Wireless audio device and system and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a wireless audio device and a system and method thereof. The method comprises: communicating with a wireless audio device using a frame scheme comprising a plurality of frames, wherein each of the plurality of frames comprises a broadcast channel slot; transmitting an indication of a frame scheme parameter via a broadcast channel slot of at least one of the plurality of frames; encoding the control data using the first modulation scheme and the encoding rate; and transmitting the encoded control data via a control channel based on the frame scheme parameter. The wireless audio device comprises: one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the wireless audio device to perform the aforementioned method.

Description

[0001] Divisional Application Information

[0002] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention, with the filing date of February 26, 2021, the application number of 202180024941.7, and the invention title of "Low-Overhead Control Channel for Wireless Audio Systems".

[0003] Cross-reference

[0004] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 803,788, filed on February 27, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0005] This application generally relates to a wireless audio system that may include a plurality of subscriber devices and a base station. One or more of the base station and the subscriber devices are configured to transmit both audio data and control data. In particular, this application relates to a wireless audio system in which audio data and control data are transmitted on the same broadband carrier. Background Art

[0006] Audio production may involve the use of many components, including microphones, wireless base stations, wireless subscriber devices, recorders, and / or mixers for capturing, recording, and presenting the sound of a production (such as a television program, news broadcast, movie, live event, and other types of productions). Microphones typically capture the sound of a production, which is wirelessly transmitted from the microphone and / or wireless base station to a wireless subscriber device. The wireless base station may be connected to a recorder and / or mixer for recording and / or mixing the sound by a crew member (such as a production mixer). Electronic devices such as computers and smartphones may be connected to the recorder and / or mixer to allow a crew member to monitor audio levels and timecodes.

[0007] Wireless base stations, wireless subscriber devices, wireless microphones, and other portable wireless communication devices include antennas for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals containing digital or analog signals (such as modulated audio signals, data signals, and / or control signals). Users of portable wireless communication devices include stage performers, singers, actors, journalists, etc.

[0008] The wireless base station may transmit RF signals containing audio signals to one or more wireless subscriber devices. The wireless base station may be included in a wireless handheld microphone or a belt pack, for example, which is held or worn by a user and includes an integrated transmitter and antenna. As another example, the wireless base station may be included in an access point, a rack-mounted transceiver, or other centralized unit. The wireless subscriber device may be a portable device, such as wireless headphones, a wireless conference unit, a belt pack, in-ear wireless monitors, a microphone, an intercom device, etc.

[0009] In addition to the transmission and reception of audio data, an audio system may also need to transmit various types of control information. The control information or control data can be used to control the volume, transmit battery life data, encryption keys, etc., so that the base station and the subscriber device(s) can operate correctly. In some instances, the control data is transmitted using an out-of-band mechanism separate from the audio data. For example, the control data can be transmitted via a separate communication link, such as via an infrared (IR) or Wi-Fi link. However, these techniques require separate transmit and receive hardware at the transmitter and receiver. Additionally, using separate communication links for audio data and control data can result in mismatched coverage areas due to interference being greater on one link than the other, line-of-sight issues (specifically, where the control data is transmitted via an IR link), etc. In other instances, the audio data and control data are multiplexed into a single channel at the physical layer rather than being transmitted using separate communication links. This technique can solve some of the above problems but can cause other problems. For example, the combined bit rate of the audio data and control data is limited by the physical layer channel, such that there is no flexibility in separately setting the relative link performance of the audio data and control data.

[0010] Accordingly, there is an opportunity for a wireless audio system that utilizes low overhead in frequency band control, does not require a separate communication link, provides the same coverage area for both audio data and control data, and enables independent control of the coding rate and modulation scheme for the audio data and control data. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to solve or help solve the above problems by providing a wireless audio system that uses a low-overhead in-band approach to transmit both audio and control information.

[0012] In an embodiment, an audio system includes a first wireless audio device (such as a base station or a subscriber device) configured to operate separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data and transmit the audio data and control data using a single wideband carrier. The audio system further includes one or more second wireless audio devices (such as one or more base stations or subscriber devices) configured to receive the audio data and control data and execute instructions based on the control data.

