-1).
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a multi-directional audio output device, indicated by the reference
numeral 30, used in example embodiments. The multi-directional audio output device
30 may be a multi-directional loudspeaker having a plurality of directional loudspeakers
(first to sixth loudspeakers 32 to 37 are shown in the example device 1). Thus, the
audio output device 30 may have loudspeakers similar to the audio output device 1
described above.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the audio output device 30 also has a first input means 38 and
a second input means 40.
[0033] The first input means 38 may be used to enable a user to provide an input indicating
a first direction (e.g. a reference direction, as described above). In one implementation,
the first input means 38 is a touch sensor and/or an infra-red sensor. Of course,
many alternative arrangements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0034] The second input means 40 may be used to enable a user to indicate a change in the
audio arrangement. The second input means 40 may be a motion sensor and/or a rotation
input. In one implementation, the second input means 40 is an accelerometer, magnetometer,
gyroscope or compass. Again, many alternative arrangements will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 50, in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0036] The algorithm 50 starts at operation 52, where a first user input is received. The
first user input may, for example, be received by the first input means 38 of the
audio output device 30 described above. As described in detail below, the first user
input may define a reference direction of an audio output arrangement.
[0037] At operation 54, the reference direction is set, based on the first user input. The
audio output in the direction of the first user input may be defined as a first audio
output of the audio output device 30.
[0038] At operation 56, a second user input is received. The second user input may, for
example, be received by the second input means 40 of the audio output device 30 described
above. At operation 58, the second user input is used to change the audio setup of
the audio output device 30. For example, the second user input may define a change
in the audio channel that is routed to the first audio output. Examples of such changes
are described in detail below.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows an example user interaction, indicated generally by the reference numeral
60 in accordance with an example embodiment. The user interaction 60 involves an audio
output device 62, a first user 64 and a second user 66. The audio output device 62
may be similar to the audio output device 30 described above. In particular, the audio
output device 62 may include a first input means 38 (not shown in FIG. 6).
[0040] FIG. 6 shows the first user 64 touching the audio output device (as indicated by
the reference numeral 68). For example, the first user 64 may touch the first input
means 38, thereby implementing the operation 52 of the algorithm 50.
[0041] The touching 68 of the audio output device 62 by the first user 64 results in a setting
of a new reference direction (operation 54 of the algorithm 50).
[0042] FIG. 7 shows an example output, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70,
of the audio output device 62 of FIG. 6. The output 70 is similar to the output 10
described above with reference to FIG. 2. The output 70 includes an original reference
direction 72 (the reference direction before the touching 68 of the audio output device
62 by the first user 64) and a new reference direction 74 (the reference direction
after the touching 68 of the audio output device 62 by the first user 64). As shown
in FIG. 7, the reference direction is changed in operation 54 of the algorithm 50
to be in the direction in which the first user 64 touches the audio output device
62.
[0043] FIGS. 8 to 10 show exemplary uses of the audio output device 62.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows an initial state, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, in
which the reference direction 82 is at 0 degrees. A first song (Song N) is output
in the reference direction. A second song (Song N-1) is output at 45 degrees, a third
song (Song N-2) is output at 135 degrees, a fourth song (Song N+2) is output at 225
degrees, and a fifth song (Song N+1) is output at 315 degrees. As indicated in FIG.
8, the song in the reference direction (song N) is output loud and the other songs
are output less loud.
[0045] Assume that the user 64 touches the audio output device 62 as indicated by the reference
numeral 68 such that the reference direction is changed to the 315 degree position
as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As described below, FIGS. 9 and 10 show two alternative
arrangements (indicated generally by the reference numerals 90 and 100 respectively)
by which the initial state 80 might be changed by the user 64 touching the audio output
device 62 (i.e. two different implementations of the operation 54 are shown).
[0046] In FIG. 9, the reference direction 94 is shown in the 315 degree position. The first
to fifth songs described above with reference to FIG. 8 are still in the same positions,
such that the fifth song (Song N+1) is output at 315 degrees (and is therefore in
the reference direction). As indicated in FIG. 9, the fifth song (Song N+1) is output
loud and the other songs are output less loud. Thus, in the example of FIG. 9, in
the event of a change in the reference direction from a previous reference direction
to an updated reference direction, the audio channels are routed such that the audio
channel that was previously being output in the direction of the updated reference
direction is still routed in the updated reference direction.
[0047] In FIG. 10, the reference direction 104 is also shown in the 315 degree position.
