Wireless Earphone Adapter for Compact Audio Network Switching
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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 design that includes a transceiver circuit capable of receiving streaming audio via ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, automatically transitioning between them without user intervention, allowing connection to a host server for continued audio streaming when out of range with the data source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cordless headphones use docking ports for wireless connection, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but the headphones become large and cannot be in-ear type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking port functionality from the headphones and places it in a separate accessory (iPod Shuffle or external device). The headphones themselves contain only the necessary audio playback components, allowing them to be compact in-ear designs while achieving wireless connectivity through the external docking device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (iPod Shuffle or external wireless transmitter) that acts as a mediator between the audio source and the headphones. This intermediary contains the docking port and wireless communication capabilities, allowing the headphones to remain small while still providing wireless functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If headphones use infrastructure wireless networks for extended range, then connectivity range is improved, but automatic transition between ad hoc and infrastructure networks is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network switching capability that automatically transitions between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks based on real-time connectivity conditions. The system monitors signal strength and availability, dynamically selecting the optimal network type without user intervention, thereby providing both extended range and automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the status of wireless connections and automatically adjust network selection based on this feedback. When ad hoc network signal quality degrades or infrastructure networks become available, the system receives feedback about these conditions and automatically transitions to the appropriate network type to maintain optimal connectivity.
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.