Wireless Headphones Two-Way Voice Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkie-talkies are bulky, lack remote coupling capabilities, and do not support hands-free or advanced computational functions, limiting their usability for short-range, direct voice communication.
Innovation Solution
Configuring wireless headphones to function as walkie-talkies by enabling them to communicatively couple via various protocols (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, near-field magnetic induction) for two-way voice communication, allowing users to switch between audio and voice modes using voice commands or buttons, and integrating speech processing for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional walkie-talkies are designed for short-range communication, then communication range is sufficient, but device size becomes bulky and inconvenient to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the walkie-talkie communication function with wireless headphones that users already wear daily. By integrating the communication transceiver and microphone into the headphone device, the system achieves short-range communication without requiring a separate bulky walkie-talkie device. The headphone serves dual purposes: audio playback and walkie-talkie communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless headphone is designed to perform multiple functions: standard audio playback, wireless communication, and walkie-talkie mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated single-purpose devices, reducing overall device volume while maintaining all necessary capabilities including short-range communication and wearable convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional walkie-talkies are hand-held devices, then communication functionality is basic, but they lack remote coupling capabilities and advanced computational functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote computing device (such as a smartphone or server) as an intermediary between the wireless headphones and the communication network. This intermediary handles complex computational tasks including speech-to-text conversion, natural language processing, and cloud-based communication protocols. The headphone itself remains relatively simple while gaining access to advanced capabilities through the intermediary device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from local processing within the headphone to distributed processing across multiple dimensions: the headphone captures audio, the local device performs initial processing, and cloud-based services handle complex computational tasks. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve advanced adaptability and remote coupling capabilities without concentrating all computational complexity in a single wearable device.
3Ease of operation
If wireless headphones are configured for two-way voice communication, then hands-free operation is achieved, but communication protocols and speech processing add system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless headphone system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both standard audio playback and walkie-talkie communication modes. The same hardware components (microphone, speaker, wireless transceiver) are utilized for multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated components and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite adding hands-free communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A local computing device serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of communication protocols and speech processing. This intermediary handles protocol integration, speech-to-text conversion, and coordination between the headphone and remote devices, isolating the complexity from the wearable headphone itself while enabling hands-free operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient, hands-free, and computationally enhanced short-range voice communication between users, overcoming the limitations of traditional walkie-talkies by providing a compact and sophisticated communication solution.
Implementation Method 1
enabling them to communicatively couple via various protocols (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, near-field magnetic induction) for two-way voice communication
Data Source
AI summary
A method including establishing, at a first wireless audio device, a first communication channel with a second wireless audio device, receiving, at the first wireless audio device, audio data corresponding to a user utterance, determining that the audio data includes a wake word, transmitting at least a portion of the audio data from the first wireless audio device to a mobile device via a second communication channel, receiving an indication to establish a third communication channel with a second wireless audio device, and establishing the third communication channel with the second wireless audio device.