WO 2006/042749
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
`
`Am Labor 1, 30900 Wedemark
`
`Wireless Headphones and Data Transmission Method
`
`The present invention relates to wireless headphones, a wireless microphone, a
`
`wireless headset, and a method for data transmission.
`
`Distribution of digitally compressed music, e.g. as MP3 files, has increased considerably
`
`in recent years. Audio files are digitalized and then stored, e.g. on a hard drive in a
`
`computer. As a result, computers are increasingly used as music sources in the private
`
`sector, where the computer is used to play the audio files stored thereon. This allows
`
`for a hardwired music playback, and if the computer contains a radio signal interface, it
`
`is possible to play the music wirelessly, or to transmit the audio files or audio signals
`
`through radio signals. Furthermore, there are also music sources connected to the
`
`internet, which provide audio files for free or for a fee. A user can download these audio
`
`files to a computer via the internet, and subsequently listen to these audio files. A user
`
`can also access the internet with a cellular telephone or PDA through HSCSD, GPRS,
`
`UMTS, etc. to likewise download audio files. One disadvantage with this is that a large
`
`amount of data frequently needs to be transferred at a low speed.
`
`A PDA or a notebook with a WLAN interface (IEEE 802.11) can likewise access the
`
`internet wirelessly, as long as the PDA or notebook is located within the transmission
`
`range of a WLAN access point. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the
`
`data transfer speed in comparison with a cellular telephone connection.
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1020
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`DE 20 2004 005 111 U1 discloses wireless Bluetooth headphones that has an
`
`electroacoustic transducer and a transmitter/receiver unit for wireless signal reception of
`
`audio signals.
`
`
`
`DE 101 14 670 A1 discloses a mobile multimedia device that contains one
`
`transmitter/receiver unit for communicating with a cellular network and second
`
`transmitter/receiver unit for receiving radio frequencies. Reception authorization
`
`received via the first transmitter/receiver unit is stored in a transmitter. The multimedia
`
`device also contains a decoder for decoding the encoded multimedia content received
`
`via the second transmitter/receiver unit. An authorization query for multimedia content
`
`is transmitted wirelessly via the first transmitter.
`
`
`
`The downloading of data, in particular audio files, from the internet described above
`
`may involve copyright laws.
`
`
`
`It is therefore the object of the present invention to enable mobile access to data stored
`
`in an internet server that does not infringe on copyright laws. It is also the object of the
`
`present invention to create wireless headphones, a wireless microphone, and a wireless
`
`headset that enable improved access to existing or available communication
`
`environments.
`
`
`
`The invention relates to the idea of providing WLAN headphones or a WLAN receiver
`
`with a headphone connection for wireless audio file transfer, as long as the receiver is
`
`within the transmission range of a WLAN access point, for example. This involves
`
`establishing a connection between the headphones or receiver and a server and/or
`
`server service that supports the client functionalities. The server and/or server service
`
`can be a private server/service or an external server/service, for which the connection
`
`data are known, and for which the user has access rights. More precisely, a connection
`
`is established between the access point and the server or server service that contains
`
`the data that are to be downloaded, which can be hardwired or partially or entirely
`
`wireless. The data are then transferred from the access point to the headphones or
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`receiver via a WLAN interface (e.g. IEEE 802.11). This enables it to receive its own
`
`digitally stored music wirelessly within the transmission range of a WLAN access point.
`
`Because it is accessing its own music, a continuous verification of rights is enabled,
`
`such that it is not subject to copyright restrictions. WLAN headphones or a WLAN
`
`receiver can access their own data in the same manner, regardless of whether the
`
`headphones or receiver are within the transmission range of a private WLAN access
`
`point or a public WLAN access point.
`
`
`
`It is not necessarily essential for a data medium to physically possess the audio data for
`
`an authorized access to its own audio data. Audio data that can be accessed in the
`
`allowed manner as set forth in this invention can be privately owned music data media,
`
`or it can be audio data that have been downloaded from an internet service, potentially
`
`for a fee, or it can be audio data copied to a specific server/service, potentially for a fee,
`
`from which it can then be retrieved as desired. In particular, the non-physical purchase
`
`of audio data should be noted in conjunction with this invention.
