Distributed synchronized Bluetooth scanning across multiple devices for faster Bluetooth discovery

Abstract

The invention relates to distributed synchronized Bluetooth scanning across multiple devices for faster Bluetooth discovery. Some aspects of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices. Some aspects relate to an electronic device including a transceiver configured to communicate based on a short range communication protocol and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor receives one or more parameters from the peripheral electronic device and determines one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the one or more parameters. The processor also transmits the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral electronic device. The one or more synchronization parameters may include at least a scan offset associated with the peripheral electronic device.

Description

[0001] Division Statement

[0002] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese invention patent application with a filing date of September 23, 2021, an invention name of “Distributed Synchronized Bluetooth Scanning Across Multiple Devices for Faster Bluetooth Discovery” and an application number of 202111112032.7. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a Bluetooth protocol for synchronizing multiple devices. TM Technology of scanning mechanism. Background Art

[0004] Bluetooth TM Devices can use advertising and scanning (and / or paging and scanning) to find each other and establish connections. TM The device is configured to scan different channels to determine if any of the channels contain advertising packets and / or are addressed to listen to Bluetooth TM Device data packets. Listening for Bluetooth TM The device can connect to another Bluetooth TM Device speed and Bluetooth monitoring TM There is a trade-off in the battery life of the devices. For example, in order for a listening device to connect to another device faster, the listening device scans the channel more frequently, thus using more of the listening device's battery. On the other hand, in order to save battery, the listening device may scan the channel less frequently, which may result in increased latency in connecting to the transmitting device.

[0005] If multiple devices belong to a group and want to connect to a remote device, each device in the group will scan independently of the other devices in the group. In this case, the scanning windows of the devices in the group will overlap, which will lead to inefficiency in finding remote devices and inefficiency in power budget at the devices in the group. Summary of the invention

[0006] Some aspects of the present disclosure include apparatus and methods for implementing a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices. For example, some aspects of the present disclosure include an apparatus and method for implementing a synchronized Bluetooth TM Scanning mechanism device and method. It should be noted that although relative to Bluetooth TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low power protocol, or Bluetooth TMSome examples of the present disclosure are discussed using a low power long range protocol, but aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to any short range communication protocol and / or other communication protocols.

[0007] By distributing and synchronizing short-range communication protocols (such as but not limited to Bluetooth TM ) scanning, can reduce the connection time between multiple devices and remote devices. In addition or alternatively, the power budget at multiple devices can also be reduced.

[0008] Some aspects relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes: a transceiver configured to communicate based on a short-range communication protocol; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to receive one or more parameters from a peripheral electronic device and determine one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the one or more parameters. The processor is further configured to transmit the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral electronic device. The one or more synchronization parameters may include at least a scanning offset associated with the peripheral electronic device.

[0009] In some examples, the one or more parameters may include at least one of a usage indicator associated with the peripheral electronic device, a power indicator associated with the peripheral electronic device, a priority indicator associated with the peripheral electronic device, a scan configuration associated with the peripheral electronic device, or a clock drift associated with the peripheral electronic device.

[0010] In some examples, to determine one or more synchronization parameters, the processor is configured to determine the one or more synchronization parameters based at least on one or more parameters received from the peripheral electronic device and one or more parameters of the electronic device.

[0011] In some examples, the scan offset associated with the peripheral electronic device includes a time period measured from the start of a scan interval of the peripheral electronic device to the start of a scan window. In some examples, the scan offset associated with the peripheral electronic device includes a time period measured from the start of a scan interval of the peripheral electronic device to the start of a scan window. In some examples, the one or more synchronization parameters also include at least one of a scan interval or a scan window.

[0012] In some examples, the processor is further configured to determine whether a condition for resynchronization has occurred, and in response to determining that the condition has occurred, determine updated one or more synchronization parameters.

[0013] In some examples, the processor is further configured to receive one or more messages from a second electronic device using the transceiver during a scan window associated with the electronic device. The processor is further configured to determine information associated with the second electronic device and communicate the determined information with the peripheral electronic device.

[0014] In some examples, the one or more messages from the second electronic device include one or more broadcast messages, and the information associated with the second electronic device includes an offset between the one or more broadcast messages.

[0015] In some examples, the electronic device and the peripheral electronic devices belong to a group of electronic devices determined based on a policy.

[0016] Some aspects relate to a method. The method includes receiving one or more parameters from a peripheral electronic device by an electronic device. The method also includes determining one or more synchronization parameters by the electronic device and based at least on the one or more parameters. The method also includes transmitting the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral electronic device by the electronic device. The one or more synchronization parameters may include at least a scan offset associated with the peripheral electronic device. The electronic device and the peripheral electronic device belong to a group of electronic devices determined based on a policy.

[0017] Some aspects relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including receiving one or more parameters from a peripheral electronic device. The one or more parameters may include at least one of a usage indicator associated with the peripheral electronic device and / or a power indicator associated with the peripheral electronic device. The operations also include determining one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the one or more parameters. The operations also include transmitting the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral electronic device. The one or more synchronization parameters include at least a scan offset associated with the peripheral electronic device.

[0018] The present invention is provided for the purpose of illustrating some aspects only, so as to provide an understanding of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the above-mentioned features are only examples and should not be understood as narrowing the scope or essence of the subject matter in the present disclosure. Other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary system implementing a synchronized short range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary wireless system of electronic devices implementing a synchronized short range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 An exemplary communication between a central device and a peripheral device for synchronized short range communication protocol scanning according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 An exemplary method for synchronizing a central device with a peripheral device for short range communication protocol scanning is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 An exemplary communication between synchronized central and peripheral devices and a remote device based on a short range communication protocol according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 An exemplary method for communicating between synchronized central and peripheral devices and a remote device based on a short range communication protocol according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 An exemplary computer system for implementing some aspects or portions thereof.

