WO2024036602A1

WO2024036602A1 - System for wireless control of headphones

Info

Publication number: WO2024036602A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/113587
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Li; Sebastiaan GRUIJTERS
Original assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Priority date: 2022-08-19
Filing date: 2022-08-19
Publication date: 2024-02-22

Abstract

A system for wireless control of wireless headphones includes a case configured to store the wireless headphones, a user interface attached to the case and configured to receive user input, and a controller attached to the case and configured to generate a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface, wherein the command is wirelessly transmitted from the case to the wireless headphones.

Description

SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS CONTROL OF HEADPHONES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system for wireless control of headphones, in particular a smart headphone case for wirelessly controlling wireless headphones.

BACKGROUND

More and more soft features are being embedded into software applications for controlling wireless headphones to enable a user to perform and/or configure various functions and/or features of wireless headphones. To do so, a user downloads a headphone App to a smartphone, then sets up BLE connections among the App, the wireless headphones, and a smartphone. However, such headphone Apps only support smartphone platforms and are not compatible with non-smartphone smart devices such as personal computers (PC) , laptops, smart TVs, etc., which cannot download a headphone App. As a result, non-smartphone devices including PCs, laptops, smart TVs, etc. cannot benefit from headphone App support and cannot utilize all features, functions, and/or operations available in a headphone App to control the wireless headphones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary environment including a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case according to the present disclosure;

Figures 2A-2K are illustrations of non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of graphical user interfaces for a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case according to the present disclosure;

Figures 3A-3F are perspective and front views of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case according to the present disclosure;

Figures 4A-4E are illustrations of non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of graphical user interfaces and use cases for a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case according to the present disclosure; and

Figures 5A-5C are perspective views of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, features, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and that various and alternative forms are possible. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ embodiments according to the disclosure.

“One or more” and/or “at least one” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” , “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes, ” “including, ” “comprises, ” and/or “comprising, ” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting, ” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [astated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event] ” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event] , ” depending on the context.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary environment including a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case 10 according to the present disclosure. As seen therein, the smart headphone case 10 may be part of a system for wireless control of wireless headphones 12, which may comprise a pair of ear buds. The system may also include a smart (or remote) device 14, such as a smartphone, laptop, personal computer (PC) , smart watch, smart television (TV) , or any other smart device, which device is also configured for wireless communication. In that regard, the smart case 10 is configured to store the headphones 12 when the headphones 12 are not in use by a user. The smart case 10 may also be configured to charge a battery or batteries of the headphones 12 (e.g., one or both ear buds) . The smart case 10, headphones 12, and smart device 14 each includes a wireless communication unit 26, system, module, and/or device, including transceivers and antennas, (not shown) of any type know to one of ordinary skill to provide for such wireless communication therebetween.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the smart case 10 may be configured to work via direct wireless connection (s) 16, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection (s) , with both the headphones 12 and a smart device 14 to provide for and/or enable the wireless exchange (i.e., transmission and/or reception) of data signals 28 and/or command signals 28 therebetween for instant control of the headphones 12. The present disclosure thereby provides a smart solution with an independent smart case 10 that combines and/or includes a battery charging function for the headphones 12 with a software application or “App” for controlling features, functions, or operations of the headphones 12 in one device and/or approach. In such a fashion, the present disclosure provides an end user with an extremely convenient user interface/user experience (UIUX) to control the wireless headphones 12 in a smart and easier manner. It is also noted that the smart case 10 of the present disclosure may configured as described herein for use with

Tour Pro

True Wireless (TWS)

headphones 12, and that the headphone software application or headphone App described herein may take the form of the

headphone App configured for use with such headphones 12.

In that regard, more and more soft features are being embedded into software applications for controlling wireless headphones 12. Such a headphone App enables a user to perform functions and/or features of the headphones 12 and/or configure features of the headphones 12 in a variety of ways, such as customizing equalization (EQ) , assigning touch functionality per preference, performing smart ambient noise control, setting up a voice assistant, and others. To do so, a user downloads the headphone App to a smartphone 14, then sets up BLE connections 16 among the App, wireless headphones 12, and smartphone 14 (i.e., pairing) . Such set up normally takes approximately 20 seconds before control is enabled for all the smart features in the headphone App by the smartphone 14. However, such headphone Apps only support smartphone platforms, e.g., iOS and Android. That is, such headphone Apps are not compatible with non-smartphone smart devices such as personal computers (PC) , laptops, smart TVs, etc., which cannot download a headphone App. As a result, non-smartphone devices including PCs, laptops, smart TVs, etc. cannot benefit from headphone App support and cannot utilize all features, functions, and/or operations available in the headphone App to control the wireless headphones 12.

