Methods and systems for streaming audio and voice data

Methods and systems for streaming audio and voice data, the method including: providing a first wearable audio device having a first speaker and a first communication module; establishing, via circuitry of a first device, a first connection over a first protocol between the first wearable audio device and the first device; receiving, via an audio-oriented profile or channel of the first protocol, a first audio stream from the first device over a first time interval; receiving, via a first microphone of the first wearable audio device, a first voice input during the first time interval; and, sending, via a data-oriented profile or channel of the first protocol, the first voice input to the first device during the first time interval.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for streaming audio and voice data between devices, specifically wireless systems which send and receive audio and voice.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for sending audio and voice data between two devices, e.g., a first wearable device and a first device, simultaneously. The methods and systems can utilize different wireless protocols, the same wireless protocol and different channels within that protocol, and/or the same wireless protocol and different wireless profiles within that protocol.

In one aspect, there is provided a method for streaming audio and voice data, the method including: providing a first wearable audio device having a first speaker and a first communication module; establishing, via circuitry of a first device, a first connection over a first protocol between the first wearable audio device and the first device; receiving, via an audio-oriented profile or channel of the first protocol, a first audio stream from the first device over a first time interval; receiving, via a first microphone of the first wearable audio device, a first voice input during the first time interval; and, sending, via a data-oriented profile or channel of the first protocol, the first voice input to the first device during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the audio-oriented profile or channel comprises a high-throughput connection.

In one aspect, the data-oriented profile or channel comprises a high throughput connection.

In one aspect, the audio-oriented profile or channel comprises the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) in Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE).

In one aspect, the data-oriented profile or channel comprises at least one of: Serial Port Profile (SPP), iPod Accessory Protocol (iAP), Radio Frequency Communication (RFCOMM), a connection-oriented channel (CoC), Bluetooth Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), and Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP).

In one aspect, the first protocol comprises Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE).

In one aspect, the sending the first voice input to the first device include: encoding the first voice input received by the first microphone over the first time interval; sending an encoded voice input from the first wearable audio device to the first device during the first time interval; and, decoding, using the first device, the encoded voice into a decoded voice input during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the decoded voice input is utilized by a third-party program running on the first device during a second time interval after the first time interval, and the third-party program provides an audio playback during a third time interval after the second time interval.

In one aspect, the first audio stream is received, and a first audio signal is produced by the first speaker during the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval.

In one aspect, there is provided a method for streaming audio and voice data, the method including: providing a first wearable audio device having a first speaker and a first communication module; establishing, via circuitry of a first device, a first connection over a first protocol and a second connection over a second protocol between the first wearable audio device and the first device; receiving, via the first protocol, a first audio stream from the first device over a first time interval; receiving, via a first microphone of the first wearable audio device, a first voice input during the first time interval; and, sending, via the second protocol, the first voice input to the first device during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the first protocol comprises Bluetooth Classic.

In one aspect, the first audio stream is received over the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) of Bluetooth Classic or a profile or channel of Bluetooth Low-Energy.

In one aspect, the second protocol comprises Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) or Bluetooth Classic.

In one aspect, the first voice input is sent over at least one of: Serial Port Profile (SPP), iPod Accessory Protocol (iAP), Radio Frequency Communication (RFCOMM), a connection-oriented channel (CoC), Bluetooth Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), and Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP).

In one aspect, the sending the first voice input to the first device includes: encoding the first voice input received by the first microphone over the first time interval; sending an encoded voice input from the first wearable audio device to the first device during the first time interval; and, decoding, using the first device, the encoded voice into a decoded voice input during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the decoded voice input is utilized by a third-party program running on the first device during a second time interval after the first time interval, and the third-party program provides an audio playback during a third time interval after the second time interval.

In one aspect, the first audio stream is received, and a first audio signal is produced by the first speaker during the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval.

