Wireless audio output device

Abstract

The present application relates to wireless audio output devices, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for determining when a pair of untethered wireless audio output devices are wirelessly communicatively coupled together and for determining when a connection history stored on one or both of the wireless audio output devices is erased.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of invention patent application No. 201610616522.3, filed on June 6, 2016, and entitled “Wireless Audio Output Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present technology relates to communication devices, including pairing an accessory device (eg, a wireless audio output device) for use with one or more companion wireless communication devices (eg, a wireless audio data source). Background Art

[0003] Headphones have long been used to play audio from electronic devices. Recently, wireless headphones have become more frequently used. However, wireless headphones known to electronic devices are tethered. In addition, wireless headphones known to electronic devices can freely be in a discovery mode that can be used to communicatively couple the wireless headset to a new electronic device without erasing the existing connection history. Summary of the invention

[0004] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the description, or may be obtained by practicing the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by the tools and combinations clearly indicated in the appended claims. These or other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be obtained by practicing the principles stated herein.

[0005] Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are disclosed for determining when to couple a pair of untethered wireless earbuds and determining when to erase a connection history on the wireless earbuds.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present technology are directed to a wireless earbud box for housing a pair of wireless earbuds and further comprising a processor, a network interface, and a user input element, the wireless earbud box for determining when to communicatively couple the wireless earbuds and when to erase the connection history on the wireless earbuds. The wireless earbuds may also include a network interface and a memory location that stores a device address, a paired partner device address (if applicable), and a companion communication device connection history. The processor may check the memory location on the wireless earbuds through the network interface to determine whether the wireless earbuds have stored corresponding partner device addresses that are paired with each other.

[0007] When the wireless earbuds have corresponding paired partner device addresses stored for each other, the wireless earbud box can determine that the wireless earbuds are already communicatively coupled to each other. Alternatively, when the wireless earbuds do not have corresponding paired partner device addresses stored for each other, the wireless earbud box can determine that the wireless earbuds are not yet communicatively coupled to each other. In addition, the wireless earbuds themselves can determine whether they are communicatively coupled to each other.

[0008] The wireless earphone box can also detect an input requesting to communicatively couple the first wireless earbud with the second wireless earbud and allow the first wireless earbud to be discovered by the companion communication device. When a request to pair the wireless earbud with the companion communication device is received, the wireless earbuds are communicatively coupled to each other, and the wireless earbud box erases any wireless link keys stored on the wireless earbuds. Similarly, the wireless earbud box associates the device address as the paired partner device address, indicating that the wireless earbuds are communicatively coupled. In addition, the wireless earbuds can store link keys for pairing with the companion communication device.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present technology relate to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for communicatively coupling a pair of untethered wireless earbuds. In some implementations, communicatively coupling the wireless earbuds includes detecting that a button on a wireless earbud box is pushed, checking the firmware of two wireless earbuds housed in the wireless earbud box, and selecting the wireless earbud that includes the more recent firmware as the primary wireless earbud. The primary wireless earbud can be disconnected from any existing connection with one or more other wireless earbuds and / or other communication devices, and a pairing mode can be enabled to pair the primary wireless earbud with a companion communication device. After determining that the primary wireless earbud has been successfully paired with the companion communication device, the wireless earbud box can cause the primary wireless earbud to send the more recent firmware to the secondary wireless earbud, and cause the secondary wireless earbud to enter a communication coupling mode, thereby erasing any user history data associated with one or more previously paired devices. Next, the wireless earbud box is capable of wirelessly communicatively coupling the primary wireless earbud to the secondary wireless earbud, storing address information (e.g., a media access control (MAC) address and / or a link key) for the secondary wireless earbud on the primary wireless earbud, and storing address information for the primary wireless earbud on the secondary wireless earbud. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recorded and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, the principles briefly described above will be described in more detail by reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings only depict exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, and the principles herein are described and explained by using the accompanying drawings in conjunction with additional specific descriptions and details.

[0011] Figure 1A An example wireless earbud box is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0012] Figure 1B An example wireless earbud is shown that is capable of communicatively coupling with another wireless earbud to form a pair of untethered wireless earbuds in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0013] Figure 2 An example method of communicatively coupling a pair of untethered wireless earbuds in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0014] Figures 3A to 3I Various example scenarios are shown in which wireless earbuds housed together in a wireless earbud case are either communicatively coupled or not communicatively coupled, and in which either connection history data is erased or the connection history data is not erased.

[0015] Figure 4A An example method of determining when to communicatively couple a wireless earbud housed in a wireless earbud case and when to make the wireless earbud discoverable to other communication devices in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0016] Figure 4B An example method of determining to erase connection history and couple wireless earbud communications in a wireless earbud box in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0017] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Exemplary possible system embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will discuss in detail a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is only for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without exceeding the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] The present technology addresses the need in the art for untethered wireless earbuds and wireless earbud cases that facilitate management of the wireless earbuds, including determining when to erase the connection history on either or both of the wireless earbuds, for example to protect user privacy.

[0020] The present technology includes systems, methods, and non-transitory media including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a method to be performed that allows a pair of untethered wireless earbuds to couple to each other and be discoverable to other communication devices (e.g., one or more companion communication devices). In addition, the present technology can prevent, for example, unintentional exposure of the connection history of the wireless earbuds.

[0021] According to the present technology, wireless earbuds can communicate with each other through wireless communication protocols (e.g., ) is paired with a companion communication device (e.g., a computer, a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, etc.). In some cases, only the primary wireless earbud is paired with the companion communication device. In this case, the wireless earbuds can be communicatively coupled to each other so that audio received from the companion communication device by the primary wireless earbud can be shared with the communicatively coupled auxiliary wireless earbud. In some cases, the wireless earbuds do not include an input mechanism (e.g., a button that can be pressed) through which the user can indicate the willingness to communicatively couple a pair of wireless earbuds together. In this case, another action can be used to indicate the user's willingness to couple a pair of wireless earbuds together. For example, a wireless earbud box can accommodate the pair of wireless earbuds, and the wireless earbud box can be configured to communicatively couple the wireless earbuds to each other and enable the wireless earbuds to be discovered and paired with the companion communication device. In some embodiments, the wireless earbud box includes one or more input mechanisms, through which the user can indicate the willingness to pair the wireless earbuds together and / or place one or both of the wireless earbuds in discovery mode to pair with the companion communication device.

