Method and device for joining an existing audio session

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to "joining an existing audio session." An audio output device is capable of joining an existing session between a source device and another audio output device. The source device is capable of transmitting audio data associated with the audio session to a first wireless audio output device using a first frequency band and transmitting connection information associated with the audio session to a second wireless audio output device via a second frequency band. The second frequency band is different from the first frequency band, and the connection information allows the second wireless audio output device to join the audio session. After transmitting the connection information, the source device is capable of transmitting subsequent audio data associated with the audio session to the first wireless audio output device and the second wireless audio output device.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A user equipment (UE) may use a short-range communication protocol to provide audio data to one or more wireless audio output devices. For example, a user may have a UE and a pair of wireless audio earbuds. The UE may communicate with the wireless audio earbuds using a short-range communication protocol such as Bluetooth. Once connected, the user may use the wireless audio earbuds to listen to music, make calls, or any other type of audio.

[0002] In a common usage scenario, a user may start listening to audio using a single wireless audio earbud. Subsequently, the user may want to use two wireless audio earbuds for the session. However, for any of a variety of different reasons, the second wireless audio earbud may experience connectivity issues and may not be able to seamlessly join the existing audio session. This has a negative impact on the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a processor configured to cause a source device to perform operations. The operations include transmitting audio data associated with an audio session to a first wireless audio output device using a first frequency band, and transmitting connection information associated with the audio session to a second wireless audio output device via a second frequency band. The second frequency band is different from the first frequency band, and the connection information allows the second wireless audio output device to join the audio session. The operations further include, after transmitting the connection information, transmitting subsequent audio data associated with the audio session to the first wireless audio output device and the second wireless audio output device.

[0004] Other exemplary embodiments relate to a processor configured to cause a first wireless audio output device to perform operations. The operations include establishing a communication link to a source device operating on a first frequency band using a wireless communication protocol, and receiving connection information associated with an audio session between the source device and a second wireless audio output device. The audio session operates on a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The operations further include joining the audio session at least based on the connection information.

[0005] Further exemplary embodiments relate to a processor configured to cause a first wireless audio output device to perform operations. The operations include establishing a communication link to a source device using a wireless communication protocol, receiving audio data associated with an audio session from the source device, receiving an indication that a second wireless audio output device is to join the audio session, and modifying a packet size to be used by the first wireless audio output device to transmit feedback to the source device to accommodate transmissions to be performed by the second wireless audio output device to the source device during the audio session. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1Shows an exemplary arrangement of a user equipment (UE) and wireless audio earbuds according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 Shows an exemplary UE according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 Shows an exemplary audio output device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 Shows an exemplary method for an audio output device to join an existing session.

[0010] Figure 5 Shows an example of multiple stages of source-assisted single-earbud to dual-earbud conversion according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 Shows an example of session resources during different stages of source-assisted single-earbud to dual-earbud conversion according to various exemplary embodiments. Detailed Description

[0012] The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and the related drawings, in which like elements are assigned the same reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for implementing an audio output device to join an existing audio session between a user equipment (UE) and another audio output device.

[0013] The exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a UE that provides audio data to one or more wireless audio output devices. Throughout this specification, the terms "UE" and "source device" may be used interchangeably. However, any reference to a UE or source device is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component equipped with hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to communicate with a wireless audio output device using a short-range communication protocol.

[0014] A UE may communicate with one or more wireless audio output devices. The term "wireless audio output device" generally refers to an electronic device configured to wirelessly receive audio data and generate an audio output. The various examples described herein may refer to wireless audio earbuds (e.g., earplugs, wireless headphones, etc.), which are a specific type of wireless audio output device. Throughout this specification, any reference to a wireless audio output device or wireless audio earbuds is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component equipped with hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to communicate with a source device via a wireless communication protocol and generate an audio output.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to short - range communication protocols that enable short - range communication between two or more devices. The various examples described herein may refer to Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc.), which is a particular type of short - range communication protocol. However, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented using any type of wireless communication protocol or personal area network (PAN), such as Wi - Fi Direct, etc. Throughout this specification, any reference to terms such as "Bluetooth", "short - range communication protocol", "short - range connection", or "short - range communication link" is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments may be applicable to any suitable type of communication protocol.

