Wakeup method and audio device

Abstract

The application discloses a wake-up method and an audio device, and relates to the technical field of audio processing. The method comprises the following steps: when a first device and a second device enter a power saving mode, the wake-up time of the first device is staggered in time with the wake-up time of the second device by making the first device use a different time counting starting point and the same monitoring interval as the second device, so that the duration of the first device and the second device being in a monitoring state at the same time can be reduced, or the first device and the second device can be prevented from being in the monitoring state at the same time, and thus the overall power consumption of the audio device (the first device and the second device) can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of audio processing technology, specifically to a wake-up method and an audio device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless audio technology, audio devices can use wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) as the audio transmission link to achieve higher throughput and more stable audio quality. For example, in the case of wireless headphones, the left and right earpieces can act as two independent Wi-Fi station (STA) terminals, simultaneously establishing connections with the same wireless access point (AP) to receive and play audio data respectively.

[0003] Currently, to reduce the power consumption of audio devices, a Wi-Fi power save mode (PSM) can be used, allowing the audio device to enter a sleep state when there is no data transmission. Although this power save mode can reduce the power consumption of audio devices to some extent, in practical applications, the power consumption of audio devices in Wi-Fi connection mode still needs further optimization. Therefore, how to further reduce the power consumption of audio devices has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a wake-up method and an audio device to reduce the overall power consumption of the audio device.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a wake-up method. This method can be applied to a first device, or executed by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the first device, or implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. This application does not limit this. The following description uses a first device as an example.

[0006] The method includes: acquiring a first listening interval and a first timing start point, wherein the first listening interval is used to indicate the time interval for periodic wake-up after the device enters power-saving mode, and the first timing start point is used to indicate the time point at which the first device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power-saving mode; when the first device enters the power-saving mode, it periodically wakes up according to the first listening interval based on the first timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up; wherein the first timing start point is different from the second timing start point, the second timing start point is the time point at which the second device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power-saving mode, the second device is configured to periodically wake up according to the first listening interval based on the second timing start point when the second device enters the power-saving mode, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up, and the first device and the second device can be matched to form a device pair.

[0007] Currently, when audio devices are in power-saving mode, the same timing start and listening interval are set for the first and second devices, allowing them to wake up simultaneously within the same listening cycle to receive audio data. However, when the first and second devices wake up simultaneously, one device (denoted as device #1, such as the first device) needs to wait for the other device (denoted as device #2, such as the second device) to finish interacting with the wireless access point before it can interact with the wireless access point to obtain audio data. This increases the listening time of device #1, thereby increasing the power consumption of device #1, and consequently increasing the overall power consumption of the audio devices (i.e., the first and second devices). To address this issue, when the first and second devices enter power-saving mode, by using a different timing start point and the same listening interval for the first and second devices, the wake-up times of the first and second devices can be staggered. This reduces the duration of simultaneous listening by both devices, or prevents them from doing so altogether. In other words, it reduces the cumulative operating time of the Wi-Fi modules in both devices within a single listening cycle, thereby lowering the overall power consumption of the audio devices (i.e., the first and second devices). Furthermore, this method also reduces mutual interference between the first and second devices when receiving audio data, specifically reducing the probability of interference within the same frequency or adjacent time slots. This improves the stability and efficient throughput of audio data transmitted via Wi-Fi.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an audio device, including: a first device and a second device, the first device and the second device being able to be matched to form a device pair; the first device acquires a first listening interval and a first timing start point, the first listening interval being used to indicate the time interval for periodic wake-up after the device enters power-saving mode, the first timing start point being used to indicate the time point at which the first device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power-saving mode; when the first device enters the power-saving mode, it periodically wakes up according to the first listening interval based on the first timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from a wireless access point when waking up; the second device acquires the first listening interval and a second timing start point, the second timing start point being the time point at which the second device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power-saving mode; when the second device enters the power-saving mode, it periodically wakes up according to the first listening interval based on the second timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when waking up; the second timing start point is different from the first timing start point. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the wake-up method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the first and second devices provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the first and second devices provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the wake-up time of the first and second devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the wake-up time of the first and second devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an audio device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. The following embodiments are provided as examples to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0012] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first," "second," etc., in the description of this application are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0013] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0014] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "connection" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a wake-up method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method can be executed by a first device, by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the first device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. The following description uses the first device as an example.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the wake-up method includes: S101, the first device acquires the first listening interval and the first timing start point.

[0017] The first device and the second device can be matched to form a device pair. In other words, the first device and the second device belong to one and the other of a device pair. The first device and the second device can be worn on either side of the user's ear, for example: the first device is worn on the user's left ear and the second device on the user's right ear; or, the first device is worn on the user's right ear and the second device on the user's left ear. The first device and the second device are audio devices. In the embodiments of this application, an audio device refers to a device with audio functions, which can be understood as the device's ability related to the processing, transmission, playback, or acquisition of sound signals.