[0022] Figure 1A An example wireless earbud box 100 according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown. The wireless earbud box 100 accommodates a pair of wireless earbuds 105, 110 and connects the wireless earbuds 105, 110 to each other when the wireless earbuds 105, 110 are accommodated in the wireless earbud box 100. The wireless earbud box 100 may include a lid 145 that closes to cover the wireless earbuds in the wireless earbud box 100, and the wireless earbud box 100 may include a sensor 155 that detects that the lid 145 of the wireless earbud box 100 is opened and / or closed.

[0023] The wireless earbud box 100 also includes a processor 120, a memory 125, and a communication interface 150. As will be described in more detail below, the wireless earbuds 105, 110 also include a communication interface, and the wireless earbud box 100 can be used to establish a communication link 115 between the wireless earbuds 105, 110 through the communication interface 150 of the wireless earbud box 100.

[0024] In some embodiments, the communication link 115 is used as a physical communication link between the wireless earbuds 105, 110, and a shared secret is sent between the wireless earbuds 105, 110 during secure wireless communication coupling with each other, thereby preventing bad actors from maliciously coupling the wireless earbuds 105, 110 to each other over the radio.

[0025] The wireless earbud box 110 includes a battery 130 for recharging the wireless earbuds 105, 110 and a charging interface 135 for connecting the battery 130 to a power source. The wireless earbud box 100 may also include an indicator 140 for showing the charging status of the wireless earbuds 105, 110 and / or the wireless earbud box 100. The wireless earbud box 100 may also include an input mechanism 160, such as a button. As will be described in more detail later, the input mechanism 160 can be used to communicatively couple a pair of wireless earbuds 105, 110 housed in the wireless earbud box 100 together.

[0026] Figure 1B An example wireless earbud 165 is shown that can be communicatively coupled with another wireless earbud to form a pair of untethered wireless earbuds in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. The wireless earbud 165 includes a communication interface 175 for communicatively coupling with another wireless earbud and pairing with a source device, such as a companion communication device capable of providing audio data that the wireless earbud(s) 165 can reproduce as an audio signal for a user of the wireless earbud(s) 165. In some embodiments, the process of pairing the wireless earbuds 165 is initiated when the wireless earbuds 165 are included in a housing / box (e.g., wireless earbud box 100). In some cases, once pairing mode is enabled for the wireless earbud 165, the wireless earbud 165 remains in the enabled pairing mode until one or more of the following occurs: (i) the wireless earbud 165 is paired with the companion communication device, (ii) the pairing mode of the wireless earbud 165 times out (e.g., the wireless earbud 165 is not paired with the companion communication device within a fixed time period (e.g., thirty seconds)), (iii) the wireless earbud 165 and / or another wireless earbud with which the wireless earbud 165 is paired is removed from the wireless earbud case 100, (iv) the wireless earbud case 100 instructs one or both of the wireless earbuds 165 to exit pairing mode, or (v) the companion communication device instructs the wireless earbud 165 to exit pairing mode. The wireless earbud 165 may also include a battery 190 and one or more sensors 195, and the one or more sensors 195 are used to detect the wearing state of the wireless earbud 165, such as whether the wireless earbud 165 is placed in the ear and / or removed from the ear, whether the wireless earbud 165 is in the user's ear (e.g., in-ear wearing state), or not in the user's ear (e.g., outside-ear wearing state).

[0027] In addition, the wireless earbud 165 includes an audio output 170 for converting received signals (e.g., which may include audio data) into audible sounds. The signal may be received from a paired companion communication device (not shown) via a communication interface 175. The wireless earbud 165 also includes a processor 180 and a memory 185. The memory 185 in the wireless earbud 165 stores firmware for operating the wireless earbud 165 and data for coupling with other wireless earbuds and pairing the wireless earbud 165 with a companion communication device. For example, the memory 185 in the wireless earbud 165 may store a connection history for a companion communication device with which the wireless earbud 165 has been previously paired. The connection history may include data for automatically pairing the wireless earbud 165 with the companion communication device without configuring a connection between the wireless earbud 165 and the companion communication device (e.g., entering a password, exchanging a shared secret, etc.). For example, the connection history may include one or more link keys (e.g., Bluetooth link keys) for connecting to a wireless network. The memory 185 of the wireless earbud 165 may also store a MAC address that uniquely identifies the wireless earbud 165 and a paired partner MAC address of another wireless earbud that has been previously coupled to the wireless earbud 165. The memory 185 also stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the wireless earbud 165 to communicatively couple with another wireless earbud.

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary method 200 of communicatively coupling a pair of untethered wireless earbuds in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology is shown. As discussed herein, in some cases, only a primary wireless earbud is paired with a companion communication device, and the primary wireless earbud is communicatively coupled with a secondary wireless earbud such that audio data received from the companion communication device by the primary wireless earbud is shared by the primary wireless earbud with the coupled secondary wireless earbud. The method 200 includes, at 210, the wireless earbud box detecting a predetermined event (e.g., a button on the wireless earbud box is pushed, the wireless earbud box is opened, the wireless earbud box is opened for the first time, determining that the wireless earbuds are within a predetermined threshold proximity of the wireless earbud box and / or the wireless earbuds are within a predetermined threshold proximity of each other, etc.). In response to detecting the predetermined event, the method 200 includes, at 215, the wireless earbud box checking the firmware of two wireless earbuds housed in the wireless earbud box, and, at 220, designating the wireless earbud with the more recent firmware as the primary wireless earbud.