In one aspect, an audio system is provided, the system including a first wearable audio device and a first device, the first wearable audio device including a first speaker and, a first communication module arranged to establish a first connection with a first device via a first protocol wherein the first wearable audio device is arranged to: receive, over an audio-oriented profile or channel of the first protocol, a first audio stream from the first device over a first time interval; receive, via a first microphone of the first wearable audio device or the first device, a first voice input during the first time interval; and, send, over a data-oriented profile or channel of the first protocol, the first voice input during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the sending the first voice input to the first device comprises, encoding the first voice input received by the first microphone over the first time interval; sending an encoded voice input from the first wearable audio device to the first device during the first time interval; and, decoding, using the first device, the encoded voice into a decoded voice input during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the decoded voice input is utilized by a third-party program running on the first device during a second time interval after the first time interval, and the third-party program provides an audio playback during a third time interval after the second time interval.

In one aspect, the first audio stream is received, and a first audio signal associated with the first audio stream is produced by the first speaker during the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval.

In one aspect, an audio system is provided, the audio system including a first wearable audio device having a first speaker and a first communication module arranged to establish a first connection with a first device via a first protocol and a second connection with the first device via a second protocol; wherein the first wearable audio device is arranged to: receive, over a first protocol, a first audio stream from the first device over a first time interval; receive, via a first microphone of the first wearable audio device or the first device, a first voice input during the first time interval; and, send, over a second protocol, the first voice input during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the sending the first voice input to the first device including: encoding the first voice input received by the first microphone over the first time interval; sending an encoded voice input from the first wearable audio device to the first device during the first time interval; and, decoding, using the first device, the encoded voice into a decoded voice input during the first time interval.

In one aspect, the decoded voice input is utilized by a third-party program running on the first device during a second time interval after the first time interval.

In one aspect, the third-party program provides an audio playback during a third time interval after the second time interval, and the first audio stream is received, and a first audio signal associated with the first audio stream is produced by the first speaker during the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval.

These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for sending audio and voice data between two devices, e.g., a first wearable device and a first device, simultaneously. The methods and systems can utilize different wireless protocols, the same wireless protocol and different channels within that protocol, and/or the same wireless protocol and different wireless profiles within that protocol.

The term “wearable audio device”, as used in this application, is intended to mean a device that fits around, on, in, or near an ear (including open-ear audio devices worn on the head or shoulders of a user) and that radiates acoustic energy into or towards the ear. Wearable audio devices are sometimes referred to as headphones, earphones, earpieces, headsets, earbuds or sport headphones, and can be wired or wireless. A wearable audio device includes an acoustic driver to transduce audio signals to acoustic energy. The acoustic driver may be housed in an earcup. While some of the figures and descriptions following may show a single wearable audio device, having a pair of earcups (each including an acoustic driver) it should be appreciated that a wearable audio device may be a single stand-alone unit having only one earcup. Each earcup of the wearable audio device may be connected mechanically to another earcup or headphone, for example by a headband and/or by leads that conduct audio signals to an acoustic driver in the ear cup or headphone. A wearable audio device may include components for wirelessly receiving audio signals. A wearable audio device may include components of an active noise reduction (ANR) system. Wearable audio devices may also include other functionality such as a microphone so that they can function as a headset. WhileFIG. 1shows an example of an around-ear headset, in other examples the headset may be an in-ear, on-ear, or near-ear headset. In some examples, a wearable audio device may be an open-ear device that includes an acoustic driver to radiate acoustic energy towards the ear while leaving the ear open to its environment and surroundings.

The following description should be read in view ofFIGS. 1-4.FIG. 1is a schematic view of audio system100according to the present disclosure. Audio system100includes a first wearable audio device102and first device104discussed below. Although illustrated inFIG. 1as a pair of over-ear headphones, it should be appreciated that first wireless audio device102could be any type of headphone or wearable device capable of establishing a wireless or wired data connection with first device104.

