GB2616446A

GB2616446A - Apparatus capable of being used as a primary device and an auxiliary device, and a system in association thereto

Info

Publication number: GB2616446A
Application number: GB2203240.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Go Minsu
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Current assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2022-03-09
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2023-09-13
Also published as: GB202203240D0

Abstract

An apparatus 102 is capable of being used as a primary device with a primary function and an auxiliary device with an auxiliary function. The apparatus can include a first module 202 associable with use of the apparatus as the primary device and a second module 204 associable with use of the apparatus as the auxiliary device. The apparatus also includes a third module 206 coupled to the first module and/or the second module. The third module facilitates communication between the first module and a primary application device associable with the primary function(s) or facilitate communication between the second module and a secondary application device associable with the auxiliary function. The third module may be a BLUETOOTH (RTM) communications module, preferably with BLUETOOTH Low Energy functions. The first, second and third modules may be hardware-based or software-based. The apparatus is preferably an integrated smart-key and earphone product and can be used by a user for multiple functions, such as access to a vehicle and consumption of audio information. This means that user convenience is increased as the number of items needed to be carried is reduced.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132203240.3 RUM Date:25 August 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

BLUETOOTH

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo APPARATUS CAPABLE OF BEING USED AS A PRIMARY DEVICE AND AN AUXILIARY DEVICE, AND A SYSTEM IN ASSOCIATION THERETO

Field Of Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus capable of being used as a primary device and an auxiliary device. The apparatus can, for example, correspond to a smart key which can be used for locking/unlocking, and which can be further used as, for example, an auxiliary device. The present disclosure further relates to a system in association with the apparatus.

Background

Generally, users, in everyday life, carry a number of things and each of which can have an intended use/purpose.

For example, a user would most likely carry a set of keys and one or more other devices (e.g., a smartphone and/or an audio-type device such as an earpiece). The key(s) can, for example, be electronic-based key(s). Moreover, if a user is carrying a smartphone, it is rather probable that the user would also be carrying an earpiece for use with the smartphone. The earpiece can be a wired-type earpiece or a wireless-type earpiece.

It is contemplated that carrying a number of things could possibly cause some form of inconvenience during, for example, daily commute/general everyday traveling. Moreover, it is also a possibility that a user may forget to bring along one or more of the aforementioned number of things. This may cause further inconvenience (e.g., a user may forget to bring along the earpiece).

In this regard, it is contemplated that user experience during, for example, daily travel/commuting, may not be optimal.

The present disclosure contemplates that there is a need for improvement in regard to user experience during, for example, daily travel/commuting.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus which can carry a first module and a second module. The first module can, for example, be associated with a first function and the second module can, for example, be associated with a second function, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The first function can, for example, correspond to at least one primary function. The second function can, for example, correspond to at least one auxiliary function.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the apparatus can be capable of being used as a primary device and an auxiliary device. The primary device can be associated with at least one primary function and the auxiliary device can be associated with at least one auxiliary function. The apparatus can include a first module, a second module and a third module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The first module can be associated with the use of the apparatus as the primary device. Moreover, the first module can be coupled to at least one primary application device 104 which can be associated with the primary function(s).

The second module can be associated with use of the apparatus as the auxiliary device. Moreover, the second module can be coupled to at least one secondary application device which can be associated with the auxiliary function(s).

The third module can be coupled to one or both of the first module and the second module (i.e., at least one of the first module and the second module; the first module and/or the second module). Moreover, the third module can be configured to one or both of (i.e., at least one of; and/or): * facilitate communication between the first module and the primary application device(s); and * facilitate communication between the second module and the secondary application device(s).

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus can further include one or both of a power module and a control module (i.e., at least one of a power module and a control module; a power module and/or a control module). The power source module can, for example, be coupled to one or both of the first module and the second module (i.e., at least one of the first module and the second module; the first module and/or the second module), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The power source module can, for example, be configured to supply power to one or both of the first module and the second module (i.e., at least one of the first module and the second module; the first module and/or the second module).

The control module can, for example, be coupled to the earphone part, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Moreover, the control module can, for example, be configured to generate and communicate at least one control signal for controlling the earphone part. In one example, the control module can correspond to a volume control in association with the earphone part.

In an example implementation, the apparatus can correspond to an integrated smart-key and earphone product which can, for example, include a smart-key part and an earphone part. In one example, the smart-key part can correspond to the primary function(s) and the earphone part can correspond to the auxiliary function(s). In another example, the earphone part can correspond to the primary function(s) and the smart-key part can correspond to the auxiliary function(s).

