Bluetooth Controller Abstraction Layer for Multi-Device Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where multiple peripheral devices are connected to a host Bluetooth device, such as infotainment systems, the existing Bluetooth controller may struggle to service all requested features and higher bandwidth requirements simultaneously, leading to compromised user experiences and potential connection drops.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a host and multiple Bluetooth controllers, where the host executes a Bluetooth protocol stack and includes a multi-controller abstraction layer. This layer presents the multiple Bluetooth controllers as a single controller to the protocol stack, enabling effective load balancing and connection management across the controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single Bluetooth controller is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the controller cannot service all requested features and bandwidth requirements from multiple connected devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The Bluetooth controller is segmented into multiple independent controller instances (first Bluetooth controller, second Bluetooth controller, etc.), each capable of independently managing connections to external devices. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple devices simultaneously without overloading a single controller, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by distributing functionality across multiple simpler units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-controller abstraction layer that adds a new dimensional level to the Bluetooth controller architecture. This abstraction layer sits between the Bluetooth protocol stack and the multiple physical controllers, presenting a unified interface while managing multiple underlying controllers. This dimensional addition enables the system to maintain simplicity from the protocol stack's perspective while achieving high versatility at the hardware level.
2Productivity
If multiple Bluetooth controllers are used, then bandwidth requirements and connection capacity are met, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-controller abstraction layer provides universal functionality by presenting multiple Bluetooth controllers as a single unified controller to the Bluetooth protocol stack. This abstraction layer handles connection requests, bandwidth management, and load balancing across all physical controllers, allowing the system to achieve high connection handling capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through a single interface point.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-controller abstraction layer acts as an intermediary between the Bluetooth protocol stack and the multiple physical controllers. It mediates communication and control signals, translating high-level protocol stack commands into distributed actions across multiple controllers. This intermediary layer simplifies system management by hiding the complexity of multiple controllers from the protocol stack while enabling enhanced productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single protocol stack is used, then software complexity is reduced, but the controller cannot service all requested features of multiple connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the controller functionality into multiple independent controller instances while maintaining a single protocol stack. Each controller instance can independently handle different device connections and features, allowing the protocol stack to remain simple while the segmented controllers provide enhanced versatility and adaptability to multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple Bluetooth controller instances are created as copies or instances of a base controller design, each capable of independently managing connections. This copying approach allows the single protocol stack to service multiple devices by distributing control functions across identical or variant controller instances, maintaining software simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a host and at least two Bluetooth controllers. The host is configured to execute a Bluetooth protocol stack. The at least two Bluetooth controllers are communicatively coupled to the host. Each Bluetooth controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one respective external device.