First wearable audio device102includes first speaker106and first communication module108(shown inFIGS. 2B and 3A). First speaker106(also shown in2A) is arranged to produce first audio signal110(not shown) proximate at least one ear of a user in response to audio data of first audio stream168, discussed below, which is sent and/or received from first communication module108. First audio signal110can have a first volume V1(not shown). First communication module108is arranged to send and/or receive data via an antenna, e.g., first antenna112as shown inFIG. 3A. The data sent and/or received can be, e.g., audio data from first audio stream168(discussed below) or data relating to voice input122(discussed below) sent and/or received from a plurality of external devices, e.g., first device104. It should be appreciated, that first communication module108can be operatively connected to processor114(shown inFIG. 3A) and first memory116(shown inFIG. 3A) operatively arranged to execute and store a first set of non-transitory computer-readable instructions118(shown inFIG. 3A), as well as a battery or other power source (not shown).

Furthermore, first wearable audio device102includes first microphone120arranged to receive a first voice input122(shown inFIG. 4A) from a user. As will be discussed below in the operation of system100, first microphone120can be in an active state124(not shown) or an inactive state126(not shown). When in active state124, first microphone120is arranged to receive first voice input122and provide first voice input122to first communication module108. Additionally, first wearable audio device102further includes a first sensor128(shown inFIG. 4A) arranged on or within first wearable audio device102. First sensor128can be selected from: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, or any other sensor capable of determining the position, angular velocity, orientation, acceleration, or direction of first wearable audio device102with respect to a magnetic force of first wearable audio device102.

Additionally, in one example, first sensor128can be a Voice Activity Detection (VAD) sensor arranged to detect the presence or absence of human speech of a user. First sensor128is arranged to obtain sensor data130(schematically shown inFIG. 4A) and relay sensor data130to first communication module108. First sensor128can be utilized to switch first microphone120(or second microphone152of first device104, discussed below) from an inactive state126(not receiving and/or recording a voice input, i.e., first voice input122) to an active state124capable of receiving and/or transmitting first voice input122to, e.g., first memory116of first wearable audio device102. For example, if first sensor128detects motion of a user's jaw or head that would indicate that the user is speaking, first sensor128is arranged to communicate with first communication module108to switch first microphone120from a default inactive state126to an active state124capable of receiving and transmitting first voice input122to, e.g., first memory116so that it may subsequently be utilized by system100over the various connections described below. It should be appreciated that first microphone120or second microphone152(shown inFIGS. 3 and 4B) can be utilized to obtain first voice input122. It should further be appreciated that in the alternative to utilizing first sensor128to initiate a switch from inactive state126to active state124, first wearable audio device102may utilize first input134(discussed below) of first wearable audio device102or second input144(discussed below) of first device104to initiate a switch of first microphone120or second microphone152from inactive state126to active state124. In some examples, first microphone150or second microphone152can be in an “always on” or always active state.

As shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, first wearable audio device102further includes a first user interface132having at least one user input134. It should be appreciated that, although illustrated inFIG. 2Aas a plurality of touch capacitive sensors or a series of buttons or slideable switches, first user interface132and user input(s)134can take any form capable of receiving an input from a user. Additionally, although not discussed in detail, at least one user input134can be a signal generated by sensor128such that a motion or a gesture made by the user can serve as an input to first wearable audio device102.FIGS. 2A-2Billustrate a right-side schematic view and a left-side schematic view, respectively, of first wearable audio device102having user first interface132and first input(s)134. It should be appreciated that first interface132and first user input(s)134can be arranged on the right side or left side of first wearable audio device102in any order, pattern, or placement, and any conceivable combination thereof.

FIG. 3illustrates a front schematic view of first device104according to the present disclosure. First device104includes circuitry136which can include second communication module138(shown inFIG. 4B) arranged to send and/or received data, e.g., audio data related to first audio stream168or data related to first voice input122, via a second antenna140(shown inFIG. 4B). First device104further includes second user interface142having at least one second input144, and second processor146(shown inFIG. 4B) and second memory148(shown inFIG. 4B) arranged to execute and store a second set of non-transitory computer-readable instructions150(shown inFIG. 4B). Furthermore, although not discussed in detail, second input144can be a signal generated by inertial sensors located on or within first device104, e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer, such that a motion or a gesture made by the user can serve as an input for first device104. Additionally, first device104can include a microphone, i.e., second microphone152arranged to receive first voice input122.

