Networked audio output device in an audio video distribution system

Abstract

This disclosure describes a networked audio output device in an audio video distribution system that uses a local area network that includes a network speaker node; and an audio output device that transmits the analog audio signal and that couples to the network speaker node through the speaker/microphone driver. The network speaker node further includes a controller with a network interface that couples to the local area network, where the controller further comprises an embedded controller with memory and which is programmed to function as a web server. The network speaker node further includes a digital signal processor that couples to the controller. And, the network speaker node further includes a speaker/microphone driver that couples to the digital signal processor.

1 . A networked audio output device in an audio video distribution system that uses a local area network, comprising:
 a network speaker node that further comprises:
 a controller with a network interface that couples to the local area network and controls the processing of the digital audio signal, said controller further comprises an embedded controller with memory and which is programmed to function as a web server; 
 a digital signal processor that couples to said controller, said digital signal processor processes and formats the digital audio signal and the analog audio signal and converts the digital audio signal to and from the analog audio signal; and 
 a speaker/microphone driver that couples to said digital signal processor and provides the external connection for the analog audio signal; and 
   an audio output device that transmits the analog audio signal and that couples to said network speaker node through said speaker/microphone driver.   
     
     
         2 . The claim according to  claim 1  wherein said audio output device are headphones. 
     
     
         3 . The claim according to  claim 1  wherein said audio output device further comprises one or more speakers. 
     
     
         4 . The claim according to  claim 1  further comprising speaker sensors that couple to said digital signal processor and provide feedback and allow for sending control signals back to other devices in the local area network. 
     
     
         5 . A method to manufacture a networked audio output device in an audio video distribution system that uses a local area network, comprising:
 providing a network speaker node that further comprises:
 a controller with a network interface that couples to the local area network and controls the processing of the digital audio signal, said controller further comprises an embedded controller with memory and which is programmed to function as a web server; 
 a digital signal processor that couples to said controller, said digital signal processor processes and formats the digital audio signal and the analog audio signal and converts the digital audio signal to and from the analog audio signal; and 
 a speaker/microphone driver that couples to said digital signal processor and provides the external connection for the analog audio signal; and 
   coupling an audio output device that transmits the analog audio signal and that couples to said network speaker node through said speaker/microphone driver.   
     
     
         6 . The claim according to  claim 5  wherein said audio output device are headphones. 
     
     
         7 . The claim according to  claim 5  wherein said audio output device further comprises one or more speakers. 
     
     
         8 . The claim according to  claim 5  further comprising speaker sensors that couple to said digital signal processor and provide feedback and allow for sending control signals back to other devices in the local area network. 
     
     
         9 . A method to manufacture a networked audio output device in an audio video distribution system that uses a local area network, comprising:
 processing the digital audio signal to and from the local area network with a network speaker node that further comprises:
 a controller with a network interface that couples to the local area network and controls the processing of the digital audio signal, said controller further comprises an embedded controller with memory and which is programmed to function as a web server; 
 a digital signal processor that couples to said controller, said digital signal processor processes and formats the digital audio signal and the analog audio signal and converts the digital audio signal to and from the analog audio signal; and 
 a speaker/microphone driver that couples to said digital signal processor and provides the external connection for the analog audio signal; and 
   transmitting the analog audio signal through an audio output device to said network speaker node through said speaker/microphone driver.   
     
     
         10 . The claim according to  claim 9  wherein said audio output device are headphones. 
     
     
         11 . The claim according to  claim 9  wherein said audio output device further comprises one or more speakers. 
     
     
         12 . The claim according to  claim 9  further comprising speaker sensors that couple to said digital signal processor and provide feedback and allow for sending control signals back to other devices in the local area network.