[0018] For example, the first device and the second device belong to one and the other in a pair of wireless earphones. For instance, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first device is the left ear terminal of the wireless earphone pair, and the second device is the right ear terminal of the wireless earphone pair; or, the first device is the right ear terminal of the wireless earphone pair, and the second device is the left ear terminal of the wireless earphone pair.

[0019] As another example, the first device and the second device belong to one and the other of a pair of devices in smart glasses. For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first device is a component on the right side of the smart glasses, and the second device is a component on the left side of the smart glasses; or, the first device is a component on the left side of the smart glasses, and the second device is a component on the right side of the smart glasses.

[0020] It is understood that the first device and the second device in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the specific terminal forms in the above examples.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first device and the second device establish a Wi-Fi connection with the same wireless access point; and the first device and the second device can receive audio data through this wireless access point. That is, the first device and the second device use Wi-Fi as the audio transmission link. Furthermore, the first device and the second device are each equipped with an audio buffer, and the first device and the second device can play audio data based on their respective audio buffers.

[0022] The first listen interval indicates the time interval between periodic wake-ups after the device enters power-saving mode. The device can be understood as either a first device or a second device. The power-saving mode can be understood as a low-power operating state entered by the device (such as the first or second device) to reduce power consumption while maintaining a connection with the wireless access point. In this power-saving mode, the device, acting as a Wi-Fi station, shuts down the radio frequency transceiver module and some processing circuits in its wireless module, entering a sleep state; the wireless access point can buffer data sent to it; the device can retrieve this data upon wake-up. It is understood that the specific principle of the power-saving mode can be found in existing technologies, and will not be elaborated here. Furthermore, the power-saving mode in this embodiment can also be called a Wi-Fi power-saving mode, and this application does not limit this terminology.

[0023] The first listening interval can be represented by the period of beacon frames sent by the wireless access point; or, the first listening interval can be set to the period of multiple beacon frames. For example, the first listening interval can be 5 beacon periods (or beacon intervals), 6 beacon periods, or other positive integer beacon periods; where the beacon period can be understood as the time interval at which the wireless access point periodically sends beacon frames. If the beacon period is 100 milliseconds (ms), then if the first listening interval is 5 beacon periods, the first listening interval is 500 ms. The first listening interval can also be represented by a specific duration; or, the first listening interval can be configured as a specific duration. For example, the first listening interval can be 400 ms, 200 ms, or other possible durations. This application does not limit the form in which the first listening interval is represented.

[0024] The first listening interval can be preset in both the first and second devices. In other words, the first and second devices can use a preset listening interval. For example, the first listening interval can be preset to 5 beacon cycles in both the first and second devices.

[0025] The first listening interval can also be determined by either the first device or the second device. Specifically, the first listening interval can be determined by the first device, or it can be determined by the second device, meaning the first listening interval is sent from the second device to the first device. The first or second device can determine the first listening interval before entering power-saving mode, such as when the first or second device is woken up from a powered-off state, or after the first or second device has established a connection with the wireless access point, and then send the first listening interval to the other party.

[0026] For example, before entering power-saving mode, the first device can determine a first listening interval and send the determined first listening interval to the second device so that the second device can use it after entering power-saving mode. Alternatively, before entering power-saving mode, the second device can determine the first listening interval and send the determined first listening interval to the first device so that the first device can use it after entering power-saving mode. In this way, the first device or the second device can determine an appropriate first listening interval according to the actual situation. For example, when the first device and the second device have sufficient power, the first listening interval can be set to be shorter to provide the user with a low-latency experience; or when the first device and the second device have low power, the first listening interval can be set to be longer to prioritize the device's battery life.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a set of listening intervals can be pre-configured in the first or second device. This set of listening intervals includes multiple different listening intervals. The first or second device can select a first listening interval from this set of listening intervals according to actual conditions. By pre-configuring the set of listening intervals in the first or second device, the first or second device can select a first listening interval from a limited set of listening intervals, thereby reducing the difficulty of selecting a listening interval and saving computing resources for the first or second device.

[0028] The first timing start point indicates the time at which the first device begins timing the first listening interval after entering power-saving mode. For example, the first device is awakened after the corresponding duration of the first listening interval, starting from the first timing start point. The first timing start point can be represented by the time the wireless access point sends a beacon frame; for example, the time when the wireless access point sends the third beacon frame can be used as the first timing start point. The first timing start point can also be represented by a specific time point, such as 15:00. This application does not limit the form in which the first timing start point is represented. Furthermore, the "timing start point" in the embodiments of this application can also be called a "counting start point," and this application does not limit this.

[0029] The first timing start point is different from the second timing start point. The second timing start point is the time point at which the second device begins timing the first monitoring interval after entering power-saving mode. The second timing start point can be represented by a beacon frame sent by the wireless access point, or by a specific time point. It can be understood that the second timing start point is similar to the first timing start point, the difference being that they indicate different time points; the similarities can be used for mutual understanding, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0030] S102, when the first device enters power saving mode, the first device wakes up periodically according to the first listening interval based on the first timing start point, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up.