[0027] The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, generally, the same reference numerals represent the same or functionally similar elements. In addition, generally, the leftmost digit of a reference numeral identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Some aspects of the present disclosure include a Bluetooth TM Scanning mechanism device and method. It should be noted that although relative to Bluetooth TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low power protocol, or Bluetooth TM Some examples of the present disclosure are discussed using a low power long range protocol, but aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to any short range communication protocol and / or other communication protocols.

[0029] Figure 1An exemplary system 100 for implementing a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary system 100 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosed aspects. The system 100 may include, but is not limited to, a group of devices 120a-120c (also collectively referred to herein as devices 120 or multiple devices 120) and a device 110. The multiple devices 120a-120c and the device 110 may include, but are not limited to, wireless communication devices, smart phones (e.g., user equipment), laptops, desktop computers, tablet computers, personal assistants, monitors, multimedia devices (e.g., televisions), human-machine interface devices, speaker devices, headphone devices, wearable devices, medical sensors, gaming devices, vehicle multimedia centers, and the like.

[0030] Connection 140a-140c at Figure 1 1 and 120c. In addition or alternatively, based on the disclosure herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each of the plurality of devices 120a-120c may form one or more connections with the other devices 120a-120c. For example, device 120a may form a connection with either or both of devices 120b and 120c ( Figure 1 140a-140c (and other connections between other devices 120a-120c) may be wireless, and may include, but are not limited to, a cellular network connection (such as, but not limited to, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), a connection based on a 3G / 4G / 5G network), a wireless local network connection (such as, but not limited to, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, which is sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi), or a Bluetooth-based wireless network. TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low power protocol, or Bluetooth TM Low Energy Long Range Protocol (from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland, Washington), or any other wireless connection using standardized and / or proprietary protocols. In some aspects, one, more, or all of the connections 140a-140c can be implemented as wired connections between each of the respective devices.

[0031] According to some aspects, multiple devices 120a-120c belong to a group of devices. Device groups 120a-120c may be defined based on policies. In a non-limiting example, a policy may define device groups 120a-120c as devices belonging to one user. For example, device groups 120a-120c may include personal smartphones, company smartphones, smart watches, and wireless headphones belonging to one user. As another non-limiting example, a policy may define device groups 120a-120c as devices belonging to two or more users in a family. As another example, a policy may define device groups 120a-120c as devices associated with offices, enterprises, companies, etc. As another example, a policy may define device groups 120a-120c as devices associated with cloud accounts. As another example, a policy may define device groups 120a-120c as devices associated with keys (or other information) of devices 110. As another example, a policy may define device groups 120a-120c as devices associated with keys (or other information) in a group of devices associated with each other. It should be noted that these strategies are provided as examples, and aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. Other strategies may be used to group multiple devices 120a-120c to implement a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices 120a-120c.

[0032] As a non-limiting example, the device groups 120a-120c may establish wireless connections 140a-140c, respectively, with the device 110. The wireless connections 140a-140c may be based on a short-range communication protocol, such as but not limited to Bluetooth. TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low Energy Protocol or Bluetooth TM Any of the low power long range protocols. To establish connection 140a for the first time, devices 120a and 110 may perform a pairing operation. According to some aspects, the pairing operation may include broadcasting and / or paging from device 110 and scanning from device 120a. For example, device 110 may send one or more broadcast messages (e.g., one or more broadcast packets) such that device 120a may detect the one or more broadcast messages during device 120a scanning, and may find and connect to device 110. In addition or alternatively, device 110 may transmit one or more paging messages (e.g., with an identifier of device 120a), and device 120a may scan and detect the one or more paging messages.

[0033] If each device in the plurality of devices 120a-120c that wants to connect to the device 110 scans independently of the other devices in the plurality of devices 120a-120c, the scanning windows of the plurality of devices 120a-120c may overlap, which may result in inefficiencies in finding the device 110. Overlapping scanning windows may also result in inefficiencies in the power budget at and / or across the plurality of devices 120a-120c. Some aspects of the present disclosure include a Bluetooth® method for implementing synchronization across the plurality of devices 120a-120c. TM An apparatus and method for a scanning mechanism to reduce connection time and power budget for connection. For example, by extending a scanning window across multiple devices 120a-120c, multiple devices 120a-120c can detect (and connect to) device 110 more quickly and using less energy and power. In addition, the scanning window extended across multiple devices 120a-120c can have different lengths for different devices based on, for example, the power of the corresponding devices.

[0034] According to some aspects, one device in the device group 120a-120c (e.g., device 120a) can serve as a central device to enable synchronization of Bluetooth communications across the device group 120a-120c. TM Scanning mechanism. In one example, the central device 120a can detect the presence of peripheral devices 120b and 120c. In a non-limiting example, the central device 120a can detect the presence of peripheral devices 120b and 120c based on messages (e.g., broadcast messages) transmitted by the peripheral devices 120b and 120c. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to this example, and the central device 120a can use other methods and messages to detect the presence of peripheral devices 120b and 120c. In addition, although three devices 120a-120c are shown as part of a device group, the group can include any number of devices.

[0035] According to some aspects, after detecting the presence of peripheral devices 120b and 120c, central device 120a may receive one or more parameters from peripheral devices 120b and 120c. In one example, central device 120a may establish a connection with one or more of peripheral devices 120b and 120c to receive the one or more parameters. Central device 120a may determine one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the received one or more parameters. Central device 120a may transmit the one or more synchronization parameters to peripheral devices 120b-120c. After transmitting the one or more synchronization parameters to peripheral devices 120b-120c, central device 120a may disable the connection with peripheral devices 120b and 120c. In some examples, the connection between central device 120a and peripheral devices 120b and 120c may include a short-range connection (e.g., Bluetooth TM ), a cellular network connection, and / or a wireless local area network connection.

