Low Overhead Control Channel for Wireless Audio Systems

Abstract

The present invention provides a wireless audio system using low overhead in-band control and audio transmission. The wireless audio system includes a first wireless audio device configured to operate separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data and transmit the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier. The wireless audio system also includes one or more second wireless audio devices configured to receive the audio data and control data and execute instructions based on the control data.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 16 / 803,788, filed on February 27, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application generally relates to a wireless audio system that may include multiple subscriber devices and a base station. One or more of the base station and the subscriber devices are configured to transmit both audio data and control data. In particular, the present application relates to a wireless audio system in which the audio data and control data are transmitted over the same broadband carrier. Background Art

[0004] Audio production can involve the use of many components, including microphones, wireless base stations, wireless subscriber devices, recorders, and / or mixers for capturing, recording, and presenting the sound of a production (e.g., a television program, news broadcast, film, live event, and other types of production). Microphones typically capture the sound of a production, which is wirelessly transmitted from the microphones and / or wireless base stations to the wireless subscriber devices. The wireless base stations can be connected to recorders and / or mixers for recording and / or mixing the sound by a crew (e.g., a production mixer). Electronic devices such as computers and smartphones can be connected to recorders and / or mixers to allow crew members to monitor audio levels and timecode.

[0005] Wireless base stations, wireless subscriber devices, wireless microphones, and other portable wireless communication devices include antennas for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals containing digital or analog signals, such as modulated audio signals, data signals, and / or control signals. Users of portable wireless communication devices include stage performers, singers, actors, journalists, and the like.

[0006] A wireless base station can transmit RF signals containing audio signals to one or more wireless subscriber devices. The wireless base station can be included in a wireless handheld microphone or belt pack, for example, which is held or worn by a user and includes an integrated transmitter and antenna. As another example, the wireless base station can be included in an access point, a rack-mounted transceiver, or other centralized unit. The wireless subscriber device can be a portable device such as a wireless headset, a wireless conferencing unit, a belt pack, an in-ear wireless monitor, a microphone, an intercom, etc.

[0007] In addition to transmitting and receiving audio data, audio systems may also need to transmit various types of control information. Control information or control data can be used to control volume, transmit battery life data, encryption keys, and so on, to enable the base station and (several) subscriber devices to operate correctly. In some instances, control data is transmitted using an out-of-band mechanism separate from the audio data. For example, control data can be transmitted via a separate communication link, such as an infrared (IR) or Wi-Fi link. However, these techniques require separate transmission and reception hardware at the transmitter and receiver. Furthermore, using separate communication links for audio data and control data can lead to mismatched coverage areas due to interference on one link being greater than the other, line-of-sight issues (particularly when control data is transmitted via an IR link), and so on. In other instances, audio data and control data are multiplexed into a single channel at the physical layer rather than transmitted using separate communication links. This technique can solve some of the aforementioned problems, but it can also cause other problems. For example, the combined bit rate of audio data and control data is limited by the physical layer channel, which means there is no flexibility in setting the relative link performance of audio data and control data separately.

[0008] Therefore, an opportunity exists for a wireless audio system that utilizes low overhead in frequency band control, does not require separate communication links, provides the same coverage area for both audio data and control data, and enables independent control of audio data and control data coding rates and modulation schemes. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to solve or aid in resolving the aforementioned problems by providing a wireless audio system that enables transmission of both audio and control information using a low overhead in-band approach.

[0010] In one embodiment, an audio system includes a first wireless audio device (e.g., a base station or subscriber device) configured to operate separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data and to transmit the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier. The audio system also includes one or more second wireless audio devices (e.g., one or more base stations or subscriber devices) configured to receive the audio data and control data and execute instructions based on the control data.

[0011] In some examples, the one or more second wireless audio devices are further configured to operate separate physical layer channels for second audio data and second control data, and to transmit the second audio data and the second control data using a single broadband carrier. Furthermore, the first wireless audio device may be configured to receive the second audio data and the second control data and to execute instructions based on the second control data.

[0012] In some examples, the first wireless audio device is further configured to use different modulation schemes and / or coding rates for the audio data and the control data based on a desired bit error rate.

