Role switching between untethered wireless connected devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to role swapping between untethered wireless connected devices. Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided for performing a role swap operation between a pair of untethered wireless earbuds after detecting a triggering event. Further, state information can be coordinated between devices, including in connection with a role swap between earbuds in a pair of wireless, untethered earbuds, with one wireless earbud in a primary role and responsible for connecting with a companion device, and the other wireless earbud in the pair in a secondary role.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on April 21, 2017, with application number 202110217033.1, entitled "Role swapping between untethered wireless connected devices"; the aforementioned invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on April 21, 2017, with application number 201780002928.5, entitled "Role swapping between untethered wireless connected devices". Technical Field

[0002] This technology relates to coordinating state information between devices, including exchanging roles between wireless audio devices. Background Technology

[0003] Personal audio playback devices are typically designed as a pair of speakers worn in or on a user's ears and tethered together by wires. The speakers also usually have wires connecting them to audio devices, such as portable electronic devices configured to play audio.

[0004] Some personal audio playback devices are configured to connect wirelessly to portable electronic devices. These audio playback devices typically involve a pair of speakers tethered to each other by a wiring harness, each speaker having a dedicated role. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The features and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from that description, or may be learned by practicing the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practicing the principles set forth herein.

[0006] This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer-readable media for coordinating state information between devices, including performing a role swap between earbuds in a pair of untethered wireless earbuds, where one wireless earbud plays a primary role and is responsible for connecting to a companion device (e.g., a smartphone, watch, etc.), while the other wireless earbud in the pair plays a secondary role. In some embodiments, the role swap may be imperceptible to the companion device (i.e., the role swap does not occur upon identification of the companion device). Such a role swap may be necessary or useful, for example, if it is determined that the wireless earbud in the secondary role will be used (e.g., in the user's ear), while it is determined that the wireless earbud in the primary role will not be used (e.g., outside the user's ear), or under other conditions, such as when the battery level of the wireless earbud in the primary role is low and needs charging, while the wireless earbud in the secondary role has sufficient power.

[0007] The method used to perform the exchange can depend on the wireless connection protocol (synchronous or asynchronous) between the primary wireless earbud and the companion device. In an asynchronous connection, such as for music streaming, the primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) can request the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting data through the connection between the primary earbud and the companion device, while maintaining the connection session between them. During the temporary halt in data transmission, the primary wireless earbud (right earbud) and the secondary wireless earbud (left earbud) can exchange status data and switch roles, allowing the previously secondary earbud (left earbud) to assume the primary role. Once the secondary earbud (left earbud) takes over the primary role, the companion device resumes transmitting data and sends it to the earbud (left earbud) that has taken over the primary role. The accessory device may be unaware that the secondary wireless earbud (left earbud) has assumed the primary role because the primary earbud has complete status information and has used one or more of the necessary addresses and / or one or more identifiers previously used to identify the previously primary wireless earbud (right earbud). In this way, the role swap can be undetectable to the accessory device.

[0008] In synchronous connections such as those used for voice communication, the primary wireless earbud does not require the pairing device to temporarily halt data transmission. Instead, the primary and secondary wireless earbuds switch roles during data transmission. Because data transmission is uninterrupted, the pairing device may not be aware of the switch.

[0009] In some implementations, the primary wireless earbud will transmit data simultaneously in both synchronous and asynchronous sessions. In this case, each session can be handled as described above. Transmission of asynchronous session data will be temporarily suspended, while transmission of synchronous session data will continue. Similarly, switching can be performed without the companion device being aware of it.

[0010] Some implementations of this technology involve performing a role swap between a pair of untethered wireless earbuds by wirelessly connecting the first wireless earbud to a companion device, routing audio signals from the companion device to the first wireless earbud, and establishing a wireless link between the first and second wireless earbuds, wherein the first wireless earbud plays a primary role in sharing some or all of the audio signals with the second wireless earbud via its wireless link.

[0011] Any of the first wireless earbud, the second wireless earbud, and the companion device can detect a trigger event and initiate a role swap, wherein the wireless earbud in the primary role exchanges roles with the wireless earbud in the secondary role. In some embodiments of this technology, the role swap may include requesting the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting some or all of the data via the connection between the primary wireless earbud and the companion device. When data transmission is temporarily stopped, the pair of wireless earbuds can transmit status information, and the wireless earbud previously in the secondary role can connect to the companion device now in the primary role. Data transmission can then be resumed between the companion device and the wireless earbud currently in the primary role. In some embodiments of this technology, data transmission does not stop during the wireless earbud swap. Moreover, in some embodiments, status data can be transmitted between the wireless earbuds before initiating the role swap, thereby minimizing the time required to perform the role swap.

[0012] Although earbuds are referred to throughout this document, it should be understood that this disclosure can be applied to other device types, including headphones, speakers, other audio devices, sensors, other wearable sensing devices, or other paired devices that have established a communication session with another device. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To describe how the above and other advantages and features of this disclosure are obtained, a more specific description of the principles briefly described above will be presented by referring to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure; thus, the principles herein will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1A An exemplary wireless earbud that wirelessly couples with a companion device is shown;

[0015] Figure 1B An exemplary system is shown, comprising two wireless earbuds that wirelessly connect to one or more companion devices;

[0016] Figure 1C An exemplary earbud housing is shown;

[0017] Figure 2A An exemplary method for coupling a pair of untethered wireless earbuds is shown;

[0018] Figure 2B An exemplary method for role switching between a pair of untethered wireless earbuds is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 An exemplary process is shown whereby a switch manager on a wireless earbud determines when to perform a coordinated wireless earbud switch.

[0020] Figure 4 An example of a coordinated wireless earbud switching method is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 An exemplary process is shown in which the switch manager on the wireless earbuds determines when to perform a non-coordinated wireless earbud switch from the primary role to the secondary role, and when to perform a non-coordinated earbud switch from the secondary role to the primary role.

[0022] Figure 6 An exemplary process for a wireless earbud to determine the mode of entry is shown;

[0023] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A possible exemplary system implementation is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Various embodiments of this disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1A A wireless earbud 165 according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown, which can wirelessly connect to a companion device. The wireless earbud 165 includes features for wireless connection to a companion device (e.g., to create a blue tone). ® The communication interface 175 is a link. The communication interface 175 can also be used to wirelessly connect with another wireless earbud to form a pair of untethered (i.e., not physically connected) wireless earbuds. The communication interface 175 can be configured to communicate using any wireless protocol or combination of wireless protocols.

