Universal USB Dongle for Wireless Audio Control via Protocol Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Many personal computers lack embedded Bluetooth RF modules and corresponding driver software, making it difficult and costly for users to control audio sources like media player software using Bluetooth-enabled headphones, as they require model-dependent drivers and specific software installations.
Innovation Solution
A universal USB dongle that operates as a Bluetooth Audio Profile device, providing a plug-and-play solution with no source-specific software drivers, using a wireless transceiver and an AVRCP-IrDA converter to translate control signals between Bluetooth and Infrared Data Association protocols, allowing control of audio sources on any computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If model-dependent drivers are used for Bluetooth audio control, then compatibility with specific audio sources is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single universal driver that can control multiple different audio sources and platforms through protocol conversion. The driver translates AVRCP commands to IrDA protocols, enabling one driver to work across various audio sources without requiring model-specific drivers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a protocol converter that translates between AVRCP and IrDA protocols. This converter acts as a mediator between the universal driver and different audio sources, allowing the driver to communicate with various platforms without needing to understand each platform's specific protocol, thus reducing complexity while ensuring compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If Bluetooth digital dongles with model-dependent drivers are used, then control functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The universal driver eliminates the need for users to select and install model-specific drivers by providing a single driver that works with all supported audio sources. This universality dramatically improves ease of operation, as users simply need to install the one universal driver rather than navigating through multiple model-dependent driver options.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol converter enables the system to automatically translate control signals between different protocols without requiring user intervention for driver selection or configuration. The system self-adapts to the connected audio source by automatically using the appropriate translation layer, making the complex protocol conversion transparent to the user and improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple model-dependent drivers are provided, then compatibility with various audio sources is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing and providing multiple model-dependent drivers, the patent creates a single universal driver that handles all audio sources through protocol conversion. This universality significantly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, manage, and distribute multiple driver versions, while still achieving broad platform compatibility through the protocol converter.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless audio headphone communication system has an audio input for receiving an audio signal from an audio source. A wireless transceiver receives and transmits radio frequency communications with a wireless audio headphone, the communications including an audio control signal that conforms to a wireless audio control protocol of a wireless communication protocol. A converter converts the audio control signal between the wireless audio control protocol transceived by the wireless transceiver and a local control protocol for controlling the audio source.