U.S. patent application number 17/025503 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-24 for wireless communication adapter.
The applicant listed for this patent is New Audio LLC. Invention is credited to Zachary James Hellman, Jonathan Levine, Clayton J. Pipkin, Marshall Plummer, Thomas C. Wilson.
Application Number | 20220095027 17/025503 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006193877 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220095027 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levine; Jonathan ; et
al. |
March 24, 2022 |
Wireless Communication Adapter
Abstract
A wireless communication adapter device includes an enclosure
and a communication device base. The communication device base
includes a first switch and a wireless communication transceiver.
The communication device base is inserted into the enclosure so
that the communication device base can move along an axis within
the enclosure from a first base position and a second base
position. Such movement actuates the first switch against the
enclosure to initiate one or more communication operations of the
wireless communication transceiver in the communication device
base.
Inventors: |
Levine; Jonathan; (New York,
NY) ; Wilson; Thomas C.; (Brooklyn, NY) ;
Plummer; Marshall; (Nashville, TN) ; Pipkin; Clayton
J.; (Highland Park, NJ) ; Hellman; Zachary James;
(New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
New Audio LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006193877 |
Appl. No.: |
17/025503 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/10 20180201;
H04R 1/10 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201 |
International
Class: |
H04R 1/10 20060101
H04R001/10; H04W 76/10 20060101 H04W076/10; H04W 4/80 20060101
H04W004/80 |
Claims
1. A wireless communication adapter device comprising: an
enclosure; and a communication device base including a first
switch, a wired connector jack, and a wireless communication
transceiver, the communication device base being inserted into the
enclosure; wherein movement of the communication device base along
an axis within the enclosure from a first base position and a
second base position actuates the first switch against the
enclosure to initiate one or more communication operations of the
wireless communication transceiver in the communication device
base; and wherein the wired connector jack is movably attached to
the communication device base, the wired connector jack being
configured to move with respect to the communication device base
between at least a first connector position and a second connector
position, when the communication device base is in the second base
position.
2. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 1, wherein
the first switch is configured to slidingly contact an interior
surface of the enclosure as the communication device base moves
between the first base position and the second base position.
3. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 1, wherein
the first switch is actuated by a structure on an interior surface
of the enclosure as the communication device base moves between the
first base position and the second base position.
4. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 1, wherein
the wired connector jack is at least partially inserted into the
enclosure when the communication device base is in the first base
position.
5. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 1, wherein
the wired connector jack is removed from the enclosure when the
communication device base is in the second base position.
6.-10. (canceled)
11. A method of operating a wireless communication adapter device
including an enclosure and a communication device base inserted
into the enclosure, the communication device base having a first
switch, a wired connector jack, and a wireless communication
transceiver, the method comprising: moving the communication device
base along an axis within the enclosure from a first base position
within the enclosure to a second base position within the
enclosure; and actuating the first switch against the enclosure to
initiate one or more communication operations of the wireless
communication transceiver in the communication device base, during
the moving operation; wherein the wired connector jack is movably
attached to the communication device base, the wired connector jack
being configured to move with respect to the communication device
base between at least a first connector position and a second
connector position, when the communication device base is in the
second base position.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first switch is configured
to slidingly contact an interior surface of the enclosure as the
communication device base moves between the first base position and
the second base position.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first switch is actuated by
a structure on an interior surface of the enclosure as the
communication device base moves between the first base position and
the second base position.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the wired connector jack is at
least partially inserted into the enclosure when the communication
device base is in the first base position.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the wired connector jack is
removed from the enclosure when the communication device base is in
the second base position.
16.-20. (canceled)
21. A wireless communication adapter device comprising: an
enclosure; and a communication device base including a first
switch, a wired connector jack, and a wireless communication
transceiver, the communication device base being inserted into the
enclosure; wherein movement of the communication device base along
an axis within the enclosure from a first base position and a
second base position actuates the first switch against the
enclosure to initiate one or more communication operations of the
wireless communication transceiver in the communication device
base; and wherein the wired connector jack is movably attached to
the communication device base and electrically connected to the
wireless communication transceiver, the wired connector jack being
in a first connector position when the communication device base is
in the first base position and being capable of moving to a second
connector position when the communication device base is in the
second base position.
22. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 21, wherein
the communication device base further includes a second switch, the
second switch being actuated when the wired connector jack moves
between the first connector position and the second connector
position and the communication device base is in the second base
position.
23. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 22, wherein
the one or more communication operations of the wireless
communication transceiver initiated in the second base position
include establishment of a wireless connection between the wireless
communication transceiver and a paired remote wireless transceiver
responsive to the wired connector jack moving from the first
connector position to the second connector position and the
communication device base being in the second base position.
24. The wireless communication adapter device of claim 22, wherein
the one or more communication operations of the wireless
communication transceiver initiated in the second base position
include activation of a wireless pairing operation between the
wireless communication transceiver and a remote wireless
transceiver responsive to the wired connector jack being in the
first connector position and the communication device base being in
the second base position.
25. A method of operating a wireless communication adapter device
including an enclosure and a communication device base inserted
into the enclosure, the communication device base having a first
switch, a wired connector jack, and a wireless communication
transceiver, the method comprising: moving the communication device
base along an axis within the enclosure from a first base position
within the enclosure to a second base position within the
enclosure; and actuating the first switch against the enclosure to
initiate one or more communication operations of the wireless
communication transceiver in the communication device base, during
the moving operation; wherein the wired connector jack is movably
attached to the communication device base and electrically
connected to the wireless communication transceiver, the wired
connector jack being in a first connector position when the
communication device base is in the first base position and being
capable of moving to a second connector position when the
communication device base is in the second base position.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: actuating a second
switch in the communication device base when the wired connector
jack moves between the first connector position and the second
connector position and the communication device base is in the
second base position.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or more communication
operations of the wireless communication transceiver initiated in
the second base position include establishing a wireless connection
between the wireless communication transceiver and a paired remote
wireless transceiver responsive to the wired connector jack moving
from the first connector position to the second connector position
and the communication device base being in the second base
position.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or more communication
operations of the wireless communication transceiver initiated in
the second base position include activating a wireless pairing
operation between the wireless communication transceiver and a
remote wireless transceiver responsive to the wired connector jack
being in the first connector position and the communication device
base being in the second base position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related by subject matter to U.S.
Design patent application Ser. No. 29/751,162 [Attorney Docket No
859023USD], filed on Sep. 18, 2020 and entitled "Wireless
Communication Adapter", which is specifically incorporated herein
by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Modern wireless audio products, such as headphones,
earphones, and speakers, provide a significant improvement in user
experience over traditional wired audio products. However, many
audio sources, such as an audio system for an airplane seat, do not
support wireless connections. As such, a user with wireless
headphones, for example, can find it difficult to listen to audio
from an audio system providing only a wired connection.
SUMMARY
[0003] The foregoing problem is solved by a wireless communication
adapter device that includes an enclosure and a communication
device base. The communication device base includes a first switch
and a wireless communication transceiver. The communication device
base is inserted into the enclosure so that the communication
device base can move along an axis within the enclosure from a
first base position and a second base position. Such movement
actuates the first switch against the enclosure to initiate one or
more communication operations of the wireless communication
transceiver in the communication device base.
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0005] Other implementations are also described and recited
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in a
closed base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in a closed connector position.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in an
extended base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in an open connector position.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in a
closed base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in a closed connector position.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in an
extended base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in a closed connector position.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in an
extended base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in an open connector position.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in a
closed base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in an open connector position.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter including a communication device base in a
closed base position relative to an enclosure and two connector
jacks in a different open connector position.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter including a communication device
base in a closed base position relative to an enclosure and two
connector jacks in a closed connector position.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter including a communication device
base in an extended base position relative to an enclosure and two
connector jacks in a closed connector position.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter including a communication device
base in an extended base position relative to an enclosure and two
connector jacks in an open connector position.
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter including a communication device
base in a closed base position relative to an enclosure and two
connector jacks in a different open connector position.
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of an example wireless
communication adapter.
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of example operations for
initiating one or more communication operations in an example
wireless communication adapter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example wireless
communication adapter 100 including a communication device base 102
in a closed base position relative to an enclosure 104 and two
connector jacks 106 in a closed connector position. The
communication device base 102 is inserted (e.g., positioned) into
the enclosure 104 and is capable of movement along an axis within
the enclosure 104. The two connector jacks 106 are closed against
the communication device base 102 within the enclosure 104. It
should be understood that other implementations may employ more or
less than two connector jacks.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example wireless
communication adapter 200 including a communication device base 202
in an extended base position relative to an enclosure 204 and two
connector jacks 206 in an open connector position. It should be
noted that an open connector position may denote a position in
which a connector jack is rotated or extended away from the
communication device base 202 or is moved in some other way as to
make the connector jack available for electrical connection to an
electronic port (e.g., an audio port). The communication device
base 202 is inserted (e.g., positioned) into the enclosure 204 and
is capable of movement along an axis within the enclosure 204. The
two connector jacks 206 are opened (rotated away from) the
communication device base 202 and removed from the enclosure 204.
