Method for forwarding broadcast stream and related electronic device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a method for forwarding a broadcast stream by an electronic device and the electronic device, the method comprising: receiving at least one of an extended application (EA) package, an EA auxiliary package, a periodic application (PA) package and a BIS in a broadcast transmission, wherein the broadcast transmission comprises the EA package, the EA auxiliary package, the PA package and the BIS; wherein the BIS carries the broadcast stream; determining whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded according to at least one of the EA package, the EA auxiliary package and the PA package; and in response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded, sending an intermediate broadcast transmission according to the broadcast transmission, wherein the intermediate broadcast transmission comprises an intermediate EA package, an intermediate EA auxiliary package, an intermediate PA package and an intermediate BIS carrying the broadcast stream. The embodiment of the present application can forward the broadcast stream.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to broadcast audio technology, and more specifically, to a method for an electronic device to forward an audio broadcast stream and related electronic devices. [Background Technology]

[0002] In existing Bluetooth audio broadcasting methods, only a single audio source device transmits a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) broadcast stream over the air, and multiple receiving devices within the broadcast range receive this BLE-based broadcast stream. However, when the power of the audio source device is limited, the broadcast range may not meet the requirements of some broadcasting applications. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method for forwarding broadcast streams and related electronic equipment to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] This invention provides a method for forwarding a broadcast stream by an electronic device, comprising: receiving at least one of an Extended Broadcast (EA) packet, an EA auxiliary packet, a periodic broadcast (PA) packet, and a broadcast isochronous stream (BIS) of a broadcast transmission, wherein the broadcast transmission includes the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, the PA packet, and the BIS; wherein the BIS carries the broadcast stream; determining whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet; and in response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded, sending an intermediate broadcast transmission based on the broadcast transmission, wherein the intermediate broadcast transmission includes an intermediate EA packet, an intermediate EA auxiliary packet, an intermediate PA packet, and an intermediate BIS carrying the broadcast stream.

[0005] This invention provides an electronic device, comprising: a wireless communication module configured to perform a scanning operation to receive at least one of an Extended Broadcast (EA) packet, an EA auxiliary packet, a periodic broadcast (PA) packet, and a broadcast isochronous stream (BIS) of a broadcast transmission, wherein the broadcast transmission includes the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, the PA packet, and the BIS; wherein the BIS carries the broadcast stream; and a processor configured to: determine whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet; and in response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded, send an intermediate broadcast transmission based on the broadcast transmission, wherein the intermediate broadcast transmission includes an intermediate EA packet, an intermediate EA auxiliary packet, an intermediate PA packet, and an intermediate BIS carrying the broadcast stream.

[0006] These and other objects of the invention will undoubtedly become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated in the various figures. [Attached Image Description]

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal layer architecture of an audio broadcast packet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of broadcasting audio transmission via an audio source device and multiple intermediate audio devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple broadcast ranges of an audio source device and multiple intermediate audio devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are flowcharts illustrating how an intermediate audio device determines a relay audio broadcast transmission according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are schematic diagrams illustrating an intermediate audio device forwarding an audio broadcast stream according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an intermediate audio device forwarding an audio broadcast stream according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device to forward a broadcast stream according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0015] Certain terms used in the following description and claims refer to specific components. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, electronic device manufacturers may use different names to refer to components. This application is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but the same function. In the following description and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including, but not limited to...".

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Examples of the electronic device 10 may include, but are not limited to, multi-functional mobile phones and wearable devices. Figure 1As shown, electronic device 10 may include antenna 12, wireless communication module 14, processor 16, and storage device 18. Electronic device 10 conforms to Bluetooth communication standard version 5.2 or above as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Therefore, electronic device 10 can support Bluetooth broadcast audio functionality (e.g., Auracast broadcast audio functionality). That is, when electronic device 10 acts as a broadcast media sender (BMS), wireless communication module 14 can transmit audio broadcast transmission B_P over the air to an unlimited number of receiving devices, each of which acts as a broadcast media receiver (BMR). Furthermore, when electronic device 10 acts as a BMR, wireless communication module 14 in electronic device 10 can perform a scanning operation to detect whether there is a receivable audio broadcast transmission from other devices.

