The present invention relates generally to devices for generating wireless hotspots, and more specifically, to auxiliary devices that support a primary device with both auxiliary power, remote internet connectivity and other enhancement capabilities.
There is presently rapid expansion of household controls that utilize a home's internet connection via wireless fidelity (“Wi-Fi”). Such items include devices to control the thermostat, lighting, to open or close doors or windows, and to provide a variety of information upon verbal request from a user. These devices gather the information, and connect to other controls within the home, via a wireless local area network supported by, for example, a home router. Some of them may be controlled remotely, such as via a software application housed within a smart phone or similar device that has an independent cellular connection. However, the devices receive these inputs through the home router, and are limited in range to the Wi-Fi connection provided by that router. Moreover, the setup to cause such a device to associate with that network or Wi-Fi connection oftentimes is error prone.
While the utility of some such Wi-Fi devices is directly tied to (and limited to) the home environment that is fully covered by the router and the Wi-Fi network, other Wi-Fi devices could have similar utility outside of the home environment. For example, a device that plays music or provides information from the Internet or answers questions from stored memory and learned calculations could benefit from the ability to operate seamlessly when removed from the range of the home router.
The present invention improves on existing wireless media devices and informational systems by allowing the functionality delivered by wireless media devices for use in a wireless local area network (WLAN) based environments to extend beyond the local area. The auxiliary device of the present invention provides not only various auxiliary features, such as enhanced volume, extended battery life and physical protection, it also generates a wireless hotspot that can be synched with the wireless media device via a control device to allow full capability and internet access to the wireless media device in the absence of the traditional WLAN home router. In some embodiments, the wireless media device will be configured to detect a primary WLAN and utilize it unless it is not present. When the primary WLAN becomes unavailable, the wireless media device will convert to a secondary WLAN network broadcast by the auxiliary device. Other embodiments and features will be understood in connection with the below figures and description.
An example disclosed auxiliary base unit for a wireless media device includes a body defining a cavity configured to house the wireless media device and a communication module configured to generate a wireless hotspot. The communication module includes a cellular transceiver for cellular communication and a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to generate the wireless hotspot for communication with the wireless media device. The example disclosed auxiliary base unit also includes a power module configured to charge the communication module.
In some examples, the cavity defined by the body is cylindrical and provides access to controls on a top surface of the wireless media device when the wireless media device is housed in the cavity. In some examples, a portion of the body includes a mesh body to facilitate projection of audio signals from the wireless media device when the wireless media device is positioned within the cavity defined by the body.
Some examples further include an auxiliary speaker to supplement the wireless media device. Some such examples further include an auxiliary port that is electrically coupled to the auxiliary speaker and configured to electrically couple to the wireless media device when the wireless media device is positioned within the cavity. The auxiliary speaker supplements the wireless media device when the auxiliary port is electrically coupled to the wireless media device.
In some examples, the WLAN transceiver is a Wi-Fi transceiver and the wireless hotspot is a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Some examples further include a power connector that is electrically coupled to the power module and configured to electrically couple to the wireless media device when the wireless media device is positioned within the cavity. In some examples, the power module includes a power cord and a rechargeable battery.
In some examples, to generate the wireless hotspot, the cellular transceiver communicatively connects to a remote cell tower and the WLAN transceiver broadcasts a WLAN signal.
Some examples further include a controller configured to authorize the wireless media device to access the wireless hotspot in response to receiving a code from a mobile device on behalf of the wireless media device. In some such examples, the wireless hotspot generated by the WLAN transceiver facilitates wireless communication for the wireless media device that is independent of communication with the mobile device.
Some examples further include a wired data connector that is communicatively coupled to the communication module and is configured to couple to the wireless media device when the wireless media device is housed in the cavity. In some examples, the WLAN transceiver generates the wireless hotspot upon receiving an activation signal via a button.
An example disclosed auxiliary base unit for a wireless media device includes a body defining a cavity configured to house the wireless media device, a communication module configured to generate a wireless hotspot, a power module configured to charge the communication module, and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor, via the communication module, for a primary WLAN source of the wireless media device and generate, via the communication module, the wireless hotspot in response to not detecting the primary WLAN source of the wireless media device. The controller also is configured to communicate with the wireless media device via the wireless hotspot.