[0036] According to some aspects, the one or more parameters received by the central device 120a from the peripheral devices 120b and 120c may include, but are not limited to, a usage indicator of the peripheral device, a power indicator of the peripheral device, a priority indicator of the peripheral device, a scan configuration of the peripheral device, a clock drift of the peripheral device, etc. It should be noted that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and the one or more parameters received by the central device 120a from the peripheral devices 120b and 120c may include fewer parameters and / or other parameters.

[0037] In some examples, the usage indicator of the peripheral device may include a parameter indicating the degree to which the peripheral device is being used. For example, the usage indicator of the peripheral device may specify whether the peripheral device is being used heavily (e.g., being used for phone calls, for streaming video, etc.) or whether the peripheral device is being used moderately. In some examples, the peripheral device power indicator may include a parameter indicating how much power (e.g., battery) is left at the peripheral device.

[0038] In some examples, the priority indicator of the peripheral device may include a parameter indicating the priority of the peripheral device and / or the priority of one or more applications / programs running on the peripheral device. In some examples, the scan configuration of the peripheral device may include a scan configuration set for the peripheral device. For example, the scan configuration may include a scan window (e.g., a time period during which the peripheral device can scan for broadcast messages and / or paging). The scan configuration may also include a scan interval (e.g., a time period between scan windows).

[0039] In some examples, the clock drift of the peripheral device (e.g., measured in parts per million (ppm)) may indicate how much the clock of the peripheral device may drift. In some examples, synchronization between devices in the device group 120a-120c may enable the devices 120a-120c to have a reliable clock. In one example, if the devices 120a-120c do not exchange their clock drift, the devices 120a-120c may assume a predetermined value of clock drift (e.g., 500 ppm in a non-limiting example).

[0040] According to some aspects, after receiving one or more parameters from the peripheral devices 120b-120c, the central device 120a may determine one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the received one or more parameters. For example, based on the usage indicator, power indicator, priority indicator, scanning configuration, clock drift, etc. received from each of the peripheral devices 120b-120c, similar parameters of the central device 120a, the number of devices in the device group 120a-120c, and / or other parameters, the central device 120a may determine one or more synchronization parameters to synchronize the scanning mechanism across the plurality of devices 120a-120c. According to some aspects, the one or more synchronization parameters may indicate when to scan and how long to scan for each of the plurality of devices 120a-120c.

[0041] According to some aspects, the one or more synchronization parameters may include a scan offset for each device in the plurality of devices 120a-120c. In some examples, the central device 120a may determine a scan offset specific to each device in the plurality of devices 120a-120c. The scan offset may include a time period measured relative to the start of a scan interval such that the device 120 may open its scan window after the scan offset. In some examples, the scan offset is determined such that the scan windows of the plurality of devices 120a-120c do not overlap in time.

[0042] In addition or alternatively, the one or more synchronization parameters may include one or more scanning intervals. For example, the central device 120a may determine one or more scanning intervals for multiple devices 120a-120c. For example, the central device 120a may determine a first scanning interval for the central device 120a, a second scanning interval for the peripheral device 120b, and / or a third scanning interval for the peripheral device 120c. Alternatively, the central device 120a may determine its scanning interval, and each peripheral device in the peripheral device determines its scanning interval. In some examples, the scanning interval is the same for each device in the device group 120a-120c. In some examples, the scanning interval is different for each device in the device group 120a-120c.

[0043] In addition or alternatively, one or more synchronization parameters may include one or more scanning windows. For example, the central device 120a may determine one or more scanning windows for multiple devices 120a-120c. For example, the central device 120a may determine a first scanning window for the central device 120a, a second scanning window for the peripheral device 120b, and / or a third scanning window for the peripheral device 120c. Alternatively, the central device 120a may determine its scanning window, and each peripheral device in the peripheral device determines its scanning window. In some examples, the scanning window is the same for each device in the device group 120a-120c. In some examples, the scanning window is different for each device in the device group 120a-120c. In some examples, the peripheral device is responsible for setting its corresponding scanning window and / or scanning interval based on the scanning offset to avoid its corresponding scanning window from conflicting with the scanning window of the central device 120a and / or other peripheral devices.

[0044] After determining the one or more synchronization parameters, the central device 120a may transmit the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral devices 120b-120c to synchronize the scanning mechanisms across the plurality of devices 120a-120c. In some examples, the one or more synchronization parameters may also include a clock drift of the central device 120a. In some examples, the central device 120a may transmit all scanning offsets to all devices in the device group 120a-120c. In these examples, each device in the device group 120a-120c identifies its scanning offset and the scanning offsets associated with the other devices in the device group 120a-120c.

[0045] According to some aspects, synchronization between the device group 120a-120c (e.g., determining and transmitting one or more synchronization parameters to synchronize the scanning mechanism across multiple devices 120a-120c, as described above) may include dynamic synchronization. In other words, multiple devices 120a-120c may be resynchronized based on at least a predetermined condition. In a non-limiting example, the device group 120a-120c may perform the above-mentioned synchronization process at a predetermined time. In a non-limiting example where the clock drift is 500ppm, synchronization may occur, for example but not limited to, once every 100 seconds, so that the clock drift between the devices 120a-120c is still synchronized. In a non-limiting example, synchronization may assume a resolution of 50ms and a drift of 500ppm. However, other values ​​for resolution and drift may be used. For example, the resolution may be reduced to perform synchronization more frequently, or the resolution may be increased to perform synchronization less frequently. In another example, if the central device 120a and the peripheral devices 120b-120c exchange their clock drifts, the clock drift may be used to determine the time of synchronization.

[0046] In some examples, the resynchronization may be initiated by the central device 120a. Additionally or alternatively, the resynchronization may be initiated by one or more of the peripheral devices 120b-120c. In some examples, the table stored in the database may include one or more parameters sent by the peripheral devices 120b-120c to the central device 120a, one or more synchronization parameters, the time of the last synchronization, etc. In some examples, the table stored in the database may include a list of devices 120a-120c and / or other information associated with these devices.