[0029] Next, the method 200 includes the wireless earbud box causing the master wireless earbud to disconnect from any existing connection to the other wireless earbuds at 225, and the master wireless earbud enabling a pairing mode with the companion communication device at 230. In some embodiments, the communicatively coupling of the method 200 continues only if the master wireless earbud is successfully paired with the companion communication device, thereby preventing accidental coupling with the communication device. Therefore, the method 200 includes the wireless earbud box determining at 235 that the master wireless earbud has been successfully paired with the companion communication device.

[0030] Next, the method 200 may include causing the wireless earbud box to cause the primary wireless earbud to send the more recent firmware to the secondary wireless earbud at 240, and causing the secondary wireless earbud to enter a communication coupling mode, such as a Bluetooth pairing mode, at 245. As further explained herein, in some embodiments of the present technology, the method 200 may include causing the wireless earbud box to cause the primary wireless earbud and the secondary wireless earbud to erase any user connection history data for pairings with other communication devices that occurred prior to the current pairing mode with the companion communication device at 250.

[0031] Next, method 200 includes, at 255, the wireless earbud box causing the primary wireless headset to wirelessly communicatively couple to the secondary wireless earbud, thereby storing address information (e.g., MAC address and / or link key information) for the secondary wireless earbud on the primary wireless earbud at 260, and storing address information (e.g., MAC address and / or link key information) for the primary wireless earbud on the secondary wireless earbud at 265.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present technology, the address information of the wireless earbuds stored for pairing can be used to determine whether the wireless earbuds housed in the wireless earbud box have been previously paired. As described above, the wireless earbuds can store their own MAC addresses and can also store the MAC addresses of the previously paired partner wireless earbuds. Therefore, the wireless earbuds can determine whether the paired partner MAC address of the first wireless earbud matches the MAC address of the second wireless earbud (and vice versa) to determine whether the wireless earbuds have been previously paired.

[0033] Likewise, as discussed herein, the wireless earbuds may store connection history for automatic pairing of the wireless earbuds with companion communication devices in the future. However, in some cases, where the connection history is permanently stored in the wireless earbuds and there is no determination as to when the stored connection history data is erased, this connection history stored in the wireless earbuds may result in access to other people's private information.

[0034] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3IVarious scenarios are shown in which wireless earbuds housed together in a wireless earbud case are either communicatively coupled or not communicatively coupled, and in which either connection history data is erased or not.

[0035] Figure 3A A first scenario is shown in which wireless earbuds 305, 310 are housed in a wireless earbud box 300. The wireless earbud box 300 stores a MAC address "A" and a paired partner MAC address "B" for the wireless earbud 305, and the wireless earbud box 300 stores a MAC address "B" and a paired partner MAC address "A" for the wireless earbud 310. In addition, the wireless earbud box 300 determines that a connection history for connection "α" is stored in the wireless earbuds 305, 310. Finally, for Figure 3A In the first scenario shown, button 360 has not yet been pressed.

[0036] Since the wireless earbuds 305, 310 have corresponding paired partner MAC addresses, the wireless earbud box 300 can determine that the wireless earbuds 305, 310 have been paired together before. Likewise, since the button 360 has not been pressed, the wireless earbud box 300 does not make the wireless earbuds 305, 310 discoverable for new connections with other communication devices.

[0037] Figure 3B A second scenario is shown in which the wireless earbuds 305, 310 are removed from the wireless earbud case 300. In this second scenario, since the wireless earbuds 305, 310 were previously paired with each other and the button 360 of the wireless earbud case 300 was not pushed, the wireless earbud case 300 does not erase the connection history for connecting to "α", and the wireless earbuds 305, 310 may automatically connect to the companion communication device 390. In this second scenario, since the connection history is not erased and the wireless earbuds 305, 310 were previously paired together, the wireless earbuds 305, 310 are not discoverable to other communication devices that want to establish a new connection.

[0038] Figure 3C A third scenario is shown, in which the wireless earbuds 305, 310 are housed in the wireless earbud box 300. The wireless earbud box 300 has the MAC address "A" of the wireless earbud 305 and the paired partner MAC address "B" stored for the wireless earbud 310, and the wireless earbud box 300 also has the MAC address "B" and the paired partner MAC address "A" stored for the wireless earbud 310. In addition, the wireless earbud box 300 may determine that the connection history for the connection "α" is stored in the wireless earbuds 305, 310. Finally, for Figure 3C In the scenario shown, the button 360 of the wireless earbud box 300 has been pressed.

[0039] Since the wireless earbuds 305, 310 have corresponding paired partner MAC addresses, the wireless earbud box 300 is able to determine that the wireless earbuds 305, 310 have been previously paired together. However, unlike the first and second scenarios, since the button 360 has been pressed, the wireless earbud box 300 makes the wireless earbuds 305, 310 discoverable for new connections with other communication devices.

[0040] Figure 3D A fourth scenario is shown in which the wireless earbuds 305, 310 are removed from the wireless earbud box 300 after the button 360 of the wireless earbud box 300 from which the wireless earbuds 305, 310 are removed is pressed. Although the button 360 is pressed, the wireless earbuds 305, 310 were previously paired together, and the wireless earbud box 300 does not erase the connection history for the connection "α". This policy decision avoids the connection history from being erased due to an unintentional button press of the button 360 of the wireless earbud box 300. The wireless earbuds 305, 310 will automatically connect to the companion communication device 390. In addition, since the button 360 of the wireless earbud box 300 is pressed, the wireless earbuds 305, 310 are discoverable for new connections with other communication devices (e.g., for connection "ω" with the companion communication device 399), for example, after the user enters appropriate credentials.

[0041] Figure 3E A fifth scenario is shown, in which a wireless earbud 305 is housed in a wireless earbud box 300 with another wireless earbud 311. The wireless earbud box 300 has a MAC address "A" and a paired partner MAC address "B" stored for the wireless earbud 305, and the wireless earbud box 300 has a MAC address "Y" and a paired partner MAC address "Z" stored for the wireless earbud 311.

