Wireless In-Ear Headset Network Switching for Continuous Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corded and cordless headphones are cumbersome and not suitable for in-ear use, and existing wireless headphones are large and not in-ear type, limiting their portability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless earphone that seamlessly transitions between ad hoc and infrastructure wireless networks, allowing it to maintain connectivity by automatically switching to a host server or infrastructure network when out of range, using a transceiver circuit and firmware for seamless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless headphones use ad hoc network for direct connection, then connectivity and audio quality are improved, but range and portability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrastructure network (access point) as an intermediary between the wireless headphones and the audio source. When the direct ad hoc connection is unavailable or out of range, the headphones automatically switch to connect through the infrastructure network, which acts as a mediator to maintain connectivity and extend the effective range of the system.
2Reliability
If corded headphones are used for stable connection, then reliability is improved, but portability and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cord connection with a wireless communication system. The wireless headphones use radio frequency communication (ad hoc and infrastructure networks) to transmit audio signals, eliminating the need for physical cords while maintaining connection stability through automatic network switching and reconnection protocols.
3Ease of operation
If existing cordless headphones use docking port for connection, then portability is improved, but device size increases and in-ear design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking port hardware from the headphone design and replaces it with integrated wireless communication circuitry. This removal of the physical docking mechanism eliminates the need for additional connection components, allowing the headphones to maintain a compact form factor suitable for in-ear design while preserving portability.
4Length of moving object
If wireless network switching is implemented for extended range, then portability and range are improved, but network transition reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing backup connection pathways before the primary connection fails. The wireless headphones continuously monitor signal strength and availability of both ad hoc and infrastructure networks, and automatically switch to the infrastructure network in advance when ad hoc connection quality degrades, ensuring seamless transitions without audio interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
System comprises a headset and a host server. Headset comprises a wireless communication circuit for receiving content transmitted wirelessly to the headset. Headset comprises a right earphone and a left earphone, each comprising a speaker. Host server is in communication with the headset and is for wirelessly streaming the content to the wireless communication circuit. The host server is configured to prevent wireless streaming of prohibited content for playing by the headset based on a parental control applicable to the headset and a rating for the prohibited content.