[0026] The wireless earbud 165 includes an audio output device 170 for converting received audio signals into sound. Audio signals can be received from a wirelessly connected companion device (not shown) via a communication interface 175. The wireless earbud 165 may also include any or all of a processor 180, memory 185, battery 190, microphone 199, and one or more sensors 195. One or more sensors 195 may be used to determine environmental and / or operational characteristics, such as detecting when the wireless earbud 165 is placed in and / or removed from the ear, and whether the wireless earbud 165 is located inside or outside the ear. Sensors 195 may include any (one or more) types of sensors capable of detecting when the wireless earbud is in the user's ear. For example, sensors may include any or all of optical proximity sensors, pressure sensors, thermal sensors, humidity sensors, etc. Sensors 195 may also include motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.), biometric sensors, and / or sensors configured to acquire environmental data.

[0027] As described above, wireless earbud 165 can wirelessly connect to another wireless earbud to form a pair of untethered (not physically connected) wireless earbuds. In some cases, one of the wireless earbuds plays a primary role, and the other plays a secondary role. The primary earbud can wirelessly connect to a companion device, receive audio data from the companion device, provide connection information to the secondary earbud (allowing the secondary earbud to listen to (or “spy on” the connection between the primary earbud and the companion device), receive in-ear status information from the secondary earbud, and send data about the in-ear status of both the primary and secondary earbuds to the companion device. Wireless earbud 165 also includes an earbud swap manager 198 for determining when to swap the roles of the pair of untethered wireless earbuds, as explained in more detail below. Although described as wireless earbuds, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this technology can be used in a variety of peripheral devices, including other headphone devices, other audio devices, other wearable sensing devices, wireless speakers, and so on.

[0028] Figure 1BA system 100 according to some embodiments of the present technology is illustrated, comprising two wirelessly connected wearable, untethered wireless earbuds 165, 110, which are wirelessly connected to one or more companion devices 115, 120, 125. As shown, wireless earbud 165 acts as the primary wireless earbud, and wireless earbud 110 acts as the secondary wireless earbud. The primary wireless earbud 165 can wirelessly connect to any / all of the companion devices 115, 120, and 125, and can provide connection information to the secondary wireless earbud 110, allowing the earbud 110 to listen to (or “spy”) the connection between the primary wireless earbud 165 and the companion devices 115, 120, 125. In some embodiments, the primary wireless earbud 165 can route audio data received from one or more of the companion devices 115, 120, 125 to the secondary wireless earbud 110.

[0029] Furthermore, wireless earbuds 165, 110 can detect via sensor 195 when they are inserted into and / or removed from a user's ear, and whether they are located inside and / or outside the ear. The primary wireless earbud 165 can receive data from the secondary wireless earbud 110, which describes its associated wearing state. In some embodiments, the primary wireless earbud 165 can also transmit data to the secondary wireless earbud 110 describing its wearing state. Additionally, the primary wireless earbud 165 can transmit its own wearing state and / or the wearing state of the secondary wireless earbud 110 to any / all of the wirelessly connected companion devices 115, 120, 125. Similarly, the wireless earbud 165, which plays a primary role, can receive data from any / all of the wirelessly connected companion devices 115, 120, 125, which reflects events occurring on the companion devices or changes in the behavior of the companion devices 115, 120, 125.

[0030] Figure 1CAn earbud housing 1000 according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown. The earbud housing 1000 can accommodate a pair of wireless earbuds 1005, 1010, and can connect the earbuds while, for example, the wireless earbuds 1005, 1010 are accommodated within the earbud housing 1000. The earbud housing 1000 may include a cover 1045 that closes to cover the wireless earbuds within the earbud housing 1000. The earbud housing 1000 may also include a sensor 1055 that detects when the cover 1045 is open and / or closed. In some embodiments, the wireless earbuds 1005, 1010 are configured to attempt to wirelessly connect with a pairing device when the cover 1045 is open.

[0031] The earbud housing 1000 includes a battery 1030 for charging the wireless earbuds 1005, 1010, and a charging interface 1035 for connecting the battery 1030 to an external power source. The earbud housing 1000 may also include an indicator 1040 to indicate the charging status of the wireless earbuds 1005, 1010 and / or the earbud housing 1000. The earbud housing 1000 may also include an input 1060, such as a button, which can be actuated to cause the earbud housing 1000 to perform one or more functions, including attempting to wirelessly connect one or more wireless earbuds 1005, 1010 to a known pairing device and / or become discoverable by other devices. Furthermore, the earbud housing 1000 includes a processor 1020, a communication interface 1050, and a memory 1025.

[0032] Figure 2A An exemplary method 200 according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown for coupling a pair of untethered wireless earbuds. Method 200 involves the earbud housing detecting a predetermined event 210 (such as a button on the housing being pressed, the housing opening, the housing opening for the first time, etc.). In response to detecting the predetermined event, method 200 involves the earbud housing detecting firmware 215 of the two wireless earbuds housed within the housing and assigning the latest firmware version of the wireless earbud to the primary wireless earbud 220.

[0033] Furthermore, method 200 involves the earbud housing disconnecting the primary wireless earbud from any existing connection and connecting it to another wireless earbud at step 225, and the primary wireless earbud enabling a wireless connection mode 230 with the companion device. In some embodiments, method 200, which enables the primary wireless earbud to wirelessly connect to another wireless earbud, will only continue if the primary wireless earbud successfully wirelessly connects to the companion device. Method 200 involves the earbud housing determining 235 that the primary wireless earbud has successfully wirelessly connected to the companion device.

[0034] Furthermore, method 200 may involve the earbud housing causing the primary wireless earbud to send a newer firmware version to the secondary wireless earbud 240, and causing the secondary wireless earbud to enter a wireless connectivity mode 245. As explained in more detail below, in some embodiments of this technology, method 200 may involve the earbud housing causing one or both of the primary and secondary wireless earbuds to erase connection data used for wireless connectivity with the previously connected device 250.

[0035] In addition, method 200 involves an earbud housing that enables a primary wireless earbud to wirelessly connect to a secondary wireless earbud 255, storing address information (e.g., a media access control (MAC) address) 260 for the secondary wireless earbud on the primary wireless earbud, and storing address information (e.g., a MAC address) 265 for the primary wireless earbud on the secondary wireless earbud.

[0036] As described above, the individual earbuds in a pair of untethered wireless earbuds can swap roles, i.e., exchange the primary and secondary roles. The swap can be triggered by any various events, and can be coordinated by a swap manager on each earbud, or it can be coordinated and executed by a swap manager on a single earbud. In some implementations, one earbud in a pair can also be replaced by a third earbud, thus forming a different earbud pair. This type of replacement can also be performed in conjunction with role swapping.

[0037] Coordinated earbud switching can occur when a pair of wireless earbuds are wirelessly linked and triggered by several events. When the secondary earbud is placed in the ear while the primary earbud is not, one or more switching managers in the earbuds can determine that their roles should be switched, allowing the earbud in the ear to assume the primary role. Furthermore, when the battery level of the primary earbud falls below a threshold level—for example, when the battery level of the primary earbud is below one percent—each earbud's switching manager can coordinate to switch the roles of the pair of earbuds. Of course, the battery threshold level can be set to any other value. The earbuds can also receive instructions from the pairing device instructing the user to request a role switch. Additionally, coordinated switching may not occur under certain circumstances, such as when the earbuds actively connect to the pairing device or during firmware updates.