[0013] In some instances, the one or more second wireless audio devices are further configured to operate separate physical layer channels for second audio data and second control data; and transmit the second audio data and the second control data using a single wideband carrier. Additionally, the first wireless audio device can be configured to receive the second audio data and second control data and execute instructions based on the second control data.

[0014] In some examples, the first wireless audio device is further configured to use different modulation schemes and / or coding rates for the audio data and the control data based on a desired bit error rate.

[0015] In some examples, the first wireless audio device is further configured to combine the audio data and the control data into frames, where each frame includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion. The frames may be arranged according to a frame scheme, where the frame scheme repeats every N frames. Each frame in the frame scheme may include a broadcast channel time slot. The broadcast channel time slot may include information used by the one or more subscriber devices to access the audio system, including the number of frames N in the frame scheme. Each of the N frames of the frame scheme may include M control channel time slot pairs, where the first time slot of a given control channel time slot pair is included in the downlink portion of a given frame, and the second time slot of the control channel time slot pair is included in the uplink portion of the frame. Each of the one or more second wireless audio devices may be assigned a control channel time slot pair.

[0016] In a second embodiment, a wireless base station of an audio system may include a processor configured to operate a first physical layer channel using audio data and a second physical layer channel using control data. The wireless base station of the audio system may further include an antenna configured to transmit the audio data and control data using a single broadband carrier.

[0017] In some examples, the processor is further configured to use different modulation schemes and coding rates for the audio data and the control data.

[0018] In some examples, the processor may also be configured to combine the audio data and the control data into frames, where each frame includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion. The processor may operate using a frame scheme, where the frame scheme repeats every N frames. Each frame in the frame scheme may include a broadcast channel time slot. The broadcast channel time slot may include information used by one or more subscriber devices to access the audio data and control data, including the number of frames N in the frame scheme.

[0019] In some examples, each of the N frames of the frame scheme may include M control channel time slot pairs, where the first time slot of a given control channel time slot pair is included in the downlink portion of a given frame, and the second time slot of the control channel time slot pair is included in the uplink portion of the frame. The wireless base station may be configured to communicate with one or more subscriber devices, where each of the one or more subscriber devices is assigned a control channel time slot pair.

[0020] In a third embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable memory stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a set of actions to be performed. The set of actions includes operating a first physical layer channel with audio data to be transmitted to a wireless subscriber device. The set of actions includes operating a second physical layer channel with control data to be transmitted to the wireless subscriber device. The set of actions further includes controlling an antenna to transmit the audio data and the control data using a single broadband carrier.

[0021] These and other embodiments and various arrangements and aspects will become apparent and be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments indicating various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless audio system according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example computing device, such as Figure 1 a first wireless audio device, a second wireless audio device, and / or a subscriber device of the wireless audio system of

[0024] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example frame scheme according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating various operations for wirelessly transmitting audio and control information using a low-overhead in-band control channel method according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description describes, illustrates, and exemplifies one or more specific embodiments of the invention in accordance with the principles of the invention. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way that one of ordinary skill in the art can understand these principles and, having such understanding, be able to apply them not only to practice the embodiments described herein but also to practice other embodiments contemplated in accordance with these principles. The scope of the invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall literally or equivalently within the scope of the appended claims.

[0027] Note that in the description and the drawings, similar or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference element symbols. However, sometimes, these elements may be labeled with different numbers, for example (by way of example) in cases where such labeling facilitates a clearer description. Additionally, the drawings presented herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances, the scale may be exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. This labeling and drawing practice does not necessarily imply an underlying physical purpose. As described above, the specification is intended to be understood and interpreted as a whole in accordance with the principles of the invention taught herein and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] The wireless audio systems described herein may transmit both audio data and control data using a single RF carrier. Multiple audio and control channels may be transmitted together in a single frame. Embodiments of the present disclosure include using separate physical layer channels for audio information and control information, which allows for separate and individual manipulation of the modulation and channel coding rate of the channels. This arrangement enables a user to set initial control channel and audio channel parameters when establishing a wireless audio system, as well as perform real-time adjustments to control the channel and audio channel parameters, and may provide improved functionality for the wireless audio system.

