SMART BATTERY WEAR LEVELING FOR AUDIO DEVICES

• US 20130316642A1
• Filed: 05/26/2012
• Published: 11/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Adam E. Newham
• Inventors: NEWHAM, Adam E.
• Granted Patent: US 9,949,205 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/11.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1091 Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2460/03 Aspects of the reduction of energy consumption in hearing devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0206 in access points, e.g. base stations access point devices per se H04W88/08
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Various embodiments may provide systems and methods among wireless nodes in a wireless communication network that enable balancing the batteries in the wireless nodes to be depleted at approximately the same rate. Various embodiments intelligently and dynamically swap master/slave roles among wireless nodes (e.g., wireless earpieces) coupled to a wireless source device to optimize battery life in both wireless nodes. The various embodiments may provide methods and systems for swapping master-slave roles so that there is reduced impact on the user experience.

Claims

1. A method of balancing power consumption among wireless nodes, comprising:

establishing a first communication link between a first wireless node and a second wireless node, wherein the first wireless node assumes a master role and the second wireless node assumes a slave role;

establishing a second communication link between the first wireless node and a source wireless device;

receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device on the first wireless node over the second communication link;

relaying at least a portion of the data transmissions from the first wireless node to the second wireless node over the first communication link;

determining whether to exchange master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node;

exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles; and

receiving the data transmissions from the source wireless device on the second wireless node over the second communication link.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the data transmissions to identify periods of low data transmission or pauses, wherein exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises:

exchanging master-slave roles during an identified period of low data transmission or pauses.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein monitoring for a period of low data transmission comprises monitoring for a break between songs in a stream of music.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring battery states of the first and second wireless nodes, wherein determining whether to exchange master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises:

determining whether to exchange master-slave roles based on a battery state of one or both of the first and second wireless nodes.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises:

terminating the first communication link between the first wireless node and the second wireless node;

terminating the second communication link between the source wireless device and the first wireless node; and

establishing a third communication link between the second wireless node and the source wireless device immediately after terminating the second communication link.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises swapping addresses in link key fields associated with the first and second wireless nodes.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first wireless node, second wireless node, and source wireless device are nodes in a piconet.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles comprises:

controlling a media source on the source wireless device so that master-slave roles are exchanged without disruption of data transmissions from the source wireless device.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining whether an audio signal is currently a monaural sound directed to a particular ear; and

directing the audio signal to the one of the first wireless node and second wireless node that is positioned in the particular ear after exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining whether the source wireless device is currently able to receive a pause request; and

transmitting the pause request to the source wireless device in response to determining that master-slave roles should be exchanged and determining that the source wireless device is currently able to receive the pause request,

wherein exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node is accomplished in response to the source wireless device pausing data transmissions.

11. A communication system, comprising:

a first wireless node;

a second wireless node;

a source wireless device;

means for establishing a first communication link between the first wireless node and the second wireless node, the first wireless node assuming a master role and the second wireless node assuming a slave role;

means for establishing a second communication link between the first wireless node and the source wireless device;

means for receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device on the first wireless node over the second communication link;

means for relaying at least a portion of the data transmissions from the first wireless node to the second wireless node over the first communication link;

means for determining whether to exchange master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node;

means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles; and

means for receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device on the second wireless node over the second communication link.

12. The communication system of claim 11, further comprising:

means for monitoring the data transmissions to identify periods of low data transmission or pauses, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises means for exchanging master-slave roles during an identified period of low data transmission or pauses.

13. The communication system of claim 12, wherein means for monitoring for a period of low data transmission comprises means for monitoring for a break between songs in a stream of music.

14. The communication system of claim 11, further comprising means for monitoring battery states of the first and second wireless nodes,

wherein means for determining whether to exchange master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises means for determining whether to exchange master-slave roles based on a battery state of one or both of the first and second wireless nodes.

15. The communication system of claim 11, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises:

means for terminating the first communication link between the first wireless node and the second wireless node;

means for terminating the second communication link between the source wireless device and the first wireless node; and

means for establishing a third communication link between the second wireless node and the source wireless device immediately after terminating the second communication link.

16. The communication system of claim 11, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises means for swapping addresses in link key fields associated with the first and second wireless nodes.

17. The communication system of claim 11, wherein means for establishing a first communication link and means for establishing a second communication link comprise means for linking the first wireless node, second wireless node, and source wireless device together in a piconet configuration.

