Method and apparatus for creating and managing clusters of mobile audio devices
US7917082B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2420/07
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling access of a mobile audio device to a cluster of compatible devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method to establish communications between a portable audio player and one or more audio players within a cluster. By way of example, users can use identifiers and matching to decide whether to accept or reject a requesting audio player to join the cluster. Further, the identifiers may be stored on the audio players for future reference. Also, directional exchange of information can allow a user to visually select members of the cluster. In a further example, a mobile audio device is configured to communicate within a cluster of audio devices. In addition, the broadcasting responsibility can be transferred among members of the group.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.