as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2007/0254728 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Nov. 1, 2007
`
`Moallemiet al.
`
`US 20070254728A1
`
`(54) DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTION OF DEVICE
`FUNCTIONALITY AND RESOURCE
`MANAGEMENT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Kamran Moallemi, Del Mar, CA (US);
`Amal Ekbal, San Diego, CA (US);
`Chong U. Lee, San Diego, CA (US);
`David Jonathan Julian, San Diego, CA
`(US); Manuel E. Jaime, Solana Beach,
`CA (US); Zhanfeng Jia, Belmont, CA
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
`5775 MOREHOUSEDR.
`
`SAN DIEGO, CA 92121 (US)
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HO4B 1/16
`(2006.01)
`HO4B 1/38
`(52) US. Che
`cessscssscsscssssesteeestnssseee 455/574: 455/343.2
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Aspects include methods and apparatuses for communicat-
`ing in an ultra-wideband transmission. For example, some
`aspects include methods and apparatuses for wireless com-
`munications. The method includes, at a first device in
`communication with at least a second device via a wireless
`
`(73) Assignee: QUALCOMM
`Diego, CA
`
`Incorporated,
`
`San
`
`link, monitoring at least one resource for performingatleast
`one function. The method further includes determining
`whetherto assign the at least one functionto the at least one
`(21) Appl. No.:—11/740,614
`second device. The determining is based on information that
`is indicative ofat least function andindicative of at least one
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 26, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/795,445, filed on Apr.
`26, 2006. Provisional application No. 60/795,436,
`filed on Apr. 26, 2006.
`
`resource of the at least one second device. Other aspects
`include apparatus and devices for communicating data,
`including according to one or more aspects of the method.
`For example, some aspects include devices such as headsets,
`watches, and medical devices configured to use such meth-
`ods and apparatuses for communicating data.
`
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 1,2007 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2007/0254728 Al
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`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 1, 2007 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2007/0254728 Al
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 1, 2007 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2007/0254728 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 1,2007 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2007/0254728 Al
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`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 1,2007 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2007/0254728 Al
`
`602
`
`AT AFIRST DEVICE IN COMMUNICATION WITH AT LEAST A
`SECOND DEVICE VIA A WIRELESS LINK, MONITORING AT LEAST
`
`ONE RESOURCE FOR PERFORMING AT LEAST ONE FUNCTION
`
`_y~ 604
`DETERMINING WHETHER TO ASSIGN THE AT LEAST ONE
`FUNCTION TO THE AT LEAST ONE SECOND DEVICE,
`WHEREIN THE DETERMINATION IS BASED ON INFORMATION
`THATIS INDICATIVE OF AT LEAST FUNCTION AND
`INDICATIVE OF AT LEAST ONE RESOURCE OF THE AT LEAST
`ONE SECOND DEVICE.
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`4
`
`600
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 1,2007 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2007/0254728 Al
`
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`

`

`US 2007/0254728 Al
`
`Nov. 1, 2007
`
`DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTION OF DEVICE
`FUNCTIONALITY AND RESOURCE
`MANAGEMENT
`
`CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119
`
`[0001] The present application for patent claimspriority to
`USS. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/795,445, entitled
`“METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTED DEVICE FUNCTION-
`
`ALITY AND POWER MANAGEMENT,”filed Apr. 26,
`2006 (Attorney Docket No. 061197P1); and to U.S. Provi-
`sional Application No. 60/795,436, entitled “SYSTEM FOR
`PERSONAL BODY AREA NETWORK MOBILE
`
`TELEMETRY AND BIO-SENSING,”filed Apr. 26, 2006
`(Attorney Docket No. 061073P1). Each of the above-iden-
`tified applications is assigned to the assignee hereof and
`hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Field
`
`[0003] This application relates generally to communica-
`tions, and more specifically, to ultra-wide band communi-
`cation.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. Background
`
`communications
`enable
`technologies
`[0005] Wireless
`between devices and may be employed for a variety of
`applications associated with various wireless communica-
`tion networks such as personal area network (“PAN”) and
`body area network (“BAN”). Devices in such a network may
`have different functional capabilities and resources. Thus, a
`need exists for methods and apparatuses for dynamically
`distributing at least one functionality and managingat least
`one resource for supporting at least one functionality.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0006] A summary of sample aspects of the disclosure
`follows. For convenience, one or more aspects of the dis-
`closure may be referred to herein simply as “some aspects.”
