Dynamic Latency Control for Wireless Audio Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixed latency of 150 milliseconds in Bluetooth protocols for streaming audio data is inadequate for applications requiring low latency, such as gaming and virtual reality, as it compromises on audio quality and robustness, and existing solutions are complex and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adjusts the latency of existing PAN sessions by reconfiguring Quality of Service (QoS) metrics based on the application in focus, transitioning between high and low latency audio processing paths to optimize latency and quality according to user needs, using techniques like adjusting compression ratios and coexistence schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fixed latency of 150ms is used in Bluetooth protocol, then adequate data communication is achieved for most purposes, but low latency requirements for gaming and virtual reality applications are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the audio processing path configurable and switchable between different latency modes. The system dynamically transitions between a first audio processing path (low latency) and a second audio processing path (high latency) based on the detected application type, allowing the Bluetooth audio streaming to adapt its latency characteristics rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latency parameter of the audio processing path based on application requirements. By detecting whether an audio application requires low latency (e.g., gaming, virtual reality) or can tolerate higher latency (e.g., music streaming), the system adjusts the processing path parameters to achieve the desired latency level, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed latency and application-specific adaptability.
2Loss of time
If low latency audio processing is implemented, then latency-sensitive applications benefit from faster response, but audio quality and robustness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different audio processing paths based on application needs. When low latency is required, the first audio processing path is used; when audio quality and robustness are prioritized, the second audio processing path is used. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for one parameter depending on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing path parameters (including latency, compression ratio, and coexistence scheme) based on the detected application requirements. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve low latency when needed while maintaining quality and robustness for applications where these attributes are more important, thus resolving the trade-off between latency and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing PAN session is dynamically adjusted to change latency, then latency control flexibility is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into distinct paths (first audio processing path and second audio processing path) with different latency characteristics. Each path is configured with specific parameters suitable for particular application types. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by providing clear, discrete options rather than requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the audio application type before configuring the audio processing path. By detecting the application type in advance (e.g., identifying gaming or music streaming applications), the system can pre-configure the appropriate processing path, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If dynamic audio processing path transition is implemented, then application-specific latency optimization is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing application detection mechanisms already present in the mobile device to identify the audio application type and automatically select the appropriate processing path. This self-service approach leverages existing computational resources and detection capabilities rather than introducing separate power-intensive detection and control systems, thereby minimizing the additional power consumption while achieving application-specific optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, various aspects of techniques are described to enable application directed latency control for wireless audio streaming. A source device comprising a memory and a processor may perform the techniques. The memory may store at least a portion of audio data. The processor may execute an application that outputs the audio data, and a request for a quality of service concerning audio processing applied to the audio data. The processor may determine whether the source device is currently displaying the application, and configure, responsive to the determination that the source device is currently displaying the application, a wireless audio processing path to achieve the requested quality of service. The processor may next process, by the wireless audio processing path, the audio data to obtain a bitstream representative of the audio data.