`
`
`
`It may be the case that the necessary storage space in the private sector is insufficient
`
`for storing all of the audio data. An internet service or provider that stores this data and
`
`can be accessed in the conventional manner is also conceivable. This service may also
`
`involve fees, or it may be included in other service contracts.
`
`
`
`The invention also relates to the concept of configuring headphones not only as passive
`
`audio receivers, but also as an active network element, or as a web client that provides
`
`an internet service such that other network elements can likewise access it. The same
`
`applies for a microphone and for the headset.
`
`
`
`This results in wireless headphones that have at least one electroacoustic transducer
`
`and a transmitter/receiver unit for wireless reception of first signals, which contain audio
`
`signals that can be played back on the electroacoustic transducer, and a network
`
`identification unit for storing a network ID for the wireless headphones, wherein the
`
`transmitter/receiver unit is configured for wireless transmission of the network ID for the
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`headphones, wherein the network ID for the wireless headphones stored in the network
`
`identification unit represents an internet protocol address.
`
`
`
`As a result, the wireless headphones form not only a passive receiver for audio signals,
`
`but also an active network element. This ensures that the wireless headphones can be
`
`clearly identified in a network. The wireless headphones can be accessed via the
`
`internet using IP address, i.e. the wireless headphones can be addressed worldwide.
`
`
`
`According to another aspect of the present invention, the IP address is assigned to a
`
`network element in a wireless network in which the wireless headphones are located.
`
`
`
`According to another aspect of the present invention, the headphones contain a buffer
`
`for temporarily storing the received signals. Brief interruptions in the reception of the
`
`first signals can be bridged with such a buffer, without having to stop playback of the
`
`audio signals via the electroacoustic transducer. The buffer can be a component of the
`
`streaming protocol, or it can be formed in the application software as a supplement to
`
`the streaming protocol.
`
`
`
`According to another aspect of the present invention, the wireless headphones have a
`
`display for displaying second signals that have been received by the transmitter/receiver
`
`unit along with the first signals. As a result, supplementary information, e.g. a title and
`
`performer of a piece of music, can be displayed on the display.
`
`
`
`According to another aspect of the present invention, the wireless headphones have
`
`control buttons. The user can use these control buttons to control the display and
`
`communicate with other network elements in the network. The user can thus select
`
`audio files stored on a server in the network, such that they can be transferred to the
`
`wireless headphones for playback.
`
`
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`The invention likewise relates to a wireless microphone that has an electroacoustic
`
`transducer for picking up audio signals and a transmitter/receiver unit for the wireless
`
`transfer of these audio signals.
`
`
`
`The wireless microphone also contains a network identification unit for storing a network
`
`ID for the wireless microphone. The transmitter/receiver unit also transmits the network
`
`ID for the microphone stored in the network identification unit. As a result, a wireless
`
`microphone is provided that is not only a passive transmitter for audio signals, but is
`
`also used as an active network element, thus making an internet service available.
`
`
`
`The invention also relates to a wireless headset that contains at least one first
`
`electroacoustic transducer for playing audio signals, and a second electroacoustic
`
`transducer for recording audio signals. The headset also contains a transmitter/receiver
`
`unit for wireless transmission and reception, as well as a network identification unit for
`
`storing a network ID for the headset. The network ID for the headset is transmitted
`
`wirelessly by the transmitter/receiver unit.
`
`
`
`Further embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
`
`
`
`The invention shall be described in greater detail below in reference to the drawings.
`
`Therein:
`
`
`
`Fig. 1
`
`shows a fundamental construction of a data transfer system according to
`
`the invention;
`
`
`
`Fig. 2
`
`shows a playback device according to a first exemplary embodiment;
`
`
`
`Fig. 3
`
`shows a playback device according to a second exemplary embodiment;
`
`
`
`Fig. 4
`
`shows a block diagram of a multimedia network;
`
`
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`Fig. 5
`
`shows a multimedia network according to a third exemplary embodiment
`
`of the invention;
`
`
`
`Fig. 6
`
`shows a schematic illustration of a multimedia network according to a
`
`fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention;
`
`
`
`Fig. 7
`
`shows a block diagram for wireless headphones according to the third
`
`exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5;
`
`
`
`Fig. 8
`
`shows a block diagram for a wireless microphone according to the fourth
`
`exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6; and
`
`
`
`Fig. 9
`
`shows a block diagram for a headset according to a fifth exemplary
`
`embodiment.