`
`[0007] Methods and devices or apparatuses of the inven-
`tion each have several aspects, no single one of which is
`solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without lim-
`iting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims
`which follow,
`its more prominent features will now be
`discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and
`particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed
`Description” one will understand how the features of this
`invention provide advantages that include reduced power
`consumption and increased functionality from distribution
`of functionality and power managementin, for example, an
`ultra-wideband (UWB)network.
`
`Some aspects include a method of communicating
`[0008]
`data. The method includes, at a first device in communica-
`tion with at
`least a second device via a wireless link,
`monitoring at least one resource for performing at least one
`function. The method further includes determining whether
`to assign the at least one function to the at least one second
`device. The determining is based on information that is
`indicative of at least function and indicative of at least one
`
`resource of the at least one second device. Other aspects
`include apparatus and devices for communicating data,
`including according to one or more aspects of the method.
`
`For example, some aspects include devices such as headsets,
`watches, and medical devices configured to use such meth-
`ods and apparatuses for communicating data.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example
`network of wirelessly connected devices.
`
`[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of
`a wireless device such as illustrated in FIG. 1.
`
`[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a transmitter
`of a device such as illustrated in FIG. 2.
`
`FIG.4 is a block diagram illustrating a receiver of
`[0012]
`a device such as illustrated in FIG. 2.
`
`{0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a
`method of allocating processing resources such as in the
`example network such as illustrated FIG.1.
`
`[0014] FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating an example of
`the device that allocates processing resources using a
`method such asillustrated in FIG. 5.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0015] The following detailed description is directed to
`certain specific aspects of the invention. However,
`the
`invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways
`as defined and covered by the claims. It should be apparent
`that the aspects herein may be embodied in a wide variety of
`forms andthat any specific structure, function, or both being
`disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the
`teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that
`an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented indepen-
`dently of any other aspects and that two or more of these
`aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an
`apparatus may be implemented or a method maybe prac-
`ticed using any numberof the aspects set forth herein. In
`addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a
`method may be practiced using otherstructure, functionality,
`or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one
`or more of the aspects set forth herein. As an example of
`some of the above concepts, in some aspects, data transmis-
`sions disclosed herein may be transmitted on concurrent
`channels established based on pulse repetition frequencies.
`In some aspects, concurrent channels may be established
`based on time hopping sequences. In some aspects, concur-
`rent channels may be established based on pulse repetition
`frequencies and time hopping sequences.
`
`[0016] A body area network comprising one or more
`devices may define a system that provides distributed func-
`tionality as each of these devices (or sub-systems of the
`devices 102) performs certain functions. Moreover, each
`device may be powered independently. If a device loses
`power and is no longer functional, it can affect the capa-
`bilities of the system. According, in some aspects, a method,
`system, and apparatus is provided that manages the overall
`functionality of the network and to maximizethe utilization
`of available power.
`
`[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example
`system 100 of wirelessly connected devices 102a, 1028,
`102c, and 102d (which are generically referenced herein as
`the device 102). The system 100 may comprise one or more
`of a personal area network (PAN) and/or a body area
`
`

`

`US 2007/0254728 Al
`
`Nov. 1, 2007
`
`network (BAN). The system 100 may optionally include one
`or more devices 102a that comprise a longer range, e.g.,
`mobile telephone or other network interface and other
`device, each of which is configured to communicate over a
`wireless link 106. Each device 102 may be configured to
`communicate over the links 106 and at least one other data
`
`may include the display 210 adapted to provide a visual
`output based on a signal received via the wireless commu-
`nication link. A medical or other sensor device may include
`one or more input devices 212 that include a transducer or
`sensor adapted to generate at least one sensed signal or
`sensed data to be transmitted via the wireless communica-
`
`communicationslink, e.g., via any suitable wireless or wired
`network link. The devices 102 may comprise devices such as
`headsets and watches (or other portable devices configured
`to display information such as caller id from a phone and/or
`messages(or portions thereof) such as email, short message
`system (SMS) messages,or any othertype of data, including
`data received over the wireless links 106 and 108. Other
`
`examples of devices 102 may include input/output devices,
`sensors, and medical devices. Each of the devices 102 may
`communicate with one, two, or any numberof the other
`devices 102.
`
`[0018] One or more of the devices 102 may detect the
`presence of the other devices 102 when the other devices
`102 initially communicate over the link 106. Two or more
`devices 102 maybepaired through an exchange of messages
`over the link 106. For example, two devices 102 maypair
`when one of the two devices 102 first detects (by receiving
`a message overthe wireless link 106) the other device 102.