[0016] Additionally, exemplary techniques are described with reference to an exemplary scenario that includes a pair of wireless audio earbuds. The following description is provided as an overall overview of the exemplary scenario. A user has a UE and a pair of wireless audio earbuds. Initially, the user uses only a single wireless audio earbud to listen to music or make a call. Subsequently, the user wants to use both audio earbuds for the audio session. In a conventional situation, for any one of a variety of different reasons, connectivity issues may occur that cause an interruption in the audio output and / or prevent the second wireless audio earbud from joining the existing audio session in a seamless manner.

[0017] The exemplary embodiments are configured to mitigate connectivity issues that may arise when an audio output device attempts to join an existing session between a source device and another audio output device. As will be described in more detail below, the exemplary embodiments include the source device communicating directly with one or more of these audio output devices to enable the audio output device to join the existing session. In one aspect, this may include the source device using a first frequency band to provide connection information to another wireless audio output device when there is an existing session between the source device and the wireless audio output device over a second, different frequency band. The connection information may enable the audio output device to join the existing session. For example, the source device may provide connection information (or vice versa) to another audio output device over the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band during a session that is ongoing between the source device and the audio output device over the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0018] In another aspect, the exemplary embodiments may include the source device notifying the audio output devices participating in the session that another audio output device is to join the session. This may mean that the devices know the resources to be used by the audio output device joining the session. Specific examples of these exemplary techniques will be provided in detail below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary techniques described herein may be used in combination with other currently implemented connection techniques, future specific implementations of connection techniques, or independently of other connection techniques.

[0019] The above - mentioned exemplary single - audio - earbud - to - dual - audio - earbud conversion scenario is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments in any way. While the exemplary techniques can mitigate connectivity issues that might occur under normal circumstances during this common use case, the exemplary embodiments can also be applied to any scenario in which one or more audio output devices attempt to join an existing session between a source device and one or more other audio output devices.

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary arrangement 100 of a UE 110 and wireless audio earbuds 112, 114 is shown in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. The exemplary arrangement 100 includes the UE 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that the UE 110 can represent any type of electronic component capable of communicating with one or more wireless audio output devices. Specific examples of the UE 110 include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablet computers, desktop computers, smartphones, embedded devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, video game consoles, media players, entertainment devices, smart speakers, smart TVs, streaming devices, etc. As mentioned above, the terms "UE" and "source device" may be used interchangeably throughout the specification.

[0021] The UE 110 can communicate with a pair of wireless audio earbuds 112, 114 (e.g., earbuds, wireless headphones, etc.). However, any reference to wireless audio earbuds is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments can be applied to scenarios including any suitable type of audio output device, including one or more speakers and devices having one or more integrated speakers.

[0022] The exemplary arrangement 100 also shows various types of communication links and / or interactions that may occur when using short - range communication protocols. In some embodiments, these connected networks can represent a PAN.

[0023] Arrangement 100 shows a source - to - audio - earbud (S2B) link 120 between the UE 110 and the wireless audio earbud 112. Additionally, an audio - earbud - to - audio - earbud (B2B) link 122 between the wireless audio earbud 112 and the wireless audio earbud 114 is also shown. In this example, the communication links 120, 122 can be Bluetooth connections or any other suitable type of connection. Thus, the UE 110 and the wireless audio earbuds 112, 114 can be equipped with appropriate chip sets to communicate using short - range communication protocols.

[0024] In some embodiments, the wireless audio earbuds 114 may be permitted to eavesdrop (or monitor) data being exchanged on the S2B link 120. In some embodiments, the wireless audio earbuds 114 may establish an S2B link 125 with the UE 110. This additional S2B link 125 may be used in place of or in addition to eavesdropping 124 and the B2B link 125.

[0025] A manual method, an automated method, or a combination thereof may be used to establish a communication link (e.g., S2B 120, S2B 125, B2B 122). A manual method refers to a process in which an input by the user at one or more of the devices triggers the initiation of a connection establishment procedure. An automated method refers to a mechanism in which connection establishment is initiated without a command provided by the user, e.g., using sensor data, proximity detection, automatic trigger events, and / or other operations.

[0026] As will be described in more detail below, exemplary embodiments include implementing a source-initiated connection mechanism for establishing a communication link. The source-initiated connection may be implemented independently of these other methods or may be used in combination with these methods. For example, if an audio earbud attempts to establish a connection with another audio earbud and fails, a source-initiated method may be utilized. Additional details regarding the source-initiated method are provided below with reference to Figures 4 to 6 Additional details regarding the source-initiated method are provided.

