Wireless Earphone Network Switching for Continuous Audio Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless headphones are either cumbersome due to cords or large in size, lacking the portability and in-ear type design that users desire, especially when transitioning between wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone system that seamlessly transitions between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, using a transceiver circuit to maintain audio streaming without user intervention, allowing connection to a host server for continued audio playback even when out of range of the initial network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless headphones use ad hoc network for direct connection, then audio streaming quality is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates when devices are out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrastructure network (access point) as an intermediary when direct ad hoc connection is not available. The earphone transitions to connect through the access point to the data source, maintaining audio streaming capability even when devices are out of direct range, thus resolving the contradiction between direct connection quality and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network switching capability where the earphone can automatically transition between ad hoc network and infrastructure network modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal audio streaming quality while ensuring connection reliability regardless of device proximity or network availability.
2Ease of operation
If wireless earphones are made compact for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases to maintain multiple network modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic network selection and transition functionality that operates without user intervention. The earphone's processor automatically detects network availability and switches between ad hoc and infrastructure modes, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing the operational complexity burden on the user despite the enhanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The earphone is designed with multi-functional network capability, supporting both ad hoc and infrastructure network modes within a single device. This universal design allows the compact earphone to adapt to various connection scenarios (direct connection, extended range, public Wi-Fi environments) without requiring separate devices or complex manual setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless earphones support multiple network modes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases during network transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a buffer memory that pre-stores audio data before network transitions occur. When switching between ad hoc and infrastructure networks, the buffered audio data ensures continuous playback without interruption or information loss, maintaining adaptability across network modes while preventing audio stream discontinuity.
4Ease of operation
If wireless earphones eliminate cords for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection deteriorates in public wireless environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic network quality monitoring and switching feedback mechanisms. The earphone continuously assesses the quality and stability of available wireless networks and automatically transitions to the most reliable connection, ensuring stable audio streaming in public wireless environments without requiring cords or manual intervention.
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.