As discussed below, during operation of audio system100, first communication module108of first wearable audio device102and second communication module138of first device104are arranged to establish a simultaneous bi-directional communication to send voice data and audio data between first wearable audio device102and first device104.

The following description should be read in view ofFIGS. 1-5C. In one example, first wearable audio device102and/or first device104, via first communication module108and second communication module138, are arranged to establish a first connection, i.e., first connection154. For example, first antenna112of first communication module108may initiate/request a first connection154with first device104where the request is received and accepted via second antenna140of second communication module138. Conversely, second antenna140of second communication module138may initiate/request first connection154with first wearable audio device102where the request is received and accepted via first antenna112of first communication module108. In one example, first connection154is a wireless connection established between first communication module108and second communication module138using a wireless protocol, i.e., first protocol158. It should be appreciated that first protocol158can be selected from: a Bluetooth Classic protocol (i.e., Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR)), a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) protocol, a ZigBee protocol, a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) protocol, Near-field Magnetic Induction (NFMI), Near-Field Electromagnetic Induction (NFEMI), or any other protocol for establishing a wireless connection between first wearable audio device102and first device104.

As shown inFIG. 5A, in one example, first protocol158can include an audio-oriented profile162and a data-oriented profile164. Audio-oriented profile162and data-oriented profile164can be selected from: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Attribute Profile (ATT), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), Basic Imaging Profile (BIP), Basic Printing Profile (BPP), Common ISDN Access Profile (CIP), Cordless Telephony Profile (CTP), Device ID Profile (DIP), Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN), Fax Profile (FAX), File Transfer Profile (FTP), Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile (GAVDP), Generic Access Profile (GAP), Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), Generic Object Exchange Profile (GOEP), Hard Copy Cable Replacement Profile (HCRP), Health Device Profile (HDP), Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Human Interface Device Profile (HID), Headset Profile (HSP), Intercom Profile (ICP), LAN Access Profile (LAP), Mesh Profile (MESH), Message Access Profile (MAP), OBject EXchange (OBEX), Object Push Profile (OPP), Personal Area Networking Profile (PAN), Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP, PBA), Proximity Profile (PXP), Serial Port Profile (SPP), Service Discovery Application Profile (SDAP), SIM Access Profile (SAP, SIM, rSAP), Synchronization Profile (SYNCH), Synchronization Mark-up Language Profile (SyncML), Video Distribution Profile (VDP), Wireless Application Protocol Bearer (WAPB), iAP (similar to SPP but only compatible with iOS), or any suitable Bluetooth Classic profile or Bluetooth Low-Energy profile.

In one example, first connection154is a high throughput connection, i.e., capable of transmitting larger amounts of data (e.g., 2-3 Mbps). In this example, first protocol158is Bluetooth Classic, audio-oriented profile162is the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and data-oriented profile164is Serial Port Profile (SPP). During a first time interval, i.e., first time interval166(not shown), first wearable audio device102and first device104are arranged to establish first connection154using first protocol158. Audio-oriented profile162of first protocol158is arranged to carry or transmit data related to a first audio stream, i.e., first audio stream168. First audio stream168can be audio information related to a digital music file or any other audio file saved in first memory116, second memory148, the memory of another external device, or a memory accessible via a network connection (e.g., cloud-based connection). First wearable audio device is arranged to produce first audio signal110(not shown) corresponding with first audio stream168via first speaker106. Additionally, and during first time interval166, data-oriented profile164of first protocol158is arranged to carry or transmit data related to first voice input122received from either first microphone120or second microphone152while in active state124as discussed above. First communication module108is arranged to compress and/or encode first voice input122so that it can be sent over data-oriented profile164of first protocol158. Optionally, in addition to compressing and/or encoding first voice input122, first communication module108is arranged to execute an audio filter program, i.e., filter160(Shown inFIG. 4B), on first voice input122, where filter160(which may comprise one or more filters) is arranged to remove any background audio or background noise unintentionally received by first microphone106(or second microphone152) while receiving first voice input122. Second communication module138is arranged to receive, via data-oriented profile164of first protocol158, the compressed and/or encoded first voice input122and decompress and/or decode first voice input122. Once decompressed and/or decoded by second communication module138, first voice input122can be utilized by a third-party program, e.g., third-party program170(not shown). Third-party program170is intended to be a program executable on first device104, which can utilize first voice input122, e.g., a Virtual Personal Assistant (VPA) program (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri) known in the art.