[0031] The second device is configured to periodically wake up according to a first listening interval based on a second timing start point when the second device enters power-saving mode, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up. That is, when the second device enters power-saving mode, it will periodically wake up according to the first listening interval based on a second timing start point, and obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up.

[0032] Device wake-up (first device or second device) can be understood as the device being woken up, that is, the wireless module in the device that receives audio data being woken up. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the power-saving mode and wake-up of the device (first device or second device) both refer to the device's wireless module; that is, the device's wireless module entering power-saving mode (or sleep state) and the device's wireless module being woken up.

[0033] The first and second devices can enter power-saving mode at the same time. After entering power-saving mode, because the first device uses a different first timing start point and the second device uses a different second timing start point, and because the first and second devices use the same first listening interval, their wake-up times in each cycle are staggered, meaning the first and second devices will not wake up simultaneously. Furthermore, if the first and second devices can acquire all the audio data from the wireless access point within duration #1 (i.e., the time between the first and second timing start points), then the first and second devices will not be in a listening state simultaneously; that is, the wireless modules in the first and second devices that receive audio data will not be in a wake-up state simultaneously. If the first and second devices cannot acquire all the audio data from the wireless access point within duration #1, then the first and second devices will be in a listening state simultaneously for some time.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first and second devices enter power-saving mode at time t0. The first timing (t1) starts earlier than the second timing (t1'). The wake-up times of the first device are t2, t3, t4, and t5, respectively, and the wake-up times of the second device are t2', t3', t4', and t5', respectively. Both the first and second devices acquire all the audio data from the wireless access point within duration #1 and then enter sleep mode. In this case, the first and second devices are not simultaneously in a listening state.

[0035] For example, such as Figure 5As shown, the first and second devices enter power-saving mode at time t0. The first timing start (t1) begins earlier than the second timing start (t1'). The wake-up times of the first device are t2, t3, t4, and t5, respectively, and the wake-up times of the second device are t2', t3', t4', and t5', respectively. Furthermore, both the first and second devices cannot acquire all the audio data from the wireless access point within duration #1. In this situation, the first and second devices will be simultaneously in a listening state for some time.

[0036] It's understandable that Wi-Fi's transmission rate is much higher than the bitrate of audio data (i.e., the amount of data that needs to be transmitted per second of audio). Therefore, in most cases, the first time interval is much longer than duration #1; that is, the time intervals between t2, t3, t4, and t5 are much longer than the duration between t1 and t1'. In other words, in most cases... Figure 4 As shown. Furthermore, in most cases, the time interval between the first timing start point and the second timing start point is relatively large. For example, staggering them by two or three beacon cycles can prevent the wireless modules of the first and second devices from being simultaneously in a wake-up state. Therefore, the embodiments of this application have strong practicality.

[0037] For example, a wireless access point periodically sends beacon frames, and these beacon frames are chronologically labeled a1, a2, a3, etc. The first timing start point is beacon frame #a3 (sequence number 3), and the second timing start point is beacon frame #a5 (sequence number 5). The first listening interval is 5, or 5 beacon cycles. In this case, the first device wakes up every 5 beacon frames sent by the wireless access point, starting from beacon frame #a3. For example, the first device will wake up at beacon frames #a8, #a13, and #a18. The second device wakes up every 5 beacon frames sent by the wireless access point, starting from beacon frame #a5. For example, it will wake up at beacon frames #a10, #a15, and #a20. That is, the wake-up intervals of the first and second devices in each same cycle differ by two beacon frames. Within the duration of two beacon frames, the first device may have already received all the audio data from the wireless access point and entered sleep mode, or the first device may have received part of the audio data from the wireless access point. When the second device wakes up, it needs to remain in listening mode and wait for the first device to finish interacting with the wireless access point before obtaining the audio data from the wireless access point.

[0038] In summary, in this embodiment, by using a different timing start point and the same listening interval for the first device and the second device, the wake-up time of the first device and the second device can be staggered in time. This reduces the duration of simultaneous listening by the first and second devices, or prevents them from being in simultaneous listening mode. In other words, it reduces the cumulative working time of the Wi-Fi modules (i.e., wireless modules) of the first and second devices within a listening cycle, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the audio devices (i.e., the first and second devices). Furthermore, this method also reduces mutual interference between the first and second devices when receiving audio data, i.e., reduces the probability of mutual interference within the same frequency or adjacent time slots, which is beneficial for improving the stability and effective throughput performance of audio data transmission via Wi-Fi.

[0039] Optionally, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the duration between the first timing start point and the second timing start point is greater than or equal to the first duration.

[0040] The duration between the first timing start point and the second timing start point can be understood as the time interval between the first timing start point and the second timing start point.