In an example implementation, the third module can correspond to a Bluetoothbased communication module. In one embodiment, the third module can, for example, include a plurality of modules which can include, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module and a Bluetooth module. In another embodiment, the third module can, for example, correspond to a single communication module capable of performing tasks in association with, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module and a Bluetooth module.

In this regard, the present disclosure contemplates an apparatus which can, for example, be used for multiple functions (e.g., at least one primary function and at least one auxiliary function). It is appreciable that the apparatus can be used by a user as both, for example, a smart-key (e.g., in association with a vehicle) and a, for example, earphone. Therefore, the apparatus (i.e., as one product) can be usable by a user for multiple functions (e.g., access to vehicle and consumption of audio information).

It is contemplated that, in this regard, the number of items/things a user would be required to carry whilst, for example, traveling from place to place (e.g., commuting) can at least be reduced. In this manner, it is appreciable that user experience can at least be improved.

The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described system of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the system of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described apparatus of the disclosure.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system which can at least include the aforementioned apparatus.

zo Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a system which can include at least one apparatus, according to an

embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig, 2a shows the apparatus of Fig, 1 in further detail, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and Fig. 2b shows a specific example of the apparatus of Fig. 1, according to an

embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure contemplates that to at least improve user experience, it can be helpful to at least reduce the number of things a user may need to carry.

In this regard, the present disclosure contemplates an apparatus which can, for example, be used for multiple functions. The apparatus can, for example, correspond to a smart key which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (e.g., an earpiece/earphones). In one embodiment, the apparatus can, for example, correspond to an integrated smart-key earphone. In a specific example, the apparatus can correspond to an integrated smart-key wireless earphone, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus can, for example, be a Bluetooth-based device. The smart-key can, for example, be usable for impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle, in

accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

It is appreciable that the apparatus can be used by a user as both, for example, a smart-key (e.g., in association with a vehicle) and a, for example, earphone. Therefore, the apparatus (i.e., as one product) can be usable by a user for multiple functions (e.g., access to vehicle and consumption of audio information).

It is contemplated that, in this regard, the number of items/things a user would be required to carry whilst, for example, traveling from place to place (e.g., commuting) can at least be reduced In this manner, it is appreciable that user experience can at least be improved.

The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 hereinafter.

Referring to Fig. 1, a system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system 100 can be in association with a vehicle (not shown). For example, the system 100 can, at least in part, correspond to an electronic based system associated with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one example, one or more parts of the system 100 can be electronic based and one or more other parts of the system 100 can be non-electronic based, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In another example, the system 100 can be fully electronic based, in accordance with an embodiment of the

disclosure.

The system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the communication network 106.

The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the disclosure An apparatus 102 can, for example, correspond to an electronic device which can be used to perform one or both of a first function and a second function (i.e., a first function and/or a second function). For example, the apparatus 102 can be used by a user (not shown) in connection with the first function and the second function. The first function can, for example, be referable to as a primary function and the second function can, for example, be referable to as an auxiliary function. In one example, the primary function can correspond to an access related function (e.g., functionable for either facilitating access to the vehicle or impeding access to the vehicle), and the auxiliary function can correspond to an audio related function (e.g., functionable as a wireless earphone for user consumption of audio-based information). The apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

A device(s) 104 can, for example, include/correspond to one or more periphery 5 devices which can communicate with the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the device(s) 104 can, for example, include/correspond to at least one primary application device which can be associated with the aforementioned primary function and at least one secondary application device which can be associated with the aforementioned auxiliary 10 function. Other examples are also useful. In one example, the device(s) 104 can correspond to another device which can be analogous to the apparatus 102. In another example, the device(s) 104 can correspond to a computer which can be configured to update the apparatus 102.

The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a wired-based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (i.e., between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless zo communication.

In this regard, the present disclosure contemplates an apparatus 102 which can, for example, be used for multiple functions. It is appreciable that the apparatus can be used by a user as both, for example, a smart-key (e.g., in association with a vehicle) and a, for example, earphone. Therefore, the apparatus (i.e., as one product) can be usable by a user for multiple functions (e.g., access to vehicle and consumption of audio information).

The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described apparatus 102 of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described system 100 of the disclosure.

The aforementioned apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b hereinafter. Fig. 2a shows a general overview of an example implementation, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure and Fig. 2b shows a specific example of the apparatus(es) 102, as discussed in association with the example implementation, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to Fig. 2a, an apparatus 102 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof. As an option, the apparatus 102 can, for example, carry one or more other additional modules (e.g., a power module and/or a control module), as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2b, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and, optionally, a third module 206. In another embodiment, the apparatus 102 can carry a first module 202 and a second module 204.

