Today Apple was granted two audio related patents. Back in March 2019 Apple was granted a patent relating to HomePod Adaption to a Room back in March. Apple's granted patent relates to audio adaption to a room under #10,299,039. It uses the same patent figures as the patent issued in March. The second audio related granted patent is one that Apple acquired relating to controlling audio within a home network.  

In relation to Apple's patent FIG. 4 above, Apple notes 'Sensing logic #408 determines an acoustic environment of the loudspeaker cabinet #400. A playback mode processor receives an audio program #410 and produces an audio signal that adjusts the audio program for room effects based on the acoustic environment of the loudspeaker cabinet. You could review this latest granted patent in full here.  

Wired, Wireless, Infrared, and Powerline Audio Entertainment Systems

Apple was granted a second audio patent titled "Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems," that they acquired from KSC Industries.  The invention was originally filed in 2003 and first granted to KSC Industries in 2012. What exactly Apple needed from this acquired patent is unknown at this time. Below is a partial graphic of the original granted patent.

The invention relates to a communication system for a home network that facilitates two-way communication between a plurality of devices within the home. These devices can be fixed or portable and can include, for example, televisions, computers, stereos, speakers, monitors, printers, and other electronic appliances. For these devices to communicate throughout a home, they interface with the home network.

Patent FIG. 4 below an example of a home networking device listed in the patent.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 below is a block diagram of a communication system for a home network that can be connected using a wired, wireless, RF, or powerline network.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11B (1), the receiver components #1140 are mounted inside a speaker enclosure 1150. This enclosure can be any speaker. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11B (2), the receiver components are mounted inside a stereo speaker #1150, all in one housing. One or more of the receiver components are mounted inside the enclosure. The receiver components may include signal processing techniques to enhance the audio signal to give the listener the impression of a wider separation of sound.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11B (3), the receiver components are mounted in various possible locations within a speaker stand. This embodiment integrates the stand and the receiver components. A user can advantageously select any standard speaker to receive the audio signal from receiver speaker outputs. The stand can be configured to operate in a mono or stereo mode. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11B 4), the housing for the receiver is incorporated in a speaker wall mount. In this embodiment, the receiver housing, mount, and receiver components are integrated.

To review the patent that Apple acquired and is now granted to them, see patent #10,298,291 in full here.