Wireless Earphone Handover Between Ad Hoc and Infrastructure Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless headphones face limitations in range and convenience, as they often require cumbersome cords or large designs, and existing cordless options are not typically in-ear type and lack seamless network transition capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone that automatically transitions between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, allowing seamless audio streaming by connecting to a host server if out of range with the data source, using a transceiver circuit and firmware for automatic network switching and audio caching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless headphones use ad hoc network for direct connection, then audio quality and responsiveness are improved, but connection range and reliability deteriorate when devices are out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between ad hoc and infrastructure network modes based on real-time connection conditions. When the data source and earphone are within range, it operates in ad hoc mode for optimal performance; when out of range, it transitions to infrastructure mode to maintain connectivity, making the system adaptable to varying spatial conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrastructure wireless network as an intermediary solution when direct ad hoc connection is unavailable. The earphone can connect to access points and routers in the infrastructure network to receive audio streams, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap when direct device-to-device communication is impossible
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless headphones support multiple network modes, then adaptability and connectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earphone and data source exchange infrastructure network information (such as SSIDs and security credentials) in advance during the initial ad hoc connection setup. This preliminary action stores necessary connection details in memory, enabling seamless transition to infrastructure mode without requiring complex real-time negotiation or user input when switching networks
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless earphone is designed with multi-functional capability to operate in both ad hoc and infrastructure network modes using the same hardware components. The transceiver circuit and firmware can perform multiple functions - direct peer-to-peer communication and infrastructure network access - eliminating the need for separate hardware systems for each mode
3Length of stationary object
If wireless headphones use infrastructure network for extended range, then connection range is improved, but audio quality and responsiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on distance and signal conditions. Close-range scenarios use ad hoc mode for reliable direct communication, while far-range scenarios transition to infrastructure mode to extend coverage, optimizing the balance between range and reliability according to real-time spatial conditions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
A wireless earphone that comprises a transceiver circuit for receiving streaming audio from a data source over a local ad hoc wireless network. When the data source and the earphone are out of range, they transition automatically to an infrastructure wireless network. If there is no common infrastructure wireless network for both the data source and the speakerphone set, the earphone connects t a host server via an available wireless network.