[0029] Figure 1 Schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless audio system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless audio system 100 may include a first wireless audio device 110 (also referred to as a wireless base station 110 in some embodiments) and a plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I (also referred to as wireless subscriber devices 120A through 120I in some embodiments). The first wireless audio device may be a base station, such as a wireless access point, a rack-mounted transceiver, or any other suitable device. One or more of the second wireless audio devices may be subscriber devices, such as wireless headphones, wireless conferencing units, belt packs, in-ear wireless monitors, microphones, intercom devices, etc. The wireless audio system 100 may also include an audio source (not shown) that communicates with the first wireless audio device 110. The audio source may generate one or more audio source signals, which may include one or both of audio data and control data. The first wireless audio device 110 may modulate the audio data and / or control data received from the audio source.

[0030] The first wireless audio device 110 may be a computing device, such as with respect to Figure 2A computing device described in more detail. In some instances, the first wireless audio device 110 may include one or more antennas. In some instances, the first wireless audio device 110 may utilize antenna diversity and may use multiple antennas. For example, antenna diversity may include using physically separated antennas (i.e., antennas positioned spaced apart in space). It is contemplated and possible that the first wireless audio device 110 has more than two antennas, and there are any number of second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I. In some embodiments, the first wireless audio device 110 may be an access point or other centralized unit. In some embodiments, the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may be portable wireless subscriber devices, such as wireless headphones, wireless conference units, or belt packs.

[0031] In some embodiments, the wireless audio system 100 may be an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) broadband audio system that allows various types of traffic to be carried on individual subcarriers and multiplexed together into a single broadband carrier. For example, the RF signal transmitted by the first wireless audio device 110 and received by one or more of the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may include data symbols having audio data and control data. In some embodiments, the data symbols may be QPSK / QAM modulated subcarriers that can carry audio data signals and / or control signals. As described below, other modulation schemes and coding rates may also be used.

[0032] As used herein, audio data may include information used by the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I to output audio (sound) via one or more speakers. Control data may include information for controlling volume, indicated battery life, information related to encryption keys, and the like.

[0033] As described above, an audio system may require both audio data and control data to function properly. In some cases, the audio data and control data are transmitted and received using separate communication mechanisms, such as by transmitting the audio data via a radio frequency (RF) connection and transmitting the control data via another mechanism such as infrared (IR), Wi-Fi, or via another "out-of-band" link. As a result of using two different mechanisms, there may be a mismatch in coverage areas between the audio data and the control data. For example, in the case where the control data is transmitted via IR, a visible line of sight may be required, while a line of sight is not required for the audio data transmitted via the RF carrier.

[0034] Alternatively, if the system instead transmits audio data and control data via the same communication mechanism, one approach is to multiplex the audio data and control data together at the physical layer. However, this results in a combined bit rate that is limited by the physical layer channel. Additionally, there is no flexibility in setting the relative link performance of the audio data and control data. Further, since the performance characteristics associated with one or both of the audio data and control data cannot be changed dynamically, the overhead is relatively high.

[0035] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the audio system 100 is configured to help address some or all of these problems. For example, the first wireless audio device 110 is configured to operate separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data. This allows each physical layer channel to have a separate modulation scheme and coding rate. For example, the modulation scheme for audio data may be 16-QAM with rate 3 / 4 coding. Additionally, the modulation scheme for control data may be QPSK with rate 1 / 2 coding. Based on one or more desired operating characteristics, the modulation schemes and coding rates for the audio data and control data may be the same or different.

[0036] In some instances, the modulation scheme and coding rate for one or both of the audio data and control data may be determined based on the desired bit error rate. A particular modulation scheme and coding rate are selected to balance minimizing the error rate while maintaining an adequate data transmission rate. Selecting a more robust modulation scheme and coding rate (e.g., QPSK with rate 1 / 2 coding versus 16-QAM with rate 3 / 4 coding) will reduce the bit error rate within a given transmission range at the expense of a reduced data transmission rate.