The example of FIG. 10 differs from that of FIG. 9 in that the first song (Song N)
is output at 315 degrees (and is therefore in the reference direction). In other words,
the reference direction is changed (compared with FIG. 8), but the song being output
in the reference direction (the first song, Song N) is not changed. Thus, in the example
of FIG. 10, in the event of a change in the reference direction from a previous reference
direction to an updated reference direction, the audio channels are routed such that
the audio channel that was previously being output in the reference direction is output
in the updated reference direction.
[0048] FIGS. 11 and 12 show example user interactions (indicated generally by the reference
numerals 110a and 110b respectively) with an audio output device in accordance an
example embodiment. FIGS. 11 and 12 show user interactions involving an audio output
device 112, a first user 114 and a second user 116 (and are similar to the audio output
device 62, first user 64 and second user 66 described above with reference to FIG.
6). The audio output device 112 may be similar to the audio output device 30 described
above. In particular, the audio output device 112 may include a first input means
38 and a second input means 40 (not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).
[0049] FIG. 11 shows the second user 116 touching the audio output device 112 (as indicated
by the reference numeral 120). For example, the second user 116 may touch the first
input means 38, thereby implementing the operation 52 of the algorithm 50.
[0050] The touching 120 of the audio output device 112 by the second user 116 results in
a setting of a new reference direction (operation 54 of the algorithm 50).
[0051] FIG. 12 shows the second user 116 making a rotation motion 122 (as indicated by the
reference numeral 122). For example, the second user 116 may touch and rotate the
second input means 40, which rotation may, for example, be detected by motion sensors
of the second input means 40. Such motion sensors may be implemented, for example,
as accelerometers or similar devices.
[0052] As described above, FIG. 8 shows an initial state in which the reference direction
82 is at 0 degrees. A first song (Song N) is output in the reference direction. A
second song (Song N-1) is output at 45 degrees, a third song (Song N-2) is output
at 135 degrees, a fourth song (Song N+2) is output at 225 degrees, and a fifth song
(Song N+1) is output at 315 degrees. As indicated in FIG. 8, the song in the reference
direction (song N) is output load and the other songs are output less loud.
[0053] FIG. 13 shows an output arrangement, indicated generally by the reference numeral
130, by which the initial state 82 might be changed by the second user 116.
[0054] Assume that the second user 116 touches the audio output device 112 as indicated
by the reference numeral 120 such that the reference direction is changed to the 45
degree position as shown in FIG. 13. Assume also that the second user 116 rotates
the second input means such that the output songs are moved around the audio output
device 112 shown in FIG. 13.
[0055] As shown in the output arrangement 130, the reference direction (indicated by the
reference numeral 132) is in the 45 degree direction (as instructed by the touching
120 of the audio output device 112 by the second user 116).
[0056] Furthermore, the positions of the audio outputs have been changed as a result of
rotation of the second input means by the second user 116. As shown in FIG. 13, the
fifth song (song N+1) is output in the new reference direction 132, the first song
(Song N) is output in the 135 degree direction and the fourth song (Song N+2) is output
in the 0 degree direction. Further, as a result of the rotation of the second input
means 40, a sixth song (Song N+3) is output in the 135 degree direction and a seventh
song (Song N+4) is output in the 225 degree direction. Furthermore, the second song
(Song N-1) and the third song (Song N-2) are no longer output.
[0057] As indicated in FIG. 13, the fifth song (song N+1), which is output in the new reference
direction 132, is output loud and the other songs are output less loud.
[0058] Of course, the arrangement 130 is provided by way of example only. Many different
modifications are possible with the provision of the user interactions 120 and 122.
[0059] FIG. 14 shows an example user interaction, indicated generally by the reference numeral
140, with an audio output device in accordance an example embodiment. The user interaction
140 includes a user 142. A first user input 144 and a second user input 145 occur
between the user 142 and an interface 143. The interface 143 may, for example, be
the physical device being controlled (such as a loudspeaker module), but this is not
essential. For example, the interface 143 could be a control module for a loudspeaker.
Moreover, the interface could be a virtual representation of such a control module.
[0060] In accordance with the algorithm 50 described above, in operation 52, the user 142
provides the first input 144 defining a direction (e.g. a reference direction of an
audio output arrangement). At operation 54, the reference direction is set, based
on the first user input. In the example of FIG. 14, a reference direction 146 is shown
at 45 degrees.