`The pairing process may be basedat least partly on a user’s
`authorization ofthe pairing. The paired group ofthe devices
`102 may define a particular personal or body area network.
`
`[0019] As discussed further below, in some aspects the
`communications link 106 a pulsed-based physical layer. For
`example,
`the physical
`layer may utilize ultra-wideband
`pulses that have a relatively short length (e.g., on the order
`of a few nanoseconds) anda relatively wide bandwidth. In
`some aspects, an ultra-wide band may be defined as having
`a fractional bandwidth on the order of approximately 20% or
`more and/or having a bandwidth on the order of approxi-
`mately 500 MHz or more. The fractional bandwidth is a
`particular bandwidth associated with a device dividedbyits
`center frequency. For example, a device according to this
`disclosure may have a bandwidth of 1.75 GHz with center
`frequency 8.125 GHz and thusits fractional bandwidth is
`1.75/8.125 or 21.5%.
`
`[0020] Those skilled in the art would understand that
`information and signals may be represented using anyof a
`variety of different
`technologies and techniques. For
`example, data,
`instructions, commands,
`information, sig-
`nals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced
`throughout the above description may be represented by
`voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields
`or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination
`thereof.
`
`[0021] FIG. 2 isa block diagram illustrating an example of
`a wireless device 102. The device 102 includes a processor
`202 that is in communication with a memory 204 and a
`network interface 206 for communicating via the wireless
`link 106. Optionally, the device 102 may also include one or
`moreof a display 210, a user input device 212 such as a key,
`touch screen, or other suitable tactile input device, a loud-
`speaker 214 comprising a transducer adapted to provide
`audible output based on a signal received over the wireless
`link 106 and/or a microphone 216 comprising a transducer
`adapted to provide audible input of a signal that may be
`transmitted over the wireless link 106. For example, a watch
`
`tion link 106. More examples of devices 102 are discussed
`below with reference to FIG. 2.
`
`[0022] The network interface 206 mayinclude any suit-
`able antenna (not shown), a receiver 220, and a transmitter
`222 so that the exemplary device 102 can communicate with
`one ore more devices over the wireless link 106. Optionally,
`the network interface 206 may also have processing capa-
`bilities to reduce processing requirements of the processor
`202.
`
`[0023] Optionally, the device 102 may include a second
`network interface 208 that communicates over the network
`110 via a link 108. For example, the device 102 may provide
`connectivity to the other network 110 (e.g., a wide area
`network such as the Internet) via a wired or wireless
`communication link. Accordingly,
`the device 102 may
`enable other devices 102 (e.g., a Wi-Fi station) to access the
`other network. In addition, it should be appreciated that one
`or more of the devices 102 may be portable or, in some
`cases, relatively non-portable. The second network interface
`208 may transmit and receive RF signals according to the
`JEEE 802.11 standard, including IEEE 802.11 (a), (b), or (g),
`the BLUETOOTHstandard, and/or CDMA, GSM, AMPSor
`other known signals that are used to communicate within a
`wireless cell phone network.In addition, the second network
`interface 208 may comprise any suitable wired network
`interface such as Ethernet (IEEE 802.3).
`
`[0024] The device 102 may optionally include a battery
`231 to provide power to one or more components of the
`device 102. The device 102 may comprise at least one of a
`mobile handset, a personal digital assistant, a laptop com-
`puter, a headset, a vehicle hands [ree device, or any other
`electronic device. In addition, the device 102 may comprise
`one or more of a biomedical sensor, biometric sensor, a
`pacemaker, or any other device for measuring or affecting a
`human body. In particular,
`the teachings herein may be
`incorporated into (e.g., implemented within or performed
`by) a variety of the devices 102. For example, one or more
`aspects taught herein may be incorporated into a phone(e.g.,
`a cellular phone), a personal data assistant (“PDA”), an
`entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device), a
`headset (e.g., headphones, an earpiece, etc.), a microphone,
`a biometric sensor(e.g., a heart rate monitor, a pedometer,
`an EKGdevice, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.), a user I/O device
`(e.g., a watch, a remote control, a light switch, etc.), a tire
`pressure monitor, a computer, a point-of-sale device, an
`entertainment device, a hearing aid, a set-top box, or any
`other suitable device.