According to the present disclosure, a smart case 10 is provided that sets BLE connection (s) independently and automatically with a smart device 14, such as a smartphone, laptop, PC, smart TV, etc., and with the headphones 12 (i.e., pairing) in less than three seconds (i.e., approximately seven times faster than normal pairing) , without a user having to download the headphone App to the smart case 10 or a smart device 14. That is, the smart case 10 itself is configured or provided with headphone App functionality for wirelessly controlling the wireless headphones 12. In that regard, the smart case 10 may be pre-paired with the headphones 12 and/or configured to automatically pair with the headphones 12 if the headphones 12 have been previously paired with a smart device 14. As those of ordinary skill will understand, the smart case 10 may be paired with a maximum of two devices (e.g., headphones 12 and a smart device 14, or two smart devices 14) and/or may have a maximum of eight pre-set paired devices (e.g., headphones 12) , either or both pairings according to the current industry standard.

The present disclosure thus can enable a user to still have a direct access to features of the headphone App, even without having downloaded the headphone App to a smart device 14. In that regard, the present disclosure can enable a user to and/or provide a user with, for example, support and/or control of music playback with next/previous track/volume control, take/reject a call, smart ambient control to turn on/off ambient noise control (ANC) , select customized audio equalization (EQ) mode, spatial audio mode switch, read a notification, set an alarm, etc., utilizing easy interaction with the smart case 10 to accomplish any such desired function, feature, operation, and/or result. In addition, all such settings and/or control performed in such a fashion via the smart case 10 are synchronized together with the headphone App where the headphones App has been downloaded to a smart device 14 (via a wireless (e.g., BLE) connection 16 between the smart case 10 and the smart device 14) and the wireless headphones 12 accordingly. In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

Still referring to Figure 1, as previously described, the smart case 10 enables direct communication with the headphones 12 and the smart device 14 via BLE connection (s) 16. It is noted that, while the connection (s) 16 are shown in Figure 1 as BLE connection (s) , any other suitable wireless communication systems and/or protocols known to one of ordinary skill could alternatively be employed. Once such connection (s) are established, the smart case 10 enables direct control of the headphones 12. In that regard, it is noted that the smart device 14 acts, serves, or functions as the audio source for the headphones 12. The smart case 10 may be configured to utilize features, operations, and/or functions provided and/or enabled by a software application (i.e., headphone App) providing for control of the headphones 12. It is also noted that while such an App may be or may have been downloaded and/or stored on a smart device 14, such download and/or storage to a smart device 14 is not required to enable the smart case 10 to control the headphones 12 via such headphone App features, operations, and/or functions.

According to the present disclosure, the smart case 10 may include a control and processing system, or a controller, 18 as well as a user interface 20, which may comprise a touch-screen display. In that regard, the controller 18 may be provided in electrical communication with the user interface 20, as well as a wireless communication unit 26 resident on or in the smart case 10. As those skilled in the art will understand, the smart case 10, including the controller 18 and the user interface 20, the headphones 12, any smart device 14, any wireless communication units (e.g., communication unit 26) , as well as any other controller, unit, component, module, system, subsystem, interface, sensor, device, or the like described herein may individually, collectively, or in any combination comprise appropriate circuitry, such as one or more appropriately programmed processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors including central processing units (CPU) ) and associated memory, which may include stored operating system software, firmware, and/or application software executable by the processor (s) for controlling operation thereof and/or for performing the particular algorithm or algorithms represented by the various methods, functions, features, and/or operations described herein, including interaction between and/or cooperation with each other.

Figures 2A-2K are illustrations of non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) 22a-22k for a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case 10 according to the present disclosure. As previously described, the smart case 10 of the present disclosure may include a user interface 20, which may comprise a touch screen display (see Figures 1 and 3A-3F) . As seen in Figures 2A-2K, and with continuing reference to Figure 1, the user interface 20 may display GUIs which may be configured to allow a user to control music playback 22a (track) and 22b (volume) , manage a call 22c (accept/reject) and 22d (end) , and directly access a headphone App feature with instant control and synchronization, such as smart ambient control 22e, customized equalization (EQ) control 22f, audio and video mode switch 22g, and spatial audio on/off control 22h. The smart case 10 of the present disclosure, including user interface 20, may be further configured to display GUIs which may be configured to provide functionality such as and/or allow a user to set up and/or receive notifications 22i, clock and alarm functions 22j, and wallpaper and/or screensaver options 22k. The smart case 10 of the present disclosure, including user interface 20, may be further configured to display a GUI which may be still further configured to provide functionality such as a battery charge indicator or indication 24 for the smart case 10 as well as a battery charge indicator (s) or indication 24’ for both left and right ear buds of the headphones 12 (see, e.g., GUI 22a in Figure 2A) , which may be charged by the smart case 10. Such indications or indicators 24, 24’ may be displayed as part of a status bar configured for display at any location on the GUI, for example at the top edge thereof (see, e.g., Figure 2A) .

