Wireless Streaming Link Break-In via Asynchronous Control Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless streaming link designs face challenges in allowing a device to break into communications between two other devices without disrupting the ongoing data transmission, particularly in power-sensitive applications like hearing prosthetics where beacon signals are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a synchronous communication link for data transmission and an asynchronous communication link for control signals, allowing a third device to synchronize and communicate with a second device without interfering with the primary data stream, using non-overlapping frequency channels and error correction to avoid disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a third device wants to break into communications with the second device during synchronous streaming, then the third device can transmit control packets, but the primary data transmission may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two independent channels: a synchronous channel for high-speed data streaming and an asynchronous channel for control signals. This segmentation allows the third device to transmit control packets without disrupting the primary data stream, as each channel operates independently with its own timing and protocol rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The asynchronous communication link acts as an intermediary channel that enables the third device to communicate with the second device without interfering with the synchronous data stream. The second device can receive control packets from the third device through this intermediary channel while maintaining its synchronous data reception from the first device.
2Ease of operation
If beacon signals are used for synchronization, then devices can synchronize easily, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization function is extracted from the continuous beacon signal mechanism. Instead of requiring continuous beacons, the system uses packet-based synchronization where the second device synchronizes with the asynchronous control packets transmitted by the third device, eliminating the need for continuous power-consuming beacon transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous periodic beacons, the system uses periodic asynchronous control packets transmitted only when needed for synchronization or control purposes. This periodic action reduces power consumption significantly compared to continuous beacon transmission while maintaining sufficient synchronization capability.
3Productivity
If the second device listens for packets at high rate, then data reception is efficient, but control communication from third device is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The listening function is segmented into two independent modes: synchronous mode for receiving high-speed data packets from the first device and asynchronous mode for receiving control packets from the third device. The second device can operate in both modes simultaneously on different channels, maintaining high data reception efficiency while enabling control communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal and channel dimension to the communication architecture. By introducing asynchronous communication on a separate channel with different timing characteristics, the system creates an additional dimension where control packets can be transmitted without interfering with the high-speed synchronous data stream, allowing both functions to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for wireless streaming link break-in is disclosed. A first device transmits digital packets to a second device over a wireless streaming link. A third device synchronizes itself with the second device. Once the third device is synchronized with the second device, the third device transmits command request packets to the second device during a data receive window. The wireless streaming link is inactive during the data receive window. The second device responds to the request during a next data receive window.