[0017] It should be noted that if electronic device 10 functions as both a BMS and a BMR, electronic device 10 is an intermediate audio device. For example, after receiving an audio broadcast transmission B_P from another device, electronic device 10 is further configured to send an intermediate audio broadcast transmission to increase the propagation distance of the content in the audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0018] The wireless communication module 14 conforms to the specifications of the link layer (LL) protocol, wherein the wireless communication module 14 can be implemented by firmware, and the wireless communication module 14 may include a buffer 21. The processor 16 may be referred to as the host, and may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The storage device 18 may be a non-volatile machine-readable medium and is configured to store computer program code PROG. The processor 16 has software execution capability. The processor 16 and the wireless communication module 14 execute the method of forwarding audio broadcast transmission B_P proposed in this invention. The electronic device 10 can be regarded as a computer system using a computer program product containing computer program code PROG on a computer-readable medium. That is, the method of this invention can be implemented on the electronic device 10.

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the layer architecture for audio broadcast transmission B_P according to an embodiment of the present invention. One or more broadcast audio streams are sent by a broadcast transmitter and transported via a broadcast isochronous stream (BIS) within a broadcast isochronous streams (BIG). To send the broadcast audio streams, the broadcast transmitter also sends extended advertising (EA) packets, EA auxiliary packets, and periodic advertising (PA) packets. Figure 2 As shown, the audio broadcast transmission B_P has a four-layer architecture, such as layer FL, layer SL, layer TL, and layer FOL. Layer FL includes EA protocol data units (PDUs), layer SL includes EA auxiliary PDUs, layer TL includes PA PDUs, and layer FOL includes BIGs.

[0020] The first layer FL includes EA PDUs. EA PDUs can be sent via the primary advertising channel, and these EA PDUs may include the AuxPtr field (in...). Figure 2 The AuxPtr field contains information to help the scanning device perform synchronized reception of the EA auxiliary PDU, while the ADV_A field indicates the device address of the sending device that sent the EAPDU. For example, the scanning device can receive the EA auxiliary PDU at the time point determined based on the AuxPtr field.

[0021] The second layer SL includes EA auxiliary PDUs. EA auxiliary PDUs may include the SyncInfo field (in... Figure 2 The ADV_DATA_EA in the auxiliary PDU can include broadcast audio announcement service (marked as "SyncInfo") and advertising data. Figure 2The scanning device uses a device labeled "BRAS" (Broadcast Audio Announcement), a broadcast name, and a Public Broadcast Announcement (PBA). The broadcast audio announcement service includes a broadcast ID, which is used by scanning devices to discover broadcast audio streams. The broadcast ID identifies the broadcast audio stream. The broadcast name can represent the name of the sending device. The broadcast name can be a human-readable string. The SyncInfo field contains information to help the scanning device perform synchronized reception of the PA PDU. For example, the scanning device can receive the PA PDU at the time point determined based on the SyncInfo field. EA auxiliary PDUs can be transmitted through one or more general-purpose channels.

[0022] The third-level TL includes the PA PDU. The PA PDU may include the BIGInfo field (in...). Figure 2 The data is labeled "BIGInfo", has an access address A_A, and broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA. Access address A_A can represent a train of periodically sent PA PDUs. Broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA includes the basic audio announcement service (in...). Figure 2 Marked as "BAAS" in the Chinese, the Basic Audio Announcement Service includes parameters and program information for the broadcast audio stream. The broadcast audio stream parameters may include codec parameters and the number of BIS. The BIGInfo field includes information to help scanning devices perform synchronized reception of the BIS. Program information (in...) Figure 2 The BIGInfo field (marked as "Pro Info") indicates the content of the broadcast stream. For example, a scanning device can receive a BIG at a time point determined based on the BIGInfo field. Additionally, the BIGInfo field may include the seed access address S_AA. PA PDUs can be transmitted over one or more general channels.

[0023] The fourth layer, FOL, includes at least one BIG. A BIG contains one or more BISs for transmitting broadcast audio streams, each carrying audio data. A BIG can be transmitted through one or more common channels.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating audio broadcast transmission via an audio source device and multiple intermediate audio devices according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein electronic devices 300, 302, 304, 306, and 308 can be derived from... Figure 1 The illustrated electronic device 10 implements BMS and acts as the original audio source device, and each of the electronic devices 302, 304, 306 and 308 supports both BMS and BMR and acts as an intermediate audio device.

[0025] Electronic device 300 transmits audio broadcast B_P via over-the-air broadcast for scanning and reception by multiple receiving devices within a first broadcast range. Assume electronic devices 302 and 306 are within the first broadcast range. Electronic device 302 can perform a scanning operation to receive audio broadcast transmission B_P from electronic device 300 and determine whether to relay audio broadcast transmission B_P. If the determination is to relay broadcast transmission B_P, electronic device 302 can send intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB within a second broadcast range based on audio broadcast transmission B_P. Assume electronic device 304 is within the second broadcast range. Electronic device 304 can perform a scanning operation to receive intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB from electronic device 302, determine whether to relay intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB, and then, if the determination is to relay intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB, send intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PA within a third broadcast range based on intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB.