In that regard, Figures 3A-3F are perspective and front views of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case 10 according to the present disclosure. As seen therein, and with continuing reference to Figures 1 and 2A-2K, a smart case 10 may display GUIs via a user interface 20 (e.g., a touch screen display) attached to the case and configured to receive user input. As previously described, a controller 18 may also be attached to the case and provided in communication with the user interface 20 as well as the communication unit 26. The controller 18 may be configured to generate a command for controlling an operation of the headphones 12 based on user input received by the user interface 20, wherein the command is transmitted as a wireless signal 28 from the smart case 10 to the wireless headphones 12 (see Figure 1) .

More specifically, Figure 3A illustrates a smart case 10 displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) 22e via a user interface 20 (e.g., a touch screen display) enabling or providing quick user access on the headphone App as previously described for easy smart ambient control to switch and/or control ambient noise cancellation (ANC) (see Figure 2E) , control Ambient Aware functionality enabling a headphones user to hear the user’s surroundings without pausing playback of music by the headphones 12, and control TalkThru functionality enabling a headphone user to talk with others without removing (i.e., while wearing) the headphones 12. Figure 3B illustrates a smart case 10 displaying a GUI 22a via a user interface 20, the GUI 22a configured to enable and/or provide instant user management of music playback with the smart case 10, including next/previous track and volume control (see Figure 2A) . Figure 3C illustrates a smart case 10 displaying a GUI 22c via a user interface 20, the GUI 22c configured to enable a user to take or reject a call, such as via easy touch screen interaction (see Figure 2C) .

Figure 3D illustrates a smart case 10 displaying a GUI 22f via a user interface 20, the GUI 22f configured to enable a user to select a preferred equalization (EQ) (see Figure 2F) . Figure 3E illustrates a smart case 10 displaying a GUI 22i via a user interface 20, the GUI 22i configured to enable a user to set up, manage, and/or receive notifications (see Figure 2I) . Figure 3F illustrates a smart case 10 displaying a GUI 22k via a user interface 20, the GUI 22k configured to enable a user to set and/or manage wallpaper and/or screensaver options and/or functionality (see Figure 2K) . With each

exemplary GUI

22a, 22c, 22e, 22f, 22i, 22k illustrated in Figures 3A-3F, as previously described, the

GUI

22a, 22c, 22e, 22f, 22i, 22k enables or provides the functions, operations, and/or features described herein to the user without the user having to download a headphones App (either to the smart case 10 or a smart device 14) . In each

GUI

22a, 22c, 22e, 22f, 22i, 22k illustrated in Figures 3A-3F, as also previously described, the smart case 10 and the functionality, features, and/or operations provided and/or enabled thereby are synchronized together with a headphone App, when such an App has been downloaded to a smart device 14, via wireless (e.g., BLE) connection (s) 16 between the smart case 10, the smart device 14, and the wireless headphones 12 accordingly. In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

Figures 4A-4E are illustrations of non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and use cases for a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case 10 according to the present disclosure. As seen therein, and with continuing reference to Figures 1, 2A-2K, and 3A-3F, various non-limiting, exemplary use cases are shown. In an exemplary basic use case beginning as shown in Figure 4A, a GUI 22k generated on a user interface 20 of a smart headphones case 10 (see, e.g., Figure 3F) displays a screensaver image. In that regard, as previously described, the user interface 20 may comprise a touchscreen display. To unlock U the smart case 10, a user may touch the screensaver image of the GUI 22k with a finger in a first area 30 and then slide that finger to a second area 32. While the

areas

30, 32 illustrated in Figure 4A are configured with dimensions of 128 pixels in length or width and 172 pixels in height, other suitable dimensions may alternatively be employed, which may be different for each

area

30, 32. An intermediate area 34 may also be configured on the GUI 22k between the first and

second areas

30, 32. The GUI 22k may be configured to require a threshold (i.e., minimum) slide distance for the user to move a finger across the touchscreen of the user interface 20 (e.g., 64 pixels or any suitable alternative distance) in order to effect an unlock U of the smart case 10. The controller 18 of the smart case 10 may be configured such that if the user does not slide a finger within the first area 30 or if the slide distance is less than the threshold, the smart case 10 will not be unlocked.