[0013] In some examples, the first wireless audio device is further configured to combine the audio data and the control data into frames, wherein each frame includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion. The frames may be arranged according to a frame scheme, wherein the frame scheme repeats every N frames. Each frame in the frame scheme may include a broadcast channel time slot. The broadcast channel time slot may include information used by the one or more subscriber devices to access the audio system, including the number of frames N in the frame scheme. Each of the N frames of the frame scheme may include M control channel time slot pairs, wherein the first time slot of a given control channel time slot pair is included in the downlink portion of a given frame, and the second time slot of the control channel time slot pair is included in the uplink portion of the frame. Each of the one or more second wireless audio devices may be assigned a control channel time slot pair.

[0014] In a second embodiment, a wireless base station for an audio system may include a processor configured to operate a first physical layer channel using audio data and a second physical layer channel using control data. The wireless base station for the audio system may also include an antenna configured to transmit the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier.

[0015] In some examples, the processor is further configured to use different modulation schemes and coding rates for the audio data and the control data.

[0016] In some examples, the processor may also be configured to combine the audio data and the control data into frames, wherein each frame includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion. The processor may operate using a frame scheme, wherein the frame scheme repeats every N frames. Each frame in the frame scheme may include a broadcast channel time slot. The broadcast channel time slot may include information used by one or more subscriber devices to access the audio data and control data, including the number of frames N in the frame scheme.

[0017] In some examples, each of the N frames of the frame scheme may include M control channel time slot pairs, wherein a first time slot of a given control channel time slot pair is included in the downlink portion of a given frame, and a second time slot of the control channel time slot pair is included in the uplink portion of the frame. The wireless base station may be configured to communicate with one or more subscriber devices, wherein each of the one or more subscriber devices is allocated one control channel time slot pair.

[0018] In a third embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable memory has stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a set of actions to be performed. The set of actions includes operating a first physical layer channel with audio data to be transmitted to a wireless subscriber device. The set of actions includes operating a second physical layer channel with control data to be transmitted to the wireless subscriber device. The set of actions further includes controlling an antenna to transmit the audio data and control data using a single wideband carrier.

[0019] These and other embodiments and various arrangements and aspects will become apparent and more fully understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless audio system according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example computing device according to some embodiments, e.g. Figure 1 A first wireless audio device, a second wireless audio device and / or a subscriber device of a wireless audio system.

[0022] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example frame scheme in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 4 and 5 is a flow diagram illustrating various operations for wirelessly transmitting audio and control information using a low overhead in-band control channel method in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description describes, illustrates, and demonstrates one or more specific embodiments of the present invention based on the principles of the present invention. This description is not provided to limit the present invention to the embodiments described herein, but to explain and teach the principles of the present invention in such a way that a person skilled in the art can understand these principles and, with such understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein but also other embodiments that can be conceived based on these principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that can fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0025] It should be noted that in the description and drawings, similar or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes, these elements may be labeled with different numerals, such as (for example) in cases where such labeling facilitates a clearer description. In addition, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances, proportions may be exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. Such labeling and drawing practices do not necessarily imply an underlying substantive purpose. As described above, the specification is intended to be understood and interpreted as a whole in accordance with the principles of the present invention as taught herein and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] The wireless audio system described herein can utilize a single RF carrier to transmit both audio and control data. Multiple audio and control channels can be transmitted together in a single frame. Embodiments of the present disclosure include the use of separate physical layer channels for audio and control information, which allows for separate and individual manipulation of the channel modulation and channel coding rates. This arrangement enables users to set initial control and audio channel parameters when establishing the wireless audio system, as well as perform real-time adjustments to control and audio channel parameters, and can provide improved functionality for the wireless audio system.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless audio system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless audio system 100 may include a first wireless audio device 110 (also referred to as a wireless base station 110 in some embodiments) and a plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A-120I (also referred to as wireless subscriber devices 120A-120I in some embodiments). The first wireless audio device may be a base station, such as a wireless access point, a rack-mounted transceiver, or any other suitable device. One or more second wireless audio devices may be subscriber devices, such as wireless headsets, wireless conferencing units, belt packs, in-ear wireless monitors, microphones, intercoms, etc. The wireless audio system 100 may also include an audio source (not shown) that communicates with the first wireless audio device 110. The audio source may generate one or more audio source signals, which may include one or both of audio data and control data. The first wireless audio device 110 may modulate the audio data and / or control data received from the audio source.