[0026] Similarly, electronic device 306 can perform a scanning operation to receive audio broadcast transmission B_P from electronic device 300 and determine whether to relay audio broadcast transmission B_P. If the determination result is to relay broadcast transmission B_P, electronic device 306 can send intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC within the fourth broadcast range based on audio broadcast transmission B_P. Assuming electronic device 308 is within the fourth broadcast range, electronic device 308 can perform a scanning operation to receive intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC from electronic device 306, determine whether to relay intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC, and if the determination result is to relay intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC, send intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PD within the fifth broadcast range based on intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC.

[0027] Specifically, please refer to Figure 4 . Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple broadcast ranges 400, 402, and 406 of an audio source device (e.g., electronic device 300) and multiple intermediate audio devices (e.g., electronic devices 302 and 306) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein broadcast range 400 corresponds to electronic device 300, broadcast range 402 corresponds to electronic device 302, and broadcast range 406 corresponds to electronic device 306. Figure 4As shown, after electronic device 300 broadcasts audio broadcast transmission B_P, electronic device 302, located within broadcast range 400, receives audio broadcast transmission B_P and sends intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB within broadcast range 402 based on audio broadcast transmission B_P. Similarly, electronic device 306, located within broadcast range 400, receives audio broadcast transmission B_P and sends intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC within broadcast range 404 based on audio broadcast transmission B_P. At this time, for electronic device 40, which supports BMR and is located within broadcast ranges 400, 402, and 406, electronic device 40 is able to receive audio broadcast transmission B_P, intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB, and intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC after performing a scan operation. However, some problems may arise. For example, electronic device 40 cannot determine which of the audio broadcast transmissions B_P, I_PB, and I_PC should be relayed. Therefore, intermediate audio devices may need to determine whether the audio broadcast transmission being received or the audio broadcast transmission already received needs to be relayed.

[0028] The following two schemes are provided to determine whether a receiving audio broadcast transmission or a received audio broadcast transmission needs to be relayed.

[0029] Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are flowcharts illustrating how an intermediate audio device determines relay audio broadcast transmission according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 The first approach is illustrated. In this approach, the intermediate audio device determines whether to relay the audio broadcast transmission based on information stored in the intermediate audio device.

[0031] In step S500, the intermediate audio device performs a scanning operation to receive EA packets, EA auxiliary packets, and PA packets of an audio broadcast transmission (e.g., audio broadcast transmission B_P).

[0032] In step S502, the intermediate audio device determines whether the information in the EA packet, EA auxiliary packet, or PA packet matches the information stored in the intermediate audio device. If yes, proceed to step S504; otherwise, proceed to step S500, or the intermediate audio device may use... Figure 6 The scheme shown determines whether to relay audio broadcast transmission based on the broadcast data in the EA auxiliary package and / or the broadcast data in the PA package.

[0033] Specifically, in some embodiments, the Bluetooth (BT) controller in the intermediate audio device receives EA packets and EA auxiliary packets and sends an EA report to the host. The EA report includes a broadcast address and broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA, where ADV_DATA_EA includes a broadcast ID and a broadcast name. The host determines whether the broadcast address in the EA report matches one of a plurality of device addresses stored in the intermediate audio device. When the broadcast address in the EA report matches one of the stored device addresses, the host determines to relay the audio broadcast transmission. When the broadcast address in the EA report does not match one of the stored device addresses, the host determines not to relay the audio broadcast transmission. If the host determines not to relay the audio broadcast transmission, the host does not instruct the BT controller to receive PA packets.

[0034] In some embodiments, the BT controller in the intermediate audio device receives EA packets, EA auxiliary packets, and PA packets, and sends EA reports and PA reports to the host. The EA report includes the broadcast address and broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA, and the PA report includes broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA. The host determines whether certain content in the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA or broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA matches stored information. If so, the host determines that a relay audio broadcast transmission has been initiated. The content in the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA that needs to be matched may include the broadcast name or customized data, and the content in the broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA that needs to be matched may include program information.