`
`
`
`Figure 1 shows a fundamental construction of a data transfer system according to the
`
`invention. This substantially depicts a private sector and a public sector that are
`
`connected to one another via the internet. A private server PS is shown in the private
`
`sector, which is connected by a hardwire, for example, to an access point APP. This
`
`access point APP has a WLAN interface, and communicates wirelessly with a playback
`
`device WG located within the transmission range of the access point APP. There is a
`
`public server OS in the public sector, which is connected wirelessly, for example, to the
`
`internet. There is also a further access point APO, which is likewise hardwired to the
`
`internet. This access point APO also contains a WLAN interface and communicates
`
`wirelessly with a playback device WG located within its transmission range.
`
`
`
`A playback device WG contains a WLAN interface for communicating with the private
`
`access points APP and the public access points APO. The playback device is also
`
`assigned its own IP address. Communication by the playback device WG within a
`
`transmission range of the private access point AP takes place wirelessly until reaching
`
`the private access point APP, and then is hardwired between the private access point
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`APP and the private server. Alternatively or additionally, the private access point APP
`
`can be hardwired to the internet, for example. This would enable communication
`
`between the playback device WG within the transmission range of the private access
`
`point APP and a public server OS, in that the private access point APP is connected to
`
`the public server OS via the internet.
`
`
`
`Alternatively, the playback device WG can also communicate with the access points
`
`through a hardwired connection.
`
`
`
`Communication between the playback device WG in the transmission range of the
`
`public access point APO and a public or private server OS, PS, takes place wirelessly
`
`until reaching the public access point APO, and then takes place via the internet to
`
`reach the public server OS or the private server PS.
`
`
`
`The playback device WG can therefore access both the private server PS as well as the
`
`public server OS, regardless of whether it is located in a private or public sector, as long
`
`as it is located within the transmission range of an access point.
`
`
`
`Communication between the playback device WG and the public server OS or the
`
`private server PS takes place via the internet protocol in particular. For this, the
`
`playback device has a corresponding IP address IP-WG, and the private and public
`
`servers likewise have corresponding IP addresses IP-PS, IP-OS. The
`
`intercommunication therefore takes place using the respective IP addresses. This has
`
`the advantage in particular that the public or private servers OS, PS can determine
`
`whether the receiver of the data is also actually the playback device WG. If the IP
`
`address of the data receiver is not the IP address IP-WG for the playback device, the
`
`respective data transfer can be interrupted. The IP address also makes it possible to
`
`identify the receiver of the respective data.
`
`
`
`Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a playback device from Figure 1 according to
`
`a first exemplary embodiment. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`playback device comprises headphones with a WLAN interface. In other words, the
`
`headphones communicates directly with an access point via WLAN. As a result, no
`
`further devices are needed for receiving the wireless signals. All of the necessary
`
`elements are integrated in the wireless headphones. As a result, data can be received
`
`wirelessly by the wireless WLAN headphones, as long as the headphones are within the
`
`transmission range of a WLAN access point.
`
`
`
`As an alternative to a WLAN interface, the playback device can likewise contain an
`
`interface that enables hardwired communication with the access point. As an alterative
`
`to the WLAN interface, the playback device can likewise contain a wireless interface
`
`that uses another wireless communications protocol.
`
`
`
`An external operating element BE can be used to improve the operability of wireless
`
`headphones. The communication between the operating element BE and the
`
`headphones can be hardwired or wireless (IR, Bluetooth, HF). This operating element
`
`is used solely for operating the wireless headphones. No WLAN interface is integrated
`
`in the operating element BE. Alternatively, the operating element can also be integrated
`
`in the headphones.