It should be understood that other implementations may employ more
or less than two connector jacks and that the connector jacks may
move independently of each other.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter 300 including a communication device base 302
in a closed base position relative to an enclosure 304 and two
connector jacks 306 in a closed connector position. The
communication device base 302 is inserted (e.g., positioned) into
the enclosure 304 and is capable of movement along an axis 322
within the enclosure 304. The two connector jacks 306 are closed
against the communication device base 302 within the enclosure 304.
A window 320 in the enclosure 304 allows one or more indicators
(e.g., lights, LEDs, markings) to be visible to a user through the
enclosure 304 in a variety of base positions.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter 400 including a communication device base 402
n an extended base position relative to an enclosure 404 and two
connector jacks 406 in a closed connector position. The
communication device base 402 is inserted (e.g., positioned) into
the enclosure 404 and is capable of movement along an axis 422
within the enclosure 404. The two connector jacks 406 are closed
against the communication device base 402 within the enclosure 404.
A window 420 in the enclosure 404 allows one or more indicators
(e.g., lights, LEDs, markings) to be visible to a user through the
enclosure 404 in a variety of base positions.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter 500 including a communication device base 502
in an extended base position relative to an enclosure 504 and two
connector jacks 506 in an open connector position. The
communication device base 502 is inserted into the enclosure 504
and is capable of movement along an axis 522 within the enclosure
504. The two connector jacks 506 are opened away from the
communication device base 502 and removed from the enclosure 504. A
window 520 in the enclosure 504 allows one or more indicators
(e.g., lights, LEDs, markings) to be visible to a user through the
enclosure 504 in a variety of base positions.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter 600 including a communication device base 602
in a closed base position relative to an enclosure 604 and two
connector jacks 606 in an open connector position. The
communication device base 602 is inserted into the enclosure 604
and is capable of movement along an axis 622 within the enclosure
604. The two connector jacks 606 are opened away from the
communication device base 602 and removed from the enclosure 604.
After the two connector jacks 606 were removed from the enclosure
604 and opened away from the communication device base 602, the
communication device base 602 was moved back to a closed base
condition. Because one or both of the two connector jacks 606 are
in the open connector position, the example wireless communication
adapter 600 maintains its communication operations (e.g., a
wireless connection to a remote wireless transceiver, such as in a
pair of Bluetooth headphones) rather than powering down or entering
standby mode. The two connector jacks 706 are rotated about 90
degrees from the closed connector position. A window 620 in the
enclosure 604 allows one or more indicators (e.g., lights, LEDs,
markings) to be visible to a user through the enclosure 604 in a
variety of base positions.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example wireless
communication adapter 700 including a communication device base 702
in a closed base position relative to an enclosure 704 and two
connector jacks 706 in a different open connector position (as
compared to FIG. 6). The communication device base 702 is inserted
into the enclosure 704 and is capable of movement along an axis 722
within the enclosure 704. The two connector jacks 706 are opened
away from the communication device base 702 and removed from the
enclosure 704. After the two connector jacks 706 were removed from
the enclosure 704 and opened away from the communication device
base 702, the communication device base 702 was moved back to a
closed base condition. Because one or both of the two connector
jacks 706 are in the open connector position, the example wireless
communication adapter 700 maintains its communication operations
(e.g., a wireless connection to a remote wireless transceiver, such
as in a pair of Bluetooth headphones) rather than powering down or
entering standby mode. In contrast to FIG. 6, the two connector
jacks 706 are rotated about 180 degrees from the closed connector
position. A window 720 in the enclosure 704 allows one or more
indicators (e.g., lights, LEDs, markings) to be visible to a user
through the enclosure 704 in a variety of base positions.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter 800 including a communication device
base 802 in a closed base position relative to an enclosure 804 and
two connector jacks 806 in a closed connector position. The
enclosure 804 forms a sleeve around the communication device base
802, allowing the communication device base 802 to slide up and
down within the enclosure 804. In other implementations, the
enclosure 804 need not enclose the entire perimeter of the
communication device base 802. As shown in FIG. 8, at a portion of
the interior surface of the enclosure 804 includes a recess 824,
although another structure could be employed (e.g., a protrusion, a
ramp, a ridge).