[0038] Figure 2BMethod 299, according to some embodiments of the present technology, is illustrated for role switching between a pair of untethered wireless earbuds. Method 299 involves wirelessly connecting a first wireless earbud to a companion device 283. The first wireless earbud can provide a second wireless earbud with information about the wireless link between the first wireless earbud and the companion device, enabling the second wireless earbud to access (“spy”) audio signals, and thus, in the event of an uncoordinated earbud swap, the second wireless earbud can take over the connection, as explained in more detail below.

[0039] Method 299 may further include establishing a wireless connection 285 between the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud, and the first wireless earbud assuming a primary role for sharing audio signals with the second wireless earbud via the wireless connection 287. The device may announce the primary role of the first wireless earbud and may use the wireless connection to share a device address with the second wireless earbud for subsequent role switching. In some embodiments, wirelessly connecting the first wireless earbud to the companion device 283 and establishing a wireless connection 285 between the first and second wireless earbuds may occur in parallel or substantially in parallel. In some embodiments, the wireless connection 285 between the first and second wireless earbuds may be established before the first wireless earbud is wirelessly connected to the companion device 283.

[0040] Next, method 299 involves detecting a triggering event 289 that can initiate a role switch. Examples of triggering events may include the battery level of the wireless earbud in the primary role falling below a predetermined percentage (e.g., below one percent), or detecting when the wireless earbud in the primary role detects a change in wearing status (e.g., inside the ear) to a non-wearing status (e.g., outside the ear), etc.

[0041] After detecting a trigger event, method 299 may involve determining that a role swap can be performed 291. When one or more untethered wireless earbuds are streaming audio data from a pairing device, the wireless earbud in the primary role can request the pairing device to detect metadata of the streaming audio to determine if an interruption in the streaming music will occur within a threshold time period. The wireless earbud can then schedule a role swap when the streaming music is interrupted. Similarly, the wireless earbud in the primary role can request the pairing device to detect an audio signal and determine (e.g., based on the amplitude of the signal in the audio buffer) that an interruption will occur within a threshold time period, and one or more wireless earbuds can schedule a role swap when the music is interrupted.

[0042] In some implementations, determining that a role switch can be performed (291) may involve determining that the first or second wireless earbud is updating firmware and waiting until the firmware update is complete before performing the role switch. Similarly, determining that a role switch can be performed (291) may involve determining that the first or second wireless earbud is performing an automatic wireless connection process with a companion device and waiting until the automatic wireless connection process is complete before performing the role switch.

[0043] In some embodiments of this technology, it is desirable to temporarily suspend certain types of data exchange via the wireless connection between the primary wireless earbud and the accessory device. Therefore, after determining that role switching can proceed 291, method 299 may involve requesting the accessory device to stop transmitting some or all of the data via the connection between the primary wireless earbud and the accessory device 293.

[0044] In some embodiments of this technology, the primary wireless earbud can request the accompanying device to cease transmitting data via a wireless connection link established with the accompanying device under a first protocol, while maintaining data exchange via a wireless connection link established under a second protocol. The accompanying device can connect to the wireless earbud via a first protocol (e.g., an asynchronous connectionless (ACL) link for music streaming, volume control commands, etc.) and a second protocol (e.g., a synchronous connection (SCO) link for voice calls). Connections via the first and second protocols can occur simultaneously, or only one can be established at a time. While data flow on the ACL link can complicate the role-switching process, for example due to the exchange of state information, data flow on the SCO link can continue during the role-switching process. Some embodiments involve the primary wireless earbud requesting the accompanying device to temporarily cease transmitting data via the existing ACL link.

[0045] After requesting the cessation of transmitting some or all data through the connection between the primary wireless earbud and the companion device, method 299 may involve transferring status information from the primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) to the previously secondary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud) 295, and reassigning the primary role to the previously secondary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud) 297. The primary earbud is characterized by advertising its device address (e.g., MAC address). This maintains the connection with the companion device, and it can be a signal that the earbud is configured as the primary earbud. Therefore, switching the primary role to the previously secondary earbud may involve the previously secondary earbud advertising its device address (e.g., MAC address) to the companion device. Data transmission can then be resumed between the companion device and the previously secondary but now primary wireless earbud 298.

[0046] Figure 3 An example of method 300 according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown, which is performed by a switch manager on one or more of a pair of untethered wireless earbuds to determine when to perform a coordinated wireless earbud switch. The coordinated switch is achieved when both earbuds in the pair detect the switch (i.e., the switch is coordinated).

[0047] Generally, the method involves the earbud in the primary role recognizing itself as being in the primary role and pairing with another earbud in the secondary role. Then, the earbud in the primary role, after detecting a swap trigger event and determining that there are no conditions preventing the swap, performs a coordinated swap.

[0048] More specifically, exemplary method 300 involves a switch manager remaining idle 302 and periodically determining 304 whether a wireless earbud is in a primary role. If the wireless earbud is not in a primary role, the switch manager remains idle 302. If the wireless earbud is in a primary role, the switch manager determines 306 whether a wireless earbud in a secondary role is connected to the wireless earbud in the primary role. If the earbud in the secondary role is not connected, the switch manager remains idle 302.

[0049] If the secondary wireless earbud is wirelessly connected to the primary wireless earbud, the switch manager determines 308 whether the primary wireless earbud is detached from the ear (not worn) when the secondary wireless earbud is in the ear. If this condition is not met, the switch manager determines 310 the battery level of the primary wireless earbud to determine if the battery level of the primary wireless earbud is low (e.g., equal to or below a threshold indicating insufficient battery level). The switch manager may determine that the battery level of the primary wireless earbud is low if any one or more of the following conditions are met, such as the earbud's battery having, for example, 1% charge, or the earbud's battery level is below a threshold level for the secondary earbud's battery level, such as the battery level being 10 percent or less of the secondary earbud's battery level, etc.

[0050] If the switch manager determines that either 308 or 310 has occurred, the switch manager determines whether the wireless earbuds are attempting to wirelessly connect to the pairing device 312, or whether either or both of the wireless earbuds are updating their firmware 314. If the wireless earbuds are not attempting to wirelessly connect to the pairing device and are not in the process of updating firmware, the switch manager performs a coordination role switch 316 between the primary and secondary wireless earbuds.

[0051] Similarly, sometimes as the battery level of paired wireless earbuds drops, the switch manager on each earbud can coordinate and swap their roles. The earbud in the primary role might be the only one in the pair with an active microphone, while the microphone of the earbud in the secondary role is disabled, causing the earbud with the active microphone to drain its power faster. The switch manager can selectively switch the primary role back and forth, and consequently the active microphone back and forth, to balance the battery life consumption of the pair of earbuds.