[0027] Arrangement 100 shows a possible network of short-range connections between the UE 110 and the wireless audio earbuds 112, 114. However, as indicated above, exemplary embodiments may involve scenarios in which a wireless audio output device joins an existing session. Accordingly, throughout this specification, various examples will be described with reference to scenarios that begin in a state where eavesdropping 124, the B2B link 122, and / or the second S2B link 125 are not (or will not be) configured.

[0028] In some embodiments, the UE 110 and the audio earbud 112 have a master / slave relationship on the S2B link 120, where the UE 110 has control and / or a higher priority than the audio earbud 112. Similarly, the UE 110 and the audio earbud 114 may also have a master / slave relationship on the S2B link 125, where the UE 110 has control and / or a higher priority than the audio earbud 114.

[0029] Additionally, audio earbuds 112 and audio earbuds 114 may have a master / slave relationship on B2B link 122, where audio earbuds 112 assume control and / or have a higher priority than audio earbuds 114. In other embodiments, devices connected via a short-range communication protocol (e.g., S2B link 120, S2B link 125, B2B link 122) may establish a mutual relationship in the case where the devices share or negotiate certain responsibilities.

[0030] The master / slave relationship between the audio earbuds may be dynamic. For example, at a first time, audio earbuds 112 may be set as the master device, and audio earbuds 114 may be set as the slave device. Subsequently, a pre-determined condition may trigger audio earbuds 114 to be set as the master device. Thus, at a second time, audio earbuds 114 may be set as the master device, and audio earbuds 112 may be set as the slave device. During a session (e.g., a stream, a cell, etc.), a pair of audio earbuds 112, 114 may switch roles any number of times.

[0031] Figure 2 An exemplary UE 110 is shown in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. UE 110 will be described with reference to Figure 2 arrangement 100. UE 110 may include a processor 205, a memory arrangement 210, a display device 215, an input / output (I / O) device 220, a transceiver 225, and other components 230. The other components 230 may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a power source, a data acquisition device, a port for electrically connecting UE 110 to other electronic devices, etc.

[0032] Processor 205 may be configured to execute multiple engines of UE 110. For example, these engines may include a source-assisted connection engine 125. The source-assisted connection engine 235 may be configured to perform operations related to the single-earbud to dual-earbud conversion scenarios cited throughout this specification. As will be described in more detail below, these operations may include providing information to the audio earbud that may enable the audio earbud to join an existing session between UE 110 and another audio earbud.

[0033] The above-described engine 235 is provided only for illustrative purposes as an application (e.g., a program) executed by the processor 205. The functionality associated with the engine 235 may also be represented as a stand-alone combined component of the UE 110 or may be a modular component coupled to the UE 110, e.g., an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include an input circuit for receiving signals and a processing circuit for processing signals and other information. The engine may also be embodied as one application or separate multiple applications. Additionally, in some UEs, the functionality described for the processor 205 is divided among two or more processors such as a baseband processor and an application processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0034] The memory arrangement 210 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE 110. The display device 215 may be a hardware component configured to display data to a user, and the I / O device 220 may be a hardware component that enables a user to provide input. The display device 215 and the I / O device 220 may be separate components or may be integrated together (such as a touch screen).

[0035] The transceiver 225 may represent one or more hardware components configured to perform operations related to wireless communication. For example, the transceiver 225 may represent one or more radio components configured to communicate with a cellular network, a PAN, a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. As indicated above, the exemplary embodiments may include the UE 110 communicating with a first audio output device over a first frequency band and with a second audio output device over a second different frequency band. Accordingly, the transceiver 225 may operate at various different frequencies or channels (e.g., a set of contiguous frequencies).

[0036] Figure 3 An exemplary audio output device 300 is shown in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. The audio output device 300 may represent either or both of the audio earbuds 112, 114 shown in arrangement 100.

[0037] The device 300 may include a transceiver 305, a processor 310, and a controller 315. Additionally, the device 300 may include other components (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a memory, a battery, and a port for electrically connecting the device 300 to other electronic devices.

[0038] The transceiver 305 may represent one or more hardware components configured to perform operations related to wireless communication. For example, the transceiver 305 may represent one or more radio components configured to communicate using a PAN or any other suitable type of network. The transceiver 305 may establish a short-range connection using a frequency or channel associated with a short-range connection (e.g., Bluetooth). In some embodiments, these frequencies may include the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Accordingly, the transceiver 305 may operate on various different frequencies or channels (e.g., a set of contiguous frequencies).

