U.S. patent application number 17/522847 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for methods and systems for communicating with device cases.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bose Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Bose Corporation. Invention is credited to Michael W. Elliot, Marc Nicolas Gudell, George Kontopidis, Douglas Warren Young.
Application Number | 20220070642 17/522847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220070642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kontopidis; George ; et
al. |
March 3, 2022 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH DEVICE CASES
Abstract
An audio system and method for establishing wireless data
connections between a case and at least one wearable audio device
is provided. The audio system can establish a first wireless data
connection between the case and the wearable audio device and
establish a second wireless data connection between the case and
the internet. The case, in addition to electrical energy storage
capacity or battery bank capabilities, can directly communicate
with the internet to receive update data directly from a remote
server and can pass on update data to wearable audio devices
without the need for a peripheral device such as a smart phone or
tablet operating an affiliated software application. The audio
system provided allows for information, data, and functionality to
be passed between the wearable audio devices and cloud-based
services, via the case, including social networking, messaging,
music services, news, entertainment, and
Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) communication services.
Inventors: |
Kontopidis; George;
(Sherborn, MA) ; Elliot; Michael W.; (North
Grafton, MA) ; Gudell; Marc Nicolas; (Milford,
MA) ; Young; Douglas Warren; (Arlington, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bose Corporation |
Framingham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bose Corporation
Framingham
MA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/522847 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16892917 |
Jun 4, 2020 |
11197142 |
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17522847 |
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International
Class: |
H04W 4/80 20060101
H04W004/80; H04R 1/10 20060101 H04R001/10; H04W 76/10 20060101
H04W076/10 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a wearable audio device including an
acoustic transducer, a battery, and a communications module; and a
case including a battery and a communications module, the wearable
audio device configured to matingly engage with the case, wherein
the case is configured to charge the battery of the wearable audio
device when the wearable audio device is matingly engaged with the
case, wherein, in response to the wearable audio device operating
in a first mode, the communications module of the wearable audio
device establishes a wireless connection with a peripheral device
to receive audio data for audio playback via the acoustic
transducer of the wearable audio device, and wherein, in response
to the wearable audio device operating in a second mode, the
communications module of the wearable audio device establishes a
wireless connection with the communications module of the case to
receive audio data for audio playback via the acoustic transducer
of the wearable audio device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communications module of the
wearable audio device uses Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low-Energy
(BLE), or Low-Power Radio Frequency communications.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein, in response to the wearable
audio device operating in the first mode, the peripheral device
receives the audio data from a connection with the internet.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein, in response to the wearable
audio device operating in the second mode, the case receives the
audio data from a connection with the internet.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein, in response to the wearable
audio device operating in the second mode, the audio data is stored
in memory local to the case.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the wearable audio device is
configured to switch between operating in the first mode and
operating in the second mode in response to user input.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the user input is provided to the
wearable audio device.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the user input is provided to the
case.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the user input includes opening
or closing a lid of the case.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the user input includes matingly
engaging the wearable audio device with the case.
11. A method of connection management for a system including a
wearable audio device and a case, the wearable audio device
including an acoustic transducer, a battery, and a communications
module, and the case including a battery and a communications
module, where the wearable audio device is configured to matingly
engage with the case and the case is configured to charge the
battery of the wearable audio device when the wearable audio device
is matingly engaged with the case, the method comprising: in
response to the wearable audio device operating in a first mode,
establishing a wireless connection between the communications
module of the wearable audio device and a peripheral device that
allows the wearable audio device to receive audio data for audio
playback via the acoustic transducer of the wearable audio device;
and in response to the wearable audio device operating in a second
mode, establishing a wireless connection between the communications
module of the wearable audio device and the communications module
of the case that allows the wearable audio device to receive audio
data for audio playback via the acoustic transducer of the wearable
audio device.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the communications module of
the wearable audio device uses Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth
Low-Energy (BLE), or Low-Power Radio Frequency communications.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein, in response to the wearable
audio device operating in the first mode, the peripheral device
receives the audio data from a connection with the internet.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein, in response to the wearable
audio device operating in the second mode, the case receives the
audio data from a connection with the internet.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein, in response to the wearable
audio device operating in the second mode, the audio data is stored
in memory local to the case.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising, in response to user
input, switching the wearable audio device between operating in the
first mode and operating in the second mode.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the user input is provided to
the wearable audio device.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the user input is provided to
the case.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the user input includes opening
or closing a lid of the case.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the user input includes
matingly engaging the wearable audio device with the case.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/892,917, filed on Jun.
4, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure are
generally directed to systems and methods for sending and receiving
wireless data, for example, audio data or update data, between
wearable audio devices and cases configured to receive the wearable
audio devices.
[0003] Although cases for wearable audio devices are usually
carried with the user while the wearable audio devices are in use,
these cases typically have limited functionality. Often, cases have
a singular or dual-purpose, i.e., to act as a "battery bank" to
extend the long-term usage of the wireless wearable audio devices
without needing to connect to a mains power supply, and protection
of the wearable audio devices when not in use. Additionally, when
the wearable audio devices are not in use, and are stored away
within the case, a user may wirelessly connect or pair their case
to a peripheral device running an affiliated software application
to pass data, e.g., update data, from the peripheral device to the
case, so that when the wearable audio devices are stored in the
case and the case is connected to the peripheral device, the case
may relay data from the peripheral device to the wearable audio
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The present disclosure relates to an audio system and
methods for establishing wireless data connections between a case
and at least one wearable audio device. The audio system can
establish a first wireless data connection between the case and the
wearable audio device and also establish a second wireless data
connection between the case and the internet. In this way, and in
addition to electrical energy storage capacity or battery bank
capabilities, the case can directly communicate with the internet
to receive update data directly from a remote server and can pass
update data to wearable audio devices without the need for a
peripheral device such as a smart phone or tablet operating an
affiliated software application. As cases are typically carried by
the user or close to the user while using the wearable audio
devices, this configuration allows for data and information to be
passed between the wearable audio devices and cloud services, via
the case, including social networking, messaging, music services,
news, entertainment, and Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP)
communication services. Furthermore, this configuration can provide
seamless integration between the case and in-the-home wireless
devices such as smart speakers, smart soundbars, etc., and enables
transfer of audio streaming data from the case to, e.g., home smart
speakers.