[0052] Once a trigger event is detected, the swap manager can perform a role swap by following the swap protocol. Figure 4 Examples of coordinated switching methods according to some embodiments of the present technology are shown. Those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will readily understand that alternative sequences can be performed to switch the roles of the earbuds.

[0053] Method 400 involves a primary wireless earbud and a secondary wireless earbud registering various services and software with a switch manager 402. The wireless earbuds may include various components (e.g., application software, software for discovering another earbud, audio manager, Bluetooth controller, Bluetooth stack software, hardware profiles, etc.) that need to complete any outstanding tasks and be shut down before the role swap. Next, after detecting a trigger event 404, method 400 involves initiating a wireless earbud role swap 406. Sometimes, the primary wireless earbud initiates a wireless earbud swap request, and the primary wireless earbud's switch manager sends a swap message to the secondary wireless earbud to indicate that a wireless earbud swap has been triggered. The secondary wireless earbud's switch manager may send messages to its various components to prepare for the wireless earbud swap. The secondary wireless earbud's switch manager may cause components to complete any outstanding tasks and may shut down before the swap. Furthermore, since the secondary wireless earbuds will take over the primary role and prepare for connection with the pairing device, the switching manager of all secondary wireless earbuds can allocate additional bandwidth to the communication interface (i.e., the BLUETOOTH controller) for the wireless connection with the pairing device.

[0054] Next, method 400 involves requesting the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting some or all of the data wirelessly to the primary wireless earbud 408 via the wireless connection. In some implementations, this may involve the primary wireless earbud requesting the companion device to stop transmitting data over the existing ACL link while maintaining data exchange over the SCO link.

[0055] After some or all data exchange between the primary wireless earbud and its pairing device is suspended, method 400 involves coordinating state transitions between the wireless earbuds 410. A switch manager on each wireless earbud can apply the state data of its corresponding paired earbud (in some embodiments, only the secondary earbud needs to know the state data from the primary earbud related to the connection with the pairing device) 412. The switch manager can confirm that the state information has been successfully exchanged and update 414.

[0056] Next, method 400 involves the previously secondary wireless earbud taking over the primary role and establishing a wireless connection with the companion device 416. In some embodiments, during an early state transition, the previously secondary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud) adopts the device address (e.g., MAC address) of the previously primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) and establishes a wireless connection with the companion device by using the device address of the previously primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) as its device address. Data transmission is then resumed between the companion device and the previously secondary but now primary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud) 417.

[0057] Some embodiments of this technology also include uncoordinated earbud switching, where only one of the wireless earbuds switches its role, and this is done without coordination with its wirelessly connected or previously wirelessly connected counterpart. When the wireless connection between the primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) and the secondary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud) is lost, the secondary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud) cannot locate the primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud). Therefore, the secondary earbud (e.g., the left earbud) can perform an uncoordinated switch to assume the primary role. This can occur, for example, if the primary earbud (e.g., the right earbud) fails, is lost, etc. In some embodiments, the secondary wireless earbud performs the uncoordinated switch only under certain conditions (e.g., the secondary wireless earbud detects an in-ear state).

[0058] In some implementations, after the secondary wireless earbud detects that the primary wireless earbud is no longer connected to the secondary earbud, the switch manager of the secondary earbud may attempt to reconnect to the primary earbud. The switch manager on the secondary earbud may attempt to reconnect to the primary earbud a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined duration. Furthermore, certain events (e.g., detecting a change from an external to an internal state) may cause the switch manager of the secondary earbud to bypass retry attempts, reduce the number / duration of retry attempts, and initiate an uncoordinated switch. Once the previously secondary wireless earbud switches roles and becomes the primary earbud, it can take over the wireless connection with the pairing device as the primary earbud.

[0059] Similarly, a primary wireless earbud can perform an uncoordinated switch, thus becoming a secondary wireless earbud. Sometimes, the primary earbud can detect the pairing device, attempt to establish a wireless connection with it, and receive an error message from the pairing device indicating that a wireless connection already exists while another earbud is in the primary role. For example, two earbuds can wirelessly connect to each other and also wirelessly connect to the pairing device. Then, the primary earbud (e.g., the right earbud) can move beyond the range of the secondary earbud (e.g., the left earbud), and although the secondary earbud remains within the pairing device's wireless range, the wireless connection between the primary and secondary earbuds can be lost. The secondary earbud can then perform an uncoordinated switch and assume the primary role. As described above, the primary wireless earbud provides information about the wireless connection between the primary wireless earbud and the accessory device to the secondary wireless earbud, enabling the secondary wireless earbud to access audio signals. Thus, the secondary wireless earbud can take over the wireless connection with the accessory device during uncoordinated earbud switching.

[0060] However, when the previously dominant wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) returns close enough to wirelessly reconnect to the pairing device (while still acting as the dominant earbud because it is unaware that the other earbud has taken over the dominant role during the uncoordinated earbud swap), the previously dominant wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) can attempt to re-establish the connection as the dominant wireless earbud and receive an error message from the pairing device indicating that the other wireless earbud (i.e., the left earbud, the previously secondary wireless earbud) has connected as the dominant wireless earbud. In this situation, the initially dominant wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) can perform an uncoordinated swap, thus becoming the secondary wireless earbud.

[0061] Figure 5 A method 500 according to some embodiments of the present technology is shown, which is used to determine when to perform a non-coordinated wireless earbud swap from primary role to secondary role, and when to perform a non-coordinated wireless earbud swap from secondary role to primary role.

[0062] Method 500 involves determining whether a wireless earbud is in a primary role 502. For example, an earbud may record its status as primary or secondary. Alternatively, a wireless earbud may be able to determine its role based on its status information, and if the wireless earbud recently used its assigned device address to maintain a connection with a pairing device, it can determine that it is in a primary role; however, if the wireless earbud determines that it recently listened to a connection between another wireless earbud and its pairing device, it can determine that it is in a secondary role. When a wireless earbud is in a primary role, method 500 involves determining whether a wireless earbud in a secondary role is connected to a wireless earbud in a primary role 504. When an earbud is in a primary role and it is determined that a secondary earbud is connected 504, the switch manager returns to an idle state.

[0063] If the wireless earbud is in the primary role and the wireless earbud in the secondary role is not connected, method 500 involves determining whether the wireless earbud in the primary role has received a switching command 506. For example, when the wireless earbud is removed from its housing, the switching manager may request the wireless earbud to reconfigure its role and may command the wireless earbud to perform a coordinated switching.