[0061] At operation 56, the second user input 145 is received. As indicated in FIG. 14,
the second input 145 is a rotation indication.
[0062] FIG. 15 is a table, indicated generally by the reference numeral 150, showing example
outputs of the audio output device of FIG. 14. Outputs in five different loudspeaker
directions are provided (namely, 135 degrees, 90 degrees, 45 degrees, 0 degrees and
315 degrees). As a result of the first user input 144, the 45 direction is indicated
as the reference direction.
[0063] The audio output (a song in the example of FIG. 15) that is output in each direction
is dependent on the second input 145 provided by the user 142. Thus, in the event
of a loudspeaker rotation of θ
1 being indicated, the songs are allocated to the loudspeakers as indicated in the
first column of the table 150. In the event of a loudspeaker rotation of θ
2 being indicated, the songs are allocated to the loudspeakers as indicated in the
second column of the table 150. Similarly, in the event of a loudspeaker rotation
of θ
3 being indicated, the songs are allocated to the loudspeakers as indicated in the
third column of the table 150.
[0064] In the example embodiments described above, the second user input changes the audio
setup of the multi-directional audio output device by routing each of a plurality
of audio channels to different ones of plurality of audio outputs. This is not essential
to all embodiments.
[0065] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 160, in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0066] The algorithm 160 starts at operation 162, where a user direction is defined. The
operation 162 may, for example, define a reference direction (as in the examples described
above). Next, at operation 164, a setup option is selected. In the examples described
above, the relevant setup options relate to routing each of a plurality of audio channels
to different ones of plurality of audio outputs. This is not essential to all embodiments.
[0067] FIG. 17 shows an example user interaction, indicated generally by the reference numeral
170, with an audio output device in accordance an example embodiment.
[0068] The user interaction 170 include a user 172. A user interaction 174 occurs between
the user 172 and an interface 173. The interface 173 may, for example, be the physical
device being controlled (such as a loudspeaker module), but this is not essential.
For example, the interface 173 could be a control module (for example, for controlling
a loudspeaker). Moreover, the interface could be a virtual representation of such
a control module.
[0069] In accordance with the algorithm 160 described above, in operation 162, the position
at which the user 172 contacts the interface 173 defines a user direction (e.g. a
reference direction of an audio output arrangement). At operation 164, a setup option
is selected from a plurality of possible setup options. In the user interaction 174,
the setup option is selected by means of a rotation input 175.
[0070] By way of example, the operations 162 and 164 may, for example, be implemented using
the first input means 38 and second input 40 of the audio output device 30 described
above. The skilled person will be aware of many alternative input arrangements, including
virtual input arrangements.
[0071] The setup options of the operation 164 may take many different forms. For example,
the circles 177, 178 and 179 may relate to different setup options that may be available
for selection by means of the rotation input 175.
[0072] The selection options may, for example, include different audio setup arrangements
optimised for different viewing locations of the same content. The selection options
may enable a viewer to rotate between hearing different audio tracks of an audio content.
This could, for example, provide for focusing on different instruments of a multi-instrument
song, different audio setups relevant for different acoustic spaces, or could provide
for audio outputs in different languages.
[0073] Many more potential applications for the user interaction 170 will be apparent to
the skilled person. For example, one or more characteristics (such as bass and/or
treble levels) of at least one of a plurality of audio outputs may be changed.
[0074] For completeness, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of components of one or more of
the modules for implementing the algorithms described above, which hereafter are referred
to generically as processing systems 300. A processing system 300 may have a processor
302, a memory 304 coupled to the processor and comprised of a RAM 314 and ROM 312,
and, optionally, user inputs 310 and a display 318. The processing system 300 may
comprise one or more network interfaces 308 for connection to a network, e.g. a modem
which may be wired or wireless.
[0075] The processor 302 is connected to each of the other components in order to control
operation thereof.
[0076] The memory 304 may comprise a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid
state drive (SSD). The ROM 312 of the memory 304 stores, amongst other things, an
operating system 315 and may store software applications 316. The RAM 314 of the memory
304 is used by the processor 302 for the temporary storage of data. The operating
system 315 may contain code which, when executed by the processor, implements aspects
of the algorithms 50 and 160.
[0077] The processor 302 may take any suitable form. For instance, it may be a microcontroller,
plural microcontrollers, a processor, or plural processors. Processor 302 may comprise
processor circuitry.
[0078] The processing system 300 may be a standalone computer, a server, a console, or a
network thereof.