The first module 202 can, for example, be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The second module 204 can, for example, be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The third module 206 can, for example, be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Coupling between the first, second and/or third modules 202/204/206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first, second and third modules 202/204/206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

With regard to the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a smart key which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (e.g., an earpiece/earphones), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus 102 can, for example, correspond to an integrated smart-key earphone. In an example, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an integrated smart-key wireless earphone, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus 102 can, for example, be a Bluetooth-based device. The smart-key can, for example, be usable for impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the first module 202 can correspond to a smart-key module. The smart-key module can, for example, be electronic hardware-based and can be configured for use (e.g., by a user) for impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure In one embodiment, the second module 204 can, for example, correspond to an audio-based module. The audio-based module can, for example, be electronic hardware-based and can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with audio-processing to facilitate audio consumption of information (e.g., by a user), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based communication module which can, in one example, be configured to communicate one or more signals from the apparatus 102. The signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the apparatus 102 to the device(s) 104. In another example, the third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based communication module which can be configured to facilitate communication between the first and second modules 202/204. In yet another example, the third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based communication module which can be configured to facilitate communication in respect of one or both of the first and second modules 202/204 (e.g., the third module 206 can correspond to a transceiver which can facilitate communication in connection with the first module 202 and/or the second module 204).

The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that one or both of the first and second modules 202/204 can possibly be both hardware-based and software-based. In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based processor which can carry a software program/algorithm in association with impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle. In another example, the second module 204 can correspond to a hardware-based processor which can carry a software program/algorithm in association with audio-processing to facilitate audio consumption of information.

Moreover, the first module 202 can be considered to be a primary module and the second module 204 can be considered to be a secondary module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The primary module can be associated with the earlier mentioned primary function and the secondary module can be associated with the earlier mentioned auxiliary function. In one example, function(s) associated with the first module 202 (e.g., which can correspond to a smart-key module) can be considered to be the aforementioned primary function and function(s) associated with the second module 204 (e.g., which can correspond to an audio-based module) can be considered to be the aforementioned auxiliary function. In a specific example, the primary function can be in relation to impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle, and the auxiliary function can be in relation to audio-processing to facilitate audio consumption of information.

Referring to Fig. 2b, a specific example 250 of the apparatus 102, as discussed in association with the above example implementation 200, is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown, in connection with the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can include the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first and second modules 202/204, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The apparatus 102 can optionally further include one or both of a power source module 208 and a control module 210, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one example, the apparatus 102 can carry the first module 202, the second module 204, the third module 206, the power source module 208 and the control module 210, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the first module 202 can be optionally coupled to the second module 204. The power module 208 can be coupled to one or both of the first and second modules 202/204, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The control module 210 can, in one embodiment, be coupled to the second module 204. Coupling can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wireless coupling and wired coupling.

In the specific example 250, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an integrated smart-key and earphone product, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can, for example, correspond to a product which is based on a combination of a smart-key part and an earphone part.

Additionally, the apparatus 102 can, for example, be a Bluetooth-based product, in

accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The first module 202 can, for example, correspond to the smart-key part and the second module 204 can, for example, correspond to the earphone part. The third 30 module 206 can, for example, correspond to a Bluetooth-based communication module.

The smart-key part (e.g., corresponding to the first module 202) can be associated with a vehicle access system carried by a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle access system can be used for facilitating access (e.g., unlocking) or impeding access (e.g., unlocking) to the vehicle. In regard to the smart key part, the third module 206 can, 5 for example, correspond to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module which can be coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to the vehicle access system. The BLE module can, for example, be configured to generate and communicate one or more vehicle access control signals to the vehicle access system for one of facilitating access and impeding access (i.e., facilitating access or impeding access) to the vehicle, in 10 accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The earphone part (e.g., correspond to the second module 204) can be configured to, for example, facilitate audio consumption of multimedia audio signals, navigation-related audio signals and/or facilitate hands-free calling. In one embodiment, the earphone part can be coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to at least one periphery device (e.g., corresponding to the device(s) 104 as discussed with reference to the system 100 of Fig. 1). The periphery device(s) can, in one example, correspond to a multimedia-type device capable of communicating audio-based signals to the earphone part. In another example, the periphery device(s) can correspond to a cellular-type device (e.g., a smartphone) capable of communicating audio-based signals (e.g., a voice call). In yet another example, the periphery device(s) can correspond to a navigation system (e.g., a car navigation system) which can be configured to communicate audio-based signals (e.g., vehicle information and/or voice guidance). In regard to the earphone part, the third module 206 can, for example, correspond a Bluetooth module which can be configured to facilitate communication with the periphery device(s). In this regard, the Bluetooth module can be coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) with the periphery device(s).

