Audio Codec Selection for Multi-Device Bluetooth Streaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in transmitting high-quality audio data to multiple external devices via Bluetooth communication, as different devices may use different codecs, leading to potential quality deterioration due to increased data transmission and limited frequency band usage.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device selects a common codec supported by multiple external devices and processes audio data using this codec, allowing for efficient transmission to multiple devices while minimizing quality loss. The device also monitors wireless channel conditions to adjust transmission bit rates accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device transmits audio data to multiple external devices simultaneously, then the coverage and connectivity are improved, but the data transmission amount increases causing quality deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device connectivityVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio data transmission by separating audio streams for different external devices into different frequency bands. The first audio data is transmitted to a first external device using a first frequency band, while the second audio data is transmitted to a second external device using a second frequency band. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-device connectivity without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between coverage and audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces frequency band as an additional dimension for data transmission. Instead of transmitting all audio data through a single frequency band which causes congestion and quality loss, the system utilizes multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands) to transmit audio data to different devices. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous transmission without compromising audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device uses different codecs for different external devices, then the adaptability to various devices is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecodec compatibilityVSAvoidcode selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting and optimizing codec parameters specifically for each external device based on its characteristics and requirements. The processor determines codec parameters individually for the first external device and the second external device, adjusting bit rate, sampling rate, and other parameters to match each device's capabilities. This localized optimization maintains high adaptability while managing complexity through targeted adjustments rather than global reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic codec parameter adjustment where the system can switch between different codecs (e.g., AAC,/aptX, SBC) and dynamically modify transmission parameters based on real-time conditions. The processor dynamically selects appropriate codecs for different external devices and adjusts audio data parameters on-the-fly, enabling flexible adaptation to various devices without requiring a fixed complex system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the electronic device transmits audio data to each external device separately, then the transmission flexibility is improved, but the total data transmission amount increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio data transmission process by dividing the audio stream into separate channels for different external devices, each transmitted through dedicated frequency bands. This segmentation allows the system to maintain transmission flexibility for multiple devices while reducing the total data volume by avoiding redundant transmissions and optimizing each stream independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting audio data parameters (bit rate, sampling rate, codec type) specifically for each external device based on its capabilities and the transmission environment. The processor modifies these parameters to optimize the balance between transmission flexibility and data volume, ensuring efficient utilization of available bandwidth while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3799454B1Method and electronic device for transmitting audio data to multiple external devices
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3799454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3799454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3799454B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are provided for transmitting audio data to multiple external devices by an electronic device. Using a wireless communication circuit of the electronic device, a first wireless channel is established with a first external device. Using the wireless communication circuit, a second wireless channel is established with a second external device. A processor of the electronic device selects a codec supported by both the first external device and the second external device from among a plurality of codecs for processing audio data stored in a memory of the electronic device. The processor processes the audio data using the selected codec. Using the wireless communication circuit, the processed audio data is transmitted to the first external device via the first wireless channel and to the second external device via the second wireless channel using the wireless communication circuit.