Wireless Earphone Adapter for Seamless WLAN Audio Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless headphones are either cumbersome due to cords or large in size, and lack the ability to seamlessly transition between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, limiting their range and usability.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone design that includes a transceiver circuit capable of receiving streaming audio via ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, automatically transitioning between them without user intervention, using a host server for connectivity when out of range, and featuring a compact, in-ear or on-ear form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless headphones use a docking port for connection, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but the device size becomes large and cannot be in-ear type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking port functionality from the earphone device itself and relocates it to a separate adapter or docking station. This allows the earphones to maintain a compact in-ear form factor while still achieving wireless connectivity through the external docking component that interfaces with the audio source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary docking station or adapter that serves as a bridge between the audio source and the wireless earphones. This intermediary component handles the docking port connection and wireless communication protocols, allowing the earphones themselves to remain small and comfortable for in-ear wear.
2Ease of operation
If wireless headphones use IEEE 802.11 WLAN connection, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but the device size becomes large and cannot be in-ear type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the WLAN transceiver and associated processing components from the in-ear device and places them in an external docking station or adapter. This separation enables the earphones to maintain a compact form factor suitable for in-ear wear while still providing IEEE 802.11 wireless connectivity through the external infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If cordless headphones are designed, then mobility is improved, but connectivity range is limited when out of range from data source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the wireless earphones to operate in multiple connection modes: direct ad hoc wireless connection when in range, and infrastructure-based WLAN connection when out of range. This universal approach ensures continuous connectivity and mobility across varying distances from the data source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a WLAN infrastructure (access points, routers, or docking stations) as an intermediary that extends the connectivity range beyond direct line-of-sight wireless communication. This intermediary infrastructure enables the earphones to maintain connectivity even when out of range from the original data source by routing communications through the network infrastructure.
4Reliability
If automatic network transition is implemented, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating automatic network transition functionality that operates without user intervention. The earphones continuously monitor connection quality and automatically switch between ad hoc and infrastructure WLAN modes based on signal strength and availability, eliminating the need for manual network selection while maintaining high connectivity reliability.
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.