During a second time interval, i.e., second time interval172(not shown) after first time interval166, third-party program170is arranged to receive first voice input122and, e.g., generate an audio playback response corresponding or relating to first voice input122, i.e., audio playback174(shown inFIG. 4B). During a third time interval176(not shown), after second time interval172, audio playback174is transmitted, via data-oriented profile164, from first device104to first wearable device102, where first speaker106is arranged to produce a second audio signal, i.e., second audio signal178(not shown), where second audio signal178has a second volume V2and corresponds with audio playback174. It should be appreciated that first audio signal110can be produced during first time interval166, second time interval172, and/or third time interval176. In other words, first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168can be continuous. Additionally, it should be appreciated that during third time interval176, first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168can be paused while first speaker106produces second audio signal178corresponding with audio playback174. Alternatively, during third time interval176, first volume V1of first audio signal110and second volume V2of second audio signal178can be altered so that the user can differentiate between the signals while they are simultaneously produced by first speaker106. For example, first volume V1of first audio signal110could be decreased or second volume V2of second audio signal178could be increased during third time interval176so that each audio signal can be audibly differentiated.

As illustrated inFIG. 5B, in one example, first protocol158(which in this example, may be Bluetooth classic), may utilize an audio-oriented channel180and a data-oriented channel182. Audio-oriented channel180and data-oriented channel180are each intended to be associated with one channel of a plurality of channels with operating ranges between 2400-2483.5 MHz, where each channel is separated by, e.g., 2 MHz within that range. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that audio-oriented channel180and data-oriented channel182can be separate channels of a plurality of Connection-Oriented Channels (CoC) of a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) protocol. Similar to the examples described above, during a first time interval, i.e., first time interval166, first wearable audio device102and first device104are arranged to establish first connection154using first protocol158. Audio-oriented channel180of first protocol158is arranged to carry or transmit data related to a first audio stream, i.e., first audio stream168. First audio stream168can be audio information related to a digital music file or any other audio file saved in first memory116, second memory148, the memory of another external device, or a memory accessible via a network connection (e.g., cloud-based connection). First wearable audio device is arranged to produce first audio signal110(not shown) corresponding with first audio stream168via first speaker106. It should be appreciated that audio-oriented channel180and data-oriented channel182can utilize any of the protocols discussed above along with any conceivable combination of profiles or channels discussed above. Additionally, and during first time interval166, data-oriented channel182of first protocol158is arranged to carry or transmit data related to first voice input122received from either first microphone120or second microphone152while in active state124as discussed above. First communication module108is arranged to compress and/or encode first voice input122so that it can be sent received over data-oriented channel182of first protocol158. Optionally, in addition to compressing and/or encoding first voice input122, first communication module108is arranged to execute an audio filter program, i.e., filter160, on first voice input122, where filter160(which may comprise one or more filters) is arranged to remove any background audio or background noise unintentionally received by first microphone106while receiving first voice input122. Second communication module138is arranged to receive, via data-oriented channel182of first protocol158, the compressed and/or encoded first voice input122and decompress and/or decode first voice input122. Once decompressed and/or decoded by second communication module138, first voice input122can be utilized by a third-party program, e.g., third-party program170. Third-party program170(shown inFIG. 4B) is intended to be a program executable on first device104, which can utilize first voice input122, e.g., a Virtual Personal Assistant (VPA) programs (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri) known in the art.