[0039] The processor 310 may be configured to execute multiple engines of the audio output device 300. For example, the processor 310 may perform operations related to receiving connection information from a source device and joining an existing audio session. In some embodiments, the processor 310 may be represented as a stand-alone integrated component of the audio output device 300 or may be a modular component coupled to the audio output device 300, e.g., an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the processor 310 may be a chip or integrated circuit compatible with a short-range communication protocol that includes an input circuit for receiving signals and a processing circuit for processing signals and other information. The engines may also be embodied as one application or separate multiple applications. In some embodiments, the functionality described for the processor 310 is split between two or more processors (such as a baseband processor and an application processor). In other embodiments, the transceiver 305 may also be configured to execute engines and / or operations for the audio output device 300.

[0040] The controller 315 may be configured to control the communication functions of the transceiver 305 and / or the processor 310. Additionally, the controller 315 may also control non-communication functions related to other components such as memory, battery, etc. Accordingly, the controller 315 may perform operations associated with an application processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented according to any of these or other configurations of the audio output device.

[0041] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 for an audio output device to join an existing session is shown. Throughout the description of method 400, a single earbud to dual earbud conversion scenario may be referenced to illustrate an example of the conditions under which the exemplary techniques may be utilized. However, as described above, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to any particular scenario and may be applicable to any scenario involving an audio output device joining a session between a source device and one or more audio output devices.

[0042] In 405, a short-range connection is established between the source device and the first audio output device. The short-range connection may be established using a manual method or an automated method.

[0043] At 410, a source device provides audio data to a first audio output device. The audio data described herein represents any type of payload data that can provide a basis for generating an audio output.

[0044] The transmission of audio data from the source device to the first audio output device utilizes (x) percentage of the available bandwidth of the first audio output device. As x increases, the likelihood that the first audio output device will be able to maintain sufficient audio quality and facilitate the connection establishment procedure of the second audio output device decreases. To provide an example in the context of arrangement 100, consider a scenario where only the S2B link 120 is established. In a conventional case, the audio earbud 112 can directly provide connection information to the audio earbud 114. This connection information can facilitate the establishment of the B2B link 122, the eavesdropping 124, and / or the S2B link 125. However, when the audio data transmitted through the S2B link 120 utilizes more than a threshold amount of bandwidth, there may not be enough bandwidth available for the audio earbud 112 to also transmit connection information and / or exchange synchronization information with the audio earbud 114. As a result, the audio earbud 114 may not be able to connect to other devices in a seamless manner. Exemplary embodiments mitigate these types of connectivity issues by utilizing the source device to assist the second audio output device in joining an existing audio session.

[0045] Some types of communications such as Ultra-Low Latency Audio (ULLA) may have explicit performance requirements. These requirements may cause the audio earbuds to utilize a larger portion of their available bandwidth and, thus, prevent traditional mechanisms from being able to facilitate single-earbud to dual-earbud conversion during an existing audio session. Implementing the exemplary techniques described herein to ensure that communication protocol requirements are met with respect to the audio session and to provide a sufficient user experience, such as seamless single-earbud to dual-earbud conversion, may be beneficial.

[0046] In addition to bandwidth limitations, other factors may also cause connectivity issues that prevent the establishment of the B2B link 122 and / or the eavesdropping 124. For example, the radio frequency (RF) conditions with respect to each of the audio earbuds 112, 114 and / or the distance between the audio earbuds 112, 114 are another factor that may prevent the audio earbud 114 from detecting and / or connecting to other devices. Exemplary embodiments can also mitigate these types of connectivity issues.

[0047] The source device may be equipped with multiple radio components. For example, a first radio component may be configured for the 2.4 GHz band, and a second radio component may be configured for the 5 GHz band. In this example, the source device uses one of the radio components and its corresponding band to provide audio data to a first audio output device. As will be described in more detail below, the source device may use other radio components and bands to provide connection information to a second audio output device, which enables the second audio output device to join an ongoing audio session between the source device and the first audio output device. In other arrangements, the source device may have multiple radio components, such as, a shared radio component, each of which is capable of communicating using one or more bands.