`
`[0025] The components described herein may be imple-
`mented in a variety of ways. Referring to FIG. 2, the device
`or apparatus 102 is represented as a series of interrelated
`functional blocks that may represent functions implemented
`by, for example the processor 202, software, some combi-
`nation thereof, or in some other manneras taught herein. For
`example, the processor 202 mayfacilitate user input via the
`input devices 212. Further, the transmitter 222 may comprise
`a processor for transmitting that provides various function-
`
`

`

`US 2007/0254728 Al
`
`Nov. 1, 2007
`
`ality relating to transmitting information to another device
`102. The receiver 220 may comprises a processor for
`receiving that provides various functionalities relating to
`receiving information from another device 102 as taught
`herein.
`
`[0026] As noted above, FIG. 2 illustrates that in some
`aspects these components may be implemented via appro-
`priate processor components. These processor components
`may in some aspects be implemented, at least in part, using
`structure as taught herein. In someaspects, a processor may
`be adapted to implementa portion orall of the functionality
`of one or more of these components. In some aspects one or
`more of the components represented by dashed boxes are
`optional.
`
`In someaspects, the device or apparatus 102 may
`[0027]
`comprise an integrated circuit. Thus, the integrated circuit
`may comprise one or more processors that provide the
`functionality of the processor components illustrated in FIG.
`2. For example, in some aspects a single processor may
`implement
`the functionality of the illustrated processor
`components, while in other aspects more than one processor
`may implementthe functionality of the illustrated processor
`components. In addition,
`in some aspects the integrated
`circuit may comprise other types of components that imple-
`ment some or all of the functionality of the illustrated
`processor components.
`
`[0028] FIG.3 isa block diagram illustrating an example of
`the transmitter 222 of the device 102. As would be apparent
`to one of skill in the art, in the illustrated block diagram of
`FIG. 3, logical modules of the device 102 are illustrated in
`terms of a layered, abstract description for a communica-
`tions network. As noted below, each layer may comprise one
`or more logical modules that may be implemented in soft-
`ware, hardware, or any suitable combination of both. The
`transmitter 222 may include (i) an application layer 401 that
`provides information to a data link or media access control
`(MAC) layer 402 for transmission,
`(41) a media access
`control (MAC) layer 402 that receives data from the appli-
`cation layer 401 and providesit to a physical layer 404, and
`(iii) a physical (PHY) layer 404 that receives data from the
`MAC layer 402 and transmits the data over the wireless
`channel 106. In the illustrated transmitter 222, the PHY layer
`includes a pulse generator 406, a coding and modulation
`block 408, and a transmit block 410. A phase locked loop
`(PLL) (not shown) mayprovide timing signals to the PHY
`layer. The pulse generator 406 generates waveforms such as
`Gaussian pulse waveforms. The coding and modulation
`block 408 codes the information signal provided by the
`MAClayer 402 using a coding scheme such as convolu-
`tional coding, block coding or concatenated coding and
`modulates the pulse signal based on the coded information
`signal using a scheme such as pulse position modulation,
`pulse amplitude modulation, or transmitted reference modu-
`lation. The transmit block 410 transmits the modulated pulse
`signal. Functions of the transmit block 410 may include
`amplifying the modulated pulse signal for transmission and
`providing the signal to an antenna.
`
`[0029] FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating an example of
`the receiver 220 of the device 102. As would be apparentto
`oneof skill in the art, in the illustrated block diagram of FIG.
`4, logical modules of the device 102 are illustrated in terms
`of a layered, abstract description for a communications
`
`network. As noted below, each layer may comprise one or
`more logical modules that may be implementedin software,
`hardware, or any suitable combination of both. In FIG.4, the
`receiver 220 includesthe application layer 401 and the MAC
`layer 402. The PHY layer 404 is in communication with the
`MAClayer 402. The PHYlayer 404 of the receiver includes
`a demodulation and decoding block 508 and a receive block
`510. The receive block 510 may include components (not
`shown) that may comprise an antenna, a power amplifier,
`and other suitable receiver components. The receive block
`510 receives a wireless signal and provides that signal to the
`demodulation and decoding block 508, which demodulates
`and decodes the signal and provides received data to the
`MAClayer 402.
`
`[0030] The receiver 220 and the transmitter 222 may
`employ a variety of wireless physical layer schemes. For
`example, the physical layer 404 of the receiver 220 and the
`transmitter 222 may utilize some form of CDMA, TDMA,
`OFDM, OFDMA, or other modulation and multiplexing
`schemes.