[0028] The first wireless audio device 110 may be a computing device, such as a Figure 2A computing device described in more detail. In some examples, the first wireless audio device 110 may include one or more antennas. In some examples, the first wireless audio device 110 may utilize antenna diversity and may use multiple antennas. For example, antenna diversity may include using physically separated antennas (i.e., antennas positioned spaced apart in space). It is contemplated and possible that the first wireless audio device 110 has more than two antennas and that there are any number of second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I. In some embodiments, the first wireless audio device 110 may be an access point or other centralized unit. In some embodiments, the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I may be portable wireless subscriber devices, such as wireless headsets, wireless conferencing units, or belt packs.

[0029] In some embodiments, the wireless audio system 100 may be an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) broadband audio system, which allows various types of traffic to be carried on separate subcarriers and multiplexed together into a single broadband carrier. For example, the RF signal transmitted by the first wireless audio device 110 and received by one or more second wireless audio devices 120A-120I may include data symbols containing audio data and control data. In some embodiments, the data symbols may be QPSK / QAM modulated subcarriers that may carry audio data signals and / or control signals. As described below, other modulation schemes and coding rates may also be used.

[0030] As used herein, audio data may include information used by the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A-120I to output audio (sound) via one or more speakers. Control data may include information for controlling volume, indicated battery life, information related to encryption keys, etc.

[0031] As mentioned above, an audio system may require both audio data and control data to function properly. In some cases, audio data and control data are transmitted and received using separate communication mechanisms, such as by transmitting audio data via a radio frequency (RF) connection and control data via another mechanism such as infrared (IR), Wi-Fi, or via another "out-of-band" link. As a result of using two different mechanisms, there may be mismatched coverage areas between audio data and control data. For example, where control data is transmitted via IR, visible line of sight may be required, whereas line of sight is not necessary for audio data transmitted via an RF carrier.

[0032] Alternatively, if the system instead transmits audio data and control data via the same communication mechanism, one approach is to multiplex the audio data and control data together at the physical layer. However, this results in a combined bit rate that is limited by the physical layer channel. Furthermore, there is no flexibility in setting the relative link performance of the audio data and control data. Furthermore, since the performance characteristics associated with one or both of the audio data and control data cannot be dynamically changed, the overhead is relatively high.

[0033] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the audio system 100 is configured to help address some or all of the aforementioned issues. For example, the first wireless audio device 110 is configured to operate separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data. This enables each physical layer channel to have a separate modulation scheme and coding rate. For example, the modulation scheme for audio data may be 16-QAM with rate 3 / 4 coding. Additionally, the modulation scheme for control data may be QPSK with rate 1 / 2 coding. Based on one or more desired operating characteristics, the modulation schemes and coding rates for audio data and control data may be the same or different.

[0034] In some examples, the modulation scheme and coding rate used for one or both of the audio data and the control data can be determined based on the expected bit error rate. A particular modulation scheme and coding rate are selected to balance minimizing the error rate while maintaining an adequate data transmission rate. Selecting a more robust modulation scheme and coding rate (e.g., QPSK with rate 1 / 2 coding versus 16-QAM with rate 3 / 4 coding) reduces the bit error rate within a given transmission range at the expense of a reduced data transmission rate.

[0035] In other examples, the modulation scheme and coding rate for one or both of the audio data and the control data can be set based on the desired transmission range. In this case, the modulation scheme and coding rate are selected to balance maximizing the range while maintaining a sufficient data transmission rate. Selecting a more robust modulation scheme and coding rate will reduce the transmission range but will provide an increased transmission rate. In either case, a more robust modulation scheme and coding rate is typically selected for the control data relative to the audio data so that a physical layer link can be established and maintained even under channel conditions that result in poor audio channel performance.

[0036] The physical layer channels are then combined into a single RF carrier and transmitted or broadcast to the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A-120I such that the second wireless audio devices 120A-120I receive both audio data and control data in the same signal.