[0048] Throughout the description of method 400, reference may be made to Figure 5 , which shows an example of multiple stages of source-assisted single earbud to dual earbud conversion according to various exemplary embodiments. The single earbud stage 510 shows the UE 110 connected to the audio earbud 112. In the context of method 400, at this time, the UE 110 and the audio earbud 112 may perform the operations mentioned above in 405 - 410. Thus, the single earbud stage 510 shows the audio session 512. Since the audio earbud 112 is the only deployed audio earbud, the audio earbud 112 serves as the primary audio earbud.

[0049] In this example, the audio earbud 114 is currently in the storage case 515. In addition to being able to store the wireless audio earbuds 112, 114, the storage case 515 is also capable of charging the wireless audio earbuds 112, 114. In some embodiments, the state of the storage case 515 (e.g., closed, open, etc.) and / or the state of the audio earbuds 112, 114 relative to the storage case 515 (e.g., being charged, outside the housing, inside the housing, etc.) may trigger any number of actions of the wireless audio earbuds 112, 114 or the UE 110. For example, if the audio earbud 114 is removed from the storage case 515, the audio earbud 114 may be triggered to search for another device or announce its availability. However, any reference to the storage case 515 is provided for illustrative purposes only, and the functions of this storage case are beyond the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Whether or not a storage case or a similar device is utilized, the exemplary techniques described herein may be implemented.

[0050] Additionally, throughout Figures 4 to 5 reference may be made to Figure 6 , which shows an example of session resources during different stages of source-assisted single earbud to dual earbud conversion. In Figure 6In [description], during the single earbud stage 510, the UE 110 is connected to the audio earbud 112. A first portion of the available resources is allocated for transmitting audio data to the audio earbud 112 (e.g., transmission opportunity 605), and a second portion of the available resources is allocated for receiving information and / or data transmitted by the audio earbud 112 (e.g., reception opportunity 610). For example, the UE 110 may receive feedback indicating whether the audio earbud 112 has successfully received the audio data transmitted by the UE 110 during the reception opportunity 610.

[0051] Returning to method 400, in 415, a short-range connection is established between the source device (e.g., UE 110) and the second audio output device. This short-range connection is not used to provide audio data (e.g., audio payload data). Instead, the source device may utilize this short-range connection to provide connection information to the second audio output device. Generally, this connection information may represent any type of control information and / or payload data that may enable the second audio output device to join an existing audio session between the source device and the first audio output device. For example, the connection information may include any / all connection credentials, connection parameters, PAN information, keys, synchronization information, connection timing information, permissions, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the short-range connection may be established after the second audio output device attempts to join the existing audio session in a different manner. For example, the second audio output device may initially attempt to establish a communication link to the first audio output device (e.g., a B2B link). Due to any of a variety of different factors (e.g., bandwidth, distance), the second audio output device may be unable to detect and / or connect to the first audio output device. After one or more failed attempts at this connection, the second audio output device may be triggered to establish a short-range connection to the source device. However, any reference to this short-range connection being triggered by a particular condition or event is provided for illustrative purposes only. Exemplary embodiments may utilize any suitable triggering event to initiate the establishment of the short-range connection between the second audio output device and the source device.

[0053] The short-range connection established in 415 may be temporary with respect to the audio session. As described above, audio data may be transmitted to the first audio output device using one radio component and the corresponding frequency band, and connection information may be transmitted to the second audio output device using another radio component and the corresponding frequency band. During the audio session, the source device may also inform the first audio output device that the second audio output device is to join the existing audio session. This ensures that the source device and the first audio output device have a common understanding of which resources the second audio output device is to use.

[0054] For purposes of providing an example, in Figure 5During the transition phase 520, the UE 110 remains connected to the audio earbud 112. However, the second audio earbud 114 has now been removed from the storage case 515 and is connected to the UE 110 via a short-range communication link 522. The short-range communication link 522 can enable the transmission of connection information associated with the audio session 512. However, the short-range communication link 522 is not part of the audio session 512.

[0055] Before the short-range communication link 522 is established, when the audio earbud 114 is triggered to perform a connection establishment operation, the audio earbud 114 can attempt to connect to any device. In other embodiments, the audio earbud 114 can first attempt to connect to its peer device (e.g., the audio earbud 112) or another device based on previously used connection parameters, and then search for other devices (e.g., the source device, etc.) if the initial attempt is unsuccessful. In additional embodiments, the audio earbud 114 may initially attempt to connect to the source device. Thus, in some embodiments, the audio earbud 114 may initially search for and attempt to connect to the UE 110. In other embodiments, if the audio earbud 114 cannot find or connect to the audio earbud 112 or another audio output device, the audio earbud 114 can search for and attempt to connect to the UE 110.