During a second time interval, i.e., second time interval172(not illustrated) after first time interval166, third-party program170(shown inFIG. 4B) is arranged to receive first voice input122and, e.g., generate an audio playback response corresponding or relating to first voice input122, i.e., audio playback174. During a third time interval176, after second time interval172, audio playback174is transmitted, via data-oriented channel182, from first device104to first wearable device104, where first speaker106is arranged to produce a second audio signal, i.e., second audio signal178, where second audio signal178has a second volume V2and corresponds with audio playback174. It should be appreciated that first audio signal110can be produced during first time interval166, second time interval172, and/or third time interval176. In other words, first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168can be continuous. Additionally, it should be appreciated that during third time interval176, first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168can be paused while first speaker106produces second audio signal178corresponding with audio playback174. Alternatively, during third time interval176, first volume V1of first audio signal110and second volume V2of second audio signal178can be altered so that the user can differentiate between the signals while they are simultaneously produced by first speaker106. For example, first volume V1of first audio signal110could be decreased or second volume V2of second audio signal178could be increased during third time interval176so that each audio signal can be audibly differentiated.

As illustrated inFIG. 5C, in one example, two simultaneous connections are utilized to send and receive the audio and voice data in the alternative to using audio-oriented profiles and/or channels and data-oriented profiles and/or channels. In this example, first connection154and second connection156are established between first wearable audio device102and first device104. It should be appreciated that both first connection154can be high throughput connections (e.g., 1-2 Mbps). First connection154is established via first protocol158, while second connection156is established via second protocol184. First protocol158and second protocol184can be selected from: a Bluetooth Classic protocol, a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) protocol, a ZigBee protocol, a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) protocol, Near-field Magnetic Induction (NFMI), Near-Field Electromagnetic Induction (NFEMI), or any other protocol for establishing a wireless connection between first wearable audio device102and first device104. In one example, the first connection154is established via Bluetooth classic and the second connection156is established via BLE. It should also be appreciated that first protocol158and second protocol184can utilize any of the following Bluetooth Profiles: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Attribute Profile (ATT), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), Basic Imaging Profile (BIP), Basic Printing Profile (BPP), Common ISDN Access Profile (CIP), Cordless Telephony Profile (CTP), Device ID Profile (DIP), Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN), Fax Profile (FAX), File Transfer Profile (FTP), Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile (GAVDP), Generic Access Profile (GAP), Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), Generic Object Exchange Profile (GOEP), Hard Copy Cable Replacement Profile (HCRP), Health Device Profile (HDP), Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Human Interface Device Profile (HID), Headset Profile (HSP), Intercom Profile (ICP), LAN Access Profile (LAP), Mesh Profile (MESH), Message Access Profile (MAP), OBject EXchange (OBEX), Object Push Profile (OPP), Personal Area Networking Profile (PAN), Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP, PBA), Proximity Profile (PXP), Serial Port Profile (SPP), Service Discovery Application Profile (SDAP), SIM Access Profile (SAP, SIM, rSAP), Synchronization Profile (SYNCH), Synchronization Mark-up Language Profile (SyncML), Video Distribution Profile (VDP), Wireless Application Protocol Bearer (WAPB), iAP (similar to SPP but only compatible with iOS), or any suitable Bluetooth Classic profile or Bluetooth Low-Energy profile. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that first protocol158and second protocol184can utilize any of the following Bluetooth/BLE channels or can be separate channels of a plurality of Connection-Oriented Channels (CoC) of a Bluetooth classic or Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) protocol.