[0047] According to some aspects, the resynchronization process may be triggered by other conditions. In a non-limiting example, if one or more devices leave the device group 120a-120c and / or one or more devices are added to the device group 120a-120c, the resynchronization process may be triggered. In another non-limiting example, if the central device 120a is no longer able to perform the resynchronization process, another device in the device group 120a-120c may be selected as the central device and / or the resynchronization process may be performed. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and other conditions may be used for dynamic synchronization and resynchronization between device groups 120a-120c.

[0048] According to some aspects, after synchronization (or resynchronization) between the device group 120a-120c, the device group 120a-120c can effectively detect and connect to the device 110. As a non-limiting example, the central device 120a can detect (e.g., receive and analyze) one or more broadcast messages from the device 110 during its scanning window. In this example, the central device 120a can also establish a connection with the device 110. Continuing with this example, the central device 120a can notify the peripheral devices 120b-120c of the detection of the device 110 and / or information associated with the device 110, so that the peripheral devices 120b-120c can more effectively detect and / or connect to the device 110. For example, the central device 120a can determine the broadcast interval associated with the device 110, and can share the broadcast interval associated with the device 110 with the peripheral devices 120b-120c using at least the scanning offset and / or scanning window of the peripheral devices 120b-120c. In this example, peripheral devices 120b - 120c may save power by optimally opening their scan windows to receive, for example, broadcast messages from device 110 based on the information they receive from central device 120a .

[0049] Figure 2A block diagram of an exemplary wireless system 200 of an electronic device implementing a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. System 200 can be any electronic device of system 100 (e.g., devices 110 and 120). System 200 includes a processor 210, one or more transceivers (e.g., transceiver 220), a communication infrastructure 240, a memory 250, an operating system 252, an application 254, and an antenna 260. The system shown is provided as an exemplary portion of wireless system 200, and system 200 may include other circuits and subsystems. In addition, although the systems of wireless system 200 are shown as separate components, aspects of the present disclosure may include any combination of these components, fewer components, or more components.

[0050] The memory 250 may include random access memory (RAM) and / or cache, and may include control logic components (e.g., computer software) and / or data. The memory 250 may include other storage devices or memories, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive and / or a removable storage device / unit. According to some examples, an operating system 252 may be stored in the memory 250. The operating system 252 may manage data transmission from the memory 250 and / or one or more application programs 254 to the processor 210 and / or the transceiver 220. In some examples, the operating system 252 maintains one or more network protocol stacks (e.g., an Internet protocol stack, a cellular protocol stack, etc.) that may include multiple logical layers. At the corresponding layer of the protocol stack, the operating system 252 includes a control mechanism and a data structure to perform the functions associated with the layer.

[0051] According to some examples, applications 254 may be stored in memory 250. Applications 254 may include applications used by wireless system 200 and / or a user of wireless system 200 (e.g., user applications). Applications in applications 254 may include applications such as, but not limited to, Siri, TM , FaceTime TM , radio streaming, video streaming, remote control, gaming applications, health applications, one or more vehicle-associated applications, and / or other user applications.

[0052] The system 200 may also include a communication infrastructure 240. The communication infrastructure 240 provides, for example, communication between the processor 210, the transceiver 220, and the memory 250. In some implementations, the communication infrastructure 240 may be a bus. The processor 210, together with instructions stored in the memory 250, executes to enable the wireless system 200 to implement the operation of the synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices as described herein. In addition or alternatively, the transceiver 220 performs operations that enable the wireless system 200 to implement the synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices as described herein.

[0053] According to some aspects, the transceiver 220 transmits and receives communication signals that support a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices, and may be coupled to an antenna 260. (In this article, a transceiver may also be referred to as a radio component). Antenna 260 may include one or more antennas that may be the same or different types. The transceiver 220 allows the system 200 to communicate with other devices, which may be wired and / or wireless. In some examples, the transceiver 220 may include a processor, a controller, a radio component, a socket, a plug, a buffer, and similar circuits / devices for connecting to a network and communicating on the network. According to some examples, the transceiver 220 may include one or more circuits for connecting to a wired network and / or a wireless network and communicating on a wired network and / or a wireless network.

[0054] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the transceiver 220 may include a cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and / or a Bluetooth subsystem. TM The subsystems, each including its own radio transceiver and protocol, as will be understood by those skilled in the art based on the discussion provided herein. In some implementations, transceiver 220 may include more or fewer systems for communicating with other devices.

[0055] In some examples, transceiver 220 may include one or more circuits (including a cellular transceiver) for connecting to and communicating on a cellular network. Cellular networks may include, but are not limited to, 3G / 4G / 5G networks, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. Additionally or alternatively, transceiver 220 may include a processor for implementing a wireless communication protocol based on, for example, Bluetooth. TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low Energy Protocol or Bluetooth TM One or more circuits for connection and communication with low energy long range protocols (including Bluetooth TMAdditionally, transceiver 220 may include one or more circuits (including a WLAN transceiver) to enable connection and communication via a WLAN network (such as, but not limited to, a network based on the standards described in IEEE 802.11).

[0056] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, processor 210 alone or in combination with computer instructions stored in memory 250 and / or transceiver 220 implements a synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism across multiple devices as discussed herein. Figures 3 to 6 Discussed in more detail, processor 210 may implement cross Figure 1 and Figure 2 A synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning mechanism for multiple devices.

[0057] Figure 3 An exemplary communication 300 between a central device 310 and a peripheral device 320 for synchronized short range communication protocol scanning according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the central device 310 may include Figure 1 The central device 120a, and the peripheral device 320 may include Figure 1 120b or 120c of the peripheral device. Although some examples of synchronization of short-range communication protocol scanning across multiple devices are discussed with respect to the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these devices, and other devices in a group of devices may be configured to implement synchronization steps between devices. In addition, although the exemplary communication 300 is discussed with respect to two devices, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples and may include any number of devices.

[0058] The exemplary communication 300 can be part of an initial synchronization between the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary communication 300 can be part of a resynchronization (eg, dynamic synchronization) between the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320.