An example disclosed computer storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed, cause an auxiliary base unit that is configured to house a wireless media device to activate, via a processor, a cellular transceiver of the auxiliary base unit for communication with a cellular network via a remote cell tower and activate, via the processor, a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver for WLAN communication. The instructions which, when executed, also cause the auxiliary base unit to monitor, via the WLAN transceiver, for a primary WLAN source of the wireless media device and generate, via the WLAN transceiver, a wireless hotspot in response to not detecting the primary WLAN source of the wireless media device. The instructions which, when executed, also cause the auxiliary base unit to communicate with the wireless media device via the wireless hotspot.
In some examples, the instructions cause the WLAN transceiver to generate the wireless hotspot further in response to receiving an activation signal via at least one of a button of the auxiliary base unit and a mobile device communicatively coupled to the WLAN transceiver.
In some examples, the instructions further cause the auxiliary base unit to authorize the wireless media device to access the wireless hotspot in response to receiving a code from a mobile device on behalf of the wireless media device.
In some examples, the instructions further cause the auxiliary base unit to power the wireless media device via a power cord of the auxiliary base unit when the wireless media device is electrically coupled to a power connector of the auxiliary base unit and the power cord is plugged into a socket. In some such examples, the instructions further cause the auxiliary base unit to power the wireless media device via a rechargeable battery of the auxiliary base unit when the wireless media device is electrically coupled to a power connector of the auxiliary base unit, the power cord is not plugged into the socket, and a charge level of the rechargeable battery is greater than that of the wireless media device.
In some examples, the instructions further cause the auxiliary base unit to deactivate the cellular transceiver and the WLAN transceiver in response to the WLAN transceiver detecting another WLAN source for the wireless media device.
An example disclosed auxiliary base unit for use with a Wi-Fi capability device includes a battery housing containing a rechargeable auxiliary power storage cell, a Wi-Fi device housing, a power plug in connection with the power storage cell for electrical connection to the Wi-Fi device when the Wi-Fi device is placed in the Wi-Fi device housing, a cellular communications module in wireless communication with a remote cell tower, and an antenna for broadcasting a wireless hotspot. The auxiliary base unit is configured to wirelessly connect to the Wi-Fi capable device via the wireless hotspot to send and receive data. Some examples further include a control module for detecting the presence of a primary LAN network and, in response to such detection, disabling the cellular communications module.
Another example disclosed auxiliary base unit for use with a Wi-Fi capability device includes a battery housing containing a rechargeable auxiliary power storage cell, a Wi-Fi device housing, a power plug in connection with the power storage cell for electrical connection to the Wi-Fi device when the Wi-Fi device is placed in the Wi-Fi device housing, a data plug in connection with a processor of the Wi-Fi device for transmitting and receiving data from the Wi-Fi device when the Wi-Fi device is placed in the Wi-Fi device housing, and a cellular communications module in wireless communication with a remote cell tower. The auxiliary base unit is configured to provide both data and power to the Wi-Fi device when a primary LAN network of the Wi-Fi device is not in range or available.
The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Further, as used herein, the terms “module” and “unit” refer to hardware with circuitry to provide communication, control and/or monitoring capabilities. A “module” and a “unit” may also include firmware that executes on the circuitry.
As used herein, wireless data connections are described as short-range (e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs) such as Wi-Fi, wireless personal area networks (WPANs) such as Bluetooth) or long-range (e.g., cellular networks such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), wide area networks (WANs) such as Near Field Communication (NFC)). Short-range wireless connections utilize a nearby internet router (or router/modem combination) that broadcast a short-range wireless signal (e.g., a wireless fidelity signal) in its local physical vicinity. Depending on its power and possible re-transmission nodes working in combination with it, the router typically controls the area in and around a wired, physical location, such as a home or office building. The router itself is typically hard-wired into a communications network (e.g., the Internet). An example of a short-range connection would be a bluetooth speaker or a cell phone connected to a Wi-Fi network.
In contrast, a long-range wireless connection does not use a router, but rather connects directly to the communications network via a wireless data connection point, such as a cell tower. An example of a long-range connection would be a cell phone that is directly in communication with a cell tower upon moving outside of the range or is otherwise not connected to a Wi-Fi network hosted by a router. Though different, the hardware and software for both short-range transceivers and long-range transceivers are known. It is also known that a device enable to communicate via a long-range connection (such as a smart phone) may temporarily act as a wireless data access point and generate its own WLAN, essentially serving as a short-range router. This is referred to as a “mobile hotspot,” and is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,137. As used herein, a “wireless hotspot,” a “auxiliary hotspot,” and a “hotspot” refer to a location at which a device (e.g., a router, a smart phone, an auxiliary base unit) generates a wireless network (e.g., a WLAN) to provide a wireless Internet connection for other nearby device(s). As used herein, a “mobile hotspot” refers to a temporary location at which a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, an auxiliary base unit) generates a wireless network (e.g., a WLAN) to provide a wireless Internet connection for other nearby devices.