[0037] In other instances, the modulation scheme and coding rate for one or both of the audio data and control data may be set based on the desired transmission range. In this case, the modulation scheme and coding rate are selected to balance maximizing the range while maintaining an adequate data transmission rate. Selecting a more robust modulation scheme and coding rate will decrease the transmission range but will provide an increased transmission rate. In either case, a more robust modulation scheme and coding rate are typically selected for the control data relative to the audio data so that a physical layer link can be established and maintained even under channel conditions that result in poor audio channel performance.

[0038] Subsequently, the physical layer channels are combined into a single RF carrier and transmitted or broadcast to a plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I such that the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I receive both the audio data and the control data in the same signal.

[0039] The second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may be computing devices, such as with respect to Figure 2A more detailed description of the computing device. In some instances, the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may each include one or more antennas. In some instances, the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may utilize antenna diversity and may use multiple antennas. For example, antenna diversity may include using physically separated antennas (i.e., antennas positioned spaced apart in space). It is contemplated and possible that the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I have more than two antennas. In some embodiments, the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may be portable wireless subscriber devices such as wireless headphones, wireless conference units, belt packs, in-ear wireless monitors, microphones, intercom devices, and the like.

[0040] In some instances, the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may receive audio data and control data transmitted by the first wireless audio device 110. The second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may then demodulate, convert, and / or process the received RF signals to generate analog or digital output audio signals and control signals. The second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I are also configured to execute various instructions based on the received control data. For example, the second wireless audio device may be configured to modify volume, change encryption, adjust timing, and the like.

[0041] In some instances, the first wireless audio device and one or more second audio devices may be further configured to operate as transceivers. In this case, the one or more second wireless audio devices may be further configured to operate on separate physical layer channels for second audio data and second control data and transmit the second audio data and second control data using a single wideband carrier. The first wireless audio device may then be further configured to receive the second audio data and second control data and execute instructions based on the second control data. In this manner, in the case where the first wireless audio device is a base station that can operate as both a transmitter and a receiver and the one or more second wireless audio devices are subscriber devices that can operate as both a transmitter and a receiver, each device may be configured to operate on separate physical layer channels for audio data and control data and transmit both the audio data and the control data using a single wideband carrier.

[0042] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram illustrating an example computing system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more of the first wireless audio device 110 and the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may be computing devices such as the computing device 200. Accordingly, the first wireless audio device 110 and / or the second wireless audio devices 120A through 120I may include one or more of the components of the computing device 200.

[0043] The computing device 200 may be configured to perform various functions or actions, such as the functions or actions described in this disclosure (and the accompanying drawings). The computing device 200 may include various components, including, for example, a processor 210, a memory 220, a user interface 230, and a communication interface 240, all of which are communicatively coupled via a system bus, a network, or other connection mechanism 250. It should be understood that the examples disclosed herein may refer to computing devices and / or systems having components that may or may not be physically located close to each other. Certain embodiments may take the form of cloud-based systems or devices, and it should be understood that the term "computing device" includes distributed systems and devices (such as cloud-based systems and devices) as well as software, firmware, and other components configured to implement one or more of the functions described herein. Additionally, as described above, one or more features of the computing device 200 may be physically located remotely and communicatively coupled to the computing device via, for example, the communication interface 240.

[0044] The processor 210 may include a general-purpose processor (such as a microprocessor) and / or a special-purpose processor (such as a digital signal processor (DSP)). The processor 210 may be any suitable processing device or any set of processing devices, such as (but not limited to) a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0045] The memory 220 may be volatile memory (such as RAM including non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (such as disk memory, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, memristor-based non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), immutable memory (such as EPROM), read-only memory, and / or high-capacity storage devices (such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc.). In some instances, the memory 220 includes multiple memories, specifically, volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0046] The memory 220 may be a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions (such as software for operating the methods of this disclosure) may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logics described herein. For example, the instructions reside fully or at least partially within the memory 220, any one or more of the computer-readable media, and / or within the processor 210 during instruction execution.