[0056] From the perspective of the UE 110, the audio session 512 and the short-range communication link 522 can correspond to different radio components and / or frequency bands. In this example, the UE 110 utilizes a first radio component (e.g., communication link 512) configured to transmit the audio session to the audio earbud 112 via the 5 GHz frequency band, and a second, different radio component (e.g., communication link 522) configured to transmit connection information via the 2.4 GHz frequency band. However, the references to the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands are provided for illustrative purposes only to show two different frequency bands. Exemplary embodiments can be applied to any suitable frequency band.

[0057] During the transition phase 520, the UE 110 can also notify the audio earbud 112 that the audio earbud 114 is to join the audio session 512. For example, the UE 110 can determine that the audio earbud 114 wants to join an existing audio session at least in part based on information received from the audio earbud 114. Then, the UE 110 can transmit an indication to the audio earbud 112. In response, the UE 110 and / or the audio earbud 112 can ensure that a third portion of the available resources is reserved for the audio earbud 114. Subsequently, the UE 110 can notify the audio earbud 114 that the audio session 512 has been modified to include communications (e.g., feedback or any other suitable type of information) transmitted by the audio earbud 114.

[0058] In Figure 6In [the figure], transition phase 520 shows a blank space 615 between transmission opportunity 605 and reception opportunity 610. The blank space 615 represents a portion of the resources that can be utilized by the audio earbud 114. Figure 6 A comparison of the initial phase 510 and the transition phase 520 in [the figure] shows that the available resources (e.g., reception opportunity 610) of the audio earbud 112 have been reduced to make room for communications transmitted by the audio earbud 114. This example shows that during the audio session 512, the audio earbud 112 can modify its packet size in response to or based on an indication from the UE 110 that the audio earbud 114 is to join the existing audio session 512.

[0059] Returning to method 400, in 420, the source device indicates to the first audio output device that a second audio output device is to join an existing audio session. The example described above with reference to Figure 5 the transition phase 520 of [the figure] illustrates this. However, any reference to the source device that provides this indication to the first audio output device is provided for illustrative purposes only. Exemplary embodiments may utilize any suitable mechanism to inform the first audio output device that the second audio output device is joining the session.

[0060] In 425, the second audio output device uses the connection information provided by the source device to join the existing audio session between the source device and the first audio output device.

[0061] In Figure 5 the third phase 530 of [the figure], the audio earbud 114 has joined the audio session 512. To provide an example in the context of the arrangement 100, during the third phase 530, the UE 110 can be connected to the audio earbud 112 via the S2B link 120, and at least one of the eavesdropping 124, the S2B link 125, or the B2B link 122 is configured such that the audio earbud 114 can receive the audio data of the session.

[0062] In some embodiments, a B2B link can be established. However, similar to the connectivity issues mentioned above, if the audio session utilizes a certain amount of available bandwidth, there may not be enough bandwidth available to establish or utilize the B2B link 122 in the desired manner. Therefore, in addition to or instead of the B2B link 122, it may be beneficial to use the eavesdropping 124 and / or the S2B link 125.

[0063] In Figure 6In the dual-earbud phase 630, UE 110 is connected to audio earbuds 112, 114. Thus, in this example, a first portion of the available resources is reserved for UE 110 to transmit audio data (e.g., transmission opportunity 605), a second portion of the available resources is reserved for audio earbud 112 to transmit information (e.g., reception opportunity 610), and now a third portion of the available resources is reserved for audio earbud 114 to transmit information (e.g., reception opportunity 620).

[0064] The example provided above Figures 4 to 6 refers to a scenario in which a single audio earbud joins an existing audio session between a source device and another single audio earbud. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this type of scenario and can be applied to any scenario in which one or more audio output devices attempt to join an existing session between a source device and one or more audio output devices. For example, there may be a scenario in which a first user listens to an audio session using their two audio earbuds (e.g., a dual-earbud arrangement), while a second user wants to listen to the audio session using their own audio earbuds. Those skilled in the art will understand how the exemplary concepts described herein apply to this type of scenario in which one or more audio output devices join an existing session between a source device and two or more audio output devices.

