Wireless Stereo Headset Diversity Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Truly wireless stereo headsets face challenges in maintaining robust radio performance due to obstacles and human tissue attenuation, leading to Non-Line-of-Sight propagation conditions that affect audio signal transmission between host devices and earpieces.
Innovation Solution
A communication protocol that establishes bidirectional channels between host devices and each earpiece, and between earpieces, using RF, magnetic coupling, or wired connections, allowing for path diversity and efficient audio information forwarding, with special control messages and time multiplexing to prevent redundant retransmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used between host device and earpieces, then user freedom of movement and comfort are improved, but radio signal reliability deteriorates due to obstacles and human tissue attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio transmission path into multiple independent wireless links: one from host to first earpiece, another from host to second earpiece, and additional paths between earpieces. This segmentation allows audio information to travel through different physical paths, reducing the impact of obstacles blocking any single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters including switching between different wireless communication technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, proprietary RF), adjusting transmission frequencies, and modifying power levels based on detected signal conditions to maintain reliable communication despite varying propagation environments.
2Device complexity
If audio information is transmitted to only one earpiece wirelessly, then device complexity is reduced, but audio channel forwarding reliability deteriorates due to single path dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio streaming task across multiple earpieces, with each earpiece independently receiving audio information wirelessly from the host device. This eliminates the single point of failure in the audio forwarding path while maintaining relatively simple individual earpiece designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary communication paths between earpieces that can serve as backup or supplementary routes for audio information transfer, allowing earpieces to exchange audio data directly when needed without relying solely on the host device as an intermediary.
3Reliability
If redundant retransmissions are implemented to handle missed packets, then audio transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary error detection and packet verification mechanisms that identify transmission issues early, allowing targeted retransmissions only when necessary rather than continuous redundant transmissions, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where earpieces acknowledge received packets and request retransmission only of specific missed or erroneous packets, allowing the host device to adjust transmission strategies based on actual reception conditions and minimize unnecessary retransmissions that would waste energy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves communication performance by ensuring reliable audio transmission, reducing retransmissions, and conserving battery life by utilizing path diversity and flexible communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The radio transceiver receives the stereo channels for both the left and right ear
Implementation Method 2
Technologies used for the ear-to-ear (e2e) communication can comprise magnetic coupling using near-field communications
Implementation Method 3
Radio waves are greatly attenuated when they propagate through human tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A communication protocol provides improved communication performance between a wireless stereo headset (12) and a host device (19). The communication protocol provides communication paths between the host device (19) and each ear piece (12a, 12b) of the wireless stereo headset (12), as well as a communication path between the two ear pieces (12a, 12b) of the wireless stereo headset (12). In addition to receiving audio information from the host device (19), each ear piece (12a, 12b) may request audio information from the other ear piece (12b, 12a), thus obtaining path diversity. Using special control messages on connection between the ear pieces (12a, 12b), the ear pieces (12a, 12b) inform each other which audio information has been received successfully from the host device (19). Using a common clock broadcast by the host device (19), the ear pieces (12a, 12b) may indicate which audio information was missed and should be forwarded on the communication path (P2, 540, 1620) between the two ear pieces (12a, 12b).