[0041] The first duration refers to the duration during which the first device acquires audio data from the wireless access point in power-saving mode. The first duration is related to the duration the first device plays the audio data. For example, if the first device plays 100ms of audio data, the first duration might be 5ms; or, if the first device plays 400ms of audio data, the first duration might be 20ms. The method for determining the first duration can refer to existing technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0042] Setting the duration between the first and second timing start points to be greater than or equal to the first duration prevents the first and second devices from being in a listening state simultaneously, meaning that the first and second devices do not receive wireless data at the same time. For example, if the first timing start point is earlier than the second timing start point, the second device will only wake up and interact with the wireless access point after the first device receives audio data from the wireless access point and stops interacting with it. In this case, the second device does not need to wait for the first device to interact with the wireless access point, meaning the second and first devices are not in a listening state simultaneously. Alternatively, if the second timing start point is earlier than the first timing start point, the first device will only wake up and interact with the wireless access point after the second device receives audio data from the wireless access point and stops interacting with it. In this case, the first device does not need to wait for the second device to interact with the wireless access point, meaning the first and second devices are not in a listening state simultaneously.

[0043] The above methods can further reduce the overall power consumption of the audio devices (i.e., the first device and the second device). Furthermore, they can further reduce mutual interference between the first and second devices when receiving audio data, which is beneficial for improving the stability and efficient throughput performance of audio data transmission via Wi-Fi.

[0044] Optionally, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the first timing start point can be determined by the first device itself, or it can be determined by the second device and then sent to the first device. These will be explained separately below.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the first device can determine the first timing start point itself based on the beacon frames sent by the wireless access point. For example, the first device can determine its local time based on the time synchronization information in the most recently received beacon frame, and then determine the first timing start point based on that local time, such as the transmission time of a beacon frame following that beacon frame. Determining the first timing start point through beacon frames sent by the wireless access point allows for a unified beacon as a reference and avoids wake-up time misalignment caused by clock drift in the first device, preventing the first device from missing a beacon frame upon wake-up.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wireless access point can send beacon frames according to existing protocols. That is, the wireless access point does not need to modify or customize the format or transmission mechanism of the beacon frames it sends. In other words, this embodiment can be directly compatible with existing wireless access nodes and network environments, and has good versatility, engineering feasibility, and backward compatibility. Moreover, it does not require upgrading existing equipment, thereby reducing system deployment and upgrade costs.

[0047] Furthermore, the above method may also include: the first device sending a first timing start point to the second device, so that the second device determines a second timing start point based on the first timing start point.

[0048] After acquiring a first timing start point, the first device can send the first timing start point to the second device. Upon receiving the first timing start point, the second device can determine a second timing start point based on the first timing start point and the local time determined by the beacon frame sent by the wireless access point. In this way, the second device can independently determine a second timing start point that is different from the first timing start point, thereby reducing the computational power consumption of the first device.

[0049] Alternatively, before the first device enters power-saving mode, the above method may further include: the first device determining a second timing start point based on a first timing start point, and sending the second timing start point to the second device. That is, after obtaining the first timing start point, the first device can determine a second timing start point different from the first timing start point based on the first timing start point, and send the second timing start point to the second device. In this way, the second device does not need to determine the second timing start point itself, thereby reducing the computing power consumption of the second device. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, if the first device determines the first timing start point and the second timing start point, the first device can also first determine the second timing start point, and then determine the first timing start point based on the second timing start point.

[0050] In the second possible implementation, the first device can determine the first timing start point based on the second timing start point determined by the second device and the beacon frame sent by the wireless access point. That is, the first timing start point is determined based on the second timing start point sent by the second device and the beacon frame sent by the wireless access point.

[0051] The second device can determine the second timing start point based on the beacon frames sent by the wireless access point. The specific implementation of the second device determining the second timing start point is similar to that of the first device determining the first timing start point; please refer to the aforementioned related descriptions for understanding, which will not be repeated here. After determining the second timing start point, the second device can send it to the first device, enabling the first device to determine a first timing start point that is different from the second timing start point. The first device, through the second timing start point and the beacon frames sent by the wireless access point, determines the first timing start point and can use a unified beacon as a reference to determine a second timing start point that is different from the first timing start point.

[0052] In the third possible implementation, the first device can receive the first timing start point from the second device, meaning the first timing start point is determined by the second device. In other words, the second device determines the first timing start point. The specific implementation of the second device determining the first timing start point is similar to that of the first device, except that the object determining the first timing start point is different. The similarities can be understood by referring to each other, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0053] It is understood that the first to third possible implementations described above introduce different ways in which the first device and the second device obtain the timing start point. In the embodiments of this application, the first device and the second device can obtain the timing start point according to the above possible implementations when entering power-saving mode.

[0054] Optionally, in conjunction with the above embodiments, when the first device and the second device enter sleep mode, the first listening interval can be adjusted, or the first listening interval and the timing start point (first timing start point, second timing start point) can be adjusted. These will be explained below.