[0064] Next, method 500 involves a switch manager determining 508 whether the primary wireless earbud is wirelessly connected to the companion device. The primary wireless earbud can determine that it is wirelessly connected to the companion device when it receives data packets from the companion device via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth). If the primary wireless earbud is not wirelessly connected to the companion device, the primary wireless earbud can page the companion device 510. Next, method 500 involves the primary wireless earbud determining 512 whether the companion device can be wirelessly connected and attempting to wirelessly connect to the companion device. Furthermore, the primary earbud can determine whether it has received an error message 514 from the companion device indicating that a wireless connection already exists between the companion device and another primary wireless earbud. If an error message is received, the primary wireless earbud performs a disjointed switch 516 to assume a secondary role.

[0065] During method 500, when it is determined that the wireless earbud 502 is in a secondary role, it is further determined whether the earbud is wirelessly connected to the wireless earbud 518 in a primary role. If the wireless earbud in the secondary role is connected to the wireless earbud in the primary role, the switch manager returns to an idle state. If the wireless earbud in the secondary role is not connected to the wireless earbud in the primary role, method 500 involves determining whether the wireless earbud in the secondary role has received (e.g., from the earbud housing, accessory, etc.) a command 520 to switch its role. If no command to switch its role has been received, the wireless earbud in the secondary role will determine 522 whether it is connected to the wireless earbud in the primary role. If it is not connected to the wireless earbud in the primary role, the wireless earbud in the secondary role will page the wireless earbud in the primary role 524, for example, page it a predetermined number of times. When a secondary wireless earbud fails to find a primary wireless earbud after a predetermined number of retries, the secondary wireless earbud will perform an uncoordinated switch 526 to assume the primary role.

[0066] In some implementations, the secondary wireless earbud can initiate a reconnection timer before performing an uncoordinated switch to re-establish a wireless connection with the primary wireless earbud. If the timer expires, the secondary earbud can switch to primary and establish a wireless connection with the pairing device using the device address of the previously primary earbud. When a wireless connection is re-established between previously paired earbuds, and one earbud wirelessly reconnects to the pairing device, the earbud can determine its role. However, if a wireless connection is established first with the pairing device, the pairing device can consider the first connected earbud as the primary earbud, and the pairing device can reject (e.g., by issuing an error message) a wireless connection request from the other earbud. When the earbud receives an error message, it can revert to secondary status and page the other earbud to re-establish a wireless connection.

[0067] When a previously secondary wireless earbud (e.g., the left earbud, now the primary wireless earbud) first wirelessly connects to the pairing device, it can remain in the primary wireless earbud state and wait for the previously primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) to be rejected by the pairing device, and wait for the previously primary wireless earbud (e.g., the right earbud) to switch to the secondary role, before re-establishing the wireless connection between the earbuds.

[0068] In some implementations of this technology, users can disable automatic wireless earbud switching and configure a specific wireless earbud as the designated primary earbud, ensuring that the designated earbud always has an active microphone. Non-designated wireless earbuds will operate in a secondary role, and will not have their microphones enabled unless the user explicitly selects this option.

[0069] When a companion device is already connected to another primary wireless earbud, some companion devices may not return error messages to the primary earbud when it attempts to wirelessly connect. This situation can lead to two or more primary earbuds competing for wireless connectivity with the companion device. Some embodiments of this technology relate to techniques for preventing multiple primary earbuds from wirelessly connecting to the companion device.

[0070] Figure 6A method 600 for a wireless earbud to determine entering a certain mode according to some embodiments of the present technology is illustrated. When a primary wireless earbud attempts to wirelessly connect to a companion device that is already wirelessly connected to another primary wireless earbud, method 600 determines 602 when the companion device does not provide error messages to the wireless earbud. For example, the wireless earbud may detect companion device profiles (e.g., a companion device's mobile information device profile) and a database containing data about companion devices known not to send error messages, and if a companion device is listed in the stored data, the wireless earbud determines that the companion device is not sending error messages.

[0071] When the companion device provides such an alert, method 600 exits to the default protocol used to determine when to switch roles, such as the coordinated and uncoordinated earbud switching method described above. In the case where a wireless earbud attempts to establish a wireless connection in the primary role, and the companion device does not send an error message to warn that another wireless earbud has already established a wireless connection in the primary role, method 600 involves determining whether the wireless earbud is currently in primary or secondary mode.

[0072] When the wireless earbud is in the primary role, it pagees the pairing device 606. If the wireless earbud does not receive a response from the pairing device, it enters an idle connectable mode 608. The idle connectable mode may involve situations where the wireless earbud can be discovered by the pairing device and can connect to the configurable device by initiating a connection sequence on the pairing device, rather than automatically connecting. Initiating a connection may involve defining a primary role and a secondary role.

[0073] If a response is received from the accessory device, the wireless earbuds enter the primary role 610 and determine 612 whether they have a wireless connection with the accessory device. If the accessory device is wirelessly connected, the wireless earbuds will remain in the primary role until the accessory device is no longer wirelessly connected. If the accessory device is not wirelessly connected, the earbuds become idle and connectable 608.

[0074] When the earbud is in idle connectable mode 608 and the pairing device is wirelessly connected 614, the wireless earbud can enter the primary role 610. When the pairing device is not wirelessly connected, the wireless earbud can determine 616 whether the wireless earbud in the secondary role is connected to the pairing device. If connected, the wireless earbud can enter the primary role 610. If the wireless earbud is not connected in the secondary role, the wireless earbud can remain in idle connectable mode 608 unless method 600 reaches a predetermined timeout period 618. When method 600 times out, the wireless earbud in the primary role can perform a non-coordinated earbud switch 620.

[0075] When method 600 determines that the wireless earbud 604 is in a secondary role, or after the wireless earbud in the primary role performs an uncoordinated switch 620 and changes its role to that of the wireless earbud in the secondary role, the wireless earbud in the secondary role will page the wireless earbud in the primary role 622 and determine 624 whether a response has been received. If the wireless earbud in the secondary role receives a response, the wireless earbud can wirelessly connect in the secondary role 626, and it can be determined 628 whether the wireless connection between the wireless earbud in the secondary role and the wireless earbud in the primary role is valid. If the connection is valid, the wireless earbud in the secondary role remains in the secondary role 626.

[0076] When the earbud in the secondary role is not wirelessly connected to the earbud in the primary role, method 600 involves incrementing a counter (up to a threshold number) and re-enforcing the paging loop for the earbud in the primary role. When no earbud in the primary role is found and the threshold counter value has been reached, the earbud in the secondary role performs an uncoordinated exchange 630 and enters an idle connectable mode 608. When no earbud in the primary role is found and the counter is not incremented, the earbud in the secondary role remains idle 632 until a timeout occurs 634, then increments the counter and re-enforcing the paging loop for the earbud in the primary role.

[0077] In some embodiments of this technology, the wireless earbuds have a right-ear configuration and a left-ear configuration. The wireless earbuds with the right-ear configuration and the wireless earbuds with the left-ear configuration can be programmed to have different timeout periods, such that when they experience similar... Figure 6 During the aforementioned processing, the timeout periods of the wireless earbuds do not overlap (or do not overlap with consecutive cases of a threshold number), which may result in loops.

