Wireless Audio Output Device Multicast Link Role Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless audio output devices face challenges in seamlessly integrating with standard Bluetooth devices while maintaining compatibility and ensuring reliable audio transmission, particularly in supporting bidirectional and unidirectional communication across multiple audio channels.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two audio output units, one configured as a first role for establishing a multicast link with a source device for bidirectional communication and another as a second role for unidirectional communication, enabling the device to support standard Bluetooth devices by using a combination of SCO, eSCO, and A2DP packets, along with a role handover procedure and packet recovery mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless audio output device uses a single audio output unit to establish bidirectional communication with a source device, then compatibility with standard Bluetooth devices is improved, but the ability to support multiple audio channels and roles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless audio output device is divided into two separate audio output units, each capable of operating in different roles (first role and second role). This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific communication tasks independently, enabling support for multiple audio channels while maintaining compatibility with standard Bluetooth devices through the first role unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each audio output unit is designed with multi-functional capability to operate in different roles. The first audio output unit can establish bidirectional communication (first role), while the second audio output unit can join existing links and perform unidirectional communication (second role). This universality allows the device to adapt to various Bluetooth audio scenarios without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device establishes bidirectional communication links with the source device, then communication flexibility is improved, but packet loss and transmission reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The first audio output unit acts as an intermediary between the source device and the second audio output unit. It establishes a bidirectional communication link with the source device and simultaneously maintains a link with the second unit. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain communication flexibility while the first unit can manage packet routing and recovery to mitigate packet loss affecting the second unit's unidirectional reception.
3Manufacturing precision
If the device uses multiple audio output units for multi-channel support, then audio quality and channel separation are improved, but device complexity and synchronization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The two audio output units are logically merged into a single wireless audio output device through coordinated operation. The first unit establishes the primary bidirectional link and the second unit joins this link for additional audio channel reception. This merging approach allows multi-channel audio support with improved quality and separation while managing synchronization complexity through their unified device-level coordination rather than treating them as completely independent devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a wireless audio output device, including two audio output units. One of the audio output units is configured as a first role. The other one of the audio output units is configured as a second role. The first role is configured to establish a multicast link with a source device, to receive one or more media packets from the source device via the multicast link, and to perform bidirectional communication with the source device. The second role is configured to join the multicast link, to receive the one or more media packets from the source device via the multicast link, to perform unidirectional communication with the source device, and to perform unidirectional communication and/or bidirectional communication with the first role.