Apple inc. (20240107229). SMART SPEAKER POWER MANAGEMENT simplified abstract

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SMART SPEAKER POWER MANAGEMENT

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Zhigang Dang of Cupertino CA (US)

Daniel Naito of Campbell CA (US)

Evan Thompson of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Peter Poon of San Jose CA (US)

Manasi Lagare of Cupertino CA (US)

Michael Nussbaum of Santa Cruz CA (US)

David Sumberg of San Francisco CA (US)

SMART SPEAKER POWER MANAGEMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240107229 titled 'SMART SPEAKER POWER MANAGEMENT

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a smart speaker power controller that can receive power from different modes and communicate this information to the processing and audio systems of the speaker. It can adjust power converter limits, shut down the speaker safely if voltage falls below a threshold, and modify audio operations based on the power mode. Additionally, an audio power supply controller can monitor energy needed for audio reproduction and adjust the power supply voltage for the audio amplifier accordingly.

  • Power controller receives power from different modes
  • Communicates power mode to processing and audio systems
  • Adjusts power converter limits and shuts down speaker safely if voltage falls below threshold
  • Modifies audio operations based on power mode
  • Audio power supply controller monitors energy for audio reproduction and adjusts power supply voltage for audio amplifier

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in smart speakers, home automation systems, and IoT devices to optimize power usage and ensure safe operation.

Problems Solved

1. Efficient power management in smart speakers 2. Ensuring safe shutdown in case of power fluctuations

Benefits

1. Improved power efficiency 2. Enhanced safety features 3. Better audio performance based on power availability

Potential Commercial Applications

"Smart Speaker Power Controller Technology for Energy Optimization in IoT Devices"

Possible Prior Art

There are existing power management systems in smart devices, but this specific combination of features tailored for smart speakers may be novel.

Unanswered Questions

How does the power controller communicate with the processing and audio systems?

The abstract mentions communication between the power controller and other components, but the specific method or protocol used is not detailed.

What is the impact of modifying audio operations based on power mode on user experience?

While the abstract mentions modifying audio operations, the actual impact on user experience or audio quality is not discussed.


Original Abstract Submitted

a smart speaker power controller may be configured to receive power conforming to one of a plurality of power modes from an input power source. the power controller may be further configured to communicate the power mode to at least one component of a processing system or at least one component of an audio system for operating the smart speaker according to the received power mode, including determining a current limit of a power converter; determining a shutdown voltage threshold and safely shutting down the smart speaker if the input voltage falls below the threshold, and/or modifying audio operation of the smart speaker in response to the power mode. the smart speaker can further include an audio power supply controller configured to monitor energy required to reproduce an audio signal and to servo a power supply voltage provided to an audio amplifier in response to this energy level.