18. The communication system of claim 11, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles comprises:

means for controlling a media source on the source wireless device so that master-slave roles are exchanged without disruption of data transmissions from the source wireless device.

19. The communication system of claim 11, further comprising:

means for determining whether an audio signal is currently a monaural sound directed to a particular ear; and

means for directing the audio signal to the one of the first wireless node and second wireless node that is positioned in the particular ear after exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node.

20. The communication system of claim 11, further comprising:

means for determining whether the source wireless device is currently able to receive a pause request; and

means for transmitting the pause request to the source wireless device in response to determining that master-slave roles should be exchanged and determining that the source wireless device is currently able to receive the pause request,

wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node comprises means for exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless node and the second wireless node in response to the source wireless device pausing data transmissions.

21. A system, comprising:

a first wireless device comprising a first transceiver, a first memory and a first processor coupled to the first transceiver and the first memory;

a second wireless device comprising a second transceiver, a second memory and a second processor coupled to the second transceiver and the second memory; and

a source wireless device comprising a source transceiver, a source memory and a source processor coupled to the source transceiver and the source memory,

wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

establishing a first communication link with the second wireless device and assuming a master role while the second wireless device assumes a slave role;

establishing a second communication link between the first wireless device and the source wireless device;

receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device over the second communication link;

relaying at least a portion of the data transmissions to the second wireless device over the first communication link;

determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second wireless device; and

exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles, and

wherein the second processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

exchanging master-slave roles with the first wireless device; and

receiving the data transmissions from the source wireless device over the second communication link in response to exchanging master-slave roles.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

monitoring the data transmissions to identify periods of low data transmission or pauses,

wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles between the first wireless device and the second wireless device comprises exchanging master-slave roles during an identified period of low data transmission or pauses.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that monitoring for a period of low data transmission comprises monitoring for a break between songs in a stream of music.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising monitoring a battery state, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second wireless device comprises determining whether to exchange master-slave roles based on the battery state.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device comprises terminating the first and second communication links, and wherein the second processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

establishing a third communication link between the second wireless device and the source wireless device immediately after terminating the second communication link.

26. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device comprises changing an address value in a link key field.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that establishing the first and second communication links comprises linking the first wireless device to the second wireless device and source wireless device in a piconet configuration.

28. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second wireless device comprises:

receiving information from the source wireless device indicating a time that master-slave roles may be exchanged without disruption of data transmissions from the source wireless device.

29. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether an audio signal is currently a monaural sound directed to a particular ear;

determining if the first wireless device is configured for use in the particular ear; and

directing the audio signal to the second wireless device after exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device in response to determining that the first wireless device is not configured for use in the particular ear.

30. The system of claim 21, wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether the source wireless device is currently able to receive a pause request; and

transmitting the pause request to the source wireless device in response to determining that master-slave roles should be exchanged and determining that the source wireless device is currently able to receive the pause request, and

wherein the first processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device is accomplished in response to the source wireless device pausing data transmissions.

31. A computing device, comprising:

means for establishing a first communication link with a second computing device;

means for establishing a second communication link with a source wireless device;

means for receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device over the second communication link;

means for relaying at least a portion of the data transmissions to the second computing device over the first communication link;

means for determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second computing device; and

means for exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles.

32. The computing device of claim 31, further comprising means for monitoring the data transmissions to identify periods of low data transmission or pauses, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises means for exchanging master-slave roles during an identified period of low data transmission or pauses.

33. The computing device of claim 32, wherein means for monitoring for a period of low data transmission comprises means for monitoring for a break between songs in a stream of music.

34. The computing device of claim 31, further comprising means for monitoring a battery state of the computing device, wherein means for determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises means for determining whether to exchange master-slave roles based on the battery state.

35. The computing device of claim 31, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises:

means for terminating the first communication link;

means for terminating the second communication link; and

means for establishing a third communication link between the second computing device and the source wireless device immediately after terminating the second communication link.

36. The computing device of claim 31, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises means for changing an address value in a link key field.

37. The computing device of claim 31, wherein means for establishing a first communication link and means for establishing a second communication link comprise means for linking the computing device to the second computing device and the source wireless device in a piconet configuration.

38. The computing device of claim 31, wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles comprises:

means for receiving information from the source wireless device indicating a time that master-slave roles may be exchanged without disruption of data transmissions from the source wireless device.