[0005] Additionally, benefits of the present audio system, e.g., a
system where the case for the wearable audio devices connects
directly to the internet rather than through a peripheral device
such as a smart phone, include benefits to the manufacturer and to
the user. Benefits for the manufacturer include: the ability to
provide faster updates to the wearable audio devices during
manufacturing, e.g., in a reduction of re-flashing time or
uploading time; the ability to provide device updates Over-The-Air
(OTA) at the point of sale or as soon as the user purchases the
wearable audio devices and the case; the ability to maintain
contact with the user for extended durations of time via the
dedicated connection to the internet; unification of in-the-home
and on-the-go products involving Cloud Services; and the ability to
collect and store data relating to user profiles, usage patterns
and preferences, sensor data including sensor data obtained from
additional wearable devices such as a smart-watch or wristband,
etc. User benefits of the present audio system include: transparent
updates to the latest software/firmware and easy access to the
latest product features; faster updates while the wearable audio
devices are in the case; smaller size or form factor for the
wearable audio devices if current functionality is off-loaded onto
the case; and freedom from requiring a connection to a peripheral
device, e.g., a smart phone, for routine non-streaming applications
and updates. Furthermore, the additional connectivity and
functionality of the case can create new device environments where
multiple cases are configured to communicate with each other and/or
synchronize with a third party source and provide users with
synchronized content, e.g., synchronized audio streams. Once
additional connectivity between the case and the internet or
Cloud-based services is possible via the configuration provided, a
further benefit to both the user and the manufacturer can include,
obtaining or extracting diagnostic data from all of the devices
within audio system 100 and sending that diagnostic data via the
second wireless data connection over the internet I to a
Cloud-based service which can utilize the data to improve user
experiences.
[0006] Moreover the present application provides systems and
methods to allow a user to switch between an operational mode where
the wearable audio devices are paired or connected directly with
the peripheral device, e.g., a smart phone, and the peripheral
device is also configured to establish a second connection with the
internet, and an operational mode where the wearable audio devices
are paired or connected with the case, and the case is configured
to establish a second connection with the internet. The user can
switch into and between these modes using a user input which can
include: an electronic signal associated with depression or
engagement with a button, touch-capacitive sensor, surface, or
touchscreen; an electronic signal associated with a motion or
gesture of the user via a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or a
magnetometer; an electronic signal associated with the proximity of
each audio device within system relative to each other or relative
to the user via a proximity sensor; the devices positions or
locations via a Global Positioning Service (GPS) sensor; a voice or
sound input via a microphone, or a visual input taken via a
camera.
[0007] In one example, a system is provided, the system includes a
wearable audio device and a case, the wearable audio device
configured to matingly engage with the case, the case configured to
establish a first wireless data connection with the wearable audio
device and configured to establish a second wireless data
connection that provides access to the Internet. The case is
further configured to receive update data associated with the
wearable audio device using the second wireless data connection,
and transmit the update data to the wearable audio device using the
first wireless data connection.
[0008] In an aspect, in a first mode, the wearable audio device is
configured to receive and render audio data related to an audio
playback from a peripheral device, and wherein in a second mode,
the wearable audio device is configured to receive and render the
audio data related to the audio playback from the case.
[0009] In an aspect, the case is configured to switch between the
first mode and the second mode in response to a user input.
[0010] In an aspect, the user input is selected from, a mechanical
input, a touch-capacitive sensor input, a gesture input, or a voice
input.
[0011] In an aspect, the gesture input is obtained from an
accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or a global positions
systems sensor.
[0012] In an aspect, the first wireless data connection uses
Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), or Low-Power Radio
Frequency communications.
[0013] In an aspect, the case further comprises memory arranged to
store at least one of: audio data files, user profile data, or
sensor data.
[0014] In an aspect, the case does not include a display.
[0015] In an aspect, the case includes a display.
[0016] In an aspect, the case further includes at least one battery
and a connection interface for charging the wireless audio
device.
[0017] In an aspect, the case further comprises a lid, and the case
is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode
based on: (i) whether the lid is open or closed, and/or (ii)
whether the first wearable audio device is matingly engaged with
the case.
[0018] In an aspect, the case is arranged to receive data from an
additional wearable device, wherein the additional wearable device
is a smart watch, smart wristband, a biological monitoring device,
or a pedometer.
[0019] In an aspect, the data obtained from the additional wearable
device includes biological data related to a user.
[0020] In an aspect, the case is arranged to establish a Voice Over
Internet Protocol connection using the second wireless data
connection.
[0021] In an aspect, the case is arranged to establish a
case-to-case data connection with an additional case within an
environment via the second wireless data connection.
[0022] In another example, a method of establishing wireless data
connections between a case and a wearable audio device is provided,
the method comprising: establishing a first wireless data
connection between the case and the wearable audio device;
establishing, via the case, a second wireless data connection that
provides access to the Internet; receiving update data associated
with the wearable audio device via the second wireless data
connection; and transmitting the update data to the wearable audio
device using the first wireless data connection.