[0055] In a first possible implementation, the above method may further include: obtaining a second listening interval; when the first device enters sleep mode, the first device adjusts the first listening interval to the second listening interval and periodically wakes up according to the second listening interval to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up. The second listening interval indicates the time interval for periodic wake-ups after the device enters sleep mode. This device can be understood as a first device and a second device. For example, the second listening interval can be 20 beacon cycles, 50 beacon cycles, 100 beacon cycles, or other larger positive integer beacon cycles. The second listening interval is greater than the first listening interval; that is, the time interval for periodic wake-ups after the first device enters sleep mode is greater than the time interval for periodic wake-ups after the first device enters power-saving mode. For example, the second listening interval is 20 beacon cycles, and the first listening interval is 5 beacon cycles.

[0056] The second listening interval can be preset or determined by the first or second device. For example, the first or second device can determine the second listening interval before entering power-saving mode, such as when the first or second device is woken up from a power-off state, and send the second listening interval to the other party; or, the first or second device can determine the second listening interval when entering sleep mode and send the second listening interval to the other party.

[0057] It is understandable that the second listening interval is similar to the first listening interval, except that the second listening interval is longer than the first listening interval. The similarities can be understood by referring to the relevant introduction of the first listening interval mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0058] A sleep mode can characterize whether a user using the aforementioned device pair (the first device and the second device) has entered a sleep state, or in other words, whether the algorithm infers that the user using the aforementioned device pair has entered a sleep state. For example, a third device can determine whether a user has entered a sleep state by measuring physiological signals such as the user's pulse and heart rate. After determining that the user has entered a sleep state, the third device can send indication information to the first and second devices, causing the first and second devices to enter a sleep mode based on this indication information. This indication information can be used to instruct the user using the aforementioned devices to enter a sleep state.

[0059] The second device is configured to adjust the first listening interval to a second listening interval when the second device enters sleep mode, and periodically wake up according to the second listening interval to obtain audio data from the wireless access point upon waking. In this embodiment, the second device and the first device synchronously switch to sleep mode.

[0060] After entering sleep mode, both the first and second devices can adjust the first listening interval to the second listening interval upon their first wake-up. For example, after entering power-saving mode, the first device wakes up periodically according to the first listening interval based on a first timing start point, and the second device wakes up periodically according to the first listening interval based on a second timing start point. After the 20th wake-up, both devices enter sleep mode. After entering sleep mode, upon their first wake-up, both devices adjust the first listening interval to the second listening interval and wake up periodically according to the second listening interval. That is, the time point of the first wake-up after entering sleep mode is the time point of the second listening interval timing for that device.

[0061] In this embodiment of the application, by increasing the listening interval, the wake-up frequency of the first device and the second device in sleep mode can be reduced, thereby significantly reducing the power consumption of the first device and the second device in low business activity scenarios and extending the battery life of the first device and the second device.

[0062] In a second possible implementation, the above method may further include: obtaining a third timing start point and a second listening interval; and when the first device enters sleep mode, periodically waking it up according to the third timing start point and the second listening interval, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up.

[0063] The third timing start point indicates the time at which the first device begins timing the second listening interval after entering sleep mode. The duration between the third and fourth timing start points is greater than the duration between the first and second timing start points. This fourth timing start point indicates the time at which the second device begins timing the second listening interval after entering sleep mode. In other words, after the first and second devices enter sleep mode, they can redetermine the timing start point of their listening interval and increase the wake-up phase difference between them, i.e., increase the interval between their corresponding timing start points. Furthermore, different beacon frames can be used as the timing start point for the listening interval; for example, the third and fourth timing start points can differ by N1 beacon frames, where N1 is an integer greater than 2.

[0064] The third and fourth timing start points can be determined by either the first or second device when the first or second device enters sleep mode. For example, the first device can determine the third timing start point based on beacon frames sent by the wireless access point and send the determined third timing start point to the second device, so that the second device can determine a fourth timing start point different from the third timing start point; alternatively, the first device can determine the third and fourth timing start points based on beacon frames sent by the wireless access point and send the determined fourth timing start point to the second device; alternatively, the second device can determine the third and fourth timing start points based on beacon frames sent by the wireless access point and send the determined third timing start point to the first device.

[0065] It is understandable that the methods for determining the third and fourth timing start points are similar to those for determining the first and second timing start points. The difference lies in the fact that the third and fourth timing start points are different from the first and second timing start points. For details, please refer to the aforementioned related content, which will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the third and fourth timing start points are similar to the first and second timing start points, except that the time points indicated by these four timing start points are different. The similarities can be understood by referring to the aforementioned introduction to the first and second timing start points, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] The second listening interval indicates the time interval between periodic wake-ups after the first device enters sleep mode, and the second listening interval is greater than the first listening interval. Sleep mode indicates that the user using the aforementioned device has entered a sleep state. The second listening interval and sleep mode are detailed above and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The second device is configured to periodically wake up according to a second listening interval based on a fourth timing start point after the second device enters sleep mode, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up.

