Wireless Audio Intermediary for Multi-Device Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-to-point wireless communication technologies, such as those conforming to the Bluetooth specification, face difficulties in securely establishing connections and converting audio between devices, particularly in providing audio to both ears of a user and seamlessly transitioning between acoustic drivers and microphones, while also sharing audio with other personal electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that induces a first wireless device to transmit audio-related data to both itself and a second device by providing a false indication of its capabilities, allowing simultaneous receipt of data without the first device being aware, and coordinates the receipt of this data between the two devices using a processor and transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point wireless communication is used to securely establish connections and convert audio between devices, then connection security and audio conversion are improved, but the ability to provide audio to both ears of a user and share audio with multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intermediary device that acts as a mediator between the audio source and multiple receiving devices. This intermediary establishes secure point-to-point connections with each device individually while enabling multi-device audio distribution, thus maintaining connection security while achieving audio versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio distribution system into multiple independent point-to-point communication channels. Each channel maintains its own secure connection between the intermediary and a specific receiving device, allowing secure connections to be maintained while enabling audio to be distributed to multiple devices simultaneously.
2Reliability
If point-to-point wireless communication protocols are used, then secure connection establishment is improved, but device transition and audio sharing between multiple users are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple different wireless devices and audio sources. It can establish secure connections with various device types and facilitate audio sharing across different user scenarios, making the system adaptable and easy to operate across diverse devices while maintaining secure connection establishment.
3Device complexity
If audio is transmitted through point-to-point wireless links between devices, then connection simplicity is maintained, but the ability to simultaneously transmit to multiple devices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple point-to-point wireless links into a unified audio distribution system centered around an intermediary device. This intermediary merges the audio stream and distributes it to multiple devices simultaneously, maintaining the simplicity of point-to-point connections while achieving efficient multi-device audio transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10Oa1 200, 300, 400) induces a first wireless device (900) to transmit audio-related data to both the apparatus (100a, 200, 300, 400) and a second wireless device (100b) by providing the first wireless device (900) with a false indication of the apparatus (100a, 200, 300, 400) being capable of performing an audio function that the apparatus (100a, 200, 300, 400) is incapable of performing so as to enable the second wireless device (100b) to receive the audio- related data simultaneously with the apparatus (100a, 200, 300, 400), and wherein the second wireless device (100b) cooperates with the apparatus (100a, 200, 300, 400) to leave the first wireless device (900) unaware of the simultaneous receipt of the audio-related data by the second wireless device (100b).