[0023] In an aspect, in a first mode, the wearable audio device is
configured to receive and render audio data related to an audio
playback from a peripheral device, and wherein in a second mode,
the wearable audio device is configured to receive and render the
audio data related to the audio playback from the case.
[0024] In an aspect, the case is configured to switch between the
first mode and the second mode in response to a user input.
[0025] In an aspect, the case further comprises a lid, and the case
is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode
based on: (i) whether the lid is open or closed, and/or (ii)
whether the first wearable audio device is matingly engaged with
the smart case.
[0026] In an aspect, the case further includes at least one battery
and a connection interface for charging the wireless audio
device.
[0027] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be
apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s)
described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer
to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally
being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various
embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an audio system according to
the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of the internal components of
each wearable audio device according to the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the internal components of a
case according to the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the internal components of a
case according to the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of a case and
display according to the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a case and
display according to the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an audio system in a first
mode according to the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an audio system in a second
mode according to the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrated various case states
according to the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of audio system 100 with multiple
cases according to the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method
according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present disclosure relates to an audio system and
methods for establishing wireless data connections between a case
and at least one wearable audio device. The audio system can
establish a first wireless data connection between the case and the
wearable audio device and also establish a second wireless data
connection between the case and the internet. In this way, and in
addition to electrical energy storage capacity or battery bank
capabilities, the case can directly communicate with the internet
to receive update data directly from a remote server and can pass
update data to wearable audio devices without the need for a
peripheral device such as a smart phone or tablet operating an
affiliated software application. As cases are typically carried by
the user or close to the user while using the wearable audio
devices, this configuration allows for data and information to be
passed between the wearable audio devices and cloud services, via
the case, including social networking, messaging, music services,
news, entertainment, and Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP)
communication services.
[0041] The term "wearable audio device", as used in this
application, in addition to its ordinary meaning and its meaning to
those skilled in the art, is intended to mean a device that fits
around, on, in, or near an ear (including open-ear audio devices
worn on the head or shoulders of a user) and that radiates acoustic
energy into or towards the ear. Wearable audio devices are
sometimes referred to as headphones, earphones, earpieces,
headsets, earbuds or sport headphones, and can be wired or
wireless. A wearable audio device includes an acoustic driver to
transduce audio signals to acoustic energy. The acoustic driver may
be housed in an earcup. While some of the figures and descriptions
following may show multiple wearable audio devices, it should be
appreciated that wearable audio device can also refer to a single
wearable audio device, having a pair of earcups (each including an
acoustic driver), or a single stand-alone unit having only one
earcup. Each earcup of the wearable audio devices may be connected
mechanically to another earcup or headphone, for example by a
headband and/or by leads that conduct audio signals to an acoustic
driver in the ear cup or headphone. A wearable audio device may
include components for wirelessly receiving audio signals. A
wearable audio device may include components of an active noise
reduction (ANR) system. Wearable audio devices may also include
other functionality such as a microphone so that they can function
as a headset. While FIG. 1 shows an example of a pair of truly
wireless earbuds, in other examples the wearable audio device may
be an over-the-ear, in-ear, on-ear, around-ear, or near-ear
headset, or may be an audio eyeglasses form factor headset. In some
examples, the wearable audio device may be an open-ear device that
includes an acoustic driver to radiate acoustic energy towards the
ear while leaving the ear open to its environment and
surroundings.
[0042] The terms "matingly engage" or "matingly engaged," in
addition to their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art, are
intended to mean engagement between two devices where at least a
portion of a first device is configured or formed specifically to
engage with a second device. For example, "matingly engaged" can
include a first device having a recess, depression, or opening
having a shape or perimeter that matches the exact shape of a
protrusion or other portion of the second device such that the
second device can fit within the recess via friction fit.
Furthermore, matingly engaged can include, in addition to or in the
alternative to, the frictional engagement discussed above, the
intentional placement of magnets, snaps, hooks or loops (of e.g., a
hook and loop fastener) at locations on the first device that would
couple with magnets, snaps, hooks or loops intentionally placed at
complementary locations on the second device. As will be discussed
below, and illustrated in FIG. 7, case 104 is configured to
matingly engage with wearable audio devices 102 where case 104
includes a recess specifically configured to accept the wearable
audio devices 102 via friction fit and/or magnetic coupling.
[0043] The following description should be read in view of FIGS.
1-9. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of audio system 100 employed in an
environment E according to the present disclosure. In one example,
audio system 100 can include a plurality of wearable audio devices
102A-102B, a case 104, and a peripheral device 106. Plurality of
wearable audio devices 102A-102B (collectively referred to as
"wearable audio devices 102") are intended to be a pair of truly
wireless earbuds that are capable of rendering an audio signal into
audible sound, e.g., generating acoustic energy within environment
E and proximate a user. It should be appreciated that in some
examples, rather than a pair of truly wireless earbuds, audio
system 100 can provide a single wearable audio device 102 embodied
as an over-the-ear headset or an out-of-ear eyeglass form-factor
audio device. As will be discussed below, each wearable audio
device 102 is configured to wirelessly communicate with either
peripheral device 106 or case 104 in a first mode M1 (also shown in
FIG. 5) and a second mode M2 (also shown in FIG. 6),
respectively.
[0044] Case 104 is intended to be a protective housing within which
wearable audio devices 102 may be stored when not in use. Case 104
can be made from a polymer or plastic based material, e.g.,
hardened Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), or can be made from metal
or other material of sufficient hardness and durability to protect
the sensitive electronic components of case 104 and/or the
sensitive electronic components of the wearable audio devices 102
as will be discussed below. It should be appreciated that case 104
can include two recesses configured to matingly engage with each
wearable audio device 102A-102B and each recess may include a
connection interface CI capable of transmitting power and/or
electronic data to and/or from each wearable audio device 102.