`
`[0031] Power and/or functionality management is some-
`times limited to managementof the capabilities of a single
`device. For example, a user can adjust the backlighting
`settings of a mobile phone. Similarly, a user can adjust the
`functionality of a laptop computer to put the device to sleep,
`dim the screen, or shut down the hard drive when certain
`conditions are met. Devices 102 in a personal or body area
`network can be desirably configured to communicate
`resource information and functional assignment data to
`distribute functionality between the devices 102 to better
`utilize power and processing capabilities of the various
`devices 102. For example, in some aspects, resource con-
`sumption associated performing functions of the system 100
`can be shifted between devices 102 in the system 100, e.g.,
`from devices 102 that have small power or other resource
`capabilities to more capable devices 102. Such resources
`may include battery power, data communication resources,
`data processing resources, display resources, audio input or
`output resources, and any other suitable resources of an
`electronic device 102 (such as the examples of devices 102
`discussed above with reference to FIG. 1).
`
`[0032] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a
`method 600 of allocating processing resources such as in the
`example system 100. The method 600 begins at a block 602
`in which, e.g., the processor 202 at a first device 102 (e.g.,
`the device 102a) in communication with at least a second
`device 102 (e.g., the device 102) via the wireless link 106,
`monitors at least one resource for performing at least one
`function. The resource may comprise resources of the first
`device 102a, or one or more second devices 102, including
`the device 1028, in the system 100. Monitoring information
`about the resource may be communicated via the wireless
`link 106 periodically to dynamically allocate the function as
`available resources change over time due to changes in the
`availability of resources (e.g. power consumption) or avail-
`ability of devices 102 in the system 100. Alternatively (or in
`addition), monitoring information about the resource may be
`communicated via the wireless link 106 when the second
`
`device(s) 1026 pairs with the first device 102@ or when the
`second device(s) 1025 enters or reenters the system 100
`(e.g., when the device is powered up or is moved into
`communications range of the wireless link 106).
`
`

`

`US 2007/0254728 Al
`
`Nov. 1, 2007
`
`[0033] Moving to a block 604, the processor 202 of the
`device 102a@ determines whether to assign the at least one
`function to the at least one second device 1025. The deter-
`mination is based on information that is indicative of the at
`least function and indicative of the at least one resource of
`the at least one second device 1024. As noted above, the
`determination may be based on resource and function data
`that is received dynamically in time, e.g., based on periodi-
`cally received resource information as resource availability
`changes over time. Alternatively, or in addition, the devices
`102 such as the device 1026 may be configured to provide
`resource information when resource availability changes or
`changes by a specified amount. Upon determining that a
`function is to be assigned, the function may be assigned via
`the wireless link 106. The function may be assigned to one
`or more of the second devices, e.g., the devices 1025, 102c,
`102d, or may be assignedtothefirst device 102a, depending
`on the determination.
`
`[0034] The determining may be based on numerousrules
`or heuristics. For example, the devices 102 may define or
`specify thresholds reserving a certain percentage of battery
`for certain functionality (e.g., a mobile handset device 102
`may define power limits based on a minimum number of
`incoming and outgoing voice calls or minutes).
`
`in addition to determining to which
`[0035] Morcover,
`device 102 a function is to be assigned, the determining may
`determine when,or if, to assign and perform the function.
`For example, the determining may adjust the frequency of
`certain operations(e.g. the polling between external devices
`102) based on availability of resources such as battery power
`at the various devices 102. Further, the determining may be
`used to adjust when and on which of the devices 102 to
`perform certain operational settings to allow the system 100
`to continue performing in a gracefully degraded mode(e.g.
`dim displays under certain conditions to preserve power).
`For example, in an example of the system 100 in which one
`of the devices 102 is configured to receive or otherwise
`acquire data (e.g., sensor data), a first of the devices 102,
`which may bethe sensor device 102, a coordinating device
`102, or data storage device, may determine based on power
`or storage resources whether to assign storage of data from
`the sensor device 102 to a particular one of the devices 102
`in the system.
`
`[0036] This determination can be dynamic and change
`over time as resource availability changes. Moreover, the
`devices 102 can be configured to transfer results of or other
`information associated with performing certain functions
`whenthose functions are assigned to a different device. For
`example, a particular device such as a mobile handset 102
`can store data from a sensor based on a determination
`regarding the storage function when the sensor device 102
`first begins providing sensordata. At a later time, the storage
`function and the previously stored data can be assigned (and
`transferred) to another device 102 that can moreefliciently
`receive and store the data or which has greater storage
`capacity.