[0068] In this embodiment, after the first device and the second device enter sleep mode, increasing the listening interval between the first device and the second device can reduce the wake-up frequency of the first device and the second device in sleep mode, thereby significantly reducing the power consumption of the first device and the second device in low service activity scenarios. Furthermore, because the time interval between each wake-up of the first device and the second device is increased, the first device and the second device need to receive more audio signals each time they wake up. Therefore, by increasing the time interval between the timing start points of the first device and the second device, i.e., the duration between the third timing start point and the fourth timing start point, the duration of the first device and the second device simultaneously in a listening state can be reduced, or the simultaneous listening state of the first device and the second device can be avoided. That is, the cumulative working time of the Wi-Fi modules of the first device and the second device within a listening cycle can be reduced, thereby further reducing the overall power consumption of the audio devices (i.e., the first device and the second device).

[0069] In relation to the first and second possible implementations described above, before the first device is periodically woken up according to the second listening interval, the method may further include: the first device increasing the amount of audio data that its audio buffer is allowed to store.

[0070] An audio buffer can be understood as a temporary storage area for audio data. The specific principles of the audio buffer can be found in existing technologies and will not be elaborated here. Increasing the amount of audio data that the audio buffer can store can be understood as increasing the allowable storage capacity of the audio buffer.

[0071] In this embodiment, by increasing the amount of audio data that the audio buffer of the first device can store, a larger monitoring interval (i.e., a second monitoring interval) can be accommodated, and the periodic interval at which the Wi-Fi module writes audio data to the audio buffer can be extended. Based on this, the Wi-Fi module can enter a longer sleep state after completing a single data reception and filling the buffer. Since sufficient audio data is pre-stored in the audio buffer, the audio playback unit can continue to read data during the first device's sleep period, ensuring that the continuity and stability of audio playback are not affected, thereby significantly reducing the overall power consumption of the audio device while maintaining audio quality.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second device can be configured to increase the amount of audio data that its audio buffer can store after entering sleep mode. That is, before the second device periodically wakes up according to the second listening interval, the second device can increase the amount of audio data that its audio buffer can store. And the amount of audio data that the second device's audio buffer can store can be the same as the amount of audio data that the first device's audio buffer can store. In this embodiment, the first and second devices use the same listening interval and the same size audio buffer, making their resource requirements similar in terms of computation, storage, and power consumption. They only differ in their wake-up times by using different listening interval count start points. This symmetrical hardware and software design facilitates the reuse of the same system architecture and implementation scheme, reduces development and debugging workload, and lowers system complexity.

[0073] Optionally, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the wireless access point can be any of the following: a traditional wireless access point, a soft access point provided by an audio source device, or a group owner in a peer-to-peer network.

[0074] Traditional wireless access points are typically deployed independently to provide network access services to multiple wireless terminals and periodically send beacon frames according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. These traditional wireless access points can be home routers or enterprise-grade wireless access points.

[0075] A soft access point provided by an audio source device can be understood as a virtual wireless access point simulated by software on the device's Wi-Fi hardware. In an audio scenario, the audio source device (such as a mobile phone) can create a hotspot, allowing other devices (such as headphones or smart glasses) to connect directly for audio transmission. That is, logically, this device plays the role of a traditional wireless access point. Functionally, a soft access point provided by an audio source device is equivalent to a wireless access point; it can send beacon frames according to wireless communication protocols and provide audio data to both the first and second devices. A soft access point provided by an audio source device can be a wireless hotspot created by terminal devices such as smartphones and tablets.

[0076] The group owner is a core role in peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. When two or more devices establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct, they can form a group, and the group owner is the creator and manager of this group. The group owner in a P2P network is responsible for establishing and maintaining the wireless connection and sending beacon or similar frames to the wireless terminals within the group for synchronization and communication.

[0077] It is understandable that the aforementioned traditional wireless access points, soft access points provided by audio source devices, and group owners in peer-to-peer networks can also refer to existing technologies, which will not be elaborated here.

[0078] Optionally, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the audio data originates from an audio source device, which can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless speaker, or other smart terminal device. In this case, the wireless access point can be a soft access point provided by the audio source device, meaning the first and second devices can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the soft access point provided by the audio source device to obtain the audio data. Alternatively, the wireless access point can be the audio source device itself, meaning the audio source device acts as the group owner in the peer-to-peer network, and the first and second devices can act as group clients to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the audio source device.

[0079] Optionally, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the audio data originates from a cloud server. In this case, the first device and the second device can establish Wi-Fi connections with traditional wireless access points, which can obtain audio data from the cloud server and forward it to the first device and the second device.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first device and the second device can interact collaboratively through inter-terminal communication. For example, before the first and second devices enter power-saving mode, they can exchange information related to device wake-up (such as the first listening interval, the first timing start point, the second listening interval, etc.) through inter-terminal communication. The aforementioned inter-terminal communication method can be Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy communication, or other possible communication methods. It is understood that this inter-terminal communication method is not used for transmitting audio data.