Thus, in one example, case 104 is capable of providing a charging
interface between each recess and each wearable audio device 102.
This charging interface may utilize wireless charging methods,
e.g., using Qi wireless charging protocols or other inductive
charging techniques, or may utilize a physical charging method,
e.g., a multi-pin connector. Additionally, although not
illustrated, case 104 may include magnets and/or ferrous metallic
plates such that a magnetic field can be generated between each
wearable audio device 102 and each recess, aiding in the mating
engagement between the wearable audio devices 102 and the recesses
when placed in case 104. Additionally, as will be discussed below,
case 104 can include circuitry configured to allow case 104 to
wirelessly communicate with wearable audio devices 102 as well as
connect to the internet I and pass data from at least one remote
server connected to the internet I to wearable audio devices
102.
[0045] Peripheral device 106 is intended to be a device capable of
wirelessly communicating with either wearable audio device 102
and/or case 104. In the examples illustrated, peripheral device 106
is shown as a smart phone having a touch-screen user interface;
however, it should be appreciated that peripheral device 106 can be
any device capable of sending and/or receiving wireless
communications from, or establishing a paired connection with,
wearable audio devices 102 and/or case 104, e.g., a tablet,
personal computer (PC), a smart hub, a home audio system, a
stand-alone or portable speaker, a smart soundbar, or other
in-the-home or on-the-go devices. It should be appreciated that
such in-the-home devices are not limited to devices that are
installed within a user's home and can correspond to devices used
in a user's place of work, an office building, a restaurant, a
cafe, etc. It should also be appreciated that on-the-go devices are
intended to be any portable device, i.e., a device that does not
need a physical connection to the internet or other device and
therefore are not limited to use within a user's home.
Additionally, the in-the-home devices and/or the on-the-go devices
described herein, can establish a connection directly with an
internet-providing source, e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN), a
Wide-Area Network (WAN), or cellular tower and therefore do not
require connection to an intermediary device to establish a
connection with the internet.
[0046] In some examples, either case 104 or peripheral device 106
is configured to wirelessly communicate with an additional wearable
device 108 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). Additional wearable device 108
is intended to be a device capable of sending data wirelessly to
case 104 and/or peripheral device 106. In one example, as will be
discussed below, additional wearable device 108 is a smart watch or
smart wristband, a head-mounted sensor array, blood-pressure cuff
or blood-pressure system, biological monitoring device, pedometer,
or any device capable of obtaining biological data 156 (discussed
below) from the wearer/user and relaying that information to case
104 or peripheral device 106.
[0047] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of the circuitry of
each wearable audio device 102, i.e., first circuitry 110. First
circuitry 110 includes first processor 112 and first memory 114
configured to execute and store, respectively, a first set of
non-transitory computer-readable instructions 116 to perform the
various functions of first circuitry 110 and wearable audio device
102 or wearable audio devices 102 as will be described herein. In
some examples, first circuitry 110 includes a first sensor 118, at
least one speaker 120, and a first communications module 122. First
sensor 118 is intended to be a sensor or array of sensors arranged
on, in, or in communication with first circuitry 110 of wearable
audio device 102. In some examples, first sensor 118 may be
selected from at least one of: a button, a touch-capacitive sensor
or surface, a touch screen, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a
magnetometer, a proximity sensor, Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
sensor, a microphone, a camera, or any other sensory device capable
of receiving a user input 162 (discussed below). At least one
speaker 120 can include an acoustic driver or acoustic transducer
capable of receiving an electronic signal from first circuitry 110
and converting that electronic signal into acoustic energy within
environment E and proximate a user's ear.
[0048] First communications module 122 is intended to be a circuit,
plurality of circuits, or plurality of electronic components
configured to send and receive wired or wireless data between
wearable audio device 102 and the other devices within audio system
100. For example, first communications module 122 can include a
first antenna 124 configured to send and receive wireless data,
e.g., audio data 154 related to audio playback 158 (discussed
below), or update data 152 (discussed below) associated with
wearable audio device 102. It should be appreciated that in the
examples of audio system 100 which include a plurality of wearable
audio devices 102A-102B, each wearable audio device may include a
sensor 118, at least one speaker 120, and a first communications
module 122. Moreover, although not illustrated, first circuitry 110
can also include a battery, capacitor, super-capacitor or other
power source configured to provide stored electrical power to the
various components of first circuitry 110 as discussed above.
[0049] FIGS. 2B and 3 are schematic illustrations of the circuitry
of case 104, i.e., second circuitry 126. Second circuitry 126
includes second processor 128 and second memory 130 configured to
execute and store, respectively, a second set of non-transitory
computer-readable instructions 132 to perform the various functions
of second circuitry 126 and case 104 as will be described herein.
In some examples, second circuitry 126 includes a display 134, a
second sensor 136, and a second communications module 138. Display
134 is intended to be a visual indicator or screen capable of
informing the user of the current state of case 104. In one
example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, and as will be discussed below,
display 134 can include a screen capable of displaying an image,
symbol, text, or scrolling text, related to the current mode (e.g.,
first mode M1 or second mode M2, discussed below) or the content of
audio playback 158 (also discussed below). In another example as
illustrated in FIG. 4B, display 134 is a Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
or plurality of LEDs capable of displaying various colors and light
sequences that may be indicative of the status of case 104, e.g.,
the current mode, the content of audio playback 158, update status,
or charge status.
