Portable TWS Audio Operating Systems with Removable Control Packages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing truly wireless stereo (TWS) headphones lack advanced audio operating systems that enable efficient audio streaming, two-way voice communication, and interactive software applications without the need for graphical user interfaces, limiting their functionality and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A removable control package with integrated communication radio circuits, application processors, and data storage devices is inserted into a TWS headphone case, enabling audio streaming, two-way voice communication, and software applications that operate through audio inputs and outputs, with optional cloud-based support for enhanced features and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If TWS headphones use basic audio streaming without advanced operating systems, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality and user interaction capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control package is designed as a universal module that can be inserted into different TWS headphone cases, enabling multiple functions including audio streaming, software applications, and voice communications through a single standardized interface, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The removable control package acts as an intermediary between the user and the TWS headphone system, concentrating advanced functionalities in a separate module that can be easily added or removed, allowing enhanced functionality while keeping the core headphone design simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If TWS headphones include graphical user interfaces for software applications, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional graphical user interface interactions (visual/mechanical) with audio-based interactions using voice commands and audio feedback, eliminating the need for complex display hardware while maintaining ease of operation through natural voice communication

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

Solution Approach 2:

The audio operating system provides self-service capabilities where the system automatically manages audio streams, application execution, and voice command processing without requiring complex user intervention or graphical interface management, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If TWS headphones use fixed control circuits without removable packages, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and upgradability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control package is segmented into a removable module that can be independently replaced, allowing the reliable connection interface to remain fixed while the functional module can be upgraded or replaced based on user needs, balancing reliability with adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed-control design to a dynamic removable package design, where the control package can be adaptively changed while maintaining reliable electrical connections through standardized interfaces, enabling both reliability and future-proof adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4093056B1Audio operating systems for portable electronic accessory systems and related systems, methods, and devices
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SKULLCANDY INC
  • EP4093056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4093056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4093056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Audio operating systems and related systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. A portable electronic accessory includes a microphone to receive audio inputs, a speaker to provide audio outputs, and control circuitry including a cellular data radio circuit and an application processor. The cellular data radio circuit is configured to communicate with a cloud server through a cellular data network. The application processor is configured to execute at least a portion of an audio operating system. The audio operating system is configured to host audio software applications provided by the cloud server. The audio software applications are configured to operate free from graphical user interface elements based at least in part on the audio inputs and the audio outputs. The cloud server includes a data storage devices including software application code for audio software applications to be hosted by an audio operating system (OS) of the portable electronic accessory.