[0078] In some implementations, the wireless earbuds are not limited to wireless connection via simple pairing. Role-swapping protocols may involve three or more wireless earbuds, one or more of which were previously inactive and subsequently become active, replacing the active earbud in a primary or secondary role. As mentioned above, since only one wireless earbud can be in the primary role at a time, conflicts may arise if two or more earbuds attempt to act as the active earbud in the primary role.

[0079] Figure 7A , Figure 7B An exemplary system implementation has been shown. Those skilled in the art will also readily understand that other system implementations are possible.

[0080] Figure 7AA conventional system bus computing system architecture is illustrated, in which the components of the system are electrically connected to each other via bus 705. An exemplary system 700 includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 710 and a system bus 705 coupling various system components to the processor 710, including system memory 715, such as read-only memory (ROM) 720 and random access memory (RAM) 725. System 700 may include a cache of high-speed memory directly connected to, adjacent to, or integrated into the processor 710. System 700 may copy data from memory 715 and / or storage device 730 to cache 712 for fast access by the processor 710. In this way, the cache provides a performance improvement by avoiding latency for the processor 710 while waiting for data. These and other modules may control or be configured to control the processor 710 to perform various actions. Other system memories 715 may also be available. Memory 715 may include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. Processor 710 may include any general-purpose processor and hardware or software modules, such as modules 1 732, 2 734, and 3 736 stored in storage device 730, which are configured to control processor 710 and, in the case of software instructions being incorporated into the actual processor design, a dedicated processor. Processor 710 can essentially be a completely independent computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, buses, memory controllers, caches, etc. Multi-core processors can be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0081] To enable users to interact with system 700, input device 745 can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for voice, a touchscreen for gesture or graphical input, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, voice input, etc. Output device 735 can also be one or more of a plurality of output mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In some cases, a multimodal system allows users to provide multiple input types to communicate with system 700. Communication interface 740 typically controls and manages user input and system output. Operation is not limited to any particular hardware arrangement; therefore, the basic features described herein can be readily replaced with improved hardware or firmware arrangements after they have been developed.

[0082] Storage device 730 is a non-volatile memory and may be a hard disk or other type of computer-readable medium that can store data accessible by a computer, such as magnetic tape, flash memory card, solid-state storage device, digital universal optical disc, magnetic cartridge, random access memory (RAM) 725, read-only memory (ROM) 720 and combinations thereof.

[0083] Storage device 730 may include hardware and / or software modules 732, 734, 736 for controlling processor 710. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. Storage device 730 may be connected to system bus 705. In one aspect, a hardware module performing a specific function may include software components stored in a computer-readable medium that, in conjunction with necessary hardware components such as processor 710, bus 705, and output device 735, perform the function.

[0084] Figure 7B An exemplary computer system 750 is illustrated having a chipset architecture that can be used to perform the methods described and generate and display a graphical user interface (GUI). Computer system 750 is an embodiment of computer hardware, software, and firmware that can be used to implement the disclosed techniques. System 750 may include a processor 755, which represents any number of physically and / or logically distinct resources capable of executing software, firmware, and hardware configured to perform the identified calculations. Processor 755 may communicate with chipset 760, which may control input to and output from processor 755. In this embodiment, chipset 760 outputs information to an output device 765 such as a display and may read and write information to a storage device 770, which may include, for example, magnetic media and solid-state media. Chipset 760 may also read data from RAM 775 and write data to RAM. A bridge 780 may be provided to interface with chipset 760 for interfacing with various user interface components 785. Such user interface components 785 may include a keyboard, microphone, touch detection and processing circuitry, pointing devices such as a mouse, etc. Typically, input to system 750 can come from various sources, namely sources generated by machines and / or by humans.

[0085] Chipset 760 can also interface with one or more communication interfaces 790 that may have different physical interfaces. Such communication interfaces may include interfaces for wired and wireless local area networks, for broadband wireless networks, and for personal area networks. Some applications of the methods for generating, displaying, and using the GUI disclosed herein may include receiving ordered datasets via physical interfaces, or receiving ordered datasets generated by the machine itself through the analysis of data stored in storage device 770 or RAM 775 by processor 755. Furthermore, the machine may receive input from a user via user interface component 785 and perform appropriate functions, such as browsing functions, by interpreting this input using processor 755.

[0086] It is understood that exemplary systems 700 and 750 may have more than one processor 710, or be part of a group or cluster of computing devices networked together to provide greater processing power.

[0087] Representative Implementation Plan

[0088] In some embodiments, a method for switching roles between a pair of wireless earbuds includes: (i) establishing a wireless connection between a first wireless earbud and a companion device for transmitting audio data between the companion device and the first wireless earbud; (ii) establishing an additional wireless connection between the first wireless earbud and the second wireless earbud; (iii) assigning the first wireless earbud to a primary role; and (iv) initiating a role switch in response to a detected triggering event. In some embodiments, the role switch includes: (v) requesting the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting at least a portion of the audio data; (vi) transmitting status information from the first wireless earbud to the second wireless earbud; (vii) replacing the first wireless earbud with the second wireless earbud in the established wireless connection; (viii) assigning the second wireless earbud to a primary role; and (ix) requesting the companion device to transmit at least a portion of the audio data to the second wireless earbud.

[0089] In some embodiments, the wireless connection between the companion device and the first wireless earbud includes a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and requesting the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting at least a portion of audio data through the established wireless connection includes requesting the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting data using the first communication protocol while continuing to transmit data using the second communication protocol. In some embodiments, creating an additional wireless connection between the first and second wireless earbuds includes exchanging device addresses. In some embodiments, assigning a primary role to the second wireless earbud includes having the second wireless earbud use the device address associated with the first wireless earbud. In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting a trigger event by at least detecting that the battery level of the first wireless earbud is below a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting a trigger event by at least determining a state change of the first earbud from a worn state to an unworn state. In some embodiments, determining a state change of the first earbud from a worn state to an unworn state includes detecting that the first wireless earbud is removed from the ear. In some embodiments, the method further includes: after detecting a trigger event, determining that the first wireless earbud is streaming music from a companion device; receiving a signal from the companion device that the streaming music has been interrupted; and waiting for the interruption before requesting the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting at least some data through the established wireless connection. In some embodiments, the method further includes requesting the companion device to check the audio signal to determine that an interruption to the streaming music is imminent. In some embodiments, the method further includes: after detecting a trigger event, determining that the first or second wireless earbud is performing a firmware update; and waiting until the firmware update is complete before initiating a role switch. In some embodiments, the method further includes: after detecting a trigger event, determining that the first or second wireless earbud is performing an automatic wireless connection process with a companion device; and waiting until the automatic wireless connection process is complete before initiating a role switch.

