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, and lack the ability to seamlessly transition between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, limiting their usability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone system that includes a transceiver circuit for receiving streaming audio over ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, automatically transitioning between them, and allowing connection to a host server for internet-based audio streaming, with configuration parameters adjustable via a client computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cordless headphones use a docking port for connection, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but the headphones become large and cannot be in-ear type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical docking port connection with a wireless communication system using antennas and radio frequency circuits. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors, enabling true cordless operation while maintaining compact in-ear form factor, as the wireless components can be integrated into the small earphone housing without requiring external docking infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If headphones connect via IEEE 802.11 to WLAN, then wireless audio streaming is enabled, but the headphones become large and not in-ear type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the headphones to operate on multiple wireless network types including IEEE 802.11 WLAN and other wireless standards. This universal compatibility is achieved through integrated wireless communication circuits that support various protocols, allowing the compact in-ear design to access diverse network infrastructures without requiring separate hardware for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting wireless communication parameters such as frequency, power, and protocol selection to optimize performance across different network environments. This allows the compact headphones to adapt to various wireless infrastructures (WLAN, ad-hoc networks, etc.) while maintaining small form factor, as parameter software control replaces the need for multiple fixed hardware configurations.
3Ease of operation
If ad hoc wireless network is used for direct connection, then connectivity is achieved, but connection is lost when out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary infrastructure wireless network (WLAN) that acts as a mediator between the headphones and the audio source. When direct ad-hoc connection is out of range, the system automatically transitions to connecting through the WLAN infrastructure, which extends the effective communication range and maintains connection continuity. This intermediary network allows indirect communication paths that preserve connectivity beyond line-of-sight limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network switching capability that automatically transitions between ad-hoc and infrastructure wireless modes based on signal strength and availability. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous audio streaming by selecting the optimal connection type in real-time, maintaining reliability regardless of physical distance or network conditions, while keeping the headphones compact without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An earphone set that comprises a paired set of earphones to be worn simultaneously by a user is disclosed. Each earphone in the paired set comprises at least one acoustic transducer for producing sound to be heard by the user. At least one of the earphones in the pair set comprises a transceiver circuit and at least one button. The transceiver circuit is for wirelessly receiving and transmitting signals via a wireless network. The at least one button is accessible to the user at an exterior of the at least one earphone. Upon activation of the at least one button by the user, an indication for a song played by the pair of earphones is caused to be transmitted wirelessly, by the transceiver circuit via the wireless network, to a remote server connected to the Internet. The song played by the pair of earphones may be streamed from a digital audio content server connected to the Internet.