Returning to the auxiliary base unit 100 of
Also housed within the battery housing 105 of the illustrated example, as further explained below, is a communication module 150, control circuitry 155, a long-range transceiver 152 (which may also be called a “long-range antenna” herein), and a short-range transceiver 154 (which may also be called a “short-range antenna” and a “hotspot antenna” herein) configured to broadcast a mobile hotspot (e.g., a Wi-Fi hotspot). For example, the long-range transceiver 152 includes a cellular transceiver and the short-range transceiver 154 includes a WPAN transceiver such as a Wi-Fi transceiver. In some embodiments, the battery housing 105 may also accommodate on-board auxiliary memory.
The primary device housing 110 of the illustrated embodiment includes a mesh body 112 formed of metal mesh that allows for the clear passage of sound from the wireless media device when the wireless media device is positioned received by the primary device housing 110. The primary device housing 110 can take on a variety of shapes so as to accommodate a variety of wireless media devices. Moreover, the primary device housing 110 can be configured to accept wireless media devices of various different shapes and sizes. However, it is preferred that there is a reasonably snug fit between the wireless media device and the primary device housing 110 of the auxiliary base unit 100 when mated together to improve the data and/or power connection between the wireless media device and the primary device housing 110.
As shown in
It will be understood that, while portable wireless speaker 200 is round and is shaped to be received within the cavity 112 that is round, the portable wireless speaker 200 could essentially have any solid shape that is conducive for being mounted within the auxiliary base unit 100 such that a power connection is made between the portable smart speaker 200 and the auxiliary base unit 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary base unit 100 includes a power plug 130 (which may also be called a “power connector” herein) that is positioned to extend up into a power port 205 of the portable wireless speaker 200 when the portable wireless speaker 200 is secured within cavity 112 of the auxiliary base unit 100. The power plug 130 is electrically connected to the battery 107 and the power cord 109 of the battery housing 105 to enable the auxiliary base unit 100 to power the portable wireless speaker 200 when the portable wireless speaker 200 is housed within the cavity 112 of the auxiliary base unit 100.
In the illustrated embodiment, the portable wireless speaker 200 is configured to have audio input and output functionality. Accordingly, it is an important feature of the auxiliary base unit 100 to enhance, rather than impede, the detection and broadcast of sound when the portable wireless speaker 200 is housed by the auxiliary base unit 100. The illustrated auxiliary base unit 100 enhances the transmission and receipt of audio signals by including one or more additional acoustical chambers 140, in connection with the mesh body 112 of the primary device housing 110, which facilitate the passage of sound waves. In the illustrated example, the auxiliary base unit 100 also includes an auxiliary speaker 210 to increase and/or supplement the sound output of the portable wireless speaker 200, such as for playing music or broadcasting a game or production over the Internet. Further, the auxiliary base unit 100 of the illustrated example includes an auxiliary port 215 (which may also be called a “wired data connector” herein) to receive an auxiliary connector of the portable wireless speaker to link communicatively connect the speaker of the portable wireless speaker 200 and the auxiliary speaker 210 of the auxiliary base unit 100. For example, the auxiliary speaker 210 supplements the portable wireless speaker 200 when the auxiliary port 215 is electrically coupled to the portable wireless speaker 200.