[0035] In step S504, the intermediate audio device receives the BIG of the audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0036] The intermediate audio device receives the BIG based on the BIGinfo in the PA packet. Specifically, the intermediate audio device synchronously receives the first BIG in the audio broadcast transmission B_P at the time point determined based on the BIGinfo field. The intermediate audio device determines the anchor point for receiving subsequent BIGs based on this time point and the interval information in the BIGinfo field.

[0037] Figure 6 A second scheme is illustrated. In this scheme, the intermediate audio device determines whether to relay the audio broadcast transmission based on at least one of the broadcast data in the EA auxiliary packet and the broadcast data in the PA packet.

[0038] In step S600, the intermediate audio device performs a scanning operation to receive EA packets and EA auxiliary packets of audio broadcast transmission (e.g., audio broadcast transmission B_P).

[0039] In step S602, it is determined whether the broadcast ID carried in the EA packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P is a new broadcast ID (in Figure 6 For simplicity, this is labeled "Is the broadcast ID new?". If yes, proceed to step S604; otherwise, re-enter step S600. That is, in response to the broadcast ID not being a new broadcast ID, the scan operation is re-executed to receive another EA packet.

[0040] In response to the broadcast ID not being a new broadcast ID, the intermediate audio device does not generate an intermediate audio broadcast transmission for that broadcast ID. Specifically, the intermediate audio device, based on the EA auxiliary packet, does not receive PA packets in the audio broadcast transmission. These PA packets include a BIGinfo field, which contains information to help the intermediate audio device perform reception of BIG packets in the audio broadcast transmission. Because the intermediate audio device does not receive PA packets in the audio broadcast transmission, it also does not receive BIG packets carrying the audio broadcast stream.

[0041] In step S604, the PA packet of audio broadcast transmission B_P is received. In this step, in response to the broadcast ID being a new broadcast ID, the intermediate audio device performs reception of the PA packet.

[0042] In step S606, it is determined whether the audio broadcast transmission B_P needs to be relayed (in Figure 6 For simplicity, this is labeled "Relay?". If yes, proceed to step S608; otherwise, re-enter step S600. That is, in response to the audio broadcast transmission B_P not needing to be relayed, the scan operation is re-performed to receive another EA packet.

[0043] In this step, the intermediate audio device determines whether to forward the broadcast stream based on at least one of the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA in the EA auxiliary packet and the broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA in the PA packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P. For example, the intermediate audio device displays the broadcast name in the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA in the EA auxiliary packet and the program information in the broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA in the PA packet, allowing the user of the intermediate audio device to determine whether to forward the broadcast stream in the audio broadcast transmission B_P. The electronic device 10 further receives a user-triggered instruction indicating whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded.

[0044] Specifically, the BT controller in the intermediate audio device sends an EA report to the host. The EA report includes the broadcast address and EA broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA, which includes the broadcast ID and broadcast name. The host detects that the broadcast ID is new and instructs the BT controller to receive the PA packet. The BT controller receives the PA packet and sends a PA report to the host, which includes the PA broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA. The host determines whether to relay the audio broadcast transmission based on the PA broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA and the EA broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA. For example, the host displays the broadcast name in the EA broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA and the program information in the PA broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA for the user to determine whether to forward the broadcast stream in the audio broadcast transmission B_P. The host may further receive user-triggered instructions indicating whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded.

[0045] In step S608, the BIG in the audio broadcast transmission B_P is received. The BIG includes multiple BIS carrying broadcast data.

[0046] In some embodiments, the intermediate audio device plays audio data of an audio broadcast stream to a user, and generates or sends an intermediate broadcast transmission upon receiving an instruction triggered by the user to forward the played audio data.

[0047] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The following are examples of intermediate audio devices forwarding audio broadcast streams based on embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The electronic devices 700, 702, and 704 shown can be manufactured by Figure 1 The electronic device 10 shown in the figure is implemented.

[0048] Electronic device 700 can be an audio source device and can be configured to transmit audio broadcasts via over-the-air broadcasts of BIS carrying audio data. Electronic device 702 can be an intermediate audio device and can include host 706 (also called main processor) and BT controller 708. In this embodiment, BT controller 708 does not have a buffer for storing the audio data of the BIS, and BT controller 708 does not have direct forwarding capability. After scanning and receiving the BIS, BT controller 708 can send the audio data of the BIS to host 706 via uplink data path U_DP, and the audio data of the BIS can be sent from host 706 to BT controller 708 via downlink data path D_DP. However, the process of sending the audio data of the BIS to host 706 and then sending the audio data of the BIS from host 706 to BT controller 708 is very time-consuming, which increases the latency of forwarding the audio broadcast stream.

