Bluetooth HFP Audio Encoding for Low-Latency Binary Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Bluetooth communication systems using audio-codec-based profiles, such as CVSD, face challenges in accurately transmitting binary data due to the conversion of multi-bit data bytes into single-bit per-sample sequences, leading to data errors and inefficiencies, especially when encryption is involved.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating a one-bit per-sample binary sequence based on binary data sequences, where each bit indicates whether the next multi-bit data byte is larger or smaller than a prior reference byte, and transmitting this sequence over a Bluetooth link using an audio-codec-based profile, allowing for efficient data transmission and decryption or retransmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-bit data bytes are converted to single-bit per-sample sequences using audio codecs, then data transmission can occur over Bluetooth audio links, but data accuracy deteriorates due to conversion errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to transmit data over Bluetooth audio linkVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation by converting multi-bit data bytes into single-bit per-sample sequences that encode magnitude relationships (larger/smaller than reference). This parameter transformation allows the data to be processed by audio codecs while preserving the original information through the binary comparison encoding scheme.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding process that transforms the original binary data into a format suitable for audio codec processing. The single-bit per-sample sequence acts as an intermediary representation that bridges the gap between arbitrary binary data and audio codec input requirements, enabling accurate reconstruction at the receiver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio codecs process arbitrary binary data, then data can be transmitted through audio channels, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to codec processing errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission through audio channelsVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms arbitrary binary data into single-bit per-sample sequences that represent magnitude comparisons. This parameter change makes the data more robust to audio codec processing, as the binary comparison encoding is less susceptible to the quantization and processing artifacts that affect audio codecs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the receiver reconstructs the original binary data by comparing consecutive single-bit per-sample values and determining whether each represents a larger or smaller magnitude. This feedback-based reconstruction process ensures reliable recovery of the original data even after audio codec processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If encryption is applied to voice data, then communication security is improved, but processing complexity increases due to encryption and decryption operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidencryption processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the encryption process with the audio codec processing by encrypting the voice data before it enters the audio codec pipeline. The encrypted data is then processed through the same audio codec infrastructure that handles unencrypted audio, combining security functionality with existing audio processing resources and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by moving object

If Bluetooth audio profiles are used for data transmission, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission speed deteriorates due to audio codec sampling rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission process into multiple audio codec sampling intervals. By encoding binary data as sequences of single-bit per-sample values that span multiple audio samples, the system can transmit information at rates determined by the audio sampling frequency while maintaining low power consumption characteristics of Bluetooth audio profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the periodic nature of audio codec sampling to transmit data. Each audio sample period provides an opportunity to transmit one or more bits of encoded data, creating a periodic transmission pattern that aligns with the audio processing rhythm and enables efficient use of the audio channel for data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3348030B1Methods and systems for transmission of arbitrary data via bluetooth HFP audio connections with low latency
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 NAGRAVISION SA
  • EP3348030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment takes the form of a method carried out by a communication device. A binary data sequence is obtained at a communication device for transmission via a Bluetooth data link configured according to an audio-codec-based Bluetooth profile, wherein an audio codec is configured to receive a multi-bit data byte and output a single bit indicating whether the received multi-bit data byte is larger or smaller than a prior output reference byte, a multi-bit data byte sequence is generated based on the binary data sequence, the multi-bit data byte sequence is provided to the audio codec to induce the codec to generate a one-bit per-sample binary sequence representative of the binary data sequence, and, the generated one-bit per-sample binary sequence is transmitted via the Bluetooth data link.