In some examples, the portable wireless speaker 200 has its own manual control devices 208 for volume, lighting, power, etc. Further, the portable wireless speaker 200 has its own audio output device (e.g., a speaker). Additionally or alternatively, other portable media devices configured to be housed by the auxiliary base unit 100 may not include its own speaker such that it relies upon the auxiliary speaker 210 of the auxiliary base unit 100 to emit sound. The portable wireless speaker 200 also has a transceiver for wireless connection to a WLAN network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) and/or a WPAN network (e.g., a Bluetooth network). In a traditional setting, such as that depicted in
In accordance with the present invention, when a traditional WLAN (e.g., a home router) is not available to facilitate connection of the portable wireless speaker 200 to a remote information source (e.g., the Internet), the auxiliary base unit 100 is configured to provide the connection directly. This is best explained in association with
In some examples, the portable wireless speaker 200 may include a wired data connection such as an auxiliary connector. If equipped with such a wired data connection (not shown), the portable wireless speaker 200 can send and receive information directly to the auxiliary base unit 100 via the wired connection (e.g., via the auxiliary port 200 when the portable wireless speaker 200 is properly installed within the primary device housing 110). Alternatively or in addition, the portable wireless speaker 200 is configured to work with a wireless mobile hotspot broadcast by the short-range transceiver 154 (e.g., an antenna) of the auxiliary base unit 100. In this configuration, the control device 400 may need to initially recognize the hotspot broadcast by the auxiliary base unit 100 and enter a service set identifier and a corresponding password to enable the portable wireless speaker 200 to connect to the hotspot, at least during initial setup. Notably, while the control device 400 may be equipped with the capability to broadcast a mobile hotspot, the control device 400 cannot “recognize itself” and connect to its own hotspot. For instance, to connect the portable wireless speaker 200 to a hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100, (i) the portable wireless speaker 200 initially broadcasts a temporary hotspot via a transceiver to establish communication with the control device 400, (ii) the control device 400 sends, via the temporary hotspot, a service set identifier and a password associated with a current session of the hotpot of the auxiliary base unit 100, (iii) the portable wireless speaker 200 relays the service set identifier and corresponding password to the auxiliary base unit 100 for authentication, (iv) the portable wireless speaker 200 disconnects its temporary hotspot to free up its transceiver, and (v) the portable wireless speaker 200 connects to the current session of the hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100 via its transceiver. If the control device 400 attempts to connect the portable wireless speaker 200 to its own hotspot, a transceiver of the control device 400 is unable to simultaneously (1) broadcast a current session of a hotspot and (2) communicate the service set identifier and corresponding password via the temporary hotspot of the portable wireless speaker 200. Thus, the mobile device 400 is unable to facilitate the portable wireless speaker 200 in connecting to a hotspot that is broadcast by itself. Accordingly, having only the portable wireless speaker 200 and the control device 400 may not be sufficient to connect the portable wireless speaker 200 to a secondary WLAN (e.g., a mobile hotspot) away from a primary WLAN (e.g., of the router 300). In such cases, a second device is required, and this need is met by the auxiliary base unit 100.
Furthermore, once the portable wireless speaker 200 is connected to the mobile hotspot broadcast by the auxiliary base unit 100, the control unit 400 is no longer required to maintain the communicative connection of the auxiliary base unit 100. That is, the hotspot generated by the auxiliary base unit 100 facilitates wireless communication for the portable wireless speaker 200 that is independent of communication with the control device 400. For example, the portable wireless speaker 200 is configured to remain communicatively coupled to a network (e.g., the Internet) via the mobile hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100 after the control device 400 disconnects from the same mobile hotspot. In some examples, connection to the hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100 can be performed automatically upon recognition of the availability of the hotspot and/or upon recognition of the unavailability of the primary WLAN source (e.g., the home base network associated with the router 300).
In some embodiments, the control circuitry 155 of the auxiliary base unit 100 is configured to enable and/or disable the communication module 150 and/or the short-range transceiver 154. Operating long-range and/or short-range communication requires more power and data usage, so it is optimal not to leave them on all the time. Rather, the control circuitry 155 is configured to activate the long-range communication and/or the short-range communication when it detects a certain condition. In some examples, this condition is a weakness or absence of the primary WLAN network broadcast by the router 300. Alternatively or in addition, the condition is a disruption in the performance of the portable wireless speaker that is unrelated to a power condition of the portable wireless speaker 200.
For example, if the power level of the portable wireless speaker 200 is low, the auxiliary base unit 100 is configured to begin a recharge cycle to provide power to the portable wireless speaker 200 when the portable wireless speaker 200 is electrically coupled to the power plug 130 of the auxiliary base unit 100. If the auxiliary base unit 100 detects a disruption in performance that is unrelated to a low power condition, it may be because the portable wireless speaker 200 has lost suitable connection to the primary WLAN network. In this case, the control circuitry 155 of the auxiliary base unit 100 activates the communication module 150 to broadcast an auxiliary wireless hotspot via the short-range transceiver 154. Whether connect to the power plug 130 or not, the portable wireless speaker 200 is configured to continue to operate through the new data connection with the auxiliary base unit 100.