[0027] The communication device base 802 includes a base switch
826, which is activated by the recess 824 as the communication
device base 802 moves between a closed base position and an
extended base position. For example, the base switch 826 in FIG. 8
extends into the recess 824. However, as the communication device
base 802 moves toward the extended base position (as shown in FIGS.
9 and 10), the base switch 826 clears the recess 824, which
depresses the base switch 826 toward the communication device base
802 and actuates the base switch 826. Actuation of the base switch
826 as the communication device base 802 moves from the closed base
position toward the extended base position can represent a
transition from one logic state to another and initiate one or more
communication operations in the communication device base 802.
[0028] The communication device base 802 also includes a power
source (e.g., a battery 828), and input/output (I/O) port (e.g., a
USB-C port a USB-C port 830), and a printed circuit board (PCB) 832
on which one or more hardware processors (e.g., microcontrollers),
memory, a wireless communication transceiver, and other circuitry
are mounted. The two connector jacks 806 are mounted in rotatable
plastic molds 834. At least one of the rotatable plastic molds 834
contains a magnet 836. When the wired connector jack 806 that
contains the magnetic rotates from a closed connector position to
an open connector position, the magnet 836 moves away from a
magnetic sensor switch on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 838,
which is connected to a communications controller on the PCB 832.
This movement of the magnet 836 away from the magnetic sensor
switch actuates the magnetic sensor switch from a first logic state
to a second logic state. When the wired connector jack 806 that
contains the magnetic 836 rotates from an open connector position
to a closed connector position, the magnet 836 moves back into
alignment with a magnetic sensor switch on a flexible printed
circuit (FPC) 838, actuating the magnetic sensor switch from the
second logic state to the first logic state. Such state transitions
are monitored by the communications controller in combination with
the logic states corresponding to the closed and extended positions
of the communication device base 802. Based on these logic states,
the communications controller can initiate and terminate
communication operations of the example wireless communication
adapter 800.
[0029] Accordingly, when the example wireless communication adapter
800 is in the positioning illustrated in FIG. 8, it is typically
quiescent or about to enter a quiescent state. For example, if the
example wireless communication adapter 800 has moved from an
extended base position to the closed base position (with the
connector jacks in a closed connector position), the example
wireless communication adapter 800 may terminate all communication
operations and enter a power-down, standby, or sleep mode (possibly
after expiration of a timer). In contrast, if the example wireless
communication adapter 800 then moves from the closed base position
to the extended base position, the example wireless communication
adapter 800 may initiate a communication operation, such as
activating a wireless pairing operation between the wireless
communication transceiver and a remote wireless transceiver
(possibly, subject to a timer).
[0030] One or more magnets (see magnet 840) can be positioned in
the communication device base 802 and/or the enclosure 804 to
provide alignment assistance with the various base positions along
the axis of the enclosure 804. For example, the magnet 840 can
align with one set of magnets in the enclosure when in the closed
base position, and a different set of magnets in the closed base
position. Alternatively, different combinations of magnets in one
or both of the communication device base 802 and the enclosure 804
may be employed.
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter 900 including a communication device
base 902 in an extended base position relative to an enclosure 904
and two connector jacks 906 in a closed connector position. The
enclosure 904 forms a sleeve around the communication device base
902, allowing the communication device base 902 to slide up and
down within the enclosure 904. As shown in FIG. 9, at a portion of
the interior surface of the enclosure 904 includes a recess 924,
although another structure could be employed (e.g., a protrusion, a
ramp, a ridge).
[0032] The communication device base 902 includes a base switch
926, which is activated by the recess 924 as the communication
device base 902 moves between a closed base position and an
extended base position. The base switch 926 slidingly contacts the
interior surface of the enclosure 904, in some points extending
into the recess 924 and in other points being depressed toward the
communication device base 902 because it is not aligned with the
recess. For example, the base switch 926 in FIG. 9 has been
depressed into the communication device base 902 by the interior
surface of the enclosure 904 to actuates the base switch 926
because the base switch 926 has moved past (cleared) the recess
924. Actuation of the base switch 926 as the communication device
base 902 moves from the closed base position toward the extended
base position can represent a transition from one logic state to
another and initiate one or more communication operations in the
communication device base 902.