[0081] As you can understand, the above content describes the wake-up method. The following is a specific example illustrating this method. In this example, the left earpiece (the first device mentioned above) and the right earpiece (the second device mentioned above) can be paired to form a device pair. The left and right earpieces can coordinate via a Bluetooth Low Energy link to determine the timing start point of their listening interval, ensuring that their timing start points are staggered in time. This listening interval is a pre-set parameter and remains the same in both the left and right earpieces.

[0082] After the left and right earpieces establish Wi-Fi connections and synchronize their times with the wireless access point, and enter power-saving mode, the left earpiece determines a beacon frame received from the wireless access point (e.g., the 99th beacon frame received by the left earpiece, denoted as beacon frame #b1) as the starting point for the monitoring interval and sends this starting point to the right earpiece. Based on this starting point, the right earpiece determines a beacon frame delayed by several beacon cycles (e.g., the 101st beacon frame received by the right earpiece, denoted as beacon frame #b2) as the starting point for its monitoring interval. The left and right earpieces begin timing with beacon frame #b1 and beacon frame #b2 respectively, and enter a periodic wake-up state according to monitoring interval #1, ensuring that the wake-up times of the left and right earpieces within the same monitoring cycle are staggered.

[0083] When a user using the left and right earpieces is detected to be asleep, both earpieces simultaneously switch to sleep mode. Upon entering sleep mode, the left and right earpieces can adjust their listening interval #1 to listening interval #2 upon first wake-up, where listening interval #2 is greater than listening interval #1. Alternatively, after entering sleep mode, the left and right earpieces can coordinate again via the Bluetooth Low Energy link to renegotiate the timing start point for the listening interval. For example, the 200th beacon frame received by the left earpiece could be used as the timing start point, and the 220th beacon frame received by the right earpiece could be used as the timing start point, further staggering their wake-up times. In this case, after re-determining their timing start points, the left and right earpieces can enter a periodic wake-up state based on the newly determined timing start point, according to listening interval #2, which is greater than listening interval #1. For example, listening interval #2 could be 100 beacon cycles, and listening interval #1 could be 6 beacon cycles.

[0084] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide an audio device. Please refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an audio device provided in an embodiment of this application. The audio device 200 includes a first device 210 and a second device 220, which can be matched to form a device pair.

[0085] The first device 210 acquires a first listening interval and a first timing start point. The first listening interval is used to indicate the time interval for periodic wake-up after the device enters power-saving mode. The first timing start point is used to indicate the time point at which the first device 210 starts timing the first listening interval after entering power-saving mode. When the first device 210 enters power-saving mode, it wakes up periodically according to the first listening interval based on the first timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up.

[0086] The second device 220 acquires a first listening interval and a second timing start point. The second timing start point is the time point at which the second device 220 starts timing the first listening interval after entering power-saving mode. When the second device 220 enters power-saving mode, it periodically wakes up according to the first listening interval based on the second timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up. The second timing start point is different from the first timing start point.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the duration between the first timing start point and the second timing start point is greater than or equal to the first duration, which is the duration during which the first device 210 obtains audio data from the wireless access point in power-saving mode.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the first timing start point is determined based on the beacon frames sent by the wireless access point.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the second timing start point is determined based on the beacon frames sent by the wireless access point.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the first device 210 sends a first timing start point to the second device 220 so that the second device 220 determines a second timing start point based on the first timing start point; or, the first device 210 determines a second timing start point based on the first timing start point and sends the second timing start point to the second device 220.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the first timing start point is determined based on the second timing start point sent by the second device 220 and the beacon frame sent by the wireless access point.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the first listening interval is determined by the first device 210; or, the first listening interval is sent to the first device 210 by the second device 220.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the first device 210 acquires a second listening interval, which indicates the time interval for periodic wake-ups after the device enters sleep mode, and the second listening interval is greater than the first listening interval; when the first device 210 enters sleep mode, the first listening interval is adjusted to the second listening interval, and the device periodically wakes up according to the second listening interval to acquire audio data from the wireless access point upon wake-up, wherein sleep mode represents that the user of the device has entered a sleep state; the second device 220 acquires a second listening interval, which indicates the time interval for periodic wake-ups after the second device 220 enters sleep mode; when the second device 220 enters sleep mode, the first listening interval is adjusted to the second listening interval, and the device periodically wakes up according to the second listening interval to acquire audio data from the wireless access point upon wake-up.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the first device 210 acquires a third timing start point and a second listening interval. The third timing start point indicates the time at which the first device 210 begins timing the second listening interval after entering sleep mode. The second listening interval indicates the time interval for periodic wake-ups after the device enters sleep mode, and the second listening interval is greater than the first listening interval. When the first device 210 enters sleep mode, it periodically wakes up according to the second listening interval based on the third timing start point to acquire audio data from the wireless access point upon wake-up. Sleep mode represents the user of the device entering a sleep state. The second device 220 acquires a fourth timing start point and a second listening interval. The fourth timing start point indicates the time at which the second device 220 begins timing the second listening interval after entering sleep mode. After the second device 220 enters sleep mode, it periodically wakes up according to the second listening interval based on the fourth timing start point to acquire audio data from the wireless access point upon wake-up. The duration between the third and fourth timing start points is greater than the duration between the first and second timing start points.