[0090] In some embodiments, the wireless audio device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, effectively cause the wireless audio device to perform the following actions: (i) establish a wireless connection between the wireless audio device and a companion device, wherein the wireless audio device assumes a primary role; (ii) create an additional wireless connection between the wireless audio device and a second wireless audio device; (iii) initiate a role swap in response to the detection of a triggering event; (iv) request the companion device to temporarily cease transmitting at least some audio data through the wireless connection between the wireless audio device and the companion device; and (v) transmit status information to the second wireless audio device, including a device address usable by the second wireless audio device, which is used to replace the wireless audio device in the wireless connection established with the companion device. In some embodiments, the wireless connection between the companion device and the wireless audio device utilizes a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; and the execution of the instructions further effectively causes the wireless audio device to request the companion device to temporarily cease transmitting at least some audio data using the first communication protocol, while allowing the companion device to continue transmitting using the second communication protocol. In some embodiments, the triggering event includes a low battery level event that occurs when the battery level of the wireless audio device falls below a predetermined percentage. In some implementations, the wireless audio device also includes an earbud with an in-ear detection sensor, and the triggering event includes detecting external ear conditions.

[0091] In some implementations, the wireless earbud includes: (i) a communication interface configured to establish a wireless connection with a companion device; (ii) a memory storing a device address associated with the wireless earbud, the wireless earbud being used by the communication interface to communicate with the companion device, wherein the communication interface is also configured to receive from the companion device a signal instructing the companion device to connect to another wireless earbud configured as a primary device; and (iii) a processor configured to: cause the communication interface to stop communicating with the companion device; and cause the wireless earbud to assume a secondary role, including communicating with the other wireless earbud.

[0092] In some embodiments, the communication interface is further configured to receive a signal from the companion device indicating that another wireless earbud is no longer connected to the companion device, and the processor is further configured to cause the communication interface to transmit an additional device address to the companion device, indicating that the wireless earbud assumes a primary role in communicating with the companion device. In some embodiments, the communication interface is further configured to: receive audio data from the companion device when the wireless earbud has assumed a primary role; detect another wireless earbud; and share audio data with the other wireless earbud, wherein the processor is further configured to detect a trigger event, and in response to detecting the trigger event, cause the communication interface to: request the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting at least a portion of the audio data; send status information from the wireless earbud to the other wireless earbud, wherein the status information indicates that the other wireless earbud is wirelessly connected to the companion device and assumes a primary role; and request the companion device to transmit at least a portion of the audio data to the other wireless earbud. In some embodiments, communication between the companion device and the wireless earbud includes a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and the communication interface is further configured to request the companion device to temporarily stop transmitting data via the first communication protocol while continuing to transmit data using the second communication protocol. In some implementations, the triggering event includes one or more of the following: detecting when the battery level of the wireless earbuds falls below a predetermined value, or detecting when the wireless earbuds detect a change from a worn state to an unworn state.

[0093] For clarity, in some cases, this technology may be presented as comprising individual functional blocks, including devices, device components, steps, or routines that may be included in a method embodied in software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0094] In some implementations, computer-readable storage devices, media, and memories may include cables or wireless signals containing bit streams, etc. However, when referred to, non-transitory computer-readable storage media explicitly excludes media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and the signals themselves.

[0095] The methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented using computer-executable instructions stored from a computer-readable medium or otherwise obtained. Such instructions may include, for example, instructions and data that cause or otherwise configure a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing device to perform certain functions or a set of functions. Some of the computer resources used may be accessible via a network. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that can be used to store instructions, information used, and / or information created during the methods according to the embodiments include magnetic disks or optical disks, flash memory, universal serial bus (USB) devices with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, etc.

[0096] Devices implementing the methods disclosed herein may include hardware, firmware, and / or software, and may take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smartphones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, etc. The functionality described herein may also be embodied in peripheral devices or intercalation cards. By further example, such functionality may also be implemented between different chips on a circuit board, or between different processes executed in a single device.

[0097] Instructions, media for transmitting these instructions, computing resources for executing these instructions, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functionality described in these disclosures.

[0098] Although various embodiments and other information have been used to interpret aspects within the scope of the appended claims, specific features or arrangements in these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the claims, as those skilled in the art will be able to derive various specific implementations from these embodiments. While some subjects may have been described in language specific to embodiments 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 behaviors. For example, such functionality may be distributed or performed differently in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for switching the roles of wireless earbuds, the method comprising: The first wireless earbud is configured to operate in the primary role to receive data directly from the source device: It was determined that the first wireless earbud was not connected to the second wireless earbud, which was configured to operate in a secondary role, and the first wireless earbud was previously connected to the second wireless earbud; It was determined that the first wireless earbud was not connected to the source device to which the first wireless earbud was previously connected. In response to an attempt to reconnect to the source device, an error message is received indicating that the source device is connected to another wireless earbud configured to operate in a primary role. as well as Perform a non-coordinated role swap, reconfiguring the first wireless earbud to operate in a secondary role.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Attempting to reconnect to the source device includes paging the source device by the first wireless earpiece.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first wireless earbud receives the error message from the source device in response to paging the source device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first wireless earbud, when configured to operate in the primary role, is also configured to: Remain in idle, connectable mode until the scheduled timeout period; as well as Uncoordinated role swapping is performed by reconfiguring the first wireless earpiece to operate in a secondary role after a predetermined timeout period.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, After being configured to operate in a secondary role, the first wireless earpiece is configured to page the second wireless earpiece in an attempt to establish a second wireless connection.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the state information stored in the first wireless earbud, it is determined that the first wireless earbud is configured to operate in a primary role.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The status information indicates that the first wireless earbud recently connected to the source device using the assigned Device Media Access Control (MAC) address.

8. A wireless audio device, comprising: processor; and A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, effectively cause the wireless audio device to perform the following operations: The wireless audio device, configured to operate in a primary role to receive data directly from the source device, determines that it is not connected to a second wireless audio device, which is configured to operate in a secondary role and was previously connected to the second wireless audio device. It was determined that the wireless audio device was not connected to the source device to which the wireless audio device had previously been connected; In response to an attempt to reconnect to the source device, an error message is received indicating that the source device is connected to another wireless audio device configured to operate in a primary role. as well as Perform a non-coordinated role swap, reconfiguring the wireless audio device to operate in a secondary role.

9. The wireless audio device according to claim 8, wherein, Attempting to reconnect to the source device includes paging the source device by the wireless audio device.

10. The wireless audio device according to claim 9, wherein: The wireless audio device receives the error message from the source device in response to paging the source device.

11. The wireless audio device according to claim 8, wherein, The execution of the instruction also enables the wireless audio device to operate in a primary role when configured to: Remain in idle, connectable mode until the scheduled timeout period; as well as Uncoordinated role switching is performed by reconfiguring the wireless audio device to operate in a secondary role after a predetermined timeout period.