[0037] The second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I may be computing devices, such as Figure 2A computing device described in more detail. In some examples, the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I may each include one or more antennas. In some examples, the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I may utilize antenna diversity and may use multiple antennas. For example, antenna diversity may include using physically separated antennas (i.e., antennas positioned spaced apart in space). It is contemplated and possible that the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I have more than two antennas. In some embodiments, the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I may be portable wireless subscriber devices, such as wireless headphones, wireless conferencing units, belt packs, in-ear wireless monitors, microphones, intercoms, etc.

[0038] In some examples, the second wireless audio devices 120A-120I can receive audio data and control data transmitted by the first wireless audio device 110. The second wireless audio devices 120A-120I can then demodulate, convert, and / or process the received RF signals to generate analog or digital output audio signals and control signals. The second wireless audio devices 120A-120I are also configured to execute various instructions based on the received control data. For example, the second wireless audio devices can be configured to modify volume, change encryption, adjust timing, and so on.

[0039] In some examples, the first wireless audio device and one or more second audio devices may be further configured to operate as transceivers. In this case, the one or more second wireless audio devices may be further configured to operate separate physical layer channels for the second audio data and the second control data and to transmit the second audio data and the second control data using a single broadband carrier. The first wireless audio device may then be further configured to receive the second audio data and the second control data and to execute instructions based on the second control data. In this way, if the first wireless audio device is a base station that can operate as both a transmitter and a receiver, and the one or more second wireless audio devices are subscriber devices that can operate as both a transmitter and a receiver, each device can be configured to operate separate physical layer channels for the audio data and the control data and to transmit both the audio data and the control data using a single broadband carrier.

[0040] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram illustrating an example computing system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. One or more of the first wireless audio device 110 and the second wireless audio devices 120A-120I may be computing devices, such as computing device 200. As such, the first wireless audio device 110 and / or the second wireless audio devices 120A-120I may include one or more of the components of computing device 200.

[0041] The computing device 200 may be configured to perform various functions or actions, such as those described in the present disclosure (and accompanying drawings). The computing device 200 may include various components, including, for example, a processor 210, a memory 220, a user interface 230, and a communication interface 240, all of which are communicatively coupled via a system bus, a network, or other connection mechanism 250. It should be understood that the examples disclosed herein may refer to computing devices and / or systems having components that may or may not be physically located close to each other. Certain embodiments may take the form of cloud-based systems or devices, and it should be understood that the term "computing device" includes distributed systems and devices (such as cloud-based systems and devices) and software, firmware, and other components configured to implement one or more of the functions described herein. In addition, as described above, one or more features of the computing device 200 may be physically located remotely and may be communicatively coupled to the computing device via, for example, the communication interface 240.

[0042] Processor 210 may include a general-purpose processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and / or a special-purpose processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)). Processor 210 may be any suitable processing device or any group of processing devices, such as (but not limited to) a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0043] The memory 220 may be a volatile memory (e.g., RAM including nonvolatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., magnetic disk memory, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, memristor-based nonvolatile solid-state memory, etc.), an immutable memory (e.g., EPROM), a read-only memory, and / or a high-capacity storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, etc.). In some examples, the memory 220 includes multiple types of memory, particularly volatile memory and nonvolatile memory.

[0044] Memory 220 may be a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software for operating the methods of the present disclosure) may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic described herein. For example, the instructions may reside completely or at least partially within any one or more of memory 220, the computer-readable medium, and / or within processor 210 during instruction execution.

[0045] The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. Furthermore, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include any tangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or causing a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals.

[0046] The user interface 230 can facilitate interaction with a user of the device. Thus, the user interface 230 can include input components (such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch-sensitive panel, microphone, and camera) and output components (such as a display screen (which can be combined with a touch-sensitive panel, for example), speakers, and a tactile feedback system). The user interface 230 can also include a device that communicates with the input or output, such as a short-range transceiver (RFID, Bluetooth, etc.), a telephone interface, a cellular communication port, a router, or other type of network communication equipment. The user interface 230 can be internal to the computing device 200, or can be external and connected wirelessly or via a connection cable (such as through a universal serial bus port).