[0033] The communication device base 902 also includes a power
source (e.g., a battery 928), and input/output (I/O) port (e.g., a
USB-C port a USB-C port 930), and a printed circuit board (PCB) 932
on which one or more hardware processors (e.g., microcontrollers),
memory, a wireless communication transceiver, and other circuitry
are mounted. The two connector jacks 906 are mounted in rotatable
plastic molds 934. At least one of the rotatable plastic molds 934
contains a magnet 936. When the wired connector jack 906 that
contains the magnetic rotates from a closed connector position to
an open connector position, the magnet 936 moves away from a
magnetic sensor switch on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 938,
which is connected to a communications controller on the PCB 932.
This movement of the magnet 936 away from the magnetic sensor
switch actuates the magnetic sensor switch from a first logic state
to a second logic state. When the wired connector jack 906 that
contains the magnetic 936 rotates from an open connector position
to a closed connector position, the magnet 936 moves back into
alignment with a magnetic sensor switch on a flexible printed
circuit (FPC) 938, actuating the magnetic sensor switch from the
second logic state to the first logic state. Such state transitions
are monitored by the communications controller in combination with
the logic states corresponding to the closed and extended positions
of the communication device base 902. Based on these logic states,
the communications controller can initiate and terminate
communication operations of the example wireless communication
adapter 900.
[0034] Accordingly, when the example wireless communication adapter
900 enters the positioning illustrated in FIG. 9 from a closed base
position, it typically executes a communication operation, such as
activating a wireless pairing operation with a remote wireless
transceiver.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter 1000 including a communication
device base 1002 in an extended base position relative to an
enclosure 1004 and two connector jacks 1006 in an open connector
position. The enclosure 1004 forms a sleeve around the
communication device base 1002, allowing the communication device
base 1002 to slide up and down within the enclosure 1004. As shown
in FIG. 10, at a portion of the interior surface of the enclosure
1004 includes a recess 1024, although another structure could be
employed (e.g., a protrusion, a ramp, a ridge).
[0036] The communication device base 1002 includes a base switch
1026, which is activated by the recess 1024 as the communication
device base 902 moves between a closed base position and an
extended base position. For example, the base switch 1026 in FIG.
10 has been depressed into the communication device base 1002 by
the interior surface of the enclosure 1004 to actuates the base
switch 1026 because the base switch 1026 has moved past (cleared)
the recess 1024. Actuation of the base switch 1026 as the
communication device base 1002 moves from the closed base position
toward the extended base position represents a transition from one
logic state to another and initiates one or more communication
operations in the communication device base 1002.
[0037] The communication device base 1002 also includes a power
source (e.g., a battery 1028), and input/output (I/O) port (e.g., a
USB-C port a USB-C port 1030), and a printed circuit board (PCB)
1032 on which one or more hardware processors (e.g.,
microcontrollers), memory, a wireless communication transceiver,
and other circuitry are mounted. The two connector jacks 1006 are
mounted in rotatable plastic molds 1034. At least one of the
rotatable plastic molds 1034 contains a magnet 1036. When the wired
connector jack 1006 that contains the magnetic 1036 rotates from a
closed connector position to an open connector position shown in
FIG. 10, the magnet 1036 moves away from a magnetic sensor switch
on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 1038, which is connected to a
communications controller on the PCB 1032. This movement of the
magnet 1036 away from the magnetic sensor switch actuates the
magnetic sensor switch from a first logic state to a second logic
state. When the wired connector jack 1006 that contains the
magnetic rotates from an open connector position to a closed
connector position, the magnet 1036 moves back into alignment with
a magnetic sensor switch on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 1038,
actuating the magnetic sensor switch from the second logic state to
the first logic state. Such state transitions are monitored by the
communications controller in combination with the logic states
corresponding to the closed and extended positions of the
communication device base 1002. Based on these logic states, the
communications controller can initiate and terminate communication
operations of the example wireless communication adapter 1000.
[0038] Accordingly, when the example wireless communication adapter
1000 enters the positioning illustrated in FIG. 10 from a closed
base position, it is typically executing a communication operation,
such as establishing or maintaining a wireless connection with a
remote wireless transceiver.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
wireless communication adapter including a communication device
base in a closed base position relative to an enclosure and two
connector jacks in a different open connector position. The
enclosure 1104 forms a sleeve around the communication device base
1102, allowing the communication device base 1102 to slide up and
down within the enclosure 1104. As shown in FIG. 11, at a portion
of the interior surface of the enclosure 1104 includes a recess
1124, although another structure could be employed (e.g., a
protrusion, a ramp, a ridge).