12. The wireless audio device according to claim 8, wherein, After being configured to operate in a secondary role, the wireless audio device is configured to page a second wireless audio device in an attempt to establish a second wireless connection.

13. The wireless audio device according to claim 8, wherein, The execution of the instruction also causes the wireless audio device to determine, based on the status information stored in the wireless audio device, that the wireless audio device is configured to operate in the primary role.

14. The wireless audio device according to claim 13, wherein, The status information indicates that the wireless audio device recently connected to the source device using the assigned Device Media Access Control (MAC) address.

15. A wireless earbud configured to operate in a primary role to directly receive data from a source device, the wireless earbud comprising: Communication interface; processor; and A memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the wireless earbuds to perform the following operations: It was determined that the wireless earbud was not connected to a second wireless earbud configured to operate in a secondary role, the wireless earbud previously connected to the second wireless earbud. It was determined that the wireless earbuds were not connected to the source device to which they were previously connected. In response to an attempt to reconnect to the source device, an error message is received indicating that the source device is connected to another wireless earbud configured to operate in a primary role. as well as Perform a non-coordinated role swap, reconfiguring the wireless earbuds to operate in a secondary role.

16. The wireless earbud according to claim 15, wherein, Attempting to reconnect to the source device includes paging the source device by the wireless earpiece.

17. The wireless earbud according to claim 16, wherein: The wireless earbuds receive the error message from the source device in response to paging the source device.

18. The wireless earbud according to claim 15, wherein, The execution of the instruction also enables the wireless earbuds to operate in a primary role when configured: Remain in idle, connectable mode until the scheduled timeout period; as well as An uncoordinated role swap is performed by reconfiguring the wireless earbuds to operate in a secondary role after a predetermined timeout period.

19. The wireless earbud according to claim 15, wherein, After being configured to operate in a secondary role, the wireless earpiece is configured to page a second wireless earpiece in an attempt to establish a second wireless connection.

20. The wireless earbud according to claim 15, wherein, The execution of the instruction also causes the wireless earbuds to: Based on the status information stored in the wireless earbud, it is determined that the wireless earbud is configured to operate in a primary role, the status information indicating that the wireless earbud recently connected to the source device using an assigned Device Media Access Control (MAC) address.

21. A method for switching the role of wireless earbuds, comprising: From wireless earbuds: In response to the detection of a trigger event, a role swap is performed to change the configuration role of the wireless earbuds. in: When in its primary role, the wireless earbud connects to the accessory device via a first wireless link and shares audio signals from the accessory device with the second wireless earbud when connected via a second wireless link. When in a secondary role and connected wirelessly to a second wireless earbud that is wirelessly connected to the companion device in a primary role, the wireless earbud receives audio signals from the companion device via the wireless connection with the second wireless earbud. When the primary wireless earbud has a wireless connection to the second wireless earbud, a role swap is performed in a coordinated manner, and Role swapping is performed in a non-coordinated manner when the wireless earbud is not wirelessly connected to the second wireless earbud.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein when role switching is coordinated, the wireless earbud sends status information to or receives status information from the second wireless earbud for performing role switching.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein when the role swap is coordinated and the configured role of the wireless earbud is the primary role, the wireless earbud sends a swap message to the second wireless earbud to trigger the role swap.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein when the role exchange is coordinated and the configured role of the wireless earbud is a secondary role, the wireless earbud uses the device address of the second wireless earbud to establish a direct wireless connection with the companion device as part of the role exchange.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the role swap is further performed in a coordinated manner when the wireless earbud is wirelessly connected to the second wireless earbud during at least a portion of the role swap.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the triggering event includes receiving an instruction from the accessory device to perform a role swap.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the triggering event includes the wireless earbud detecting a change from an external ear state to an internal ear state when the configuration role of the wireless earbud is a secondary role.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the triggering event includes receiving an error message from the companion device instructing the companion device to connect to another wireless earbud configured to operate in a primary role.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein the triggering event includes the wireless earbud failing to successfully attempt to reconnect to the second wireless earbud when the configuration role of the wireless earbud is a secondary role.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein the triggering event includes detecting that the battery level of the wireless earbud is below a threshold battery level.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the threshold battery level is based at least in part on the most recently obtained battery level of the second wireless earbud.

32. The method of claim 21, further comprising: After the triggering event is detected and before the role swap is performed, the wireless earpiece determines that no criteria disallowing the role swap are met.

33. The method of claim 21, further comprising: When the wireless earbud is configured as the primary role, role switching is not allowed when the wireless earbud attempts to wirelessly connect to the companion device.

34. The method of claim 21, further comprising: Role switching is not allowed while the wireless earbuds are performing a firmware update process.

35. A wireless earbud, comprising: processor; and A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, effectively cause the wireless earbuds to: In response to the detection of a trigger event, a role swap is performed to change the configuration role of the wireless earbuds. in: When in its primary role, the wireless earbud connects to the accessory device via a first wireless link and shares audio signals from the accessory device with the second wireless earbud when connected via a second wireless link. When in a secondary role and connected wirelessly to a second wireless earbud that is wirelessly connected to the companion device in a primary role, the wireless earbud receives audio signals from the companion device via the wireless connection with the second wireless earbud. When the primary wireless earbud has a wireless connection to the second wireless earbud, a role swap is performed in a coordinated manner, and Role swapping is performed in a non-coordinated manner when the wireless earbud is not wirelessly connected to the second wireless earbud.

36. The wireless earbud according to claim 35, wherein: The role-switching is coordinated when the wireless earbud is wirelessly connected to the second wireless earbud during at least a portion of the role-switching period; and When role swapping is performed in a non-coordinated manner, the wireless earbud is not wirelessly connected to the second wireless earbud.

37. The wireless earbud according to claim 35, wherein: When role switching is coordinated, the wireless earbud sends status information to or receives status information from the second wireless earbud to perform role switching.

38. The wireless earbud according to claim 35, wherein: The triggering event includes receiving an error message from the accessory device instructing the accessory device to connect to another wireless earbud configured to operate in a primary role.

39. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a wireless earpiece, cause the wireless earpiece to perform actions, the actions including: In response to the detection of a trigger event, a role swap is performed to change the configuration role of the wireless earbuds. in: When in its primary role, the wireless earbud connects to the accessory device via a first wireless link and shares audio signals from the accessory device with the second wireless earbud when connected via a second wireless link. When in a secondary role and connected wirelessly to a second wireless earbud that is wirelessly connected to the companion device in a primary role, the wireless earbud receives audio signals from the companion device via the wireless connection with the second wireless earbud. When the primary wireless earbud has a wireless connection to the second wireless earbud, a role swap is performed in a coordinated manner, and Role swapping is performed in a non-coordinated manner when the wireless earbud is not wirelessly connected to the second wireless earbud.

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