[0042] Since the wireless earbuds 305, 311 do not have corresponding paired partner MAC addresses, (for the wireless earbud 305, "B" does not match "Y", and for the wireless earbud 311, "Z" does not match "A"), the wireless earbud box 300 can determine that the wireless earbuds 305, 310 have not been previously paired (or have been previously paired and later unpaired). Figure 3E The scenario shown can occur in a variety of situations. For example, the scenario can occur when a first person asks a second person to use the first person's wireless earbud box 300 to recharge the wireless earbud 311. Similarly, a group of people can share multiple wireless earbuds. Figure 3E The scenario shown can also occur when a bad guy attempts to use another person's wireless earbuds to access their private communications. Therefore, the wireless earbud box 300 can erase the connection history of the wireless earbuds in certain situations.

[0043] For example, the wireless earbud 300 may have a connection history of connection “α” stored for the wireless earbud 305, and a connection history of connection “ω” stored for the wireless earbud 311. Since the wireless earbud 311 cannot be discovered unless the button 360 of the wireless earbud case 300 is pressed, another user (e.g., a bad guy) will not be able to pair the wireless earbud 305 with the wireless earbud 311 and use the wireless earbud 311 to access information using the “ω” connection history unless the button 360 is pressed.

[0044] for Figure 3E In the illustrated scenario, the button 360 of the wireless earbud 300 has not been pressed, so the wireless earbud 300 does not make the wireless earbuds 305, 311 discoverable. Likewise, since the MAC address and the paired partner MAC address do not correspond for either of the wireless earbuds 305, 311, the wireless earbuds 305, 311 are not communicatively coupled together. Therefore, in this scenario, the bad guy cannot use the wireless earbud 311 because the bad guy cannot discover the wireless earbud 311.

[0045] However, in Figure 3F In the illustrated scenario, the wireless earbud 305 can be used with the companion communication device 390 via connection “α”, and the wireless earbud 311 can be used with the companion communication device 399 via connection “ω”, thereby avoiding the need for the good guy to reconfigure the connection “ω” simply because the good guy used the wireless earbud case 300 to charge the wireless earbud 311. The wireless earbud 311 can be recharged in the wireless earbud case 300 without losing the connection history for the wireless earbud 305 or the wireless earbud 311, thereby allowing both the wireless earbuds 305, 311 to be reused for a previous connection.

[0046] Figures 3G to 3I A scenario is shown in which a wireless earbud 305 is housed in a wireless earbud box 300 together with a wireless earbud 311. Figure 3FAs shown in , the wireless earbud box 300 has a MAC address “A” and a paired partner MAC address “B” stored for the wireless earbud 305, and the wireless earbud box 300 also has a MAC address “Y” and a paired partner MAC address “Z” stored for the wireless earbud 311. Since the wireless earbuds 305, 311 do not have corresponding paired partner MAC addresses, (for the wireless earbud 305, “B” does not match “Y”, and for the wireless earbud 311, “Z” does not match “A”), the wireless earbud box 300 can determine that the wireless earbuds 305, 311 have not been previously paired (or have been previously paired and later unpaired). Similarly, the wireless earbud box 300 stores a connection history for the connection “α” for the wireless earbud 305, and stores a connection history for the connection “ω” for the wireless earbud 311. In this scenario, as in Figure 3G Additionally shown in FIG. 3 , the button 360 of the wireless earbud box 300 has been pressed.

[0047] After the button 360 of the wireless earbud case 300 has been pressed, one of the wireless earbuds 305, 311 initiates the communication coupling process (e.g., depending on which of the wireless earbuds 305, 311 is the master wireless earbud), and erases the connection history for both the wireless earbud 305 and the wireless earbud 311. Erasing the connection history prevents accidental access to personal information from the wireless earbud.

[0048] As in Figure 3H As shown in , after the button 360 is pushed, the wireless earbuds 305, 311 do not automatically connect to the companion communication device 390 or the companion communication device 399 because the connection history for the connection "α" and the connection history for the connection "ω" have been erased. However, the wireless earbuds 305, 311 are coupled to each other and can be discovered by the companion communication device 390 and the companion communication device 399. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 3I As shown in , after the button 360 is pressed, the wireless earbud box 300 stores the MAC address "A" and the paired partner MAC address "Y" for the wireless earbud 305, and the wireless earbud box 300 stores the MAC address "Y" and the paired partner MAC address "A" for the wireless earbud 311. In addition, the connection history for both the wireless earbud 305 and the wireless earbud 311 is erased.

[0049] Figure 4A A flowchart 400 is shown of an example method for determining when to communicatively couple wireless earbuds housed in a wireless earbud case together and when to make the wireless earbuds discoverable for connection to other communication devices in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0050] At 402, the wireless earbud box determines whether the first wireless earbud contained in the wireless earbud box has been coupled to the second wireless earbud also contained in the wireless earbud box. For example, the wireless earbud box can check the MAC address and the paired partner MAC address for each wireless earbud contained in the wireless earbud box to determine whether the MAC address matches. In other implementations, in addition to or in place of the MAC address, other connection information can be evaluated to determine whether the wireless earbuds contained in the wireless earbud box have been communicatively coupled to each other. When the wireless earbuds have been communicatively coupled to each other, at 404, the wireless earbud box determines whether the user has performed an action (e.g., pushing a button on the wireless earbud box) indicating that the user wants the wireless earbud to be discoverable for connection with other communication devices. If not, at 406, the wireless earbud box does not make the wireless earbud discoverable, and only when the wireless earbud has a connection history saved for the companion communication device, the wireless earbud will be connected to the companion communication device. If the user has performed the required action, then at 408 the wireless earbuds become discoverable for connection through other communication devices and may automatically connect to the companion communication device if the wireless earbuds have a connection history saved for the companion communication device.

