System with wireless earphones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 incorporates a transceiver circuit allowing seamless transition between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, enabling continuous audio streaming by automatically switching to a nearby infrastructure network when out of range with the data source, and connecting to a host server if no common infrastructure network is available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless headphones use ad hoc network only, then direct audio streaming is achieved, but connectivity is lost when out of range with data source
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks based on real-time connectivity conditions. The earphone automatically transitions from ad hoc mode to infrastructure mode when out of range with the data source, ensuring continuous audio playback without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its network operating parameters by switching between different wireless network modes (ad hoc vs. infrastructure). This parameter change allows the earphone to adapt to varying physical distances and environmental conditions while maintaining audio streaming functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional wireless headphones are made cordless, then mobility is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical cord from the headphone system, extracting the connectivity constraint and replacing it with wireless communication technology. This extraction enables complete mobility while the miniaturization of wireless components keeps the earphone size compact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless headphones support multiple network modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver circuit is designed with multi-functionality to support both ad hoc and infrastructure wireless network modes within a single device. This universal design enables the earphone to operate across different network environments without requiring separate hardware systems for each mode.
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.