[0095] In one possible implementation, before the first device 210 is periodically woken up according to the second listening interval, the first device 210 increases the amount of audio data that its audio buffer is allowed to store.

[0096] In one possible implementation, before the second device 220 is periodically woken up according to the second listening interval, the second device 220 increases the amount of audio data that its audio buffer is allowed to store.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the wireless access point is any of the following: a traditional wireless access point, a soft access point provided by the audio source device, or a group owner in a peer-to-peer network.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the audio device is a wireless headset, with the first device 210 and the second device 220 belonging to one and the other in a pair of wireless headsets; or, the audio device is smart glasses, with the first device 210 and the second device 220 belonging to one and the other in a pair of smart glasses.

[0099] It is understood that the relevant content regarding the first and second devices mentioned above can be referred to the foregoing. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions of the first and second devices in the illustrated embodiments are for reference only and will not be repeated here.

[0100] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0101] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and apparatus can also be implemented in other ways. The method embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings show the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the methods according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those marked in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0102] The above detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0103] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0104] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0105] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0106] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, laptop, server, or electronic device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0107] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wake-up method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the method includes: Obtain a first listening interval and a first timing start point. The first listening interval is used to indicate the time interval between periodic wake-ups after the device enters power-saving mode. The first timing start point is used to indicate the time point at which the first device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power-saving mode. When the first device enters the power-saving mode, it is periodically woken up according to the first listening interval based on the first timing start point, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when it is woken up. The first timing start point is different from the second timing start point. The second timing start point is the time point at which the second device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power saving mode. The second device is configured to periodically wake up according to the first listening interval based on the second timing start point when the second device enters the power saving mode, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up. The first device and the second device can be matched to form a device pair.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duration between the first timing start point and the second timing start point is greater than or equal to the first duration, which is the duration during which the first device obtains audio data from the wireless access point in the power-saving mode.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first timing start point is determined based on the beacon frames sent by the wireless access point.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first timing start point to the second device, so that the second device determines the second timing start point based on the first timing start point; or... Based on the first timing start point, the second timing start point is determined and sent to the second device.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first timing start point is determined based on the second timing start point sent by the second device and the beacon frame sent by the wireless access point.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first listening interval is determined by the first device; or, the first listening interval is sent to the first device by the second device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second listening interval is obtained, which is used to indicate the time interval between periodic wake-ups after the device enters sleep mode. The second listening interval is greater than the first listening interval. The sleep mode indicates that the user of the device has entered a sleep state. When the first device enters the sleep mode, the first listening interval is adjusted to the second listening interval; The device is periodically woken up according to the second monitoring interval in order to obtain audio data from the wireless access point upon wake-up. The second device is configured to adjust the first listening interval to the second listening interval when the second device enters sleep mode, and periodically wake up according to the second listening interval to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third timing start point and a second listening interval are obtained. The third timing start point is used to indicate the time point at which the first device starts timing the second listening interval after the device enters sleep mode. The second listening interval is used to indicate the time interval between periodic wake-ups after the device enters sleep mode. The second listening interval is greater than the first listening interval. The sleep mode indicates that the user using the device has entered a sleep state. When the first device enters the sleep mode, it is periodically woken up according to the second listening interval based on the third timing start point, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when it is woken up; Wherein, the duration between the third timing start point and the fourth timing start point is greater than the duration between the first timing start point and the second timing start point. The fourth timing start point is used to indicate the time point at which the second device starts timing the second listening interval after entering the sleep mode. The second device is configured to periodically wake up according to the second listening interval based on the fourth timing start point after entering the sleep mode, so as to obtain audio data from the wireless access point when waking up.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Before periodically waking up according to the second listening interval, the method further includes: Increasing the amount of audio data that can be stored in the audio buffer of the first device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The wireless access point is any of the following: a traditional wireless access point, a soft access point provided by the audio source device, or a group owner in a peer-to-peer network.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first device and the second device are one and the other in a pair of wireless earphones; or, the first device and the second device are one and the other in a pair of smart glasses.

12. An audio device, characterized in that, The audio device includes: A first device and a second device, wherein the first device and the second device can be matched to form a device pair; The first device acquires a first listening interval and a first timing start point. The first listening interval is used to indicate the time interval for periodic wake-up after the device enters power-saving mode. The first timing start point is used to indicate the time point at which the first device starts timing the first listening interval after entering the power-saving mode. When the first device enters the power-saving mode, it wakes up periodically according to the first listening interval based on the first timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up. The second device acquires the first listening interval and the second timing start point. The second timing start point is the time point at which the second device starts timing the first listening interval after entering power saving mode. When the second device enters power saving mode, it wakes up periodically according to the first listening interval based on the second timing start point, so as to acquire audio data from the wireless access point when it wakes up. The second timing start point is different from the first timing start point.

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