`
`
`
`Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a playback device according to a second
`
`exemplary embodiment. This also includes headphones and an operating element BE.
`
`Unlike the first exemplary embodiment, a WLAN interface is integrated in the operating
`
`element BE, such that the operating element communicates wirelessly with an access
`
`point. The data that are received are transferred either by hardwire or wirelessly (IR,
`
`Bluetooth, HF, etc.) from the operating element BE to the headphones. According to
`
`the second exemplary embodiment, the WLAN interface is therefore integrated in the
`
`operating element BE, while the headphones are simply conventional headphones.
`
`
`
`Integration of the WLAN interface in the operating element BE has proven to be
`
`advantageous with regard to the battery power that is needed, because such an
`
`operating element has more space for such.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`
`
`An operating element according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention
`
`can be any device that has a WLAN interface, e.g. a notebook, PDA, cellular telephone,
`
`voice over IP telephone, etc. The operating element can also be implemented as an
`
`MP3 player with a WLAN interface. When such an operating element contains a
`
`sufficiently large temporary memory, or buffer, numerous audio files can be loaded in
`
`advance on the operating element, such that they can be subsequently played back,
`
`without needing a connection to an access point.
`
`
`
`The operating element according to the second exemplary embodiment can therefore
`
`also provide a corresponding audio signal – hardwired or wirelessly – to other
`
`headphones.
`
`
`
`Someone wearing the wireless headphones described above, which contain an
`
`integrated WLAN interface, can listen to music whenever they are located within the
`
`transmission range of a WLAN access point. Because of the faster data transfer
`
`associated with WLAN, a high level of audio playback quality can be obtained.
`
`Furthermore, the data in the audio files or music pieces can substantially be
`
`downloaded in realtime, such that only a very small temporary memory or buffer is
`
`needed in the headphones. Alternatively or additionally, these data can also be
`
`uploaded at a higher speed, and stored accordingly in the temporary memory or buffer.
`
`As a result, it is possible to provide music to the headphones for playback when the
`
`headphones are no longer within the transmission range of a WLAN access point. The
`
`wireless headphones substantially contain all of the necessary hardware elements that
`
`are needed for both the downloading as well as playback of audio files downloaded
`
`accordingly from the internet.
`
`
`
`In order reduce the amount of data that must be transferred, the audio files can be
`
`stored and transmitted in a compressed form, e.g. MP3, MP3pro, WMA, Ogg Vorbis,
`
`etc. Decompression first takes place in the receiver, i.e. in the wireless headphones.
`
`The wireless headphones must therefore contain a unit for decompressing the
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`compressed audio signals, as well as the corresponding software for this. Alternatively,
`
`this necessary software can also be transferred along with, or prior to, the audio data.
`
`This is advantageously in particular with regard to the different versions of such
`
`headphones from different manufacturers, such that the respective headphones are
`
`always provided with the newest software version.
`
`
`
`According to both the first and second exemplary embodiments, a playback device, i.e.
`
`an operating element or wireless headphones, can both receive and transmit data.
`
`Such a playback device can therefore receive data wirelessly from an access point, and
`
`then send this data to another playback device. This can take place either by a
`
`hardwired connection or wirelessly, i.e. using infrared, Bluetooth, HF, etc. As a result,
`
`not only audio files, but also audio streams can be simultaneously received by the
`
`playback device, and forwarded accordingly. The playback device, i.e. the wireless
`
`headphones or the operating element, can temporally control playback on an external
`
`playback device such that the playback takes place synchronously. Alternatively, the
`
`playback with the wireless headphones connected to the access point can be delayed
`
`accordingly, in order to obtain a synchronous playback on all playback devices. The
`
`wireless headphones, or operating element, substantially forms a master, while the
`
`other playback devices are implemented as slave devices. As a result, wireless
`
`headphones or an operating element perform as a local server, providing the stored
`
`audio files to other playback devices. The data transfer of the data stored in the
`
`wireless headphones or operating element can take place either in realtime, or at a
`
`higher speed, such that the other playback devices can play the files later or delayed,
`
`depending on the size of their temporary memory or buffer.