[0047] The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. Additionally, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include any tangible medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for execution by a processor or cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk and to exclude propagated signals.

[0048] The user interface 230 may facilitate interaction with a user of the device. Accordingly, the user interface 230 may include input components (such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch-sensitive panel, microphone, and camera) and output components (such as a display screen (which may be combined with a touch-sensitive panel, for example), speakers, and a haptic feedback system). The user interface 230 may also include a device for communicating with the input or output, such as a short-range transceiver (RFID, Bluetooth, etc.), a telephone interface, a cellular communication port, a router, or other types of network communication equipment. The user interface 230 may be internal to the computing device 200, or may be external and connected wirelessly or via a connecting cable (such as via a universal serial bus port).

[0049] The communication interface 240 may be configured to allow the device 200 to communicate with one or more devices (or systems) according to one or more protocols. In one example, the communication interface 240 may be a wired interface, such as an Ethernet interface or a high-definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI). As another example, the communication interface 240 may be a wireless interface, such as a cellular, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi interface. In some examples, the communication interface may include one or more antennas and may be configured to transmit and receive RF signals.

[0050] The data bus 250 may include one or more wires, traces, or other mechanisms for communicatively coupling the processor 210, the memory 220, the user interface 230, and the communication interface 240 and / or any other applicable computing device components.

[0051] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example frame scheme 300 according to some embodiments. A first wireless audio device 110 (such as a wireless base station) may be configured to combine audio data and control data into a frame, which is then transmitted or broadcast to a plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I (such as wireless subscriber devices). Each frame may include a downlink portion and an uplink portion. In some examples, the frame is evenly divided between the downlink portion and the uplink portion. In other examples, the downlink portion is greater than the uplink portion (i.e., has more data capacity), or vice versa.

[0052] The wireless audio system operates according to frame scheme 300, where the frames repeat in a certain pattern. For example, scheme 300 includes N frames, and illustrates a first frame i, a second frame i+1, and a last frame i+N-1. Then, after transmitting frame i+N-1, the scheme repeats for frame i again.

[0053] It should be understood that Figure 3 the examples provided are merely one example provided to illustrate certain features, and many other examples may be used while still being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 3 The example frame scheme shown in includes that each frame contains a plurality of time slots and a capacity for audio data. In one example, each frame in frame scheme 300 includes a broadcast channel time slot 302. The broadcast channel time slot 302 contains information used by one or more of the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I to access the audio system 100, including the number of frames N in the frame scheme. This enables each of the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I to determine when the frames will repeat. The broadcast channel time slot may also contain various other information used by the second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I to access the audio system 100.

[0055] In some examples, the plurality of frames in frame scheme 300 also include one or more time slots reserved for a common control channel (such as a random access channel 306 and / or a common control channel time slot 304). These time slots can be shared so that each of the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I can utilize these time slots. The random access channel time slot 306 and / or the common control channel time slot 304 may be included in each frame of frame scheme 300, or may be included only in a subset of the frames (e.g., only in the first frame of the scheme).

[0056] In some examples, the plurality of frames in frame scheme 300 also include a plurality of control channel time slot pairs. Each control channel time slot pair corresponds to one of the plurality of second wireless audio devices 120A to 120I. In the illustrated example, each frame includes M control channel time slot pairs. Each control channel time slot pair includes a first time slot in the uplink portion of the frame and a second time slot in the downlink portion of the frame. For example, the first control channel time slot pair includes a first time slot 308A in the uplink portion of frame i+1 and a second time slot 308B in the downlink portion of frame i+1.

[0057] In the illustrated example, frame scheme 300 includes N frames. Each of the N frames may include M channel time slot pairs. Thus, frame scheme 300 can support MxN individual second wireless audio devices. However, one or more of the N frames include shared time slots (such as common control channel 304 and / or random access channel 306), thereby reducing the total number of second wireless audio devices supported.

