Bluetooth Audio Streaming Power Management via Co-Processor Offload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth audio streaming consumes excessive battery power due to frequent notifications from the Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), which wake up the host processor unnecessarily, leading to battery drain in both portable devices and low-power wireless audio devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a co-processor architecture to handle A2DP audio streaming, offloading processing from the host processor, introducing new events like DISPLAY_STATUS_CHANGED, piggybacking A2DP frames with AVRCP notifications, bundling notifications, and using an expire parameter to reduce the frequency of handshaking sequences and processor wake-ups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If AVRCP notifications are sent frequently to control A2DP streaming state, then remote control functionality is improved, but battery consumption increases due to host processor wake-ups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments notification handling by separating AVRCP notification processing from the host processor. The BT controller independently handles A2DP audio streaming and filters/queues AVRCP notifications, allowing the host processor to remain in low-power state while still receiving necessary control commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a BT controller as an intermediary device between the audio source and host processor. This intermediary handles audio streaming and notification filtering, preventing direct host processor wake-ups from frequent AVRCP notifications while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the host processor processes all AVRCP notifications, then control accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases due to frequent wake-ups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidhost processor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The BT controller performs self-service by independently handling A2DP audio streaming and filtering AVRCP notifications. It autonomously determines which notifications require host processor attention, reducing unnecessary wake-ups while maintaining reliable control through intelligent notification selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If A2DP audio streaming is offloaded to BT controller, then host processor workload is reduced, but notification handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost processor energy usageVSAvoidnotification handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges A2DP audio streaming and AVRCP notification filtering functions into the BT controller. This consolidation allows the controller to efficiently handle both audio data and control notifications simultaneously, reducing host processor involvement while managing complexity through integrated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11956720B2Apparatus to save power smartly from Bluetooth audio visual remote control protocol notifications

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

System, method and computer-readable storage medium including a first communications device including a host processor to wake up upon receipt of a message and stream audio directly to another device via wireless communication, a second communications device including circuitry to control the streaming of the audio by sending messages to the first communications device and to control a display. The host processor of the first communications device enters a sleep state during audio streaming while a state of the display is off. Reduction in the number of messages sent by the second communications device, or offloading of message handling by the host processor, allows the host processor to remain in a sleep state for longer periods.