Wireless Earphone Transceiver Switching Across Audio Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless headphones are either cumbersome due to cords or large and non-in-ear designs when cordless, lacking seamless transition between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks for uninterrupted audio streaming.
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 the direct network is out of range, and featuring adjustable in-ear designs for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cordless headphones use docking ports for direct connection, then wireless audio streaming is enabled, but the headphones become large and non-in-ear designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the docking port component from the headphone design, extracting the direct connection mechanism that caused bulk. Instead, it implements a streamlined wireless transceiver system that achieves wireless audio streaming without the physical docking infrastructure, thereby reducing headphone volume while maintaining the wireless functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wireless communication parameters by implementing support for multiple wireless standards (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, proprietary protocols) and adjustable connection modes. This allows the system to achieve reliable wireless audio streaming through protocol optimization rather than physical connection mechanisms, enabling compact in-ear design.
2Reliability
If headphones transition between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, then uninterrupted audio streaming is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the headphones continuously scan for and evaluate available wireless networks before the current connection fails. The system pre-establishes backup connection options and automatically initiates transition procedures before audio streaming is interrupted, ensuring seamless network switching without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the wireless transceiver continuously monitors signal strength, connection quality, and network availability. Based on this real-time feedback, the system automatically adjusts connection parameters and triggers network transitions when optimal conditions change, maintaining reliable audio streaming through dynamic adaptation.
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.