Apple invention turns Lightning headphones into smart walkie-talkies
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published a somewhat unusual Apple invention detailing a communications platform that ditches cellular in favor of direct, point-to-point network technology.
Source: USPTO
Apple's patent application for "Point-to-point ad hoc voice communication" describes a mode of communication much more intimate -- and less ambitious in function -- than the company's iPhone product line.
Specifically, the invention outlines a headset capable of connecting with other devices of the same type via wireless ad hoc networks, also known as peer-to-peer or point-to-point links. Packed with a typical assortment of audio hardware including a microphone and speaker, Apple's proposed headset also features a communications module that allows it to interface with other units in close proximity.
In some embodiments, the headset might also connect via Lightning or 3.5mm jack to a mobile device, opening the door to app-driven solutions. Such device setups are identical or closely related to currently shipping stereo headphones with built-in microphone and remote control modules, Apple's gratis EarPods being a valid example.
Interestingly, Apple eschews support for distributed communications networks like cellular and satellite, instead opting for direct wireless connections facilitated through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other similar protocol. Less functional than a cell network, cutting out intermediary hops does have its advantages, the most apparent being extremely low-latency communications.
Further, users in some scenarios would be better served by a direct, low-latency connection. For example, two friends talking to each other in a noisy room would experience a temporal discord between audio signals if relying on their cellphones. It's these situations, when users are close enough to see each other's body gestures, that direct ad hoc communications are preferable, Apple says.
A variety of ideal systems are referenced in today's exhaustive patent application -- drafted by an engineer who previously worked for German audio giant Sennheiser -- but the document consistently returns to an embodiment best described as a greatly enhanced walkie-talkie.
Using a combination of modern wireless technology, advanced hardware and complex software, Apple is able to revitalize a decades-old idea. For example, the proposed system might present a GUI on a connected touchscreen-enabled device to indicate nearby users with whom a direct link can be established. Tapping on a user icon is a marked improvement over dialing a phone number or browsing through a stored contacts list.
A digital communications suite provides enhancements like signal encryption and multi-user conference calling. Ambient noise can also be filtered out through the application of specialized software.
As with all Apple patents, it's not clear whether the company plans to implement such technology into a shipping product anytime soon. However, aside from the obvious iOS device use case, the ad hoc system would be a good fit for Apple's own Apple Stores, who currently use traditional two-way radios to facilitate communication between floor staff and those working back of store.
Apple's advanced walkie-talkie patent application was first filed for in November 2014 and credits Esge B. Andersen and Cedrik Bacon as its inventors.
Source: USPTO
Apple's patent application for "Point-to-point ad hoc voice communication" describes a mode of communication much more intimate -- and less ambitious in function -- than the company's iPhone product line.
Specifically, the invention outlines a headset capable of connecting with other devices of the same type via wireless ad hoc networks, also known as peer-to-peer or point-to-point links. Packed with a typical assortment of audio hardware including a microphone and speaker, Apple's proposed headset also features a communications module that allows it to interface with other units in close proximity.
In some embodiments, the headset might also connect via Lightning or 3.5mm jack to a mobile device, opening the door to app-driven solutions. Such device setups are identical or closely related to currently shipping stereo headphones with built-in microphone and remote control modules, Apple's gratis EarPods being a valid example.
Interestingly, Apple eschews support for distributed communications networks like cellular and satellite, instead opting for direct wireless connections facilitated through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other similar protocol. Less functional than a cell network, cutting out intermediary hops does have its advantages, the most apparent being extremely low-latency communications.
Further, users in some scenarios would be better served by a direct, low-latency connection. For example, two friends talking to each other in a noisy room would experience a temporal discord between audio signals if relying on their cellphones. It's these situations, when users are close enough to see each other's body gestures, that direct ad hoc communications are preferable, Apple says.
A variety of ideal systems are referenced in today's exhaustive patent application -- drafted by an engineer who previously worked for German audio giant Sennheiser -- but the document consistently returns to an embodiment best described as a greatly enhanced walkie-talkie.
Using a combination of modern wireless technology, advanced hardware and complex software, Apple is able to revitalize a decades-old idea. For example, the proposed system might present a GUI on a connected touchscreen-enabled device to indicate nearby users with whom a direct link can be established. Tapping on a user icon is a marked improvement over dialing a phone number or browsing through a stored contacts list.
A digital communications suite provides enhancements like signal encryption and multi-user conference calling. Ambient noise can also be filtered out through the application of specialized software.
As with all Apple patents, it's not clear whether the company plans to implement such technology into a shipping product anytime soon. However, aside from the obvious iOS device use case, the ad hoc system would be a good fit for Apple's own Apple Stores, who currently use traditional two-way radios to facilitate communication between floor staff and those working back of store.
Apple's advanced walkie-talkie patent application was first filed for in November 2014 and credits Esge B. Andersen and Cedrik Bacon as its inventors.
Comments
There's an app called Firechat which does this for messaging, but would be better if it was integrated into the main Messages app, and with audio options (video too? No reason why not!)
Time will tell.
Not sure if BT devices are single channel, but I expect so. Maybe Apple can build custom dual channel BT devices for all of their audio products, and Siri would be awesome with that capability.
i also have toyed with the idea that iBeacon technology (every iPhone can not only interact with iBeacons, but can also be one) could be used to connect people via preset parameters. For example,moire going to an industry trade show and would be interested to meet others who have interest or expertise in your specific specialty. You arrive at the trade show, you're walking around, and you are alerted that there's someone there who matches your preset filters, and offers to connect you, perhaps using the mode described in this article. You're at a car event and you've indicated that you are interested in buying a '67 Camaro. As you're walking around, you are alerted there's someone there with one for sale, and you're offered to connect, or just swap info for later connection. The possibilities are endless.
Au contraire, mon frère ... If you read the patent:
[0038] In some embodiments, voice communication via one or more point-to-point ad hoc network links can enable "conference call" voice communication sessions between users supported by wireless communication devices linked together via the point-to-point ad hoc network link and at least one other device which is linked to at least one of the wireless communication devices via another communication link. For example, referring to the above example where a set of wireless communication devices includes a primary device linked to one or more secondary wireless communication devices via separate point-to-point ad hoc network links, the primary device can be linked to another device via a cellular network link. As a result, communication signals can be exchanged between the other device and the secondary devices via the cellular link between the other device and the primary device and the point-to-point ad hoc network links between the primary device and the secondary devices. The other communication link, which can be referred to herein as a separate communication link, can be understood to encompass any known communication links, including cellular network communication links, network links via a router, satellite communication links, telephonic communication links, radio communication links, etc.
So, it is possible to have a Walkie-Talkie-like, multipoint connection that is not limited to only those participants within a short range as the article suggests *.
* "direct wireless connections facilitated through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other similar protocol"
Now, think about the possibilities!
Exactly!
Anyone with a helmet can be on your wavelength ... American Football, Hockey ... This could be better than under inflated footballs ;D
More seriously: Police, Fire Fighters, Rescue Teams, SWAT Teams ...
Anyone who wants to build an adhoc communications networks in sound sensitive space.
But why stop at adhoc? Why not bill it as a replacement to an office PABX system?
Apple could eat their own dog food here and build the system as a replacement to installing a phone system in the donut given the whole point or a round building is to get people to move and interact. Apple's Business sales strategy to date has been by stealth, maybe it's time for them to openly target business as a growth area.