[0051] In the event that the wireless earbuds are not already communicatively coupled to each other, the wireless earbud box determines whether the user has performed an action (e.g., pushed a button on the wireless earbud box) indicating that the user wants the wireless earbuds to be discoverable to establish a connection with another communication device at 410. If not, then at 406, (i) the wireless earbud box does not communicatively couple the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud to each other, (ii) the wireless earbud box does not make the wireless earbuds discoverable, and (iii) if the wireless earbuds have a connection history saved for a companion communication device, the wireless earbuds connect to the companion communication device.

[0052] On the other hand, if the user has performed the necessary actions, then at 414, the wireless earbud box causes at least one of the wireless earbuds (e.g., the primary wireless earbud) to become discoverable to the companion communication device. In some cases, the discovery mode may time out if at least one of the wireless earbuds has not received a request for pairing from the companion communication device by the expiration time. The timeout of the discovery mode can prevent the wireless earbud from remaining in pairing mode, for example, if the user accidentally pushes a button on the wireless earbud box. At 416, the wireless earbud determines whether a pairing request is received within a predetermined threshold time. If not, then at 418, the discovery mode times out, and if the wireless earbud has a connection history saved for the companion communication device, the wireless earbud will connect to the companion communication device.

[0053] In the event that at least one wireless earbud (e.g., the master wireless earbud) receives a pairing request within a predetermined threshold time, at 420, the connection history for the wireless earbud is erased. At 422, the wireless earbud box causes the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud to become communicatively coupled to each other. At 424, the wireless earbud box causes the wireless earbuds to store paired partner MAC addresses for each other. In addition, at 426, the communicatively coupled pair of wireless earbuds becomes discoverable to other communication devices. At 428, a pairing request is received from a companion communication device within a predetermined time. At 430, the wireless earbud is paired with the companion communication device. At 432, a connection history is stored for the paired companion communication device.

[0054] Figure 4B A flowchart 450 of other example methods according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown, which is used to determine to erase the connection history and to communicatively couple the wireless earbuds together. At 452, the method includes checking the MAC address and the paired partner MAC address for the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud. At 454, the method includes determining that the first wireless earbud is not communicatively coupled to the second wireless earbud, for example, based on the MAC address and the paired partner MAC address not matching. Next, at 456, the method includes receiving a request to communicatively couple the first wireless earbud to the second wireless earbud. For example, receiving the request to communicatively couple the first wireless earbud to the second wireless earbud may include one or more of the following: (i) the wireless earbud box detects that a user presses a button on the wireless earbud box, (ii) a sensor on the box detects that the wireless earbud box is opened for the first time, or (iii) detecting a pairing polling request from other communication devices within a threshold proximity of the wireless earbud box.

[0055] At 458, the method includes receiving a request to pair the first wireless earbud with a companion communication device. At 460, the method also includes erasing a previously stored history of a previous connection of the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud. At 462, the method also includes communicatively coupling the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud to each other. At 464, the method also includes storing MAC addresses of the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud and a paired partner MAC address. In some implementations, the method may include a modification to the order of actions, and one or more actions may be omitted, modified, or replaced by an alternate action.

[0056] As described above, a pair of communicatively coupled wireless earbuds may include a primary wireless earbud that is paired with a companion communication device and a secondary wireless earbud that is not directly paired with the companion communication device. Alternatively, the primary wireless earbud receives audio data from the companion communication device and routes the audio data to the secondary wireless earbud. In some embodiments of the present technology, the primary wireless earbud and the secondary wireless earbud may swap roles.

[0057] In some embodiments, the wireless earbuds perform a peer-to-peer role swap. For example, a peer-to-peer role swap may occur when a secondary wireless earbud is placed in a user's ear and a primary wireless earbud is not placed in the user's ear (e.g., as detected by sensor 195). In another example, a pair of wireless earbuds may perform a peer-to-peer swap when the battery level of the primary wireless earbud is low and the primary wireless earbud transfers its role to the secondary wireless earbud, the secondary wireless earbud becomes the primary wireless earbud, and the primary wireless earbud becomes the secondary wireless earbud in a pair of wireless earbuds. In some cases, the wireless earbuds will not swap roles during a connection event (e.g., during a phone call). Likewise, in some cases, the wireless earbuds will not swap roles during a firmware update.

[0058] Wireless earbuds can also perform non-equivalent swaps, which occur when the wireless earbuds change their wireless earbud roles while the other wireless earbuds are not yet connected. This non-equivalent swap will occur when the main wireless earbuds become auxiliary wireless earbuds or when the auxiliary wireless earbuds become the main wireless earbuds. For example, if the main wireless earbuds are connected to a source (e.g., a smart phone, a smart watch, etc.), and the source refuses to connect due to an error indicating that the source is already connected to another wireless earbud, the main wireless earbuds will become auxiliary wireless earbuds and will try to find the other wireless earbuds. In another example, the auxiliary wireless earbuds will attempt to connect to the main wireless earbuds with a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times), and if the auxiliary wireless earbuds do not find the main wireless earbuds after trying a predetermined number of times, the auxiliary wireless earbuds will swap and become the main wireless earbuds. Similarly, in some cases, if the auxiliary wireless earbuds are placed in the ears, the auxiliary wireless earbuds will immediately swap to the main wireless earbuds when the auxiliary wireless earbuds have tried to find the main wireless earbuds at least once. Likewise, the wireless earbud box may instruct either of the wireless earbuds (the primary wireless earbud or the secondary wireless earbud) to change its role for scenarios where both wireless earbuds are assigned the same role.

[0059] In addition, the user can prohibit the role swap between wireless earbuds by changing the capabilities of the wireless earbuds (e.g., by forcing the wireless earbuds to enable the microphone function). In some cases, the wireless earbuds will not be able to enable the microphone function until the user explicitly selects this option.