[0047] Communication interface 240 may be configured to allow device 200 to communicate with one or more devices (or systems) according to one or more protocols. In one example, communication interface 240 may be a wired interface, such as an Ethernet interface or a high-definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI). As another example, communication interface 240 may be a wireless interface, such as a cellular, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi interface. In some examples, the communication interface may include one or more antennas and may be configured to transmit and receive RF signals.

[0048] Data bus 250 may include one or more wires, traces, or other mechanisms for communicatively coupling processor 210, memory 220, user interface 230, and communication interface 240, and / or any other applicable computing device components.

[0049] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example frame scheme 300 according to some embodiments. A first wireless audio device 110 (e.g., a wireless base station) can be configured to combine audio data and control data into frames, which are then transmitted or broadcast to a plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A-120I (e.g., wireless subscriber devices). Each frame can include a downlink portion and an uplink portion. In some examples, the frame is evenly divided between the downlink and uplink portions. In other examples, the downlink portion is larger than the uplink portion (i.e., has more data capacity), or vice versa.

[0050] The wireless audio system operates according to a frame scheme 300, in which frames repeat in a certain pattern. For example, the scheme 300 includes N frames and illustrates the first frame i, the second frame i+1, and the last frame i+N-1. Then, after transmitting frame i+N-1, the scheme repeats again for frame i.

[0051] It should be understood that Figure 3 The illustrated example is merely one example provided to illustrate certain features, and many other examples can be used while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 3 The example frame scheme shown in illustrates that each frame includes multiple time slots and capacity for audio data. In one example, each frame in the frame scheme 300 includes a broadcast channel time slot 302. The broadcast channel time slot 302 includes information used by one or more of the second wireless audio devices 120A-120I to access the audio system 100, including the number of frames N in the frame scheme. This enables each second wireless audio device 120A-120I to determine when a frame will repeat. The broadcast channel time slot may also include various other information used by the second wireless audio devices 120A-120I to access the audio system 100.

[0053] In some examples, the plurality of frames in the frame scheme 300 also include one or more time slots reserved for common control channels, such as a random access channel 306 and / or a common control channel time slot 304. These time slots can be shared so that each of the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A-120I can utilize them. The random access channel time slot 306 and / or the common control channel time slot 304 can be included in every frame of the frame scheme 300, or can be included only in a subset of the frames (e.g., only in the first frame of the scheme).

[0054] In some examples, the plurality of frames in the frame scheme 300 also include a plurality of control channel time slot pairs. Each control channel time slot pair corresponds to one of the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A-120I. In the illustrated example, each frame includes M control channel time slot pairs. Each control channel time slot pair includes a first time slot in the uplink portion of the frame and a second time slot in the downlink portion of the frame. For example, the first control channel time slot pair includes a first time slot 308A in the uplink portion of frame i+1 and a second time slot 308B in the downlink portion of frame i+1.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the frame scheme 300 includes N frames. Each of the N frames can include M channel-time-slot pairs. Thus, the frame scheme 300 can support MxN separate second wireless audio devices. However, one or more of the N frames include shared time slots (e.g., common control channel 304 and / or random access channel 306), thereby reducing the total number of supported second wireless audio devices.

[0056] In some examples, the parameters N (i.e., the number of frames in the frame scheme) and M (i.e., the number of control channel time slot pairs in a given frame) are user-selectable during configuration. That is, these parameters can be changed based on the requirements of their usage environment and can be modified at will to ensure that desired operating characteristics such as latency, audio data throughput, etc. are met. The values ​​of M and N selected can be based on the desired maximum number of required audio channels while still meeting system requirements for control channel bit rate and latency. For example, if fewer wireless subscriber devices are required, M can be decreased to reduce control channel latency. Alternatively, if more wireless subscriber devices are used, latency can be increased to accommodate the additional wireless subscriber devices while maintaining a sufficient audio data bit rate.

[0057] In some examples, each second wireless audio device receives control information specific to that device only in one of every N frames. Thus, the greater the number of frames N in the frame scheme, the longer the delay (i.e., latency) between frames containing control data for a given second wireless audio device.

[0058] Alternatively, when fewer frames N are used but the number of control channel-to-time slots M is included in each frame, the capacity available for audio data in each frame is reduced. Thus, when the control delay is reduced, the audio data bit rate is also reduced. Therefore, a balance must be struck where increasing the delay (i.e., adding an extra frame N) results in less overhead (i.e., fewer control channel-to-time slots M) in a given frame.