`
`
`
`According to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wireless
`
`headphones are designed such that when it is turned on, it logs onto a WLAN access
`
`point, if it is located within the transmission range of a WLAN access point. The
`
`wireless headphones then establish a connection to a specific server on which the
`
`audio files that are to be transferred are located. This can take place with an internet
`
`protocol using a specific IP address for such a server. This server can be either a
`
`
`
`10
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`private server, which is permanently connected to the internet via a DSL connection, for
`
`example. Alternatively, these data can likewise be on another server that is
`
`permanently connected to the internet.
`
`
`
`The wireless headphones according to the first and second exemplary embodiments
`
`check in regular intervals whether they are within the transmission range of an access
`
`point. As soon as they determine that they are within the transmission range of an
`
`access point, and a connection to this access point has been established, the user is
`
`informed of this visually through an LED display, acoustically through a sound signal in
`
`the headphones, or mechanically through a vibration. If there is a corresponding
`
`operating element, this notification can also take place on the operating element. Such
`
`a notification can also be shut off.
`
`
`
`The user can also decide whether or not to contact a server.
`
`
`
`A connection to a server on which the data that are to be transferred are located is
`
`initiated by actuating control buttons on the wireless headphones or the operating
`
`element, without having to input further target information, because this information is
`
`already stored in the headphones. If the connection to the WLAN access point is
`
`interrupted during a data transfer, the headphones attempt to re-establish a connection
`
`at set intervals and to resume data transfer until all of the data have been transferred.
`
`
`
`In order to improve continuous verification of rights, and to prevent an unintended
`
`access to or misuse of the data transfer between wireless WLAN headphones and a
`
`specific server or headphones, the data transfer is encrypted. A corresponding key can
`
`vary during the download in previously defined temporal intervals, or from one download
`
`to the next. Existing web functionalities, e.g. SSL, can also be used for the encryption.
`
`
`
`According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an operating element
`
`described in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the invention is
`
`located in an automobile or the like. It should be ensured here that the temporary
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`11
`
`

`

`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`memory, or buffer, is large enough, because it is not always certain that the operating
`
`element will be within the transmission range of a WLAN access point. For this reason,
`
`data should preferably be transferred at a higher speed prior to travel, or at specific
`
`stations, e.g. rest areas or service stations. Alternatively or additionally, further access
`
`points can be established in suburban areas, in which specific information regarding the
`
`area, e.g. tourist attractions, traffic information, navigating information, etc. are stored.
`
`This information can be presented in an audio or video format, wherein the playback
`
`thereof is also enabled via speakers or video screens built into the automobile. The
`
`information can also be played back by a navigation system or some other positioning
`
`system (e.g. mobile radio communication or GPS).
`
`
`
`This is also possible when a user is in an airplane or a train. In this case, the WLAN
`
`access point is located in the train or airplane, such that the user is always within the
`
`transmission range of a WLAN access point.
`
`
`
`Because the data stored on a private server PS or a public server OS may involve a
`
`very large amount of data, it must be ensured that a user can navigate within this data.
`
`A program for this is implemented on the server, which sorts through the data on the
`
`server, and classifies this data accordingly. As soon as the wireless headphones
`
`establish a connection to this server, the corresponding audio files are transferred to the
`
`wireless headphones, such that they can be played back. This navigation can take
`
`place either via control buttons on the headphones or via speech input using an
`
`additional microphone. In other words, a user can activate such a navigation program
`
`on the server by means of the control buttons or voice commands. Alternatively, the
`
`navigation program can be a component of the headphones, wherein the commands
`
`are then translated such that the server service understands them and executes the
`
`corresponding commands. An operating element with a display can either be integrated
`
`in the headphones, or it can be an external device. The user can thus navigate the
`
`structured files or databases on the private or public server and select them accordingly
`
`by means of the control buttons and the display in the operating element.
