Wireless Earphone Network Handoff for Continuous Audio Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless headphones are either cumbersome due to cords or large in size, lacking the portability and convenience of in-ear type designs, and existing cordless solutions do not seamlessly transition between wireless networks when out of range.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone with a transceiver circuit that automatically transitions between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, allowing seamless audio streaming by connecting to a host server if no common infrastructure network is available, enabling continuous audio playback without user intervention.
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 replaces the mechanical docking port connection with a wireless communication system using antennas and radio frequency circuits. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors while maintaining wireless connectivity, enabling compact in-ear design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the docking port mechanism from the headphone design, relying instead on integrated wireless communication components (antennas, transceivers) that can be miniaturized and embedded within the compact in-ear structure.
2Length of stationary object
If cordless headphones use infrastructure wireless networks, then extended range is achieved, but seamless transition between networks is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary scanning and detection of available infrastructure wireless networks before the ad hoc connection is lost. By identifying alternative networks in advance and preparing transition parameters, the system ensures seamless handoff without audio interruption when moving out of range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor signal strength and network availability. When the ad hoc connection weakens, the system receives feedback about alternative infrastructure networks and automatically initiates transition based on real-time conditions, ensuring reliable continuous 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.