[0059] According to some aspects, communication 300 between the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 for synchronizing these devices for short-range communication protocol scanning may include establishing a connection between the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320. In some examples, establishing a connection 301 may include the central device 310 detecting the presence of the peripheral device 320 based on, for example, a message (e.g., a broadcast message) transmitted by the peripheral device 320. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to this example, and the central device 310 may use other methods and messages to detect the presence of the peripheral device 320. It is noted that establishing a connection 301 may be an optional step, and the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 may exchange information and parameters without establishing a connection 301.

[0060] After establishing connection 301 or without establishing connection 301, central device 310 may receive one or more parameters from peripheral device 320 at 303. Central device 310 may determine one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the one or more parameters received from peripheral device 320 and / or one or more parameters of central device 310. Central device 310 may transmit the one or more synchronization parameters to peripheral device 320 at 304. After transmitting the one or more synchronization parameters to peripheral device 320, central device 310 may disable the connection with peripheral device 320. In some examples, the connection between central device 310 and peripheral device 320 may include a short-range connection (e.g., Bluetooth®). TN ), cellular network connection and / or wireless local network connection. Alternatively, the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 may not establish the connection 301, but rather use a short-range protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) to communicate with each other. TM ), cellular network protocols and / or wireless local network protocols to exchange information and parameters.

[0061] After synchronizing the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 by, for example, calculating and transmitting one or more synchronization parameters, the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 may begin their synchronization scans. Figure 3 As shown, the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 can use the scanning interval 313 to perform their synchronization scanning. In some examples, the scanning interval 313 may include a time period during which each of the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 may have a scanning window 307 and 311, respectively. The scanning window 307 may include a time period during which the central device 310 can scan (e.g., "listen") for messages (e.g., broadcast messages, paging, etc.) from other devices. In some examples, the scanning window 307 may be defined as a percentage of the scanning interval 313. The scanning window 311 may include a time period during which the peripheral device 320 can scan (e.g., "listen") for messages (e.g., broadcast messages, paging, etc.) from other devices. In some examples, the scanning window 311 may be defined as a percentage of the scanning interval 313.

[0062] In some examples, scanning windows 307 and 311 can have the same duration. Alternatively, scanning windows 307 and 311 can have different durations. In some examples, central device 310 can determine scanning windows 307 and 311 based at least on one or more parameters associated with central device 310 and / or one or more parameters associated with peripheral device 320 received at 303.

[0063] like Figure 3As shown, the scanning windows 307 and 311 are synchronized by, for example, scanning offsets 305 and 309. As described above, the central device 310 can determine the scanning offsets 305 and 309 based on at least one or more parameters associated with the central device 310 and / or one or more parameters associated with the peripheral device 320 received at 303. The central device 310 can transmit one or more of the scanning offsets 305 and 309 to the peripheral device 320 during 304. In one example, the scanning offset 305 can include a time period from the start 315 of the scanning interval 313 to the start of the scanning window 307 of the central device 310. In one example, the scanning offset 309 can include a time period from the start 315 of the scanning interval 313 to the start of the scanning window 311 of the peripheral device 320. In some examples, the scanning offsets 305 and 309 are determined so that the scanning windows 307 and 311 do not overlap in time. By extending the scan windows 307 and 311 across the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320, the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 may detect (and connect to) a remote device (e.g., Figure 1 In other words, since the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 do not scan at the same time, they can share the task of scanning the remote device, which can save power of the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 and reduce the time to find and / or connect to the remote device. In some examples, the scanning offsets 305 and 309 are determined so that the scanning windows 307 and 311 overlap in time for a short period of time, so that the extension of the scanning window does not leave a gap in the unscanned scanning interval 313.

[0064] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 for synchronizing a central device with a peripheral device for short-range communication protocol scanning according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. For convenience and not limitation, the Figures 1 to 3 Description of the elements Figure 4 Method 400 may represent the operation of an electronic device (eg, a central device as discussed in the present disclosure) that implements a synchronized short-range communication scanning mechanism across multiple devices. Method 400 may also be performed by Figure 2 System 200 and / or Figure 7 The method 400 is performed by a computer system 700. However, the method 400 is not limited to the specific aspects depicted in those figures, and other systems may be used to perform the method, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that not all operations may be required, and these operations may not be performed in the same manner as described above. Figure 4 The same sequence as shown is performed.

[0065] Exemplary method 400 may be a central device (e.g., Figure 1 Device 120a and / or Figure 3310) and peripheral devices (e.g., Figure 1 Device 120b / 120c and / or Figure 3 In addition or alternatively, the exemplary method 400 can be part of an initial synchronization between the central device and the peripheral device (eg, dynamic synchronization).

[0066] At 402, a connection is established between a central device and a peripheral device. Figure 3 As discussed, the central device 310 and the peripheral device 320 establish a connection 301. Note that 402 may be optional, and the central device and the peripheral device may exchange information and parameters without establishing a connection.

[0067] At 404, the central device receives one or more parameters from the peripheral device. According to some aspects, the one or more parameters may include, but are not limited to, a usage indicator of the peripheral device, a power indicator of the peripheral device, a priority indicator of the peripheral device, a scan configuration of the peripheral device, a clock drift of the peripheral device, etc. It is noted that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and the one or more parameters from the peripheral device may include fewer parameters and / or other parameters.

[0068] At 406, one or more synchronization parameters are determined. For example, the central device determines the one or more synchronization parameters. In some examples, the central device may determine the one or more synchronization parameters based at least on one or more parameters received from the peripheral device, one or more parameters associated with the central device, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the one or more parameters associated with the central device may include, but are not limited to, a usage indicator of the central device, a power indicator of the central device, a priority indicator of the central device, a scan configuration of the central device, a clock drift of the central device, a number of devices in a group determined based on a policy, and the like.