The power source module 208 can, for example, correspond to a battery such as a lithium-ion battery which can be usable to power one or both of the smart-key part and the earphone part, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The power source module 208 can further, for example, be optionally usable to power one or both of the third module 206 and the control module 210, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The control module 210 can be configured to generate and communicate one or more control signals for control in association with the earphone part. For example, the control signal(s) can be used for controlling volume (e.g., loudness) of the audio-based signal(s) audibly perceivable by a user of the apparatus 102. For example, the control signal(s) can be useful for increasing or reducing the volume of the audio-based signal(s) in accordance with user preference.

It is appreciable that the third module 206 can be associated with/correspond to one or both of the BLE module and the Bluetooth module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this regard, the present disclosure contemplates that, in one embodiment, the third module 206 can be considered to include a plurality of modules in which one module can be associated with the BLE module and another module can be associated with the Bluetooth module. The BLE module and the Bluetooth module can, for example, be considered to be distinct from each other (e.g., two different/separate modules). The present disclosure contemplates that, in another embodiment, the third module 206 can, for example, be considered to be a single communication module (e.g., a software-based module) capable of functioning as the BLE module and the Bluetooth module. Therefore, it is appreciable that the third module 206 can either be considered to correspond to a plurality of communication modules (e.g., separate and distinct communication hardware and/or software-based modules) or be considered to be a single communication module (e.g., a single communication hardware/software module capable of performing tasks in association with the BLE module and the Bluetooth module).

In this regard, it is appreciable that the present disclosure contemplates an apparatus 102 which can, for example, be used for multiple functions (e.g., used as a smart-key and an earphone device). As discussed, in one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can, for example, correspond to a smart key (i.e., corresponding to the smart-key part) which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (i.e., corresponding to the earphone part). Accordingly, it is appreciable that the apparatus 102 can be used by a user as both, for example, a smart-key (e.g., in association with a vehicle) and a, for example, earphone. Therefore, the apparatus 102 (i.e., as one product) can be usable by a user for multiple functions (e.g., access to vehicle and consumption of audio information).

It is contemplated that, in the above manner, the number of items/things a user would be required to carry whilst, for example, traveling from place to place (e.g., commuting) can at least be reduced. In this manner, it is appreciable that user experience can at least be improved.

In view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure can generally relate to an apparatus 102 which can carry a first module 202 and a second module 204. The first module 102 can, for example, be associated with a first function and the second module 204 can, for example, be associated with a second function, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The first function can, for example, correspond to at least one primary function. The second function can, for example, correspond to at least one auxiliary function.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can be capable of being used as a primary device and an auxiliary device. The primary device can be associated with at least one primary function and the auxiliary device can be associated with at least one auxiliary function. The apparatus 102 can include a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The first module 202 can be associated with the use of the apparatus 102 as the primary device. Moreover, the first module 202 can be coupled to at least one primary application device 104 which can be associated with the primary function(s).

The second module 204 can be associated with use of the apparatus 102 as the auxiliary device. Moreover, the second module 204 can be coupled to at least one secondary application device 104 which can be associated with the auxiliary function(s).

The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204 (i.e., at least one of the first module 202 and the second module 204; the first module 202 and/or the second module 204). Moreover, the third module 206 can be configured to one or both of (i.e., at least one of; and/or).

* facilitate communication between the first module 202 and the primary application device(s) 104; and * facilitate communication between the second module 204 and the secondary application device(s) 104.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus 102 can further include one or both of a power module 208 and a control module 210 (i.e., at least one of a power module 208 and a control module 210; a power module 208 and/or a control module 210). The power source module 208 can, for example, be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204 (i.e., at least one of the first module 202 and the second module 204; the first module 202 and/or the second module 204), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The power source module 208 can, for example, be configured to supply power to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204 (i.e., at least one of the first module 202 and the second module 204; the first module 202 and/or the second module 204). The control module 210 can, for example, be coupled to the earphone part, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Moreover, the control module 210 can, for example, be configured to generate and communicate at least one control signal for controlling the earphone part. In one example, the control module 210 can correspond to a volume control in association with the earphone part In an example implementation, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an integrated smart-key and earphone product which can, for example, include a smart-key part and an earphone part. In one example, the smart-key part can correspond to the primary function(s) and the earphone part can correspond to the auxiliary function(s) In another example, the earphone part can correspond to the primary function(s) and the smart-key part can correspond to the auxiliary function(s).