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`When a connection is established between the wireless headphones and the specific
`
`server on which the corresponding data are stored, information regarding the structure
`
`of the data and the audio database can be transferred in advance. As soon as these
`
`data are stored in the temporary memory or buffer, offline navigation can also take
`
`place, if the wireless headphones are not within the transmission range of a WLAN
`
`access point.
`
`
`
`Alternatively or additionally to the above, the server on which the data are stored can be
`
`configured to generate a synthetic announcement regarding the data that are to be
`
`transferred. This synthesized announcement can be stored in the memory for the
`
`playback device. The announcement can be generated as an MP3 file, Wafe file, etc.
`
`and stored accordingly in the playback device, such that this file can be played back
`
`during the playback or at the start of the playback of the data. This has proven to be
`
`particularly advantageous for playback devices that do not have a display, because it
`
`allows for the title of each audio file to be output to the user. As stated above, the title
`
`announcement is preferably generated from the name of the file, or the ID tag for MP3
`
`files, using speech synthesis. This speech synthesis preferably takes place in the
`
`server, or it can be carried out in advance, and the resulting synthesized announcement
`
`can likewise be stored on the server, such that the data can be transferred with the
`
`announcement to the playback device. Because the speech synthesis takes place on
`
`the server, or on an upstream device, instead of in the playback device, there is no
`
`need to increase the complexity of the playback device to ensure that the synthesized
`
`announcement can be played back accordingly.
`
`
`
`The title of a file, the length of the file, and secondary information, e.g. the style of
`
`music, the performer, etc. can preferably be used for the synthesized announcement.
`
`
`
`As an alternative, the speech synthesis can first take place when the file transfer has
`
`been requested. This has proven to be advantageous in that storage space can be
`
`saved on the server, because the synthesized announcement only needs to be
`
`generated for files that are actually to be downloaded.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`
`
`13
`
`

`

`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`
`
`The speech synthesis described above can also be used to navigate in the menu
`
`control for indexes on the server. The menu structure is subjected accordingly to a
`
`speech synthesis for this, such that the menu structure can be played back acoustically
`
`in the playback device.
`
`
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic announcement regarding the files can be
`
`generated in advance, and stored along with the data or the files. Alternatively, the
`
`announcements can be generated for each event.
`
`
`
`As stated above, the operating element can either be hardwired to the headphones or
`
`connected wirelessly thereto. After the audio files that are to be downloaded have been
`
`selected, the operating element no longer needs to be used, because all of the data are
`
`stored in the wireless headphones, or transferred to the corresponding server.
`
`
`
`In addition to navigation within the data or databases on the specific server, it is also
`
`desirable to be able to navigate within the audio files. Control buttons can also be
`
`provided on the wireless headphones for this. These control buttons are preferably
`
`characterized by tactile identification features, such that the headphones do not need to
`
`be removed if the user whishes to navigate within a music piece. Examples of such
`
`control buttons are “start,” “stop,” “previous/next music piece,” “previous/next song,” etc.
`
`The control buttons can likewise have numerous functions, such that it is possible to
`
`navigate both within a music piece and within the files or databases on the server.
`
`
`
`The instructions or commands input by the user using the operating element or control
`
`buttons are sent to the specific server by means of the return path for the WLAN
`
`interface. These commands can be sent in the form of machine commands or ASC II
`
`signals. The commands to the server/service are in an agreed upon, preferably
`
`standardized form, e.g. byte sequences or sound sequences.
`
`
`
`
`
`14
`
`

`

`WO 2006/042749
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2005/011228
`
`Alternatively or additionally, when a connection is established between wireless WLAN
`
`headphones and a corresponding server with a specific IP address, in addition to a
`
`corresponding software transfer, the possible commands can also be transmitted.
`
`
`
`Because the IP addresses for the wireless headphones and the server must be known
`
`for communication between the wireless headphones and a server, it is irrelevant
`
`whether the wireless headphones communicate with a public or private server. To
`
`obtain the greatest accessibility to data, the data are stored on a server that has
`
`permanent access to the internet. As a result, there is only one data transfer or
`
`transmission from a virtual memory in the server to the wireless headphones. As a
`
`result, there are no copyright infringements with regard to data on