[0040] The communication device base 1102 includes a base switch
1126, which is activated by the recess 1124 as the communication
device base 1102 moves between a closed base position and an
extended base position. For example, the base switch 1126 in FIG.
11 has been depressed into the communication device base 1102 by
the interior surface of the enclosure 1104 to actuates the base
switch 1126 because the base switch 1126 has moved past (cleared)
the recess 1124. Actuation of the base switch 1126 as the
communication device base 1102 moves from the closed base position
toward the extended base position represents a transition from one
logic state to another and initiates one or more communication
operations in the communication device base 1102.
[0041] The communication device base 1102 also includes a power
source (e.g., a battery 1128), and input/output (I/O) port (e.g., a
USB-C port a USB-C port 1130), and a printed circuit board (PCB)
1132 on which one or more hardware processors (e.g.,
microcontrollers), memory, a wireless communication transceiver,
and other circuitry are mounted. The two connector jacks 1106 are
mounted in rotatable plastic molds 1134. At least one of the
rotatable plastic molds 1134 contains a magnet 1136. When the wired
connector jack 1106 that contains the magnetic 1136 rotates from a
closed connector position to an open connector position, the magnet
1136 moves away from a magnetic sensor switch on a flexible printed
circuit (FPC) 1138, which is connected to a communications
controller on the PCB 1132. This movement of the magnet 1136 away
from the magnetic sensor switch actuates the magnetic sensor switch
from a first logic state to a second logic state. When the wired
connector jack 1106 that contains the magnetic rotates from an open
connector position to a closed connector position, the magnet 1136
moves back into alignment with a magnetic sensor switch on a
flexible printed circuit (FPC) 1138, actuating the magnetic sensor
switch from the second logic state to the first logic state. Such
state transitions are monitored by the communications controller in
combination with the logic states corresponding to the closed and
extended positions of the communication device base 1102. Based on
these logic states, the communications controller can initiate and
terminate communication operations of the example wireless
communication adapter 1100.
[0042] Accordingly, when the example wireless communication adapter
1100 enters the positioning illustrated in FIG. 11, it is typically
executing a communication operation, such as establishing or
maintaining a wireless connection with a remote wireless
transceiver.
[0043] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of an example wireless
communication adapter 1200. In at least one implementations, the
components of FIG. 12 are contained within or on a communication
device base of the example wireless communication adapter 1200,
although some implementation may separate one or more of the
components to other elements of the example wireless communication
adapter 1200.
[0044] In the illustrated implementation, a communications
controller 1202 manages the logic states and operations of the
example wireless communication adapter 1200. The communications
controller 1202 contains one or more hardware processors 1204,
memory 1206, and a timer 1208, although other implementations may
employ different components. The communications controller 1202 may
be in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated
circuit), an application-specific standard product, an FPGA
(field-programmable gate array), a standard integrated circuit, or
some other combination of integrated and/or discrete components and
may include a microcontroller. The memory 1206 constitutes an
example non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which
excludes signals per se, and can be used to store firmware
instructions, pairing parameters, credentials, compliance
parameters, etc. The one or more hardware processors 1204 can
execute firmware instructions and access data stored in the memory
1206.
[0045] The communications controller 1202 is electrically connected
to one or more connector jacks 1210 (e.g., a wired 3.5 mm AUX plug)
and a wireless transceiver 1212 (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver).
The connector jacks 1210 are suitable for electrically connecting
to a standard 3.5 mm port, such as on a laptop computer, a mobile
phone, a tablet computer, etc., although other forms of connector
jacks may be employed, including without limitation, Lightning
connectors, USB-C connectors, 2.5 mm audio jacks, and 1/4'' audio
jacks. The Bluetooth transceiver 1212 includes an antenna 1214 for
transmitting and receiving wireless signals from a remote wireless
transceiver (e.g., in a pair of Bluetooth headphones or earphones).
The connector jacks 1210 are electrically connected to the wireless
transceiver 1212, such as to pass an electrical audio signal from
the connector jacks 1210 to the wireless transceiver 1212 and then
to the remote wireless transceiver.