[0079] In some embodiments, the processing system 300 may also be associated with external
software applications. These may be applications stored on a remote server device
and may run partly or exclusively on the remote server device. These applications
may be termed cloud-hosted applications. The processing system 300 may be in communication
with the remote server device in order to utilize the software application stored
there.
[0080] FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b show tangible media, respectively a removable memory unit 365
and a compact disc (CD) 368, storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer
may perform methods according to embodiments described above. The removable memory
unit 365 may be a memory stick, e.g. a USB memory stick, having internal memory 366
storing the computer-readable code. The memory 366 may be accessed by a computer system
via a connector 367. The CD 368 may be a CD-ROM or a DVD or similar. Other forms of
tangible storage media may be used.
[0081] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application
logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software,
application logic and/or hardware may reside on memory, or any computer media. In
an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained
on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this
document, a "memory" or "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory media
or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions
for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device,
such as a computer.
[0082] Reference to, where relevant, "computer-readable storage medium", "computer program
product", "tangibly embodied computer program" etc., or a "processor" or "processing
circuitry" etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having differing
architectures such as single/multi-processor architectures and sequencers/parallel
architectures, but also specialised circuits such as field programmable gate arrays
FPGA, application specify circuits ASIC, signal processing devices and other devices.
References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to express
software for a programmable processor firmware such as the programmable content of
a hardware device as instructions for a processor or configured or configuration settings
for a fixed function device, gate array, programmable logic device, etc.
[0083] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following:
(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue
and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or
firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to
portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software,
and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a server, to perform
various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of
a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the
software or firmware is not physically present.
[0084] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different
order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of
the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined. Similarly, it will
also be appreciated that the flow diagram of FIGS. 5 and 16 is an example only and
that various operations depicted therein may be omitted, reordered and/or combined.
[0085] It will be appreciated that the above described example embodiments are purely illustrative
and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications
will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present specification.
[0086] Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include
any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly
disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present
application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated
to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.
[0087] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims,
other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described
embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims,
and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.
[0088] It is also noted herein that while the above describes various examples, these descriptions
should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and
modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention
as defined in the appended claims.
1. An apparatus comprising:
means for controlling a plurality of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output
device;
means for receiving a first user input for indicating a first direction, wherein based,
at least in part, on the first user input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs
is configured to be output in the first direction and is defined as a first audio
output; and
means for receiving a second user input for indicating a change in an audio setup
of the multi-directional audio output device.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of audio
outputs are configured to be output in different directions.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first audio output has
the highest volume setting or audio gain setting of the plurality of audio outputs.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein controlling the plurality
of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device comprises routing at least
some of a plurality of audio channels to different ones of the plurality of audio
outputs.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in the event of a change in the first
direction from a previous first direction to an updated first direction, the means
for routing the audio channels routes the audio channels such that the audio channel
that was previously being output in the direction of the updated first direction becomes
the first audio output.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in the event of a change in the first
direction from a previous first direction to an updated first direction, the means
for routing the audio channels routes the audio channels such that the audio channel
that was previously being output in the direction of the previous first direction
is output in the updated first direction.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein based, at least
in part, on the second user input, a second one of the plurality of audio outputs
is configured to be output in the first direction and is defined as the first audio
output.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein based, at least
in part, on the second user input, one or more characteristics of at least one of
the plurality of audio outputs is changed.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein some or all of
the plurality of audio outputs include different audio content.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the audio output
device comprises a loudspeaker or a plurality of loudspeakers.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the audio output
device is an omnidirectional audio output device.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for
receiving the first user input comprises one or more touch sensors and /or the means
for receiving the second user input comprises a motion sensor and/or a rotation input.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the motion sensor and/or rotation input
is implemented using one or more of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope
and a compass.
14. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at
least the following:
control a plurality of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device;
receive a first user input for indicating a first direction, wherein based, at least
in part, on the first user input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs is
configured to be output in the first direction and is defined as a first audio output;
and
receive a second user input for indicating a change in an audio setup of the multi-directional
audio output device.
15. A method comprising:
controlling a plurality of audio outputs of a multi-directional audio output device;
receiving a first user input for indicating a first direction, wherein based, at least
in part, on the first user input, a first one of the plurality of audio outputs is
configured to be output in the first direction and is defined as a first audio output;
and
receiving a second user input for indicating a change in an audio setup of the multi-directional
audio output device.