[0059] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating an example method 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 400 can enable a wireless audio system to utilize low-overhead in-band control data transmission along with audio data without the limitations of existing methods for transmitting audio data and control data. Method 400 details the network entry process for a wireless subscriber device to join the system. Figure 4 The flowcharts of the present invention represent machine-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 220) and may include one or more procedures that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 210), may cause the computing device 200 and / or one or more systems or devices to implement one or more functions described herein. Although the example procedures are referenced Figure 4Although the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 is described, many other methods of implementing the functions described herein may be used instead. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged or executed in series or in parallel with each other, and blocks may be changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 400. In addition, because the method 400 is about Figures 1 to 3 The components of the present invention are disclosed, so some functions of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0060] The method 400 may begin at block 402. At block 404, the method 400 includes synchronizing to system frequency and timing. This is performed by a wireless subscriber device attempting network entry into the audio system.

[0061] At block 406, method 400 includes sending a broadcast channel (e.g., Figure 3 The decoded BCH information enables the wireless subscriber device to determine the value of N or the number of frames N in the frame scheme. This enables the wireless subscriber device to determine when the next repeated frame will occur.

[0062] At block 408, method 400 includes performing a random access in a time slot (e.g., Figure 3 The RACH request includes a request for allocation of a dedicated control channel pair to be associated with the wireless subscriber device.

[0063] At block 410, method 400 includes a wireless subscriber device monitoring a common control channel (CCCH) timeslot for a RACH response.

[0064] At block 412, method 400 includes determining whether a response has been received on the CCCH. If no response has been received, method 400 includes delaying for a random period at block 414. Method 400 then continues back to block 408 where a new RACH request is sent by the wireless subscriber device.

[0065] If a RACH response is received by the wireless subscriber device at block 412, the method 400 proceeds to block 416. At block 416, the wireless subscriber device obtains a dedicated control channel pair assignment (e.g., Figure 3 time slots 308A and 308B).

[0066] At block 418, method 400 then includes the wireless subscriber device performing one or more actions, such as requesting bandwidth, using the dedicated control channel.

[0067] The method 400 then ends at block 420 .

[0068] Figure 5A flow chart illustrating an example method 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 500 can enable a wireless audio system to utilize low-overhead in-band control data transmission along with audio data without the limitations of existing methods for transmitting audio data and control data. Method 500 details a method for transmitting both audio and control data from a wireless base station to a wireless subscriber device. Figure 5 The flowcharts of represent machine-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 220) and may include one or more procedures that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 210), may cause the computing device 200 and / or one or more systems or devices to implement one or more functions described herein. Although the example procedures are referenced Figure 5 Although the flowchart illustrated in FIG500 is described, many other methods of implementing the functions described herein may be used instead. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged or executed in series or in parallel with each other, and blocks may be changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 500. In addition, because the method 500 is about Figures 1 to 3 The components of the present invention are disclosed, so some functions of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0069] Method 500 begins at block 502. At block 504, method 500 includes operating a first physical layer channel for audio data. At block 506, method 500 includes operating a second physical layer channel for control data. The physical layer channels for control data and audio data may be separate from each other, and the control data may correspond to the audio data (i.e., including instructions to change playback volume, timing, etc., of a wireless subscriber device).

[0070] At block 508, method 500 includes transmitting the audio data and control data from separate physical layers using a single broadband carrier. At block 510, method 500 includes the wireless subscriber device receiving the combined audio data and control data. The wireless subscriber device may then decode and / or process the received data to determine whether the data includes a command. At block 512, method 500 includes the wireless subscriber device executing the command (e.g., changing the volume) based on the received control data. Method 500 then ends at block 514.

[0071] Any process descriptions or blocks in the figures should be understood to represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and include alternative implementations within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention, in which functions may be performed in a different order than shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0072] This disclosure is intended to explain how to make and use various embodiments of the technology, rather than to limit its true, desired, and fair scope and spirit. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit it to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, modifications or variations are possible. (Several) embodiments are selected and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments, with various modifications as are suitable for the specific use under consideration. When interpreted according to the breadth of this patent application and all its equivalents that are fairly, legally, and equally authorized, all such modifications and variations are within the scope of the embodiments determined by the appended claims and all their equivalents, which may be amended during the pendency of this patent application.

