IP-Enabled Headphone Integrating WLAN and Bluetooth for VoIP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headphones are limited in providing enhanced voice communication capabilities, particularly in wireless environments without wired connectivity, and lack the ability to utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for seamless voice communication.

Innovation Solution

The integration of Internet Protocol (IP) packet sending and receiving capabilities in headphones, enabling Voice over IP (VoIP) functionality, along with a communication block that includes a processor, wireless LAN interface, Bluetooth interface, and configuration tables, allows for wireless voice communication using protocols like SIP and H.323, facilitating connectivity through access points and cellular networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional headphones are used without IP packet capabilities, then the device structure remains simple, but voice communication over IP networks is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication interfaces (wireless LAN interface and Bluetooth interface) and IP packet processing capabilities into a single headphone device. The communication block integrates these components to enable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the headphone to function as both a audio device and a communication device with VoIP capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The headphone device is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional audio playback, wireless communication via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and VoIP communications. The communication block enables the device to adapt to different communication protocols and networks, making it a universal communication tool that can replace both headphones and a separate communication device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If wired connectivity is required for voice communication, then connection stability is maintained, but hands-free convenience and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free convenienceVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with wireless communication systems. The communication block implements both Bluetooth wireless communication and Wi-Fi wireless networking, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining connection stability through protocol-level error correction and retransmission mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If only Bluetooth communication is implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to different networks (Wi-Fi, cellular) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication block structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication block is segmented into distinct functional modules: a wireless LAN interface for Wi-Fi connectivity, a Bluetooth interface for short-range wireless communication, and an IP packet processing unit. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific protocol while working together to provide multi-network adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8340058B2Headphone with enhanced voice communication
Publication Date: 2012.12.25 NVIDIA CORP
  • US8340058B2 patent drawing
  • US8340058B2 patent drawing
  • US8340058B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A headphone having ability to communicate using Internet Protocol (IP) standard. The capability may be used as a basis to facilitate a user to conduct voice calls using voice over IP (VOIP). The headphone may also facilitate voice calls with users connected via cellular networks (e.g., GSM, CDMA, etc.). In an embodiment, the headphone is provided a wireless LAN (WLAN) network interface such that VOIP calls are conducted using wireless medium. Similarly, a Bluetooth protocol type interface is also provided to communicate with a cellular phone and the communication forms the basis for the voice calls between the headphone and other cellular phones connected via the cellular network.