[0050] Second sensor 136 is intended to be a sensor or array of
sensors arranged on, in, or in communication with second circuitry
126 of case 104. In some examples, second sensor 136 may be
selected from at least one of: a button, a touch-capacitive sensor
or surface, a touch screen, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a
magnetometer, a proximity sensor, a Global Positioning Service
(GPS) sensor, a microphone, a camera, or any other sensory device
capable of receiving a user input 162 (discussed below). Second
communications module 138 is intended to be a circuit, plurality of
circuits, or plurality of electronic components configured to send
and receive wired or wireless data between case 104, the other
devices within audio system 100, and/or the internet I. For
example, second communications module 138 can include at least one
second antenna 140 configured to send and receive wireless data,
e.g., audio data 154 related to audio playback 158 (discussed
below), or update data 152 (discussed below) associated with
wearable audio device 102. Although not illustrated, it should be
appreciated peripheral device 106 and additional wearable device
108 can include similar components as first circuitry 110, or
second circuitry 126, e.g., may include any number of sensors,
speakers, processors, memory, non-transitory computer-readable
instructions, or any of the forms of power sources discussed above.
Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, second circuitry 126 can
also include a power sub-system PS, which can include a battery,
capacitor, super-capacitor or other power source configured to
provide stored electrical power to the various components of first
circuitry 110 as discussed above, and can also be utilized to
charge the battery, capacitor, or super-capacitor in each of the
wearable audio devices 102 in the various charging methods
discussed above.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 3, second communication module 138 is
configured to establish at least two wireless data connections
between devices within audio system 100 or with the Internet I,
e.g., first wireless data connection 142 and second wireless data
connection 144. To aid in establishing these data connections,
second communication module 138 can include a plurality of
sub-modules, e.g., a first-submodule 146, a second sub-module 148,
and a third sub-module 150. First sub-module 146 is intended to be
a chip, circuit, plurality of circuits, or plurality of electrical
components that are capable of establishing first wireless data
connection 142 between, e.g., second antenna 140 of second
circuitry 126 of case 104 and first antenna 124 of first circuitry
110 of each wearable audio device 102. First wireless data
connection 142 is intended to a be a short-wave, packet-based,
connection which can utilize various wireless data protocols, e.g.,
Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) or LE Audio, Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) communications, Low-Power Radio frequency
transmission (LP-RF), Near-Field Communications (NFC), or any other
protocol or communication standard capable of establishing a
permanent or semi-permanent connection, also referred to as paired
connection, between first circuitry 110 and second circuitry 126.
In one example, the first wireless communication 142 is a permanent
paired connection, e.g., where each wearable audio device 102 is
configured to maintain a constant paired communication connection
with case 104. Second sub-module 148 is intended to be a chip,
circuit, plurality of circuits, or plurality of electrical
components that are capable of establishing second wireless data
connection 144 between, e.g., second antenna 140 of second
circuitry 126 of case 104 and the Internet I. Similarly, third
sub-module 150 is intended to be a chip, circuit, plurality of
circuits, or plurality of electrical components that are capable of
establishing second wireless data connection 144 between, e.g.,
second antenna 140 of second circuitry 126 of case 104 and the
Internet I. Second sub-module 148 is configured to establish second
wireless data connection 144 between case 104 and, for example, a
Local Area Network (LAN), via a wireless access point or network
router and is intended to establish second wireless data connection
144 using WiFi or IEEE wireless standards, e.g., IEEE 802.11
a/b/g/n/ac/ax. It should be appreciated that second sub-module 148
is configured to establish second wireless data connection with a
LAN via a wireless access point or router which can further connect
to the internet I via a Wide Area Network (WAN). Third sub-module
150 is configured to establish second wireless data connection 144
between case 104 and, for example, a WAN connection, via a local
cell tower and/or a network of cell towers and satellite
connections which utilize the third generation (3G), fourth
generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G), International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard. It should also be
appreciated that the networks utilized may be networks between
these ITU standards, e.g., third generation long-term evolution (3G
LTE), fourth generation LTE (4G LTE), or fifth generation evolution
(5Ge) networks. It should be appreciated that each sub-module,
i.e., first sub-module 146, second sub-module 148, and third
sub-module 150, can each utilize a discrete second antenna 140, or
can share one or more second antenna 140 in any conceivable
combination. For example, as it is likely that case 104 will
establish second wireless data connection 144 to the Internet I via
a LAN connection using second sub-module 148, or via a WAN
connection using third sub-module 150, a single second antenna 140
may be provided between and used by both second sub-module 148 and
third sub-module 150. Thus, it should be appreciated that a single
chip, circuit, or plurality of electronic components can be
provided to perform the functions of both the second sub-module 148
and the third sub-module 150.
[0052] As discussed above, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
display 134 can include a screen as illustrated in FIG. 4A, which
can provide a visual indication of the status of case 104, the mode
that audio system 100 is in, or the content of audio playback 158
(discussed below), via, an image, symbol, text, or scrolling text.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, display 134 can include a
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) or plurality of LEDs capable of
displaying various colors and light sequences that may be
indicative of the status of case 104, the mode of audio system 100,
or the content of audio playback 158 (discussed below). It should
be appreciated that, as illustrated in FIG. 3, case 104 can include
a display controller DC or display circuitry capable of providing
the electrical power or data necessary to display or render the
images, text, scrolling-text, or LED based status information to
the user.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, audio system 100 is
configured to operate in one of two modes, i.e., a first mode M1
and a second mode M2. FIG. 5 illustrates, audio system 100 in a
first mode M1. First mode M1 defines an operational mode where
wearable audio devices 102A-102B are configured to establish a
first wireless connection 142 with peripheral device 106.
Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in the first mode M1,
peripheral device 106 is also configured to establish a second
wireless data connection 144 between peripheral device 106 and the
internet I. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, peripheral
device 106 can also establish an additional wireless data
connection with additional wearable audio device 108. As will be
discussed below in detail, peripheral device 106 can be configured
to receive update data 152, audio data 154, and biological data 156
from the Internet I and/or additional wearable device 108.
[0054] FIG. 6, illustrates audio system 100 operating in a second
mode M2. Second mode M2 defines an operational mode where wearable
audio devices 102A-102B are configured to establish first wireless
connection 142 with case 104, using, for example, first sub-module
146 of second communications module 138 of case 104. Additionally,
as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the second mode M2, case 104 is also
configured to establish second wireless data connection 144 between
case 104 and the internet I directly, using, for example, second
sub-module 148 or third sub-module 150, via a LAN or WAN
connection, respectively. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
case 104 can also establish an additional wireless data connection
with additional wearable audio device 108.
[0055] In the second mode M2, case 104 is configured to receive
update data 152, audio data 154, and biological data 156 directly
from the internet I or from additional wearable device 108. Update
data 152 is intended to be data, computer code, or
computer-readable instructions associated with updating or
overwriting the operational software or the firmware of wearable
audio devices 102. In one example, update data 152 includes
computer-readable instructions meant to update or upgrade the
firmware of wearable audio device 102A, wearable audio device 102B,
or both wearable audio devices 102A-102B. As will be discussed
below, in second mode M2, update data 152 can be received by case
104 directly at any time, as case 104 can receive update data 152
from the second wireless data connection 144 and store update data
152 in second memory 130 of case 104. Later, when case 104 and
wearable audio devices 102A-102B establish first wireless data
connection 142, update data 152 can be sent from case 104 to
wearable audio devices 102A-102B. This configuration allows for
faster updates to be provided to each wearable audio device when
they are in communication with case 104.
[0056] Audio data 154, in one example is data related to one or
more audio files. The audio files can correspond to music files,
audio-book files, video files containing audio data, or other sound
related file structures. In the examples disclosed herein, audio
data 152 may be rendered by, for example, one or more speakers 120
within wearable audio devices 102A-102B, forming audio playback
158, where audio playback 158 is the audible manifestation of the
rendered audio data 152 as perceivable sound within environment E
and proximate the user. In one example, audio data 152 may be
stored, in various audio file formats or video file formats, in
local memory storage, e.g., second memory 130 of case 104. In other
examples, audio data 152 is streamed, e.g., where portions of the
complete audio files are sent in a steady, continuous flow of data,
to case 104 and buffered in second memory 130, allowing audio
playback 158 to be rendered via the at least one speaker 120 of
wearable audio devices 102A-102B while the remaining portions of
the audio file are still being received by the case 104. Thus, the
audio data 152 can be streamed to the case 104 over second wireless
data connection 144 from at least one remote server or service over
the Internet I, and streamed from case 104 to wearable audio
devices 102. Audio data 152 can also include data related to
web-based voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) communications or
connections 160. For example, a user can configure case 104 such
that case 104 can receive VOIP communications from an
internet-based VOIP service or connection 160 and forward or stream
audio data 152, as well as audio data obtained from first sensor
118 (if first sensor 118 is a microphone) between wearable audio
devices 102 and case 104 via first wireless data connection 142 and
from case 104 to the VOIP service via second wireless data
connection 144. Biological data 156 is intended to be data related
to the biological processes of the user's body, e.g., heart rate,
respiratory rate, sleep cycle, blood-pressure, blood-oxygen level,
movement of the user, movement of a body part of the user, body
position, etc. Biological data 156 can be gathered via additional
wearable device 108, where additional wearable device 108 can be a
smart watch, smart wristband, head-mounted sensor array,
blood-pressure system, biological monitoring system, pedometer,
etc.
[0057] To switch between first mode M1 and second mode M2, the user
can provide an input, e.g., user input 162. User input 162 can be
provided through first sensor 118 of first circuitry 110 of each
wearable audio device 102, through second sensor 136 of second
circuitry 126 of case 104, through a similar sensory input provided
to peripheral device 106 or additional wearable devices 108, or can
be predetermined based on one or more case states 164A-164D
(discussed below). It should be appreciated that, given the various
examples of first sensor 118 or second sensor 136 discussed above,
user input 162 can be a plurality of different inputs corresponding
to the plurality of different sensors. For example, user input 162
can be selected from: an electronic signal associated with
depression or engagement with a button, touch-capacitive sensor,
surface, or touchscreen; an electronic signal associated with a
motion or gesture of the user via a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or
a magnetometer; an electronic signal associated with the proximity
of each audio device within system 100 relative to each other or
relative to the user via a proximity sensor; the devices positions
or locations via a Global Positioning Service (GPS) sensor; a voice
or sound input via a microphone, or a visual input taken via a
camera.
[0058] In one example, first sensor 118 is a touch-capacitive
sensor provided on, in, or in communication with at least one of
the wearable audio devices 102. The user can depress or engage
first sensor 118, and upon depressing first sensor 118, audio
system 100 can switch into first mode M1, where each wearable audio
device 102 is configured to connect with peripheral device 106 via
the first wireless data connection 142, and peripheral device 106
is configured to connect to the internet I via second wireless data
connection 144. If the user should depress first sensor 118 a
second time, audio system 100 can switch from first mode M1 to
second mode M2, where each wearable audio device 102 is configured
to establish first wireless connection 142 with case 104 and case
104 is configured to establish second wireless data connection 144
with the Internet I.
