Wireless Earphone Network Handover Between Ad Hoc and WLAN Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless headphones are either cumbersome due to cords or large in size, and lack the ability to seamlessly transition between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, limiting their usability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone design that includes a transceiver circuit capable of receiving streaming audio via ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, automatically transitioning between them without user intervention, using a host server to maintain connectivity and provide network addresses for digital audio content servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless headphones use ad hoc network for direct connection, then connection speed and responsiveness are improved, but network coverage and reliability deteriorate when devices are out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between ad hoc network mode (for fast direct connection when devices are close) and infrastructure network mode (for reliable connection when devices are out of range). The transceiver automatically detects network availability and transitions between modes to optimize both speed and reliability based on current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrastructure network (wireless LAN with access points) as an intermediary solution. When ad hoc network is unavailable, the system uses the infrastructure network as a mediator to maintain connectivity between the data source and headphones, ensuring reliability while allowing indirect audio streaming through the network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless headphones support multiple network modes, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is designed with multi-functionality to support both ad hoc network communication and infrastructure network communication. This universal design allows the same hardware component to perform multiple network modes, achieving versatility without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic network mode selection and transition without user intervention. The transceiver self-manages the complexity by automatically detecting which network mode is available and appropriate, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
3Ease of operation
If wireless headphones transition automatically between network modes, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time during network switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the ability to connect to both ad hoc and infrastructure networks simultaneously or in prepared states. The transceiver can pre-establish infrastructure network connectivity while ad hoc network is active, or maintain cached network credentials, reducing the actual switching time when mode transitions are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus comprises adapter and speaker system. Adapter is configured to plug into port of personal digital audio player. Speaker system is in communication with adapter, and comprises multiple acoustic transducers, programmable processor circuit, and wireless communication circuit. In first operational mode, processor circuit receives, via adapter, and processes digital audio content from personal digital audio player into which adapter is plugged, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the received audio content from the personal digital audio player. In second operational mode, wireless communication circuit receives digital audio content from a remote digital audio source over a wireless network, processor circuit processes the digital audio content received from remote digital audio source, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the audio content received from the remote digital audio source.