[0046] The communications controller 1202 is connected to a base
switch 1216 and a connector switch 1218. The base switch 1216 is
actuated by movement of the communication device base within an
enclosure and indicates the closed or extended base position of the
communication device base within an enclosure. Example closed base
positions are shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 8, and 11, and example
extended base positions are shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10. The
connector switch 1218 is actuated by movement of one or more of the
connector jacks 1210 between a closed connector position to an open
connector position, which in one implementation is detected by
alignment/misalignment of a magnetic detector switch with a magnet
positioned in a rotatable plastic mold holding one or more of the
connector jacks 1210, although other switching mechanisms may be
employed. Example closed connector positions are shown in FIGS. 1,
3, 4, 8, and 9, and example open connector positions are shown in
FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11.
[0047] In one implementation, all electrical components of the
example wireless communication adapter 1200 are powered by a
battery 1220 and/or a USB-C port (not shown), although other power
sources are contemplated. In one implementation, the base switch
1216 enables and disables power to the electrical components of the
example wireless communication adapter 1200, although in other
implementations, power is managed by the communications controller
1202.
[0048] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of example operations
1300 for initiating one or more communication operations in an
example wireless communication adapter. A movement operation 1302
initiates movement of a communication device base along an axis
within an enclosure from a first base position (e.g., a closed base
position) to a second base position (e.g., an extended base
position). A base switching operation 1304 actuates a first switch
(e.g., a base switch) against the enclosure to initiate one or more
communications operations of a wireless communication transceiver
within the communication device base. For example, the base
switching operation 1304 may initiate the supply of power to a
communications controller and/or trigger a sequence of operations
described below.
[0049] A decision operation 1306 evaluates the logic state of the
example wireless communication adapter. If the example wireless
communication adapter determined by the communications controller
to be in an open connector position (while being in an extended
base position), then a connection operation 1314 establishes (or
attempts to establish) a wireless connection between the wireless
communication transceiver of the communication device base and a
paired remote wireless transceiver (e.g., in Bluetooth headphones).
If the example wireless communication adapter is determined by the
communications controller to be in a closed connector position
(while being in an extended base position), then another decision
operation 1308 determines whether a timer (e.g., about 5 seconds)
has expired. If the timer has not expired, the operations 1306 and
1308 keep checking the connector position and the timer status. If
the timer has expired (while the example wireless communication
adapter is in an extended base position and an open connector
position, then a pairing operation 1310 activates a wireless
pairing operation with the wireless communication transceiver
within the communication device base.
[0050] A decision operation 1312 monitors whether the pairing
operation with a remote wireless transceiver (e.g., in Bluetooth
headphones) was successful. If not, the pairing operation 1310
continues. If so, the connection operation 1314 establishes (or
attempts to establish) a wireless connection between the wireless
communication transceiver of the communication device base and a
paired remote wireless transceiver.
[0051] Various operations in the flow diagram of FIG. 13 can be
terminated by returning the connector jacks to a closed connector
position and returning the communication device base to a closed
base position.
[0052] An example wireless communication adapter may include a
variety of tangible processor-readable storage media and intangible
processor-readable communication signals. Tangible
processor-readable storage can be embodied by any available media
that can be accessed by the wireless communication adapter and
includes both volatile and nonvolatile storage media, removable and
non-removable storage media. Tangible processor-readable storage
media excludes signals per se (such as a modulated data signal) and
includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable
storage media implemented in any method or technology for storage
of information such as processor-readable instructions, data
structures, program modules, or other data. Tangible
processor-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to,
RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM,
digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage,
magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other
magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible medium which can be
used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by
the wireless communication adapter. In contrast to tangible
processor-readable storage media, intangible processor-readable
communication signals may embody processor-readable instructions,
data structures, program modules, or other data resident in a
modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other signal
transport mechanism. The term "modulated data signal" means a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of
example, and not limitation, intangible communication signals
include signals traveling through wired media such as a wired
network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as
acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.
[0053] While this specification contains many specific
implementation details, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be
claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to
particular embodiments of a particular described technology.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the
context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features
that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also
be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any
suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be
described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed
combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination,
and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or
variation of a subcombination.
[0054] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various
system components in the embodiments described above should not be
understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it
should be understood that the described program components and
systems can generally be integrated together in a single
software/firmware product or packaged into multiple
software/firmware products.
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