[0059] In another example, second sensor 136 is a button provided
on, in, or in communication with case 104. The user can depress or
engage second sensor 136, and upon depressing second sensor 136,
audio system 100 can switch into first mode M1, where each wearable
audio device 102 is configured to connect with peripheral device
106 via the first wireless data connection 142, and peripheral
device 106 is configured to connect to the internet I via second
wireless data connection 144. If the user should depress second
sensor 136 a second time, audio system 100 can switch from first
mode M1 to second mode M2, where each wearable audio device 102 is
configured to establish first wireless connection 142 with case 104
and case 104 is configured to establish second wireless data
connection 144 with the Internet I.
[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart containing the various
states of case 104, i.e., case states 164A-164D. First case state
164A corresponds to a case state where each wearable audio device
102 is matingly engaged with case 104, e.g., via the recesses
discussed above, and the lid of the case is closed or engaged.
Second case state 164B corresponds to a case state where each
wearable audio device is matingly engaged with case 104, e.g., via
the recesses discussed above, and the lid of case 104 is open or
disengaged. Third case state 164C corresponds to a case state where
each wearable audio device is removed from case 104 and the lid of
case 104 is open or disengaged. Fourth case state 164D corresponds
to a case state where each wearable audio device is removed from
case 104 and the lid of case 104 is closed or engaged.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 7, while in the first case state
164A, case 104 can be configured to charge or not charge each of
the wearable audio devices 102, e.g., via the charging interface
discussed above. Additionally, while in first case state 164A, case
104 can provide wearable audio device 102 with update data 152 to
update the software or firmware utilized by each wearable audio
device. Additionally, upon opening the lid of case 104 and removing
the wearable audio devices 102 from their recesses within case 104,
i.e., entering third case state 164C, audio system 100 is
configured to establish first wireless data connection 142 between
case 104 and each wearable audio device 104 (if in the first mode
M1), or, between peripheral device 106 and each wearable audio
device 102 (if in the second mode M2). Additionally, as illustrated
in FIG. 7, at each case state 164A-164D the case 104 can be
configured to receive an electrical or magnetic charging signal
from a standard mains power supply or from a wireless charging
connection P.
[0062] It should be appreciated that switching between case states
164A-164D, as described above, can be utilized by audio system 100
as a user input, e.g., user input 162, to switch between first mode
M1 and second mode M2. In one example, switching between second
case state 164B and third case state 164C, i.e., where the wearable
audio devices 102 are removed from the recesses within case 104,
can act as user input 162 and operate to switch audio system 100
into first mode M1 or switch audio system 100 from first mode M1 to
second mode M2. It should be appreciated that, as switching between
each case state 164A-164D requires some form of user interaction
with audio system 100, switching between any two states of case
states 164A-164D can operate as user input 162.
[0063] During operation, audio system 100 can include a pair of
truly wireless earbuds, i.e., wearable audio devices 102A-102B, a
case 104 having recesses configured to matingly engage with each
wearable audio device 102, and a peripheral device 106. The user
can remove wearable audio device 102A-102B and secure them within
the user's right and left ears, respectively. Upon receipt of user
input 162, e.g., the user can depress or engage with first sensor
118 (in the form of a button or touch-capacitive sensor) located
on, in, or in communication with at least one of the wearable audio
devices 102, or the user can depress or engage with second sensor
136 (in the form of a button or touch capacitive sensor) located
on, in, or in communication with case 104, audio system 100 can
switch into first mode M1. In first mode M1, each wearable audio
device 102 is configured to establish a first wireless data
connection 142, with peripheral device 106. Should the user depress
or engage first sensor 118 or second sensor 136 a second time,
audio system 100 can switch from first mode M1 to second mode M2.
In the second mode, each wearable audio device 102 is configured to
establish first wireless data connection 142, e.g., using Bluetooth
Low-Energy or LE Audio connection protocols, with first sub-module
146 of second circuitry 126 of case 104. Additionally, once in
second mode M2, case 104 can establish a second wireless data
connection 144 with internet I using, e.g., second sub-module 148
to connect to a LAN connection via a wireless access point or
router and then to the internet I, or using third sub-module 150 to
connect directly to a WAN using a local cell tower and/or satellite
connection to access internet I. Once in second mode M2, the user
can utilize second wireless data connection 144 to stream audio
data 154, e.g., relating to a music file or audiobook audio file,
from a remote server or service over the internet I, and case 104
can buffer audio data 154 in second memory 130 of second circuitry
126. Additionally, once buffered in second memory 130, case 104 can
stream the buffered audio data 154 to each wearable audio device
via first wireless data connection 142 using, e.g., first
sub-module 146 and first antenna 124 of first circuitry 110 of each
wearable audio device 102, and render an audio playback, e.g.,
audio playback 158 to user via at least one speaker 120. Thus, in
the first mode M1, audio data 154 related to audio playback 158 is
received from peripheral device 106 and in the second mode M2,
audio data 154 related to audio playback 158 is received from case
104.
[0064] During operation, regardless of whether audio system 100 is
in first mode M1 or second mode M2, and regardless of whether case
104 is in any of the plurality of case states 164A-164D, case 104
can receive update data 152 via a direct connection to the internet
I, e.g., via second wireless data connection 144 using second
sub-module 148 or third sub-module 150, and store it in memory,
i.e., second memory 130. Later, while audio system 100 is in second
mode M2, discussed above, case 104 can send the update data 152,
associated with the wearable audio devices 102, to each wearable
audio device 102 via first wireless data connection 142, via first
sub-module 146 and first antenna 124 of first circuitry 110 or via
the charging interface within each recess of case 104.