A successful unlock U of the smart case 10 may control the user interface 20 to display a GUI 22a configured to provide or enable wireless control of the headphones 12 (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) for Play/Pause control of a selected audio track and selection of a next N or previous P audio track for user listening. As previously described, a status bar displayed by the GUI 22a (e.g., at a top edge thereof) may display a battery charge indicator or indication 24 for the smart case 10 as well as a battery charge indicator (s) or indication 24’ for both left and right ear buds of the headphones 12. The GUI 22a may be further configured to display in such a status bar icons indicative of a status of wireless connection (s) (e.g., a BLE connection 16) between the smart case 10 and headphones 12 and/or a smart device 14, which icons may include a connected status icon 36, a disconnected status icon 38, and/or a headphones and case disconnected status icon 40. The GUI 22a may be still further configured to display in or on such a status bar an icon indicative of new message notifications 42, which may be displayed when a new message arrives and the smart case 10 is connected (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) to a smart device 14 (e.g., an iPhone) . The controller 18 may be further configured such that the icon indicative of a new massage may disappear from the status bar of the GUI 22a when the smart case 10 is disconnected from the smart device 14.

Still referring to Figure 4A, a swipe S1 of the GUI 22a in a first direction by the user (e.g., with a finger) may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22b configured to provide or enable user control of the headphones 12 (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) for volume control of a selected audio track via user selection of icons indicative of functions to increase I or decrease D a volume produced by the headphones 12. Referring next to Figure 4B, a swipe S2 of the GUI 22b in the first direction by the user may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22e configured to provide or enable user control of the headphones 12 (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) for ambient sound control. A swipe S3 of the GUI 22e in the first direction by the user may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22f configured to provide or enable user control of the headphones 12 (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) for equalization. It is noted that a swipe by the user in a second direction opposite the first direction of a GUI currently displayed by the user interface 20 may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI previously displayed by the user interface 20 immediately before display of the currently displayed GUI.

Referring still to Figure 4B, a swipe S4 of the GUI 22f in the first direction by the user may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22j’ configured to provide or enable user control of a timer function, which may include options for setting a duration of time (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and/or 60 minutes) to be tracked by a timer. In that regard, once such a duration has been set by a user, a tap T1 of the GUI 22j’ by the user (e.g., with a finger) may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22j” configured to provide functionality or enable the user to begin operation of the timer and provide for user cancellation of the timer. A tap T2 of the GUI 22j” by the user may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI 22j’ described previously. Upon expiration 44 of a duration of the timer selected by a user, the controller 18 may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22j, which may be configured to display an alarm icon indicative of an expiration of the timer, as well as icons for selection by the user to provide or enable repeating (e.g., “REPEAT” ) or stopping (e.g., “STOP” ) the timer function. In that regard, a tap T3 by the user of an icon displayed by the GUI 22j and configured to repeat the timer function may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI 22j” described previously to enable the user to repeat the timer operation using the duration previously selected by the user. Alternatively, a tap T4 by the user of an icon displayed by the GUI 22j and configured to stop the timer function may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI 22j’ described previously to enable the user to set an alternative duration for the timer or to transition to another GUI as will be described herein.

Still referring to Figure 4B, a swipe S5 of the GUI 22j’ in the first direction by the user may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22k configured to provide or enable a lock screen and/or wallpaper function. In that regard, the controller 18 may be configured to provide functionality or enable a user to select one of a plurality of different background images for use as a screensaver on the display provided by the user interface 20.

Referring next to Figure 4C, the user interface 20 may be configured to display a GUI 22c configured to enable a user to manage an incoming call, which may be indicated by a message displayed on the GUI 22c. As seen therein, the GUI 22c may also display icons that may be selected by a user to accept A or reject R the incoming call. In that regard, a tap T5 by the user of the icon A to accept the incoming call may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI 22d which may be configured to display an icon that may be selected by the user to end E the call.

