Bidirectional Bluetooth Audio Streaming with Head-Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Bluetooth technologies face challenges in efficiently communicating spatial audio and non-audio data over bidirectional connections, particularly in providing immersive audio experiences with low latency and accurate head-tracking data, which is essential for applications like virtual reality and gaming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a spatial audio streaming mechanism using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology that supports bidirectional connections, enabling the communication of spatial audio data and non-audio content, such as head-orientation data, with low latency and zero retransmission policies, allowing for dynamic head-tracking and immersive audio experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional Bluetooth connection methods are used for audio data transmission, then compatibility and ease of connection are maintained, but latency is high and retransmission overhead occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Bluetooth connection into two independent directional streams: a first stream for audio data transmission and a second stream for non-audio data transmission. Each stream operates with independent parameters, allowing the audio stream to be optimized for low latency while the other stream maintains traditional reliability characteristics. This segmentation eliminates the constraint where improving one parameter degrades another.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic connection configuration where the bidirectional connection can adaptively adjust parameters for each directional stream based on application requirements. The system can dynamically allocate resources and configure transmission parameters independently for each stream, enabling real-time optimization of latency for audio data while maintaining connection stability.
2Loss of time
If unidirectional Bluetooth connections are used for audio streaming, then latency is reduced, but bidirectional communication capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal bidirectional connection structure that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: low-latency audio streaming in one direction and normal-speed control/data transmission in the other direction. This multi-functional design allows the same connection infrastructure to support both immersive audio applications and traditional Bluetooth communication needs without requiring separate connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to Bluetooth communication by treating each directional stream as an independent dimension with its own parameter space. This allows the system to optimize one dimension (audio stream) for speed while the other dimension (control stream) maintains traditional characteristics, achieving low latency without sacrificing bidirectional capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional Bluetooth connections are established for spatial audio and head-tracking data, then immersive audio experience is enabled, but connection complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically performs connection configuration, parameter optimization, and stream setup without requiring manual user intervention. The bidirectional connection is established and configured automatically based on the application's requirements, reducing the perceived complexity for users while enabling advanced spatial audio capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
For example, a first Bluetooth (BT) device may be configured to set up a bidirectional BT stream connection with a second BT device based on connection configuration information defined according to one or more stream setup messages communicated between the first BT device and the second BT device, wherein the bidirectional BT stream connection is configured to support communication of an audio data stream from the second BT device to the first BT device and a non-audio data stream from the first BT device to the second BT device, wherein the non-audio data stream includes head-orientation data based on an orientation of a head of a user, wherein the connection configuration information includes non-audio data stream configuration information to indicate a configuration of the non-audio data stream; and to transmit the head-orientation data to the second BT device according to the configuration of the non-audio data stream.