39. The computing device of claim 31, further comprising:

means for determining whether an audio signal is currently a monaural sound directed to a particular ear;

means for determining if the computing device is configured for use in the particular ear; and

means for directing the audio signal to the second computing device after exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that the computing device is not configured for use in the particular ear.

40. The computing device of claim 31, further comprising:

means for determining whether the source wireless device is currently able to receive a pause request; and

means for transmitting the pause request to the source wireless device in response to determining that master-slave roles should be exchanged and determining that the source wireless device is currently able to receive the pause request,

wherein means for exchanging master-slave roles comprises means for exchanging master-slave roles in response to the source wireless device pausing data transmissions.

41. A computing device, comprising:

a transceiver;

a memory; and

a processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

establishing a first communication link with a second computing device;

establishing a second communication link with a source wireless device;

receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device over the second communication link;

relaying at least a portion of the data transmissions to the second computing device over the first communication link;

determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second computing device; and

exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles.

42. The computing device of claim 41, wherein:

the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising monitoring the data transmissions to identify periods of low data transmission or pauses, and

the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises exchanging master-slave roles during an identified period of low data transmission or pauses.

43. The computing device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that monitoring for a period of low data transmission comprises monitoring for a break between songs in a stream of music.

44. The computing device of claim 41, wherein:

the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising monitoring a battery state of the computing device, and

the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises determining whether to exchange master-slave roles based on the battery state of the computing device.

45. The computing device of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises:

terminating the first communication link;

terminating the second communication link; and

establishing a third communication link between the second computing device and the source wireless device immediately after terminating the second communication link.

46. The computing device of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises changing an address value in a link key field.

47. The computing device of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that establishing the first and second communication links comprises linking the computing device to the second computing device and source wireless device in a piconet configuration.

48. The computing device of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles comprises:

receiving information from the source wireless device indicating a time that master-slave roles may be exchanged without disruption of data transmissions from the source wireless device.

49. The computing device of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether an audio signal is currently a monaural sound directed to a particular ear;

determining if the computing device is configured for use in the particular ear; and

directing the audio signal to the second computing device after exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that the computing device is not configured for use in the particular ear.

50. The computing device of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether the source wireless device is currently able to receive a pause request;

transmitting the pause request to the source wireless device in response to determining that master-slave roles should be exchanged and determining that the source wireless device is currently able to receive the pause request, and

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that exchanging master-slave roles comprises exchanging master-slave roles in response to the source wireless device pausing data transmissions.

51. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable software instructions configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations for balancing power consumption among wireless devices, the operations comprising:

establishing a first communication link with a second wireless device;

establishing a second communication link with a source wireless device;

receiving data transmissions from the source wireless device over the second communication link;

relaying at least a portion of the data transmissions to the second wireless device over the first communication link;

determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second wireless device; and

exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles.

52. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein:

the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device of the first wireless device to perform operations further comprising monitoring the data transmissions to identify periods of low data transmission or pauses; and

the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second wireless device comprises exchanging master-slave roles during an identified period of low data transmission or pauses.

53. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 52, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that monitoring for a period of low data transmission comprises monitoring for a break between songs in a stream of music.

54. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein:

the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations further comprising monitoring a battery state of the first and second wireless devices; and

the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that determining whether to exchange master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises determining whether to exchange master-slave roles based on the battery state.

55. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises:

terminating the first communication link;

terminating the second communication link; and

establishing a third communication link between the second computing device and the source wireless device immediately after terminating the second communication link.

56. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device comprises changing an address value in a link key field.

57. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that the establishing the first and second communication links comprises linking the computing device to the second computing device and source wireless device in a piconet configuration.

58. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that it is time to exchange master-slave roles comprises receiving information from the source wireless device indicating a time that master-slave roles may be exchanged without disruption of data transmissions from the source wireless device.

59. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether an audio signal is currently a monaural sound directed to a particular ear;

determining if the computing device is configured for use in the particular ear; and

directing the audio signal to the second computing device after exchanging master-slave roles with the second computing device in response to determining that the computing device is not configured for use in the particular ear.

60. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 51, wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether the source wireless device is currently able to receive a pause request; and

transmitting the pause request to the source wireless device in response to determining that master-slave roles should be exchanged and determining that the source wireless device is currently able to receive the pause request,

wherein the stored processor-executable software instructions are configured to cause a processor of a first wireless device to perform operations such that exchanging master-slave roles comprises exchanging master-slave roles in response to the source wireless device pausing data transmissions.