Still referring to Figure 4C, as previously described, the user interface 20 may be configured to display a GUI 22a configured to provide or enable wireless control of the headphones 12 (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) for play/pause control of a selected audio track and selection of a next or previous audio track for user listening. Once again, as seen therein, the GUI 22a may be configured as previously described to display a status bar which may include an icon indicative of new message notifications 42, which may be displayed when a new message arrives and the smart case 10 is connected (e.g., via a BLE connection 16) to a smart device 14 (e.g., an iPhone) .

With reference to Figures 4C and 4D, the user interface 20 may also be configured to display a GUI 22h configured to provide functionality or enable a user to activate/deactivate spatial audio control to precisely locate and pair visual objects with their sound, and/or display a GUI 22m configured to provide functionality or enable a user to activate/deactivate smart talk control, and/or display a GUI 22n configured to provide functionality or enable a user to activate/deactivate VoiceAware control to select the amount of microphone input routed back into the ear buds or headphones 12 and thus how much of the user’s own voice the user hears. Each

such GUI

22h, 22m, 22n may be displayed and/or available via the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 when a user adds such functionality (e.g., the on/off state of spatial audio control, or the on/off state of smart talk control, or the on/off state of VoiceAware control) in a headphone App which has been downloaded to a smart device 14. As described herein, according to the present disclosure, such functionality (e.g., the on/off state of spatial audio control, or the on/off state of smart talk control, or the on/off state of VoiceAware control) available or set at the smart case 10 is synchronized with the current state or status of such functionality available on the smart device 14, and vice versa (i.e., synchronization between the smart case 10 and smart device 14 of features, functions, and/or operations enabled by a headphones App and selected or set by the user at or using either the smart case 10 or the smart device 14) . In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

Still referring to Figure 4D, the user interface 20 may also be configured to display a GUI 22p configured to provide or enable a SilentNow feature that provides a user with a dedicated icon to start, switch on, or activate an adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) mode of the headphones 12 for complete isolation from outside noise and/or music for a selected duration (e.g., 30 minutes) . As seen therein, a tap T6 of the GUI 22p by the user may control the user interface 20 to display another GUI 22q configured to provide functionality or enable the user to observe a time remaining on such timer and for user cancellation of such timer. A tap T7 of the GUI 22q by the user may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI 22p described previously. Upon expiration 46 of the timer, the controller 18 may control the user interface 20 to display GUI 22r configured to indicate expiration of the timer. A tap T8 of the GUI 22r by the user may control the user interface 20 to display the GUI 22p described previously. Here again, the GUI 22p may be displayed and/or available via the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 when a user adds such functionality (i.e., SilentNow) in a headphone App which has been downloaded to a smart device 14. As described herein, according to the present disclosure, such SilentNow functionality available or set at the smart case 10 is synchronized with the current state or status of such functionality available on the smart device 14, and vice versa (i.e., synchronization between the smart case 10 and smart device 14 of features, functions, and/or operations enabled by a headphones App and selected or set by the user at or using either the smart case 10 or the smart device 14) . In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

The user interface 20 may also be configured to display a GUI 22s configured to provide functionality or enable a user to activate/deactivate automatic play and pause control to automatically hold or pause playback of a music or audio track when a user removes the headphones 12 and automatically resume or start playback of the track when the user puts the headphones 12 back on or re-inserts the earbuds of the headphones 12. The GUI 22s may be displayed and/or available via the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 when a user adds such auto play &pause functionality in a headphone App which has been downloaded to a smart device 14. As described herein, according to the present disclosure, such auto play &pause functionality available or set at the smart case 10 is synchronized with the current state or status of such functionality available on the smart device 14, and vice versa (i.e., synchronization between the smart case 10 and smart device 14 of features, functions, and/or operations enabled by a headphones App and selected or set by the user at or using either the smart case 10 or the smart device 14) . In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) . The GUI 22s may also be displayed by the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 only when the auto play &pause functionality has not been selected by the user.

Referring now to Figure 4E, the user interface 20 may also be configured to display a GUI 22t configured to provide an indication to a user of an over-the-air (OTA) 48 (i.e., wireless) update of software, including features and/or functionality, of the smart case 10, including controller 18, user interface 20, GUIs, and/or any other components, features, and/or functionality of the smart case 10. Such OTA updates may be provided or enabled by a BLE connection 16 or any suitable wireless communication system or protocol, and the GUI 22t may only be displayed by the user interface when an OTA update for the smart case 10 is in-progress. In such an event, the GUI 22t may be configured to display an icon indicating OTA status, which icon may loop or alternate between two

transparencies

23a, 23b indicating OTA status (e.g., receiving or waiting) within a designated period of time (e.g., within 2000 millisecond; 1000 milliseconds for each status) .

