Audio Dongle Dual-Mode Pairing and Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio communication systems face challenges in pairing speaker devices with dongles, requiring complex software-driven processes and often failing to provide sufficient bandwidth and compatibility, leading to inefficient voice communication and limited control functionalities.

Innovation Solution

An audio communication system comprising a speaker device and a dongle, where the dongle operates in two modes: pairing mode for secure connection with the speaker device and operating mode for wireless communication with external devices, enabling easy pairing and control functionalities like call management without the need for proprietary software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate dongle is used for wireless communication with the headset, then bandwidth and compatibility for audio streaming are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio streaming bandwidthVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dongle as an intermediary device between the headset and the host device. The dongle contains a wireless transceiver that communicates with the headset using proprietary protocols, while its USB interface communicates with the host device. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing dedicated audio streaming bandwidth through the wireless link while maintaining compatibility through the standard USB interface, avoiding the need to modify either the headset or host device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a pairing process using dedicated software is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpairing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the dongle to automatically perform pairing and connection establishment with the headset without requiring user intervention or dedicated software. The dongle's microcontroller automatically initiates the pairing process when the headset is placed in pairing mode, exchanges necessary information, and establishes the wireless connection autonomously. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable connections through automated procedures while greatly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the dongle with the necessary pairing information and protocols during manufacturing. The dongle is pre-paired with the headset or pre-configured to automatically initiate pairing when needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex runtime pairing processes, achieving both reliable connections and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3672292B1Audio communication method and system with a dongle
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 GN AUDIO AS
  • EP3672292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672292B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3672292B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

An audio communication system is disclosed. The audio communication system comprises a speaker device having at least one speaker, a first wireless communication unit and a first connector part; a dongle having control functionality, a second wireless communication unit, and a second connector part, the dongle being configured to operate in a first mode being an audio communication system pairing mode and in a second mode being an audio communication system operating mode. The second connector part is in the audio communication system pairing mode configured to interconnect with the first connector part to enable pairing of the dongle and the speaker device. The second connector part is the audio communication system operating mode configured to interconnect with an external device, providing wireless communication between the speaker device and the external device.