`
`[0037] The determining may be based on past resource
`usage, availability of resources, resource capacity, resource
`reserves, and on predictions of future resource usage or
`demand, e.g., predictions based on present usage. For
`example, the determining may be based on predicting future
`usage and remaining battery life based on individualbattery
`
`states of one or more of the devices 102. The determining
`may be formulated as an optimization problem based on an
`objective function to be maximized or minimized. An objec-
`tive function may include a cost function or any suitable
`functional relationship derived from any objective such as
`maximizing, minimizing, or otherwise substantially opti-
`mizing consumption of a resource such as powerreserves,
`storage. The calculation of the objective function may be
`based on one or more resources of one or more of the devices
`
`102 so as to allow the objective function to optimize for an
`individual device or to optimize resources across a number
`of devices. Moreover, the objective function may be calcu-
`lated based on resources of each device that may be the same
`or different. For example, the objective function may con-
`sider tradeoffs of memory versus storage versus communi-
`cations costs by being based on both types of resources.
`Resources (functionality and power) maythen be allocated
`over time based on various factor such as definitions of
`
`functions or demandsto be providedbya particular example
`of the system 100, a definition of the devices 102 in the
`particular example system 100 and the power or function-
`ality provided by each of the devices 102. In some aspects,
`certain functionality may be provided by multiple sources
`(e.g. storage capabilities).
`
`[0038] As noted above, the determining may be based on
`particular constraints or threshold associated with the overall
`example of the system 100 or of the particular devices 102
`in the system, or particular resources of the devices 102. For
`example, a user may configure a setting on one or more of
`the devices 102 directing the device 102 to maintain a
`certain amount of power for emergency situations. The
`determining may therefore be based on maintaining this
`reserve and functions such as processing data, storing data,
`or communicating data assigned to a different device 102 to
`maintain this reserve.
`
`[0039] By optimizing resource utilization, functionality
`can be shifted to devices that are more efficient, or which can
`more efficiently perform the particular function at a particu-
`lar time, resulting in prolonged battery life, at
`least
`in
`aggregate. For example, certain conditions may trigger the
`display in the mobile device to be powered off and infor-
`mation conveyedin an alternate display of a watch that may
`consume less power. Similarly,
`if a given resource is
`unavailable (c.g. phone-based storage), this functionality
`can be shifted to another device (e.g. audio player) that can
`temporarily perform this function (storage) and then forward
`the stored data when the primary device becomesavailable.
`Thus, for example, the device 102a mayassign an interme-
`diate storage function to the device 1026, which may sub-
`sequently transfer the data to another device 102c. Continu-
`ing this example, the data stored on the device 1025 may be
`generated by another device such as the device 102d.
`
`[0040] Examplesof the system 100 mayinclude a network
`coordinator device (NCD) 102a that is configured to per-
`form the determining and/or assignment of functions. In
`other examples of the system 100, each device 102a deter-
`mines whether to assign particular functions to one or more
`other devices 1026 in the system 100 and instructs or
`requests that other device 1026 to perform the function
`based on the determination. The device 1026 may perform
`the function and provide results back to the device 102a, or
`to another device 102c or 102d. Thus, the function may be
`offloaded from oneof the devices 102a, 102c, or 102d, to the
`
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`Nov. 1, 2007
`
`device 1024 and the results returned to the corresponding
`device 102a, 102c, or 102d for further processing or action
`based on any results of performing the function.
`
`In one example of the system 100, the device 102a
`[0041]
`comprises a headset that has one or more resources for
`performing particular functions (e.g., MP3 decompression,
`echo cancellation, side tone, etc). Based on monitoring such
`resources of another device 1025, which may comprise a
`mobile handset, that has similar capabilities, the headset 102
`may assign those functions to itself or to the headset. The
`determination of where to assign the function may be based
`on powerreserves of each device, and may change over
`time. For example, the headset 102@ may assign one or more
`of the functions to the handset 1024 and shut down its own
`
`resources (e.g., circuits) for performing those functions to
`save powerlocally. Further, at a later time when the battery
`of the handset 1025 drops below a specified or defined
`threshold, the headset 102a reassigns the MP3 decompres-
`sion to its own decompressioncircuit. Similarly, the headset
`102a may stream MP3 music from a FLASH dongle device
`102c that does not have MP3 decompression resources and
`assign and perform this functiontoitself (the headset 102a).
`
`In another example, a heart rate monitor sensor
`[0042]
`102a may send measuredheart rate to a watch device 102.
`Later, based on monitoring powerresources, the heart rate
`monitor mayoffload the heart rate calculation and assi