Figures 5A-5C are perspective views of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a smart headphone case 10 according to the present disclosure. As seen therein, and with continuing reference to Figures 1, 2A-2K, 3A-3F, and 4A-4E, a smart case 10 according to the present disclosure may be provided in wireless communication (e.g., BLE connection 16) with a smart device 14 (e.g., smartphone) having a headphone App downloaded and operating thereon. With reference to Figure 5A, as previously described, the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 may be configured to display a GUI 22a configured to provide functionality or enable a user to control or manage audio tracks, including playback or pause of a selected audio track as well as selection of a next or previous audio track for user listening (e.g., music control) . In that regard, as also previously described, user selection 50 of the icon displayed by the GUI 22a of the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 to control play/pause of a selected audio track is automatically synchronized with and reflected by the same icon displayed by the headphones App operating on the smart device 14, thereby establishing the same play/pause state, status, or setting for the headphones 12 at both the smart case 10 and the smart device 14. Likewise, user selection 50 of the icon displayed by the headphones App operating on the smart device 14 to control play/pause of a selected audio track is automatically synchronized with and reflected by the same icon displayed by the GUI 22a of the user interface 20 of the smart case 10, again thereby establishing the same play/pause state, status, or setting for the headphones 12 at both the smart case 10 and the smart device 14. In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

With reference to Figure 5B, as also previously described, the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 may be configured to display a GUI 22e configured to provide functionality or enable a user to control or manage smart ambient noise cancellation (ANC) . In that regard, again as previously described, user selection 52 of the icon displayed by the GUI 22e of the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 for ambient noise control is automatically synchronized with and reflected by the same icon displayed by the headphones App operating on the smart device 14, thereby establishing the same smart ambient noise control state, status, or setting for the headphones 12 at both the smart case 10 and the smart device 14. Likewise, user selection 52 of the icon displayed by the headphones App operating on the smart device 14 for ambient noise control is automatically synchronized with and reflected by the same icon displayed by the GUI 22e of the user interface 20 of the smart case 10, again thereby establishing the same smart ambient noise control state, status, or setting for the headphones 12 at both the smart case 10 and the smart device 14. In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

With reference to Figure 5C, again as previously described, the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 may be configured to display a GUI 22h configured to provide functionality or enable a user to control or manage spatial audio control. In that regard, as previously described, user selection 54 of an icon displayed by the GUI 22h of the user interface 20 of the smart case 10 for spatial audio control is automatically synchronized with and reflected by the same icon displayed by the headphones App operating on the smart device 14, thereby establishing the same spatial audio state, status, or setting for the headphones 12 at both the smart case 10 and the smart device 14. Likewise, user selection 54 of an icon displayed by the headphones App operating on the smart device 14 for spatial audio control is automatically synchronized with and reflected by the same icon displayed by the GUI 22e of the user interface 20 of the smart case 10, again thereby establishing the same spatial audio state, status, or setting for the headphones 12 at both the smart case 10 and the smart device 14. In that regard, all the wireless control or interface/configuration done on the smart case 10, the earbuds 12, or the headphone App on a smart device 14 will sync with each other to reflect the control/commands made as one eco-system (e.g., network or networked system) .

The present disclosure thus provides a smart headphones case 10 for wireless headphones 12 that enables direct and instant user access to features, functions, and/or operations for the wireless headphones 12 previously available only via a headphone App downloaded to a smart device 14 (e.g., smartphone) , without requiring access to such an App at the smart device 14 (e.g., laptop, smart TV, etc. ) and without having to download such an App to the smart case 10 or a smart device 14. In such a fashion, the present disclosure provides independent and shortcut control of wireless headphones 12 by a user via a smart headphones case 10 without a headphone App. The present disclosure thus further provides a smart headphones case 10 that can be quickly customized by a user for control of wireless headphones 12 on-the-go (OTG) , including features for accessing and controlling wireless headphones 12 via a smart case 10 without requiring a headphone App, thereby improving productivity OTG.

Item 1. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system for wireless control of wireless headphones, the system comprising a case configured to store the wireless headphones, a user interface attached to the case and configured to receive user input, and a controller attached to the case and configured to generate a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface, wherein the command is wirelessly transmitted from the case to the wireless headphones.

Item 2. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the system according to Item 1 wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the case establishes a state of the wireless headphones, and wherein the state of the wireless headphones established by the command is automatically synchronized at a remote device configured for independent wireless control of the headphones.