[0069] According to some aspects, the one or more synchronization parameters may include a scanning offset for each of the central device and the peripheral device. In addition or alternatively, the one or more synchronization parameters may include one or more scanning intervals. For example, the central device may determine one or more scanning intervals for the central device and the peripheral device. Alternatively, the central device may determine its scanning interval, and each of the peripheral devices determines its scanning interval. In some examples, the scanning interval is the same for the central device and the peripheral device. In some examples, the scanning interval is different for the central device and the peripheral device.

[0070] In addition or alternatively, one or more synchronization parameters may include one or more scan windows. For example, the central device may determine one or more scan windows for the central device and the peripheral device. Alternatively, the central device may determine its scan window, and each peripheral device in the peripheral device determines its scan window. In some examples, the scan window is the same for the central device and the peripheral device. In some examples, the scan window is different for the central device and the peripheral device. In a non-limiting example, the scan window may be determined based on at least a usage indicator. For example, a device with a high usage rate (e.g., a large usage indicator) may have a shorter scan window compared to a device with a low usage rate (e.g., a small usage indicator). For another example, a device with a high usage rate (e.g., a large usage indicator) may have a longer scan window compared to a device with a low usage rate (e.g., a small usage indicator). In some examples, the peripheral device is responsible for setting its corresponding scan window and / or scan interval based on the scan offset to avoid its corresponding scan window from conflicting with the scan window of the central device and / or other peripheral devices. In some examples, one or more synchronization parameters may also include a clock drift of the central device.

[0071] At 408, one or more synchronization parameters are transmitted. For example, the central device transmits one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral device so that the central device and the peripheral device can synchronize scanning mechanisms therebetween.

[0072] According to some aspects, synchronization between the central device and the peripheral device (e.g., determining one or more synchronization parameters to synchronize scanning mechanisms across multiple devices, as described above) may include dynamic synchronization. In other words, the central device and the peripheral device may resynchronize based on at least a predetermined condition. For example, at 410, it is determined whether one or more conditions for resynchronization have occurred.

[0073] In a non-limiting example, the central device and the peripheral device may perform the above-mentioned synchronization process at a predetermined time. In one example, a predetermined time period may be used as one or more conditions for resynchronization. Alternatively, a dynamically determined time period may be used as one or more conditions for resynchronization. The resynchronization process may be triggered by other conditions. In a non-limiting example, if one or more devices leave the device group and / or one or more devices are added to the device group, the resynchronization process may be triggered. In another non-limiting example, if the central device is no longer able to perform the synchronization and / or resynchronization process, another device in the device group may be selected as the central device and / or the resynchronization process may be performed. In another non-limiting example, if one or more parameters of the central device and / or the peripheral device change, the resynchronization process may be triggered. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and other conditions may be used for dynamic synchronization and resynchronization between device groups.

[0074] If it is determined that one or more conditions for resynchronization have occurred, a resynchronization process may be performed at 412. In some examples, resynchronization may include determining updated one or more synchronization parameters. According to some aspects, the central device may perform a resynchronization process, which may include, for example, one or more of 402-408 of method 400. For another example, another device may perform a resynchronization process, which may include, for example, one or more of 402-408 of method 400.

[0075] Figure 5 An exemplary communication 500 between a synchronized central device and a peripheral device and a remote device based on a short-range communication protocol according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the central device 510 may include Figure 1 The central device 120a and / or Figure 3 The central device 310. The peripheral devices 520 may include Figure 1 The peripheral device 120b or 120c and / or Figure 3 The peripheral device 320. The remote device 530 may include Figure 1 Device 110. Although some examples of synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning across multiple devices are discussed with respect to central device 510, peripheral device 520, and remote device 530, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these devices, and other devices in a group of devices may be configured to implement synchronized short-range communication protocol scanning. In addition, although exemplary communication 500 is discussed with respect to three devices, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples and may include any number of devices.

[0076] The exemplary communication 500 may be performed after an initial synchronization (or resynchronization) between the central device 510 and the peripheral device 520, as described above, for example, with respect to Figure 3 and Figure 4 discussed.

[0077] According to some aspects, after an initial synchronization (or resynchronization) process between the central device 510 and the peripheral device 520, the central device 510 and the peripheral device 520 can effectively detect and connect to the remote device 530. As a non-limiting example, the central device 510 can start its scanning window 507 after a scanning offset 505 starting from the scanning interval 513. As described above, at least the scanning offset 505 has been determined during the initial synchronization (or resynchronization) process. During the scanning window 507, the central device 510 can detect (e.g., receive and analyze) one or more broadcast messages 501 from the remote device 530 during its scanning window. In some examples, detecting the one or more broadcast messages 501 may include Bluetooth TMProtocol, Bluetooth TM Low Energy Protocol or Bluetooth TM Discovery process of low power long range protocol During the discovery process, the central device 510 may perform passive scanning or active scanning.

[0078] According to some aspects, after the discovery (e.g., broadcast and scan) process, the central device 510 and the remote device 530 may perform a connection process to establish a connection. In a non-limiting example, the central device 510 may transmit one or more connection request messages 503 to establish a connection 504 with the remote device 530. It should be noted that although the connection between the central device 510 and the remote device 530 is discussed as a connection based on a short-range communication protocol, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and the connection between the central device 510 and the remote device 530 may be based on other communication protocols.