In this example, first connection154is a high throughput connection, i.e., capable of transmitting larger amounts of data (e.g., 1-2 Mbps) while second connection156is a low throughput connection, i.e., transmits data at less than 1 Mbps. In this example, first protocol158of first connection154is Bluetooth Classic utilizing the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), while second protocol184of second connection156is Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) utilizing at least one channel of a plurality of Connection-Oriented Channels (CoC). During a first time interval, i.e., first time interval166, first wearable audio device102and first device104are arranged to establish first connection154using first protocol158and second connection156via second protocol184. First protocol158is arranged to carry or transmit data related to a first audio stream, i.e., first audio stream168. First audio stream168can be audio information related to a digital music file or any other audio file saved in first memory116, second memory148, the memory of another external device, or a memory accessible via a network connection (e.g., cloud-based connection). First wearable audio device is arranged to produce first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168via first speaker106. Additionally, and during first time interval166, second protocol184is arranged to carry or transmit data related to first voice input122received from either first microphone120or second microphone152while in active state124as discussed above. First communication module108is arranged to compress and/or encode first voice input122so that it can be sent received over second protocol184. Optionally, in addition to compressing and/or encoding first voice input122, first communication module108is arranged to execute an audio filter program, i.e., filter160, on first voice input122, where filter160(which may comprise one or more filters) is arranged to remove any background audio or background noise unintentionally received by first microphone106while receiving first voice input122. Second communication module138is arranged to receive, via second protocol184, the compressed and/or encoded first voice input122and decompress and/or decode first voice input122. Once decompressed and/or decoded by second communication module138, first voice input122can be utilized by a third-party program, e.g., third-party program170(shown inFIG. 4B). Third-party program170is intended to be a program executable on first device104, which can utilize first voice input122, e.g., a Virtual Personal Assistant (VPA) programs (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri) known in the art.

During a second time interval, i.e., second time interval172(not illustrated) after first time interval166, third-party program170is arranged to receive first voice input122and, e.g., generate an audio playback response corresponding or relating to first voice input122, i.e., audio playback174. During a third time interval176, after second time interval172, audio playback174is transmitted, via second protocol184, from first device104to first wearable device104, where first speaker106is arranged to produce a second audio signal, i.e., second audio signal178, where second audio signal178has a second volume V2and corresponds with audio playback174. It should be appreciated that first audio signal110can be produced during first time interval166, second time interval172, and/or third time interval176. In other words, first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168can be continuous. Additionally, it should be appreciated that during third time interval176, first audio signal110corresponding with first audio stream168can be paused while first speaker106produces second audio signal178corresponding with audio playback174. Alternatively, during third time interval176, first volume V1of first audio signal110and second volume V2of second audio signal178can be altered so that the user can differentiate between the signals while they are simultaneously produced by first speaker106. For example, first volume V1of first audio signal110could be decreased or second volume V2of second audio signal178could be increased during third time interval176so that each audio signal can be audibly differentiated.

FIG. 6illustrates the steps of method200according to the present disclosure. Method200includes, for example: providing a first wearable audio device102having a first speaker106and a first communication module108(step202); establishing, via circuitry136of a first device104, a first connection154over a first protocol158between the first wearable audio device102and the first device104(step204); receiving, via an audio-oriented profile162or channel180of the first protocol, a first audio stream168from the first device104over a first time interval166(step206); receiving, via a first microphone120of the first wearable audio device102, a first voice input122during the first time interval166(step208); encoding the first voice input122received by the first microphone120over the first time interval166(step210); sending an encoded voice input from the first wearable audio device102to the first device104during the first time interval166(step212) via a data-oriented profile164or channel182of the first protocol158; decoding, using the first device104, the encoded voice into a decoded voice input during the first time interval166(step214); and sending, via a data-oriented profile164or channel182of the first protocol158, the first voice input122to the first device104during the first time interval166(step216).

FIG. 7illustrates the steps of method300according to the present disclosure. Method300includes, for example: providing a first wearable audio device102having a first speaker106and a first communication module108(step302); establishing, via circuitry136of a first device104, a first connection154over a first protocol158and a second connection156over a second protocol184between the first wearable audio device102and the first device104(step304); receiving, via the first protocol158, a first audio stream168from the first device104over a first time interval166(step306); receiving, via a first microphone120of the first wearable audio device102, a first voice input122during the first time interval166(step308); encoding the first voice input122received by the first microphone120over the first time interval166(step310); sending an encoded voice input from the first wearable audio device102to the first device104during the first time interval166(step312) via the second protocol184; decoding, using the first device104, the encoded voice into a decoded voice input during the first time interval166(step314); and sending, via the second protocol184, the first voice input122to the first device104during the first time interval166(step316).

The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices/computers.

Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.