[0065] The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to a scenario in which a user starts an audio session using a single audio earbud. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this scenario and can also be used to reconnect an audio earbud to an audio session. To provide an example, an audio session can be configured to include two wireless audio earbuds. During the audio session, one of these wireless audio earbuds can be removed and placed in its storage case for charging. Thus, the audio session is now configured for a single audio earbud. Subsequently, during the same audio session, the audio earbud can be removed from the storage case and reconnected to the audio session. The exemplary techniques described herein can also be used in this type of scenario.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments can be implemented in any suitable software configuration or hardware configuration or a combination thereof. An exemplary hardware platform for implementing the exemplary embodiments can include, for example, an Intel x86-based platform with a compatible operating system, Windows OS, Mac platform, and MAC OS, a mobile device with an operating system such as iOS, Android, etc. An exemplary embodiment of the above method can be embodied as a program including lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that, when compiled, can be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0067] Although this patent application describes various combinations of various embodiments each having different features, those skilled in the art will understand that any feature of one embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments in any manner not negated by the disclosure or with features that are not operationally or functionally inconsistent with the operation of the devices of the disclosed embodiments of the invention.

[0068] It is well known that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0069] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the substance or scope thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure provided they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A processor, the processor being configured to cause a source device to perform operations including the following: Transmit audio data associated with an audio session to a first wireless audio output device using a first frequency band; Transmit connection information associated with the audio session to a second wireless audio output device via a second frequency band, wherein the second frequency band is different from the first frequency band, and the connection information allows the second wireless audio output device to join the audio session; Transmit an indication to the first wireless audio output device that the second wireless audio output device is to join the audio session; And After transmitting the connection information, transmit subsequent audio data associated with the audio session to the first wireless audio output device and the second wireless audio output device.

2. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the indication is configured to cause the first wireless audio output device to modify a packet size for feedback to the source device during a subsequent portion of the audio session.

3. The processor according to claim 1, the operations further including: Configuring one or more reception opportunities corresponding to the second wireless audio output device.

4. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless audio output device is a main wireless audio earbud, and the second wireless audio output device is a secondary wireless audio earbud.

5. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the audio session includes an ultra - low - latency audio (ULLA) session.

6. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the audio session is implemented via a personal area network (PAN).

7. The processor according to claim 6, wherein when the audio session includes the first wireless audio output device and the second wireless audio output device, the PAN includes at least one of a source - to - bud (S2B) link and a wiretap, bud - to - bud (B2B) link or an additional S2B link.

8. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band include a 5 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band and a 2.4 GHz frequency band, respectively.

9. A method implemented at a source device, including: Transmit audio data associated with an audio session to a first wireless audio output device using a first frequency band; Transmit connection information associated with the audio session to a second wireless audio output device via a second frequency band, wherein the second frequency band is different from the first frequency band, and the connection information allows the second wireless audio output device to join the audio session; Transmit an indication to the first wireless audio output device that the second wireless audio output device is to join the audio session; And After transmitting the connection information, transmit subsequent audio data associated with the audio session to the first wireless audio output device and the second wireless audio output device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the indication is configured to cause the first wireless audio output device to modify a packet size for feedback to the source device during a subsequent portion of the audio session.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Configuring one or more receivers corresponding to the second wireless audio output device.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first wireless audio output device is a main wireless audio earbud, and the second wireless audio output device is a secondary wireless audio earbud.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the audio session includes an ultra-low latency audio (ULLA) session.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the audio session is implemented via a personal area network (PAN).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein when the audio session includes the first wireless audio output device and the second wireless audio output device, the PAN includes at least one of a source-to-bud (S2B) link and a wiretap, bud-to-bud (B2B) link or an additional S2B link.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band include a 5 gigahertz (GHz) band and a 2.4 GHz band, respectively.

17. A processor configured to cause a first wireless audio output device to perform operations including: Establishing a communication link to a source device using a wireless communication protocol; Receiving audio data associated with an audio session from the source device; Receiving an indication that a second wireless audio output device is to join the audio session; And Modifying a packet size to be used by the first wireless audio output device to transmit feedback to the source device to accommodate transmissions to be performed by the second wireless audio output device to the source device during the audio session.

18. The processor according to claim 17, wherein the first wireless audio output device is a main wireless audio earbud, and the second wireless audio output device is a secondary wireless audio earbud.

19. The processor according to claim 17, wherein the audio session is implemented via a personal area network (PAN).

20. The processor according to claim 17, wherein the audio data and the indication are received via the same communication link.

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