[0079] Continuing with this example, the central device 510 can notify the peripheral device 520 of the detection of the remote device 530 and / or the information associated with the remote device 530 so that the peripheral device 520 can more efficiently detect and / or connect to the remote device 530. In one example, the central device 510 can use one or more messages 517 to notify the peripheral device 520 of the detection of the remote device 530 and / or the information associated with the remote device 530. In some examples, the central device 510 can send the one or more messages 517 during the scanning window 511 of the peripheral device 520. In this example, because the central device 510 knows its scanning offset 505, its scanning window 507, the scanning offset 509 of the peripheral device 520, and / or the scanning window 511 of the peripheral device 520, the central device 510 can determine when to send the one or more messages 517. For example, the central device 510 can determine the broadcast interval associated with the remote device 530. Then, using at least the scan offset and / or scan window of the peripheral device 520, the central device 510 can share the broadcast interval associated with the remote device 530 with the peripheral device 520. In this example, the peripheral device 520 can save power by optimally adjusting the opening of its scan window 511 to receive, for example, a broadcast message from the remote device 530 based on the information that the peripheral device 520 has received from the central device 510.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the central device 510 can send one or more messages 517 in response to the one or more messages 515 from the peripheral device 520. In one example, the one or more messages 515 can include information associated with the scan offset 509 of the peripheral device 520.

[0081] According to some aspects, by receiving information associated with remote device 530 from central device 510, the peripheral device can determine when to detect (e.g., receive and analyze) one or more broadcast messages 519 from remote device 530 during its scanning window. As described above, the information associated with remote device 530 may include a broadcast interval associated with remote device 530 (e.g., one or more offsets between broadcast messages, channels associated with broadcast messages, etc.). In some examples, detecting one or more broadcast messages 519 may include Bluetooth TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low Energy Protocol or Bluetooth TM The discovery process of the low power remote protocol. During the discovery process, the peripheral device 520 may perform passive scanning or active scanning. According to some aspects, after the discovery (e.g., broadcasting and scanning) process, the peripheral device 520 and the remote device 530 may perform a connection process to establish a connection. In a non-limiting example, the central device 510 may transmit one or more connection request messages 521 to establish a connection with the remote device 530.

[0082] Figure 6 An exemplary method 600 for communicating between synchronized central and peripheral devices and remote devices based on a short-range communication protocol according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. For convenience and not limitation, the Figures 1 to 5 Description of the elements Figure 6 Method 600 may represent the operation of an electronic device (eg, a central device as discussed in the present disclosure) that implements a synchronized short-range communication scanning mechanism across multiple devices. Method 600 may also be performed by Figure 2 System 200 and / or Figure 7 The method 600 is performed by a computer system 700. However, the method 600 is not limited to the specific aspects depicted in those figures, and other systems may be used to perform the method, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that not all operations may be required, and these operations may not be performed in the same manner as described above. Figure 6 The same sequence as shown is performed.

[0083] Although the method 600 is discussed with respect to the operation of a central device, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and the method 600 may be performed by a peripheral device.

[0084] At 602, one or more broadcast messages are received from a remote device (eg, a remote peripheral device). For example, a central device synchronized with a peripheral device receives one or more broadcast messages from the remote device.

[0085] At 604, the central device may establish a connection with the remote device. Establishing the connection may include the central device transmitting one or more connection request messages to the remote device. Note that although the connection is discussed as a connection based on a short-range communication protocol, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and the connection between the central device and the remote device may be based on other communication protocols.

[0086] At 606, information associated with the remote device and / or the connection with the remote device can be determined. For example, the central device can determine the information associated with the remote device before establishing the connection at 604. Additionally or alternatively, the central device can determine the information associated with the remote device after the connection is established. In some examples, the information associated with the remote device can include a broadcast interval associated with the remote device (e.g., one or more offsets between broadcast messages, a channel associated with the broadcast message, etc.).

[0087] At 608, information associated with the remote device can be transmitted to the synchronized peripheral device. For example, the central device can notify the peripheral device of the detection of the remote device and / or information associated with the remote device. Using this information, the peripheral device can more efficiently detect and / or connect to the remote device. In some examples, the central device can transmit the information associated with the remote device to the peripheral device based on synchronization parameters determined during the (re)synchronization process and / or parameters that the central device has received from / from the peripheral device.

[0088] In some examples, the central device may send additional information or parameters to the synchronized peripheral device based on the information associated with the remote device. For example, the central device may change the duration of the scan window of the synchronized peripheral device based on the information associated with the remote device, and transmit the changed duration to the synchronized peripheral device. Additionally or alternatively, the central device may move the scan window of the synchronized peripheral device (e.g., change the scan offset of the synchronized peripheral device) based on the information associated with the remote device, and transmit the changed scan offset to the synchronized peripheral device.

[0089] According to some aspects, using information associated with the remote device received from the central device, the peripheral device can determine when to detect (e.g., receive and analyze) one or more broadcast messages from the remote device. According to some aspects, after the discovery (e.g., broadcast and scan) process, the peripheral device and the remote device can perform a connection process to establish a connection.

[0090] For example, one or more computer systems such as Figure 7 The computer system 700 shown implements various aspects. The computer system 700 may be any well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein, such as Figure 1Equipment 110, 120, Figure 2 Equipment 200, Figure 3 Devices 310, 320, Figure 5 Devices 510, 520, 530. Computer system 700 includes one or more processors (also referred to as central processing units or CPUs), such as processor 704. Processor 704 is connected to a communication infrastructure 706 (e.g., a bus). Computer system 700 also includes user input / output devices 703, such as a monitor, keyboard, pointing device, etc., which communicate with communication infrastructure 706 through user input / output interface 702. Computer system 700 also includes main memory or primary storage 708, such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 708 may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 708 has control logic components (e.g., computer software) and / or data stored therein.

[0091] The computer system 700 may also include one or more secondary storage devices or memories 710. The secondary storage 710 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 712 and / or a removable storage device or drive 714. The removable storage drive 714 may be a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, an optical drive, an optical storage device, a tape backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0092] The removable storage drive 714 may interact with a removable storage unit 718. The removable storage unit 718 includes a computer usable or readable storage device having computer software (control logic) and / or data stored thereon. The removable storage unit 718 may be a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, a compact disk, a DVD, an optical storage disk, and / or any other computer data storage device. The removable storage drive 714 reads from and / or writes to the removable storage unit 718 in a well-known manner.