[0060] For example, in some cases, the user will select a wireless earbud (in a pair of wireless earbuds) to enable the microphone function of the selected wireless earbud. This selected wireless earbud can be called Mic-Bud. The other wireless earbud can be called Mute-Bud. Mute-Bud will always try to connect to Mic-Bud. If it does not find Mic-Bud, Mute-Bud will then try to connect to the last known communication device (smart phone, smart watch, etc.). If Mute-Bud is connected to the communication device, Mute-Bud will not use the voice profile to connect (because Mute-Bud is configured as "mute" non-voice mode). The user can change the configuration through the operating system, such as through the interface of the connected device, so that Mute-Bud becomes Mic-Bud. If selected, Mic-Bud will be connected to the communication device using a voice profile. Similarly, the wireless earbuds can include sensors for detecting taps, and when paired with a companion communication device (e.g., with a phone), the tap control can be used to answer a phone call using the wireless earbuds. When the tap control is used to answer a call to Mute-Bud, Mute-Bud will automatically become Mic-Bud.

[0061] In one embodiment, a method includes: (i) determining that a first audio output device is not wirelessly communicatively coupled to a second audio output device; (ii) detecting a request to wirelessly communicatively couple the first audio output device and the second audio output device together and allow the first audio output device to be discoverable by a companion communication device; (iii) causing one or more wireless link keys stored on the first audio output device and the second audio output device to be erased; and (iv) wirelessly communicatively coupling the first audio output device with the second audio output device.

[0062] In some embodiments, determining that the first audio output device is not wirelessly communicatively coupled to the second audio output device includes determining that a MAC address of the first audio output device is not stored as a paired partner MAC address on the second audio output device. In some embodiments, wirelessly communicatively coupling the first audio output device with the second audio output device includes causing the MAC address on the first audio output device to be shared with the second audio output device as a paired partner MAC address. In some embodiments, the method further includes (v) determining that the first audio output device is wirelessly connected to the companion communication device; and (vi) storing in the first audio output device a wireless link key that the companion communication device uses to automatically connect the first audio output device with the companion communication device. In some embodiments, detecting a request to wirelessly communicatively couple the first audio output device with the second audio output device includes detecting that the first audio output device and the second audio output device are placed in a housing, and detecting that a button on the housing is pushed. In some embodiments, detecting a request to wirelessly communicatively couple the first audio output device with the second audio output device includes detecting that the first audio output device and the second audio output device are placed in a housing, and detecting that the housing is opened for the first time. In some embodiments, detecting a request to wirelessly communicatively couple the first audio output device with the second audio output device comprises: detecting the first audio output device and the second audio output device being placed in a housing; detecting the first audio output device and the second audio output device being removed from the housing; and detecting a wireless discovery polling request from a companion communication device.

[0063] In one embodiment, a wireless earbud case includes: (i) a housing for storing a first wireless earbud and a second wireless earbud; (ii) a processor; (iii) a network interface configured to allow the processor to check a first memory location on the first wireless earbud and a second memory location on the second wireless earbud and determine that the first wireless earbud is not communicatively coupled to the second wireless earbud; and (iv) an input element configured to receive a request to communicatively couple the first wireless earbud to the second wireless earbud and allow the first wireless earbud to be discoverable by a companion communication device.

[0064] In some embodiments, the processor of the wireless earbud box is further configured to erase one or more wireless link keys stored on the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud and cause the first wireless earbud to be communicatively coupled with the second wireless earbud via a network interface. In some embodiments, the processor of the wireless earbud box is further configured to determine that the first wireless earbud is not coupled to the second wireless earbud by at least determining that the MAC address stored in the first memory location of the first wireless earbud is not stored as a paired partner MAC address in the second memory location on the second wireless earbud. In some embodiments, the processor of the wireless earbud box is further configured to share the MAC address on the first wireless earbud as a paired partner MAC address with the second wireless earbud when the first wireless earbud is communicatively coupled to the second wireless earbud. In some embodiments, the input element of the wireless earbud box includes a button on the box of the wireless earbud box. In some embodiments, the input element of the wireless earbud box includes a sensor on the box configured to detect that the box is opened.

[0065] In one embodiment, a method includes: detecting a predetermined event; and in response to detecting the predetermined event, pairing a primary wireless earbud with a secondary wireless earbud, the pairing also including: disconnecting the primary wireless earbud from any existing wireless connection; and wirelessly connecting the primary wireless earbud to the secondary wireless earbud.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method further includes: detecting that the firmware of the primary wireless earbud is newer than the firmware of the secondary wireless earbud; sending the firmware of the primary wireless earbud from the primary wireless earbud to the secondary wireless earbud; and installing the new firmware at the secondary wireless earbud. In some embodiments, the method further includes disconnecting the secondary wireless earbud from any existing wireless connection; and wirelessly connecting the secondary wireless earbud to the primary wireless earbud. In some embodiments, the method further includes erasing any user history data from the primary wireless earbud and from the secondary wireless earbud, the user history data including previously paired wireless earbud data. In some embodiments, detecting the predetermined event includes one or both of the following: receiving user input from the wireless earbud housing; or detecting that two unpaired wireless earbuds are within a predetermined proximity threshold of each other. In some embodiments, wirelessly connecting the primary wireless earbud to the secondary wireless earbud includes: storing a first address for the primary wireless earbud on the secondary wireless earbud; and storing a second address for the secondary wireless earbud on the primary wireless earbud. In some embodiments, detecting the predetermined event includes: detecting that the primary wireless earbud and the secondary wireless earbud are placed in the wireless earbud housing; determining that the primary wireless earbud and the secondary wireless earbud are not paired with each other; and receiving user input to pair the primary wireless earbud with the secondary wireless earbud.

[0067] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method comprising: determining that a first audio output device is not communicatively coupled to a second audio output device by at least determining that a MAC address of the first audio output device is not stored as a paired partner MAC address on the second audio output device; detecting a request to communicatively couple the first audio output device with the second audio output device and allow the communicatively coupled first audio output device to be discoverable by a companion communication device by at least detecting that the first audio output device and the second audio output device are placed in a housing and detecting that a button on the housing is pushed; pairing the first audio output device with the companion communication device; causing one or more wireless connection keys stored on the first audio output device and on the second audio output device to be erased; communicatively coupling the first audio output device with the second audio output device; causing a MAC of the first audio output device to be shared with the second audio output device as a paired partner MAC address on the second audio output device; and storing in the first audio output device a wireless connection key used by the companion communication device to automatically connect the first audio output device with a third audio output device.