Claims

1. An audio system, comprising: A first wireless audio device configured to: operating separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data, wherein the audio data is associated with a first modulation scheme and the control data is associated with a second modulation scheme; changing the second modulation scheme of the control data based on a desired delay of the control data; and Transmitting the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier; and One or more second wireless audio devices configured to: receiving the audio data and control data, wherein the control data conforms to the expected delay of the control data; and Instructions are executed based on the control data.

2. The audio system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more second wireless audio devices are further configured to: operating separate physical layer channels for the second audio data and the second control data; and The second audio data and the second control data are transmitted using a single wideband carrier; and The first wireless audio device is further configured to: receiving the second audio data and second control data; and Instructions are executed based on the second control data.

3. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless audio device is a base station configured to connect to a recorder or mixer, and the one or more second wireless audio devices comprise one or more subscriber devices.

4. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the first modulation scheme is different from the second modulation scheme.

5. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless audio device is further configured to use different encoding rates for the audio data and the control data.

6. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless audio device is further configured to determine different modulation schemes or coding rates for the audio data and the control data based on an expected bit error rate.

7. An audio system according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless audio device is further configured to combine the audio data and the control data into frames, wherein each frame includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion, and wherein the first wireless audio device operates using a frame scheme, wherein the frame scheme is repeated every N frames.

8. The audio system of claim 7, wherein the frames of the frame scheme are organized such that each frame in the frame scheme includes a broadcast channel time slot.

9. The audio system of claim 8, wherein the broadcast channel timeslot comprises information used by the one or more second wireless audio devices to access the audio system, including a frame number N in the frame scheme.

10. An audio system according to claim 7, wherein one or more of the N frames of the frame scheme include M control channel time slot pairs, wherein the first time slot of a given control channel time slot pair is included in the downlink portion of a given frame, and the second time slot of the control channel time slot pair is included in the uplink portion of the frame.

11. The audio system of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more second wireless audio devices is assigned a control channel time slot pair.

12. A wireless base station for an audio system including one or more wireless subscriber devices, the wireless base station comprising: A processor configured to: operating a first physical layer using audio data associated with a first modulation scheme; operating a second physical layer using control data associated with a second modulation scheme; modifying the second modulation scheme of the control data based on a desired capacity of the audio system; and An antenna is configured to transmit the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier.

13. The wireless base station according to claim 12, wherein the first modulation scheme is different from the second modulation scheme.

14. The wireless base station of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to use different coding rates for the audio data and the control data.

15. A wireless base station according to claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to combine the audio data and the control data into frames, wherein each frame includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion, wherein the processor operates using a frame scheme, and wherein the frame scheme is repeated every N frames.

16. The wireless base station of claim 15, wherein the frames of the frame scheme are organized such that each frame in the frame scheme includes a broadcast channel time slot.

17. The wireless base station of claim 16, wherein the broadcast channel timeslot includes information used by one or more subscriber devices to access the audio data and control data, including a frame number N in the frame scheme.

18. A wireless base station according to claim 15, wherein one or more of the N frames of the frame scheme include M control channel time slot pairs, wherein the first time slot of a given control channel time slot pair is included in the downlink portion of a given frame, and the second time slot of the control channel time slot pair is included in the uplink portion of the frame.

19. The wireless base station of claim 18, wherein the wireless base station is configured to communicate with one or more subscriber devices, and wherein each of the one or more subscriber devices is allocated a control channel time slot pair.

20. A non-transitory computer readable memory having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a set of actions comprising: operating a first physical layer channel using audio data to be transmitted to a wireless subscriber device in an audio system including one or more wireless subscriber devices, wherein the audio data is associated with a first modulation scheme; operating a second physical layer channel using control data to be transmitted to the wireless subscriber device, wherein the control data is associated with a second modulation scheme; modifying the second modulation scheme of the control data based on expected capabilities of the audio system; and The antenna is controlled to transmit the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier.

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