[0093] According to some aspects, the secondary memory 710 may include other devices, tools, or other methods for allowing the computer system 700 to access computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data. Such devices, tools, or other methods may include, for example, a removable storage unit 722 and an interface 720. Examples of removable storage units 722 and interfaces 720 may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and an associated socket, a memory stick and USB port, a memory card and an associated memory card slot, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0094] The computer system 700 may also include a communication or network interface 724. The communication interface 724 enables the computer system 700 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually and collectively referenced by reference numeral 728). For example, the communication interface 724 may allow the computer system 700 to communicate with the remote device 728 via a communication path 726, which may be wired and / or wireless and may include any combination of a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, etc. Control logic components and / or data may be transmitted to and from the computer system 700 via the communication path 726.

[0095] The operations in the foregoing aspects can be implemented in various configurations and architectures. Thus, some or all of the operations in the foregoing aspects may be performed in hardware, software, or in both hardware and software. In some aspects, a tangible, non-transient device or article includes a tangible, non-transient computer-usable or readable medium on which a control logic component (software) is stored, also referred to herein as a computer program product or program storage device. This includes, but is not limited to, a computer system 700, a main memory 708, an auxiliary memory 710, and removable storage units 718 and 722, as well as tangible articles embodying any combination of the foregoing. Such control logic components, when executed by one or more data processing devices (such as computer system 700), cause such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

[0096] Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art how to use the Figure 7 The various aspects of the present disclosure may be made and used with data processing devices, computer systems, and / or computer architectures other than those shown. In particular, the various aspects may operate with software, hardware, and / or operating system implementations other than those described herein.

[0097] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, rather than the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary aspects of the present disclosure as contemplated by the inventors, and thus are not intended to limit the present disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to exemplary aspects of exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other aspects and modifications are possible and are within the scope and essence of the present disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, the various aspects are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware and / or entities shown in the figures and / or described herein. In addition, the various aspects (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant practicality for fields and applications outside the examples described herein.

[0099] Various aspects have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or their equivalents) are properly performed. In addition, alternative aspects may perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc., in an order different from that described herein.

[0100] References herein to "one aspect," "aspects," "some aspects," "examples," "some examples," or similar phrases indicate that the described aspects may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each aspect may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one aspect, it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the relevant art to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic into other aspects, whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein.

[0101] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary aspects, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0102] As described above, various aspects of the present technology may include collecting and using data available from various sources, thereby (for example) improving or enhancing functionality. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, these collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, Twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying information or personal information. The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be used to benefit users.

[0103] The present disclosure envisions that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for the legitimate and reasonable purposes of the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. In addition, such collection / sharing should only be done after receiving the user's informed consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others who have access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards that include specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country for different types of personal data.

[0104] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates providing hardware elements and / or software elements to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology may be configured to allow users to selectively participate in "opt-in" or "opt-out" of collecting personal information data at any time during (for example) registration for a service or thereafter. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0105] In addition, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data between users), and / or other methods when appropriate.

[0106] Thus, while the present disclosure may broadly cover the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may also be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or part of such personal information data.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Peripheral electronic devices; and A central electronic device, wherein the central electronic device is configured to: determining one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the one or more parameters received from the peripheral electronic device; and transmitting the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral electronic device, wherein the central electronic device and the peripheral electronic device belong to a group of electronic devices determined based on a policy, and The central electronic device and the peripheral electronic device scan one or more messages from the remote electronic device using the one or more synchronization parameters.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The remote electronic device includes a vehicle multimedia center, The central electronic device includes a mobile phone, and The peripheral electronic device includes a wearable electronic device.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The central electronic device is further configured to: receiving the one or more messages from the remote electronic device during a scan window associated with the central electronic device; determining information associated with the remote electronic device based on the one or more messages; as well as The determined information is communicated to the peripheral electronic device during a scan window associated with the peripheral electronic device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The one or more messages from the remote electronic device include one or more broadcast messages; and The information associated with the remote electronic device includes an offset between the one or more broadcast messages.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The peripheral electronic device is configured to adjust the opening of the scanning window associated with the peripheral electronic device according to the determined information to receive the one or more messages from the remote electronic device.

6. A method comprising: determining, by the central electronic device, one or more synchronization parameters based at least on the one or more parameters received from the peripheral electronic device; as well as transmitting the one or more synchronization parameters by the central electronic device to the peripheral electronic device, wherein the central electronic device and the peripheral electronic device belong to a group of electronic devices determined based on a policy, and The central electronic device and the peripheral electronic device scan one or more messages from the remote electronic device using the one or more synchronization parameters.

7. A method comprising: transmitting one or more parameters from the peripheral electronic device to the central electronic device; as well as receiving, by the peripheral electronic device, one or more synchronization parameters from the central electronic device, wherein the one or more synchronization parameters are determined based at least on the one or more parameters, wherein the central electronic device and the peripheral electronic device belong to a group of electronic devices determined based on a policy, and The central electronic device and the peripheral electronic device scan one or more messages from the remote electronic device using the one or more synchronization parameters.

8. A method comprising: Establishing synchronization parameters for the peripheral device by the first device; Receiving, by the first device, a broadcast message from a remote device; determining, by the first device, broadcast parameters associated with the remote device; as well as The broadcast parameter is sent by the first device to the peripheral device based on the synchronization parameter, wherein the broadcast parameter indicates a communication property associated with the remote device.

9. A device comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory and configured to: Establish synchronization parameters for peripheral devices; Receive broadcast messages from remote devices; determining broadcast parameters associated with the remote device; as well as Based on the synchronization parameters, the broadcast parameters are determined for transmission to the peripheral device, wherein the broadcast parameters indicate communication properties associated with the remote device.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the processor performs operations, the operations comprising: Establish synchronization parameters for peripheral devices; Receive broadcast messages from remote devices; determining broadcast parameters associated with the remote device; as well as Based on the synchronization parameters, the broadcast parameters are determined for transmission to the peripheral device, wherein the broadcast parameters indicate communication properties associated with the remote device.

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