[0068] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: means for determining that a first audio output device is not communicatively coupled to a second audio output device by at least determining that a MAC address of the first audio output device is not stored as a paired partner MAC address on the second audio output device; means for detecting a request to communicatively couple the first audio output device with the second audio output device and to allow the communicatively coupled first audio output device to be discoverable by a companion communication device by at least detecting that the first audio output device and the second audio output device are placed in a housing and detecting that a button on the housing is pushed; means for pairing the first audio output device with the companion communication device; means for causing one or more wireless connection keys stored on the first audio output device and on the second audio output device to be erased; means for communicatively coupling the first audio output device with the second audio output device; means for causing a MAC of the first audio output device to be shared with the second audio output device as a paired partner MAC address on the second audio output device; and means for storing in the first audio output device a wireless connection key used by the companion communication device to automatically connect the first audio output device with a third audio output device.

[0069] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Exemplary possible system embodiments are shown. When practicing the present technology, more suitable embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will also easily realize that other system embodiments are also possible.

[0070] Figure 5A A conventional system bus computing system architecture 500 is shown, wherein components of the system communicate electrically with each other using a bus 505. The exemplary system 500 includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 510 and a system bus 505 that couples various system components including system memory 515 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 520 and random access memory (RAM) 525) to the processor 510. The system 500 may include a cache of high-speed memory directly connected to the processor 510, in close proximity to the processor 510, or integrated as part of the processor 510. The system 500 may copy data from the memory 515 and / or storage device 530 to the cache 512 for quick access by the processor 510. In this way, the cache may provide a performance improvement by avoiding delays in the processor 510 waiting for data. These and other modules may control the processor 510 or be configured to control the processor 510 to perform various actions. Other system memories 515 may also be used. The memory 515 may include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. The processor 510 may include any general purpose processor and hardware modules or software modules configured to control the processor 510 (e.g., module 1 532, module 2 534, and module 3 536 stored in the storage device 530) and a special purpose processor in which the software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. The processor 510 may essentially be a completely self-contained computing system including multiple cores or processors, buses, memory control, caches, etc. Multi-core processors may be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0071] To enable user interaction with computing device 500, input device 545 may represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for voice, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphic input, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, voice, etc. Output device 535 may also be one or more of a plurality of output mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In some examples, a multimodal system may allow a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with computing device 500. Communication interface 540 may generally control and manage user input and system output. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement, and therefore the basic features herein may be easily replaced by improved hardware or firmware arrangements as improved hardware or firmware arrangements are developed.

[0072] The storage device 530 is a non-temporary memory and may be a hard disk or other type of computer-readable medium that can store data that can be accessed by a computer, such as a magnetic tape cassette, a flash memory card, a solid-state memory device, a digital versatile disk, a magnetic film cassette, a random access memory (RAM) 525, a read-only memory (ROM) 520, and a mixture thereof.

[0073] The storage device 530 may include software modules 532, 534, 536 for controlling the processor 510. Other hardware modules or software modules are also contemplated. The storage device 530 may be connected to the system bus 505. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function can include a software component stored on a computer-readable medium connected to the necessary hardware structure (e.g., the processor 510, the bus 505, the display 535, etc.) to perform the function.

[0074] Figure 5B A computer system 550 is shown, which has a chipset architecture that can be used to perform the described method and generate and display a graphical user interface (GUI). Computer system 550 is an example of computer hardware, software and firmware that can implement the disclosed technology. System 550 may include a processor 555, which represents any number of physical and / or logical different resources that can execute software, firmware and hardware configured to perform the calculations identified. Processor 555 can communicate with a chipset 560 that controls the output to the processor 55 and the output from the processor 55. In this example, chipset 560 outputs information to output 565 (e.g., display), and can read information from storage device 570 and write information to storage device 570, which can, for example, include magnetic media and solid-state media. Chipset 560 can also read data from RAM 575 and write data to RAM 575. A bridge 580 for interacting with a variety of user interface components 585 can be provided for interacting with chipset 560. Such user interface components 585 may include a keyboard, microphone, touch detection and processing logic, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), etc. In general, input to the system 550 may come from any of a variety of sources, both machine-generated and / or human-generated.

[0075] Chipset 560 may also interact with one or more communication interfaces 590 having different physical interfaces. Such communication interfaces may include interfaces for wired local area networks and wireless local area networks, broadband wireless networks, and personal area networks. Some applications of the methods for generating, displaying, and using the GUI disclosed herein may include receiving a required (ordered) data group through a physical interface or generating by the machine itself by analyzing data stored in memory 570 or 575 by processor 555. In addition, the machine may receive input from a user through user interface component 585 and perform appropriate functions, such as browsing functions, by using processor 555 to interpret these inputs.

[0076] It will be appreciated that exemplary systems 500 and 550 may have more than one processor 510, or may be part of a group or cluster of computing devices connected together via a network to provide greater processing capabilities.

[0077] For clarity of explanation, in some examples, the present technology is presented as including separate functional modules including functional blocks, including devices, device components, steps or routines of methods embodied in software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0078] In some embodiments, computer readable storage, media, and memory may include cables or wireless signals including bit streams, etc. However, when referred to, non-transitory computer readable storage media expressly excludes, for example, energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

[0079] The method according to the above example can be realized using computer executable instructions stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions may include, for example, making or otherwise configuring a general-purpose computer, special-purpose calculation, or a special-purpose processing device to perform certain functions or instructions and data of a group of functions. A part of the computer resources used can be accessed through a network. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions (for example, assembly language), firmware, or source code. The example of a computer readable medium that can be used to store instructions, information used, and / or information created during the method according to the example described includes a disk or CD, a flash memory, a serial bus (USB) device provided with a non-temporary memory, a network storage device, etc.