A practical example of this functionality is as follows. The portable wireless speaker 200 is cradled within the cavity 112 of the auxiliary base unit 100. The portable wireless speaker 200 is initially within range of the primary WLAN network of the router 300 and is drawing data from the primary WLAN network to stream a song. The volume of playback is being enhanced by the auxiliary speaker 210 of the auxiliary base unit 100, even while the auxiliary base unit 100 is recharging the portable wireless speaker 200 via the battery 107 and/or the power cord 109. A user picks up the auxiliary base unit 100 (e.g., via a handle such as a handle 812 of
In some examples, it is preferable to disable the communication module 150 when the mobile hotspot is not being utilized to reduce power consumption of the auxiliary base unit 100. Accordingly, should the user bring the auxiliary base unit 100 and the portable smart speaker 200 back into the communication range of the router 300, the data connection switches back to the primary WLAN of the router 300 and the control circuitry 155 of the auxiliary base unit 100 deactivates the communication module 150. Detecting the availability of the primary WLAN source may be done by the portable wireless speaker 200 and/or the short-range transceiver 154 of the auxiliary base unit 100. In the former case, the control circuitry 155 of the auxiliary base unit 100 recognizes when there is no longer any device(s) connected with the mobile hotspot and subsequently triggers the shutdown of the communication module 150. In the latter case, the auxiliary base unit 100 recognizes another suitable WLAN connection and proactively shuts down the communication module 150 to stop transmission of the mobile hotspot. The loss of connection with the mobile hotspot triggers the portable wireless speaker 200 to seek other networks, at which point the portable wireless speaker 200 finds the primary WLAN source network and reconnects to it. In some instances, the latter case may be less optimal because it causes another brief gap in playback and/or performance, while the former case does not.
The memory 162 is computer readable media on which one or more sets of instructions, such as the software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, can be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. For example, the instructions reside completely, or at least partially, within any one or more of the memory 162, the computer readable medium, and/or within the processor 164 during execution of the instructions.
The terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. Further, the terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” include any tangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals.
The communication module 150 (previous discussed) of the illustrated example contains the long-range transceiver 152 and the antenna 154 for broadcasting a mobile hotspot. The example components of the illustrated example also includes a lighting module 170, a power module 180, and an audio module 190. While not limiting, these modules 170, 180, 190 each operate functions of the auxiliary base unit 100 associated with its supporting role to portable wireless speaker 200. The power module 180 includes the battery 107 and the power cord 109 and is configured to supply auxiliary power (e.g., auxiliary battery power) to power and/or recharge a battery within the portable wireless speaker 200. For example, the power module 180 is controlled by the control module 160 based on input data, such as data regarding the power draw of the portable wireless speaker 200 when the power plug 130 is inserted into the power port 205.
The audio module 190 of the illustrated example includes the auxiliary speaker 210 that provides enhanced audio output with the portable wireless speaker 200. Operation of the audio module 190 is controlled by the control module 160, for example, in response to the detection of audio output from the portable wireless speaker 200. Similarly, the lighting module 170 of the illustrated example operates to enhance visual output from the portable wireless speaker 200. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting module 170 includes the LED lights 108 and/or operates the LED lights 108 based on instructions sent from the control module 160. For example, the LED lights 108 identify the power level of the auxiliary base unit 100, the power level of the portable wireless speaker 200, the bandwidth(s) of available WLAN connection(s), and/or the operational state of the communication module 150 (e.g., whether it is on or off). It will be understood that the physical components of each of the modules 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 depicted in
At step 600, a user powers on the portable wireless speaker 200 and the auxiliary unit 100. At step 605, the user activates the mobile hotspot of the auxiliary base device 100. For example, the user activates the hotspot via a manual control input device such as a button (not shown) on the auxiliary base unit 100 and/or of the control device 400, by remote software, and/or by removing the auxiliary base unit 100 from wireless coverage of a primary WLAN. To activate the hotspot, the communication module 150 makes a connection with the remote cell tower 500 to establish communication (e.g., cellular communication) with a network (e.g., the Internet). At block 610, the user launches an application on the control unit 400 that enables the user to control the portable wireless speaker 200. For example, upon launching the application, the control unit 400 identifies the mobile hotspot broadcasted by the short-range transceiver 154. At block 615, the user enters a password via the control device 400 that is sent to the auxiliary base unit 100 on behalf of the portable wireless speaker 200 to connect the portable wireless speaker 200 to the mobile hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100. For example, the control module 160 authorizes the portable wireless speaker 200 to access the hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100 in response to receiving a password, a service set identifier, and/or any other requisite code from the control device 400 on behalf of the portable wireless speaker 200. At step 625, the portable wireless speaker 200 stores the password and/or other information (e.g., a service set identifier) necessary to connect to the mobile hotspot broadcast by the auxiliary base unit 100 for later use. For example, this information for the mobile hotspot would be in addition to credentials stored for the primary WLAN connection (e.g., of the router 300).
