Bluetooth Low Energy Audio Layer for Assistive Listening Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive-listening devices face power consumption challenges with traditional Bluetooth standards, limiting their ability to efficiently transmit audio due to high power requirements, which are not suitable for small form factor devices like hearing aids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modified Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) standard that includes an audio layer in the protocol stack, utilizing a specific field in data channel protocol data units (PDUs) to indicate audio data, enabling efficient transmission and processing of audio data between devices while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth Classic standard is used for wireless audio transmission, then audio quality and transmission reliability are improved, but power consumption increases making it unsuitable for assistive-listening devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the Bluetooth protocol by implementing a simplified audio transmission profile specifically for BTLE. This includes optimizing packet structures, reducing protocol overhead, and adjusting transmission power levels to match the capabilities of low-power Bluetooth radios while maintaining acceptable audio quality for assistive listening applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio transmission function into distinct layers: a simplified transport layer handling BTLE-specific packet formatting and a higher-level audio data layer handling the actual audio content. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, with the transport layer minimizing power consumption and the audio layer ensuring quality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If proprietary wireless transmission systems are implemented in assistive-listening devices, then power consumption requirements are met, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes assistive-listening devices compatible with existing BTLE technology that is already widely implemented in other devices. By using a standardized approach rather than proprietary systems, the same BTLE hardware and protocol can serve multiple functions including audio transmission, data communication, and device pairing, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized audio transmission profile as an intermediary layer between the BTLE protocol and the audio processing functions. This intermediary profile provides a well-defined interface that simplifies implementation by manufacturers and ensures interoperability, reducing the need for custom proprietary solutions.
3Volume of moving object
If small form factor batteries are used in assistive-listening devices, then device portability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission intervals optimized for BTLE's low-power operation. Instead of continuous transmission, audio data is sent in periodic packets during active listening periods, with the radio entering low-power states between transmissions. This periodic action pattern extends battery life while maintaining audio quality during use.
Data Source
AI summary
The described embodiments include a system for communicating between electronic devices. During operation, a receiving electronic device receives a data channel protocol data unit (PDU) in a link layer of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) protocol stack. The receiving electronic device then reads a field in a header of the data channel PDU to determine if the header indicates that a payload of the data channel PDU contains audio data. When the header indicates that the payload of the data channel PDU contains audio data, the receiving electronic device is configured to send the audio data from the payload to an audio layer in the BTLE protocol stack for processing.