[0080] Devices implementing the disclosed methods may include hardware, firmware, and / or software, and may be implemented in any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of these form factors include laptops, smart phones, personal computers of small form factors, personal digital assistants, and the like. The functions described herein may also be implemented in peripherals or plug-in cards. As additional examples, such functions may also be implemented on circuit boards between different chips or between different processes performed in a single device.

[0081] Instructions, media for transmitting such instructions, computing resources for executing such instructions, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are all means for providing the functions described in these disclosures.

[0082] Although various examples and other information are used to explain various aspects within the scope of the appended claims, it should not be meant to limit the claims based on the specific features or arrangements in such examples, because a person of ordinary skill in the art can use these examples to obtain multiple implementations. In addition and although some topics have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and / or method steps, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or actions. For example, functions can be distributed differently or performed in components different from those identified herein. In addition, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a wireless earbud, the method include: detecting, via the wireless earbud, an input for answering an incoming voice call; In response to detecting input for answering an incoming voice call: determining whether the wireless earbud is in a microphone mute state or a microphone active state; answering the incoming voice call via the companion communication device when the wireless earbud is in a microphone active state and connected to a companion communication device via a voice profile; and When the wireless earbud is in microphone muted state and connected to the companion communication device via a non-voice profile: reconfiguring the wireless earbud from a microphone muted state to a microphone active state; changing the connection of the wireless earbud with the companion communication device from using a non-voice profile to using a voice profile; as well as The incoming voice call is answered via the wireless earbud in a microphone active state and via the companion communication device to which the wireless earbud is directly connected using a voice profile.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless earbud is configured to connect directly to the companion communication device using a non-voice profile when in a microphone muted state. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the input for answering the incoming voice call comprises detecting, via a sensor of the wireless earbud, a tap that includes at least a portion of the input.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: Prior to answering the incoming voice call, the wireless earbud is configured to a microphone active state in response to configuration input received via the companion communication device.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: Prior to detecting the input for answering the incoming voice call, the wireless earbud is configured to a microphone mute state in response to a configuration input received via the companion communication device.

6. A wireless earbud, include: a communication interface configured to communicate with the companion communication device and with a second wireless earbud; a memory storing instructions for controlling the operation of the wireless earbuds; and A processor, wherein the processor is configured in response to execution of the instructions to: detecting input for answering an incoming voice call; and In response to detecting input for answering an incoming voice call: determining whether the wireless earbud is in a microphone mute state or a microphone active state; answering the incoming voice call via the companion communication device when the wireless earbud is in a microphone active state and connected to the companion communication device via a voice profile; and When the wireless earbud is in microphone muted state and connected to the companion communication device via a non-voice profile: reconfiguring the wireless earbud from a microphone muted state to a microphone active state; changing the connection of the wireless earbud with the companion communication device from using a non-voice profile to using a voice profile; as well as The incoming voice call is answered via the wireless earbud in a microphone active state and via the companion communication device to which the wireless earbud is directly connected using a voice profile.

7. The wireless earbud of claim 6, wherein the wireless earbud is configured to connect directly to the companion communication device using a non-voice profile when in a microphone muted state.

8. The wireless earbud of claim 6, further comprising a sensor, wherein the wireless earbud detects a tap via the sensor, the tap comprising at least a portion of the input for answering the incoming voice call.

9. The wireless earbud according to claim 6, wherein the wireless earbud is configured as: Prior to answering the incoming voice call, the wireless earbud is configured to a microphone active state in response to configuration input received via the companion communication device.

10. The wireless earbud of claim 6, wherein the wireless earbud is configured as: Prior to detecting the input for answering the incoming voice call, the wireless earbud is configured to a microphone mute state in response to a configuration input received via the companion communication device.

11. A method for controlling a wireless earbud, the method include: In response to input for answering the connection request: When the wireless earbud is in a microphone mute state, configuring the wireless earbud to a microphone active state; as well as when the wireless earbud is directly connected to a companion communication device via a non-voice profile, reconfiguring the wireless earbud to use a voice profile after the wireless earbud changes to a microphone active state; as well as The connection request is answered via the wireless earbud in a microphone active state and via the companion communication device to which the wireless earbud is directly connected.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless earbud is configured to connect directly to the companion communication device using the voice profile when in a microphone active state.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless earbud is configured to connect directly to the companion communication device using a non-voice profile when in a microphone muted state.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: include: The input answering the connection request is detected via a sensor of the wireless earbud. The method of claim 14 , wherein a tap comprises at least a portion of the input.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the connection request includes an indication of an incoming voice call.

17. A wireless earbud, include: a communication interface configured to communicate with the companion communication device and with a second wireless earbud; a memory storing instructions for controlling the operation of the wireless earbuds; and A processor, wherein the processor is configured in response to execution of the instructions to: In response to input for answering the connection request: When the wireless earbud is in a microphone mute state, configuring the wireless earbud to a microphone active state; and when the wireless earbud is directly connected to a companion communication device, reconfiguring the wireless earbud to use a voice profile after the wireless earbud changes to a microphone active state; as well as The connection request is answered via the wireless earbud in a microphone active state and via the companion communication device to which the wireless earbud is directly connected.

18. The wireless earbud of claim 17, wherein the wireless earbud is configured to connect directly to the companion communication device using a voice profile when in a microphone active state.

19. The wireless earbud of claim 17, wherein the wireless earbud is configured to connect directly to the companion communication device using a non-voice profile when in a microphone muted state.

20. The wireless earbud of claim 17, further comprising a sensor, wherein the wireless earbud detects the input for answering the connection request via the sensor.

21. The wireless earbuds of claim 20, wherein a tap comprises at least a portion of the input.

22. The wireless earbud of claim 17, wherein the connection request comprises an indication of an incoming voice call.

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