[0065] As mentioned above use of audio system 100 in second mode M2
provides numerous advantages. The dedicated, direct, connection
between the case 104 and the internet I, allow for additional
connective schemes and functionality to be seamlessly provided by
audio system 100. First, as case 104 will typically be carried by
the user or close to the user while in use, operation of audio
system 100 in second mode M2, i.e., where case 104 is
simultaneously connected to the wearable audio devices 102 and the
internet I, allows for data related to Cloud-Based services, and
other information to be passed from the internet I to case 104 and
to wearable audio devices 102 directly without the need for
peripheral device 106. These Cloud-based services can include
services and data relating to social networking, messaging, music
services, news, entertainment, and Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol
(VOIP) communication services. Furthermore, use of the additional
functionality of case 104 in second mode M2, audio system 100 can
provide seamless integration between case 104 and in-the-home
wireless devices such as smart speakers, smart soundbars, etc., and
enables transfer of audio data 154 in the form of audio streaming
data from the case to, e.g., home smart speakers.
[0066] Additional benefits of operating audio system 100 in second
mode M2 include benefits to the manufacturer and to the user.
Benefits for the manufacturer include: the ability to provide
faster updates, i.e., via update data 152, to wearable audio
devices 102 during manufacturing, e.g., in a reduction of
re-flashing time and uploading time; the ability to provide device
updates Over-The-Air (OTA) at the point of sale or as soon as the
user purchases wearable audio devices 102 and case 104; the ability
to maintain contact with the user for extended durations of time;
unification of in-the-home and on-the-go products involving Cloud
Services; and the ability to collect and store data relating to
user profiles, usage patterns and preferences, sensor data
including biological data 156 obtained from additional wearable
device 108 such as a smart-watch or wristband, etc. User benefits
of operating audio system 100 include: transparent updates, via
update data 152, to the latest software/firmware and easy access to
the latest product features; faster updates, via update data 152,
while wearable audio devices 102 are matingly engaged with the
recesses within case 104; smaller size or form-factor for each
wearable audio device 102 if current functionality is off-loaded
onto case 104; and freedom from requiring a connection to
peripheral device 106, e.g., a smart phone, for routine
non-streaming applications and updates. Moreover, once additional
connectivity between case 104 and the internet I or Cloud-based
services is possible via the configuration provided, a further
benefit to both the user and the manufacturer can include,
obtaining or extracting diagnostic data from all of the devices
within audio system 100 and sending that diagnostic data via the
second wireless data connection 144 over the internet I to a
Cloud-based service which can utilize the data to improve user
experiences.
[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates an additional benefit of operating audio
system 100 in second mode M2. As illustrated, the additional
connectivity and functionality of case 104, e.g., the ability to
use second sub-module 148 and/or third sub-module 150 to gain
access to the internet I, can create new device environments where
multiple cases 104 are configured to communicate with each other
directly or indirectly over an internet connection I, i.e., via a
case-to-case connection 166, and/or synchronize with a third party
source directly or indirectly over the internet I, to provide users
with synchronized content, e.g., synchronized audio streams. Thus,
FIG. 8 illustrates that each case 104 can establish a first
wireless data connection 142 between each case and each set of
wearable audio devices 102 and each case can establish a
case-to-case-connection 166 through second wireless data connection
144. Grouping multiple cases 104 could utilize a Cloud-based
grouping service or may utilize proximity sensing between cases
104, e.g., in the event second sensor 136 is a proximity
sensor.
[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of method 200 according to
the present disclosure.
[0069] Method 200 includes, for example: establishing a first
wireless data connection 142 between the case 104 and the wearable
audio device 102 (step 202); establishing, via the case 102, a
second wireless data connection 144 that provides access to the
Internet I (step 204); receiving update data 152 associated with
the wearable audio device 102 via the second wireless data
connection 144 (step 206); and transmitting the update data 152 to
the wearable audio device 102 using the first wireless data
connection 142 (step 208).
[0070] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0071] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0072] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
[0073] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of" "only one of,"
or "exactly one of."
[0074] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
[0075] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated
to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more
than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method
is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts
of the method are recited.
[0076] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.
[0077] The above-described examples of the described subject matter
can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some
aspects may be implemented using hardware, software or a
combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in
part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable
processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single
device or computer or distributed among multiple
devices/computers.
[0078] The present disclosure may be implemented as a system, a
method, and/or a computer program product at any possible technical
detail level of integration. The computer program product may
include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having
computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a
processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.
[0079] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0080] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0081] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present disclosure may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated
circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any
combination of one or more programming languages, including an
object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the
like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C"
programming language or similar programming languages. The computer
readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's
computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software
package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote
computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the
latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's
computer through any type of network, including a local area
network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may
be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet
using an Internet Service Provider). In some examples, electronic
circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by
utilizing state information of the computer readable program
instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to
perform aspects of the present disclosure.
[0082] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to examples of the disclosure. It will be understood that
each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams,
and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or
block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program
instructions.
[0083] The computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a, special purpose computer, or other
programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such
that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create
means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the
flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer
readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer
readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable
data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a
particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium
having instructions stored therein comprises an article of
manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the
function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram or
blocks.
[0084] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0085] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in
the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0086] Other implementations are within the scope of the following
claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.
[0087] While various examples have been described and illustrated
herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a
variety of other means and/or structures for performing the
function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples
described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and
configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that
the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations
will depend upon the specific application or applications for which
the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize,
or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation,
many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is,
therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are
presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the
appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of
the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature,
system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In
addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,
articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features,
systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually
inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
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