Item 3. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the system according to Item 1 or Item 2 wherein the wireless headphones are configured to receive a command wirelessly transmitted from a remote device for independent control of the wireless headphones by the remote device, wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the remote device establishes a state of the wireless headphones, and wherein the state of the wireless headphones established by the command received from the remote device is automatically synchronized at the controller and user interface.

Item 4. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the system according to any of Items 1-3 wherein the user interface and controller, the wireless headphones, and a remote device configured to wirelessly control the headphones are each configured to synchronize control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user via the user interface and controller, the headphones, or the remote device such that the control, interface, command, or configuration performed is reflected at each of the user interface, the headphones, and the remote device as a networked system.

Item 5. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the system according to any of Items 1-4 wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other of commands and/or data.

Item 6. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the system according to any of Items 1-5 wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other of commands and/or data according to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

Item 7. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the system according to any of Items 1-6 further comprising a wireless communication unit attached to the case and provided in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the wireless communication unit comprises a transceiver and an antenna for transmitting a command generated by the controller based on user input received from the user interface.

Item 8. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for wireless control of wireless headphones, the method comprising providing a case configured to store the wireless headphones, wherein the case comprises a user interface configured to receive user input and a controller provided in electrical communication with the user interface, generating a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface, and wirelessly transmitted the command from the case to the wireless headphones.

Item 9. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to Item 8 wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the case establishes a state of the wireless headphones, the method further comprising automatically synchronizing the state of the wireless headphones established by the command at a remote device configured for independent wireless control of the headphones.

Item 10. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to Item 8 or Item 9 wherein the wireless headphones are configured to receive a command wirelessly transmitted from a remote device for independent control of the wireless headphones by the remote device and wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the remote device establishes a state of the wireless headphones, the method further comprising automatically synchronizing at the controller and the user interface the state of the wireless headphones established by the command received from the remote device.

Item 11. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 8-10 wherein the user interface and controller, the wireless headphones, and a remote device configured to wirelessly control the headphones are each configured to synchronize control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user, the method further comprising automatically synchronizing control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user via the user interface and controller, the headphones, or the remote device such that the control, interface, command, or configuration performed is reflected at each of the user interface, the headphones, and the remote device as a networked system.

Item 12. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 8-11 wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, the method further comprising wirelessly transmitting commands and/or data between the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device.

Item 13. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 8-12 wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, the method further comprising wireless transmitting commands and/or data between the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device according to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

Item 14. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 8-13 wherein the case and/or controller further comprises a wireless communication unit comprising a transceiver and an antenna, the wireless communication unit provided in electrical communication with the controller, the method further comprising wirelessly transmitting via the communication unit a command generated by the controller based on user input received from the user interface.

Item 15. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored computer executable instructions for wireless control of wireless headphones via a case configured to store the wireless headphones, the case comprising a user interface configured to receive user input and a controller provided in electrical communication with the user interface, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to generate a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface at the case, and wirelessly transmit the command from the case to the wireless headphones.

Item 16. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to Item 15 wherein the wireless headphones are configured to receive a command wirelessly transmitted from a remote device for independent control of the wireless headphones by the remote device and wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the remote device establishes a state of the wireless headphones, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to automatically synchronize at the controller and the user interface the state of the wireless headphones established by the command received from the remote device.

Item 17. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to Item 15 or Item 16 wherein the user interface and controller, the wireless headphones, and a remote device configured to wirelessly control the headphones are each configured to synchronize control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to automatically synchronize at the controller the control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user via the headphones or the remote device such that the control, interface, command, or configuration performed is reflected at the user interface and controller of the case in a networked system comprising the case, the headphones, and the remote device.

Item 18. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any of Items 15-17 wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to wirelessly transmit and/or receive commands and/or data to and/or from the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device.

Item 19. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any of Items 15-18 wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to wireless transmit and/or receive commands and/or data to and/or from the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device according to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

Item 20. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any of Items 15-19 wherein the case and/or controller further comprises a wireless communication unit comprising a transceiver and an antenna, the wireless communication unit provided in electrical communication with the controller, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to wirelessly transmit via the communication unit a command generated by the controller based on user input received from the user interface.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms according to the disclosure. In that regard, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the various features, elements, components, methods, procedures, steps, and/or functions of various implementing embodiments may be combined or utilized in any combination or combinations and/or may be performed in any order other than those specifically described herein to form further embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Claims

