Wireless Audio Link Switching via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless audio rendering devices require cumbersome operations to transfer audio from one device to another, such as disconnecting the active device and reconnecting the new one, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The audio rendering device is adapted to wirelessly recognize a second device paired with the audio gateway and initiate an audio transfer when within a specific activation distance, using Bluetooth Low Energy Proximity Profile or Near Field Communication, allowing seamless audio link switching without manual disconnection and reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disconnection and reconnection is used to transfer audio, then connection reliability is maintained, but operation complexity increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes Bluetooth connections between the audio gateway and multiple audio rendering devices before transfer is needed. When a user brings a second device within activation distance, the connection is already prepared and can be activated immediately without disconnection/reconnection delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio gateway acts as an intermediary that manages multiple Bluetooth connections simultaneously. It monitors activation distances of multiple devices and automatically switches audio routing based on proximity, eliminating the need for manual disconnection and reconnection operations.
2Speed
If continuous monitoring of all paired devices is performed, then audio transfer responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements differential monitoring where the audio gateway continuously monitors only the activation distance to nearby devices (within a threshold distance), while maintaining Bluetooth connections to distant devices without active monitoring. This localized monitoring approach reduces power consumption while maintaining transfer responsiveness when devices are brought close.
3Ease of operation
If activation distance is extended, then ease of transfer is improved, but unintended audio transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation distance threshold based on the current context. When multiple devices are in proximity, the system requires the user to explicitly select the target device, preventing unintended transfers. When only one device is within range, automatic transfer is enabled for convenience, thus adapting the activation criteria to the situation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless audio rendering device, such as headset (2) or speaker phone (3), which audio rendering device (2, 3) is adapted to be paired with a wireless audio gateway device, such as a smart phone (1), whereby a first radio link (4) for transmitting audio can be established between the audio gateway (1) and the first audio rendering device (2). The first audio rendering device (2) is adapted to wirelessly recognize a second audio rendering device (3) also paired with the audio gateway device (1). When brought within an activation distance (D1-D3) of the second audio rendering device (3) the first audio rendering device (2) is adapted to initiate an audio transfer step, in which the first audio link (4) is replaced by a second radio link (5) for transmitting audio between the audio gateway (1) and the second audio rendering device (3). The invention also relates to a method of audio transferring and an audio rendering device for use with the method.