[0058] In some instances, the parameters N (i.e., the number of frames in the frame scheme) and M (i.e., the number of control channel time slot pairs in a given frame) are selected by the user at configuration. That is, these parameters can be changed based on the requirements of their usage environment and can be modified at will to ensure that the desired operating characteristics such as latency, audio data throughput, etc. are met. The values of M and N selected can be based on the desired maximum number of audio channels needed while still meeting the system requirements for control channel bit rate and latency. For example, if fewer wireless subscriber devices are needed, then M can be reduced to reduce control channel latency. Alternatively, if more wireless subscriber devices are used, the latency can be increased to accommodate the additional wireless subscriber devices while maintaining a sufficient audio data bit rate.

[0059] In some instances, each second wireless audio device receives control information specific to that device only in one of every N frames. Thus, the larger the number of frames N in the frame scheme, the longer the delay (i.e., latency) between frames containing control data for a given second wireless audio device.

[0060] Alternatively, in the case of using fewer frames N but the number of control channel pair time slots M is included in each frame, the capacity available for audio data in each frame is reduced. Thus, when the control latency is reduced, the audio data bit rate is also reduced. Therefore, a balance must be achieved where increasing the latency (i.e., adding additional frames N) results in less overhead (i.e., fewer control channel pair time slots M) in a given frame.

[0061] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 400 can enable a wireless audio system to utilize low-overhead in-band control data transmission along with audio data, without the limitations of existing methods for transmitting audio data and control data. Method 400 details the network entry process for a wireless subscriber device to join the system. Figure 4 The flowchart represents machine-readable instructions stored in a memory (such as memory 220) and may include one or more programs that, when executed by a processor (such as processor 210), can cause a computing device 200 and / or one or more systems or devices to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Although the example programs are referenced Figure 4described by the flowcharts described herein, but alternatively many other methods that implement the functions described herein may be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged or executed serially or in parallel with each other, and the blocks may be altered, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 400. Additionally, since method 400 is disclosed with respect to the components of Figures 1 to 3 some of the functions of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0062] Method 400 may begin at block 402. At block 404, method 400 includes synchronizing to the system frequency and timing. This is performed by a wireless subscriber device attempting to enter a network into an audio system.

[0063] At block 406, method 400 includes decoding a broadcast channel (e.g., Figure 3 BCH 302 in ). The decoded BCH information enables the wireless subscriber device to determine the value of N or the number of frames N in the frame scheme. This enables the wireless subscriber device to determine when the next repeating frame will occur.

[0064] At block 408, method 400 includes transmitting a random access channel (RACH) request in a time slot allocated for random access (e.g., Figure 3 time slot 306 in ). The RACH request includes a request for the allocation of a dedicated control channel pair to be associated with the wireless subscriber device.

[0065] At block 410, method 400 includes the wireless subscriber device monitoring a common control channel (CCCH) time slot for a RACH response.

[0066] At block 412, method 400 includes determining whether a response has been received on the CCCH. If no response is received, then method 400 includes delaying for a random period at block 414. Then, method 400 continues back to block 408, where a new RACH request is transmitted by the wireless subscriber device.

[0067] If a RACH response is received by the wireless subscriber device at block 412, then method 400 continues to block 416. At block 416, the wireless subscriber device obtains a dedicated control channel pair allocation based on the RACH response (e.g., Figure 3 time slots 308A and 308B in ).

[0068] At block 418, then, method 400 includes the wireless subscriber device performing one or more actions using the dedicated control channel pair, such as requesting bandwidth.

[0069] Then, method 400 ends at block 420.

[0070] Figure 5A flowchart of an example method 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Method 500 enables a wireless audio system to utilize low-overhead in-band control data transmission along with audio data, without the limitations of existing methods for transmitting audio data and control data. Method 500 details a method for transmitting both audio and control data from a wireless base station to a wireless subscriber device. Figure 5 The flowchart represents machine-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 220) and may include one or more programs that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 210), may cause a computing device 200 and / or one or more systems or devices to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Although example programs are described with reference to the Figure 5 flowchart illustrated, many other methods may alternatively be used to implement the functions described herein. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged or performed serially or in parallel with each other, the blocks may be altered, eliminated, and / or combined to perform method 500. Additionally, because method 500 is disclosed with respect to the Figures 1 to 3 components, some of the functions of those components will not be described in detail hereinafter.