First, at step 700, the control module 160 of the auxiliary unit 100 detects an installation of portable wireless speaker 200 within the cavity 112 of the primary device housing 110 and connection to the power plug 130. In turn, the control module 160 causes itself to “waken” into an active mode. At decision point 702, the control module 160 detects, via a power sensor, whether the power module 180 is connected to an external power source. That is, the control module 160 determines whether the power cord 109 of the auxiliary base unit 100 is plugged into an electrical socket. If so, the method proceeds to step 705 at which the control module 160 causes the power module 180 to direct power to the portable wireless speaker 200 to power operation of the portable wireless speaker 200 and/or to recharge a battery of the portable wireless speaker 200. If not, the method proceeds to decision point 703 at which the control module 160 determines whether a charge level of a battery of the portable wireless speaker 200 is greater than a charge level of the battery 107 of the auxiliary base unit 100. In some examples, the power module 180 determines whether the power reserve in the auxiliary base unit 100 is greater or less than that of the portable wireless speaker 200 base upon settings and decisions of the control module 160. In some embodiments, the control module 160 makes this determination based on which device will run out of power first, given its level of reserve and current usage. In such embodiments, the decision may be revisited as power draws change for the auxiliary base unit 100 and/or the portable wireless speaker 200. If the charge level of the portable wireless device 200 is greater than that of the auxiliary base unit 100, the method proceeds to step 705 at which the power module 180 of the auxiliary base unit 100 distributes power of the battery 107 to the portable wireless device 200. Additionally or alternatively, the power module 180 of the auxiliary base unit 100 distributes power of the battery 107 to the portable wireless device 200 upon determining that the charge level of the battery 107 is greater than a predetermined threshold level. If the charge level of the portable wireless device 200 is not greater than that of the auxiliary base unit 100, the method proceeds to step 710 at which the power module 180 preserves the power of the battery 107 for operation of the auxiliary base unit 100 and causes the portable wireless speaker 200 to operate using its own battery.
At decision point 712, the communication module 150 checks for a primary WLAN source of the portable wireless speaker 200. Additionally or alternatively, this step is performed by the portable wireless speaker 200, which then sends signal(s) to the auxiliary unit 100 indicating whether the signal of the primary WLAN source is not available or too weak. If the primary WLAN connection is available, the method proceeds to step 720 at which the control module deactivates the communication module 150 shuts to preserve power. If the primary WLAN connection is not detected or is below a predetermined signal strength threshold, the method proceeds to step 725 at which the communication module searches for a signal of the cell tower 500. Once located, the communication module 150 establishes a connection using the long-range transceiver 152. At step 730, the communication module 150 broadcasts the wireless hotspot via the short-range transceiver 154. At step 740, a wireless data connection is made between the portable wireless speaker 200 and the auxiliary base unit 100 via the auxiliary hotspot of the auxiliary base unit 100. Finally, at step 750, the control module 150 reassesses whether the power module should continue to direct power to the portable wireless speaker 200, if it is doing so. For example, the original decision at decision point 703 might be simply based on which device has more reserved power. As the power draw of the auxiliary unit 100 increases through operation of the communication module 150, more power may be preserved by the power module 180 and/or less power may be directed to portable wireless speaker 200.
Accordingly, it should now be clear how the present invention enhances the performance, range and other capabilities of a wireless media device. Once again, it will be understood that additional enhancements could be provided, depending on the functional capabilities of the wireless media device. The invention allows for essentially uninterrupted usage of a wireless media device, regardless of the proximity to a designated home or office WLAN system. Any process descriptions or blocks in the figures, such as those of
As illustrated in
It should be emphasized that the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many other variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/545,828, filed on Aug. 15, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62545828 | Aug 2017 | US |