In an example implementation, the third module 206 can correspond to a Bluetooth-based communication module. In one embodiment, the third module 206 can, for example, include a plurality of modules which can include, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module and a Bluetooth module. In another embodiment, the third module 206 can, for example, correspond to a single communication module capable of performing tasks in association with, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module and a Bluetooth module.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the "Detailed Description" section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the "Summary of the Invention" section).

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

In one example, the present disclosure contemplates that the communication network 106 can be omitted, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Communication (i.e., between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) can be by manner of direct coupling. Such direct coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

In another example, it is earlier discussed that the apparatus 102 can correspond to a smart key which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (e.g., an earpiece/earphones), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the apparatus 102 can correspond to an audio-type device (e.g., an earpiece/earphones) which can also be used as an auxiliary device (e.g., a smart key). In this regard, function(s) associated with the first module 202 can, for example, correspond to an audio-based module and can be considered to be the aforementioned primary function. Furthermore, function(s) associated with the second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a smart-key module and can be considered to be the aforementioned auxiliary function. In a specific example, the primary function can be in relation to audio-processing to facilitate audio consumption of information, and the auxiliary function can be in relation to impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle.

In yet another example, it is earlier discussed that the apparatus 102 can correspond to a smart key which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (e.g., an earpiece/earphones), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the auxiliary device can be non-audio-related (e.g., a graphic-type device in relation to visual perception of information) In yet another further example, it is earlier discussed that the apparatus 102 can correspond to a smart key which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an zo audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (e.g., an earpiece/earphones), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the auxiliary device can be both audio-related (e.g., an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information) and graphic-related (e.g., a graphic-type device in relation to visual perception of information).

In yet a further additional example, it is earlier discussed that the apparatus 102 can correspond to a smart key which can also be used as an auxiliary device such as an audio-type device usable for user consumption of audio information (e.g., an earpiece/earphones), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the auxiliary device can be nonmedia-related (e.g., a secondary key associated with another access system).

In yet another further additional example, it is earlier discussed that the smart-key can, for example, be usable for impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the smart-key can, for example, be usable in a non-vehicular context. For example, the smart-key can be usable for impeding access (i.e., locking) or facilitating access (i.e., unlocking) to a house or a safe etc..

In yet another further additional example, the present disclosure contemplates a method (not shown) in association with the system 100 and/or the apparatus 102.

The method can include providing any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof. The method can further include coupling the first module 202, the second module 204 and/or the third module 206. Coupling can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

Claim(s) 1. An apparatus (102) capable of being used as a primary device associable with at least one primary function and an auxiliary device associable with at least one auxiliary function, the apparatus comprising: a first module (202) associable with use of the apparatus (102) as the primary device, the first module (202) capable of being coupled to at least one primary application device (104) associable with the at least one primary function; a second module (204) associable with use of the apparatus (102) as the auxiliary device, the second module (204) capable of being coupled to at least one secondary application device (104) associable with the at least one auxiliary function; and a third module (206) coupled to at least one of the first module (202) and the second module (204), the third module (206) configurable to at least one of: facilitate communication between the first module (202) and the least one primary application device (104); and facilitate communication between the second module (204) and the at least one secondary application device (104).
2. The apparatus (102) of claim 1, the apparatus (102) corresponding to an integrated smart-key and earphone product which includes a smart-key part and an earphone part.
3. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smart-key part corresponds to the at least one primary function and the earphone part corresponds to the at least one auxiliary function.
4. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the earphone part corresponds to the at least one primary function and the smart-key part corresponds to the at least one auxiliary function.
5. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third module (206) corresponds to a Bluetooth-based communication module.
6. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third module (206) includes a plurality of modules, the plurality of modules including a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module and a Bluetooth module.
The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third module (206) corresponds to a single communication module capable of performing tasks in association with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module and a Bluetooth module.
8. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a power source module (208) coupled to at least one of the first module (202) and the second module (204), wherein the power source module (208) is configured to supply power to at least one of the first module (202) and the second module (204).
9. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a control module (210) coupled to the earphone part, wherein the control module (210) is configurable to generate and communicate at least one control signal for controlling the earphone part.
10. The apparatus (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (210) corresponds to a volume control in association with the earphone part.