[0071] Method 500 begins at block 502. At block 504, method 500 includes operating a first physical layer channel for audio data. At block 506, method 500 includes operating a second physical layer channel for control data. The physical layer channels for control data and audio data may be separated from each other, and the control data may correspond to the audio data (i.e., include instructions for changing the volume, timing, etc., of the wireless subscriber device's playback).

[0072] At block 508, method 500 includes transmitting the audio data and the control data from separate physical layers using a single wideband carrier. At block 510, method 500 includes the wireless subscriber device receiving the combined audio data and control data. The wireless subscriber device may then decode and / or process the received data to determine if the data includes a command. At block 512, method 500 includes the wireless subscriber device executing an instruction (e.g., changing the volume) based on the received control data. Method 500 then ends at block 514.

[0073] Any process descriptions or blocks in the figures should be understood to represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternative implementations are included within the scope of embodiments of the present invention, where the functions may be executed in a different order than shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0074] This disclosure is intended to explain how to make and use various embodiments of the technology, rather than to limit the true, desired, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit it to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the embodiments determined by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof, which may be amended during the pendency of this patent application, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth fairly, legally, and equitably accorded to this patent application and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: Communicating using a frame scheme including a plurality of frames with a wireless audio device, wherein each of the plurality of frames includes a broadcast channel time slot; Transmitting an indication of frame scheme parameters via the broadcast channel time slot of at least one of the plurality of frames; Encoding control data using a first modulation scheme and coding rate; And Transmitting the encoded control data via a control channel based on the frame scheme parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control channel is further based on a plurality of second wireless audio devices communicating with the wireless audio device.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Encoding audio data using a second modulation scheme and coding rate different from the first modulation scheme and coding rate; And Transmitting the encoded audio data via an audio channel.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of frames includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frame scheme parameters indicate a number N of frames, wherein the control channel includes control channel pairs specific to second wireless audio devices, and wherein the control channel pairs are repeated every N frames.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control data includes information associated with a plurality of second wireless audio devices.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control data includes one or more of the following: Random Access Channel (RACH) response; Control channel pair allocation; Bandwidth allocation; Battery life indication; Encryption key; or Audio playback volume.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Operating separate physical layer channels for audio data and the control data; And Transmitting the encoded audio data and the encoded control data via the separate physical layer channels and using a single broadband carrier.

9. A method, comprising: Communicating using a frame scheme including a plurality of frames with a wireless audio device, wherein each of the plurality of frames includes a broadcast channel time slot; Receiving an indication of frame scheme parameters via the broadcast channel time slot of at least one of the plurality of frames; Determining a control channel based on the frame scheme parameters; And Receiving the encoded control data via the determined control channel.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control channel is further based on a plurality of control channel pairs in each of the plurality of frames.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Receiving the encoded audio data via an audio channel, wherein a first modulation scheme and coding rate corresponding to the encoded audio data are different from a second modulation scheme and coding rate corresponding to the encoded control data.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of frames includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the frame scheme parameter indicates a number N of frames, wherein the control channel includes a control channel pair specific to the second wireless audio device, and wherein the control channel pair is repeated every N frames.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control data includes one or more of the following: Random Access Channel (RACH) response; Control channel pair allocation; Bandwidth allocation; Battery life indication; Encryption key; or Audio playback volume.

15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Operating a separate physical layer channel for the audio data and the control data; and Transmitting the encoded audio data and the encoded control data through the separate physical layer channel and using a single wideband carrier.

16. A wireless audio device, comprising: One or more processors; and A memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the wireless audio device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-8 or 9-15.

17. A system, comprising: A first wireless audio device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-8; and A second wireless audio device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 9-15.

18. A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-8 or 9-15 to be performed.

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