A system for wireless control of wireless headphones, the system comprising:

a case configured to store the wireless headphones;

a user interface attached to the case and configured to receive user input; and

a controller attached to the case and configured to generate a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface, wherein the command is wirelessly transmitted from the case to the wireless headphones.
The system according to claim 1 wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the case establishes a state of the wireless headphones, and wherein the state of the wireless headphones established by the command is automatically synchronized at a remote device configured for independent wireless control of the headphones.
The system according to any preceding claim wherein the wireless headphones are configured to receive a command wirelessly transmitted from a remote device for independent control of the wireless headphones by the remote device, wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the remote device establishes a state of the wireless headphones, and wherein the state of the wireless headphones established by the command received from the remote device is automatically synchronized at the controller and user interface.
The system according to any preceding claim wherein the user interface and controller, the wireless headphones, and a remote device configured to wirelessly control the headphones are each configured to synchronize control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user via the user interface and controller, the headphones, or the remote device such that the control, interface, command, or configuration performed is reflected at each of the user interface, the headphones, and the remote device as a networked system.
The system according to any preceding claim wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other of commands and/or data.
The system according to any preceding claim wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other of commands and/or data according to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.
The system according to any preceding claim further comprising a wireless communication unit attached to the case and provided in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the wireless communication unit comprises a transceiver and an antenna for transmitting a command generated by the controller based on user input received from the user interface.
A method for wireless control of wireless headphones, the method comprising:

providing a case configured to store the wireless headphones, wherein the case comprises a user interface configured to receive user input and a controller provided in electrical communication with the user interface;

generating a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface; and

wirelessly transmitting the command from the case to the wireless headphones.
The method according to claim 8 wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the case establishes a state of the wireless headphones, the method further comprising automatically synchronizing the state of the wireless headphones established by the command at a remote device configured for independent wireless control of the headphones.
The method according to any preceding claim wherein the wireless headphones are configured to receive a command wirelessly transmitted from a remote device for independent control of the wireless headphones by the remote device and wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the remote device establishes a state of the wireless headphones, the method further comprising automatically synchronizing at the controller and the user interface the state of the wireless headphones established by the command received from the remote device.
The method according to any preceding claim wherein the user interface and controller, the wireless headphones, and a remote device configured to wirelessly control the headphones are each configured to synchronize control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user, the method further comprising automatically synchronizing control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user via the user interface and controller, the headphones, or the remote device such that the control, interface, command, or configuration performed is reflected at each of the user interface, the headphones, and the remote device as a networked system.
The method according to any preceding claim wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, the method further comprising wirelessly transmitting commands and/or data between the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device.
The method according to any preceding claim wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, the method further comprising wireless transmitting commands and/or data between the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device according to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.
The method according to any preceding claim wherein the case and/or controller further comprises a wireless communication unit comprising a transceiver and an antenna, the wireless communication unit provided in electrical communication with the controller, the method further comprising wirelessly transmitting via the communication unit a command generated by the controller based on user input received from the user interface.
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored computer executable instructions for wireless control of wireless headphones via a case configured to store the wireless headphones, the case comprising a user interface configured to receive user input and a controller provided in electrical communication with the user interface, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to:

generate a command for controlling an operation of the headphones based on user input received by the user interface at the case; and

wirelessly transmit the command from the case to the wireless headphones.
The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any preceding claim wherein the wireless headphones are configured to receive a command wirelessly transmitted from a remote device for independent control of the wireless headphones by the remote device and wherein the command wirelessly transmitted from the remote device establishes a state of the wireless headphones, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to automatically synchronize at the controller and the user interface the state of the wireless headphones established by the command received from the remote device.
The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any preceding claim wherein the user interface and controller, the wireless headphones, and a remote device configured to wirelessly control the headphones are each configured to synchronize control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to automatically synchronize at the controller the control, interface, command, or configuration of the headphones performed by a user via the headphones or the remote device such that the control, interface, command, or configuration performed is reflected at the user interface and controller of the case in a networked system comprising the case, the headphones, and the remote device.
The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any preceding claim wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to wirelessly transmit and/or receive commands and/or data to and/or from the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device.
The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any preceding claim wherein the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device are each configured for wireless communication with each other, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to wireless transmit and/or receive commands and/or data to and/or from the case, the headphones, and/or the remote device according to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.
The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to any preceding claim wherein the case and/or controller further comprises a wireless communication unit comprising a transceiver and an antenna, the wireless communication unit provided in electrical communication with the controller, wherein execution of the computer executable instructions causes the controller to wirelessly transmit via the communication unit a command generated by the controller based on user input received from the user interface.