[0049] like Figure 7B As shown, electronic device 700 can be an audio source device and can be configured to transmit audio broadcasts via over-the-air broadcasts of BIS carrying audio data. Electronic device 704 can be an intermediate audio device and can include host 710 (also called main processor) and BT controller 712, wherein host 710 and BT controller 712 can be two separate chips. In this embodiment, BT controller 712 has a buffer for storing the audio data of BIS and BT controller 712 has direct forwarding capability. After receiving the BIGinfo field in the PA packet, BT controller 712 can store the audio data of BIS in the buffer and can forward the audio data in the buffer, so that the audio data of BIS does not need to be sent to host 706 or even if the audio data of BIS is sent to host 706, it is not necessary to receive audio data from host 706. In this way, the latency of relay audio broadcast transmission is reduced. If electronic device 704 needs to play the audio data of BIS, BT controller 712 transmits the audio data of BIS to host 710 via uplink data path U_DP.

[0050] Figure 8 The workflow of a method for forwarding an audio broadcast stream according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 The method shown can be derived from Figure 1 The electronic device 10 is implemented in the system, wherein the electronic device 10 supports Auracast broadcast audio functionality and can simultaneously act as a BMS and BMR. For better understanding, this method can be described using... Figure 8 The workflow shown is illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, it may be possible to... Figure 8 Add, delete, or change one or more steps in the workflow shown.

[0051] In step S800, based on the EA packet, EA auxiliary packet, and PA packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P, the EA packet, EA auxiliary packet, and PA packet of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P are established and sent, wherein the values ​​of the relevant parameters of the frequency hopping algorithm of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P are different from the values ​​of the relevant parameters of the frequency hopping algorithm of the audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0052] In some embodiments, the EA packet and EA auxiliary packet of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P are transmitted before the first BIG in the audio broadcast transmission B_P. The first BIG is the first BIG among the BIGs used to carry the audio broadcast stream.

[0053] In some embodiments, the EA packet and EA auxiliary packet of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P are transmitted after the first BIG in the audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0054] The present invention further proposes that the values ​​of the relevant parameters of the frequency hopping algorithm for intermediate audio broadcast transmissions (e.g., intermediate audio broadcast transmissions I_PB and I_PC) generated by the intermediate audio devices of the present invention (e.g., electronic devices 302 and 304) are different from the values ​​of the relevant parameters of the frequency hopping algorithm for audio broadcast transmission B_P. This reduces the probability that the audio broadcast stream in intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB and the audio broadcast stream in intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC occupy the same channel, and also reduces the probability that the PA packets in intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB and the PA packets in intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC occupy the same channel. For example, the relevant parameters of the frequency hopping algorithm include at least one of broadcast address ADV_A, access address A_A, and seed access address S_AA, wherein the broadcast address ADV_A is in the EA packet, and the access address A_A and the seed access address S_AA are both in the PA packet. Because the broadcast address ADV_A of electronic device 302 is different from the broadcast address ADV_A of electronic device 306, the access address A_A and seed access address S_AA in the PA packet of intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PB are different from the access address A_A and seed access address S_AA in the PA packet of intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_PC.

[0055] Intermediate audio devices can use portions of broadcast data, such as portions of the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA in the EA auxiliary packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P and the broadcast data ADV_DATA_PA in the PA auxiliary packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P, to construct the EA auxiliary packet and PA packet of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission, wherein the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA includes a broadcast ID. The broadcast ID contained in the broadcast data ADV_DATA_EA in the intermediate audio broadcast transmission is the same as the broadcast ID in the audio broadcast transmission B_P. In some embodiments, the broadcast name and public broadcast announcement in the EA auxiliary packet of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission are the same as the broadcast name and public broadcast announcement in the EA auxiliary packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P. The basic audio announcement in the PA packet of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission is the same as the basic audio announcement in the PA packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0056] In step S802, based on multiple parameters of the BIG of the audio broadcast transmission B_P, the relevant parameters of the BIG of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P are determined, wherein multiple parameters can be included in the basic audio announcement service of the PA packet of the audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0057] In step S806, the wireless communication module 14 (e.g., the BT controller) determines whether the receiving anchor point has been reached (in Figure 8 For simplicity, this is labeled "Reaching the receiving anchor point?". If yes, proceed to step S808. If not, remain in step S806 until the receiving anchor point is reached.

[0058] In step S808, the wireless communication module 14 receives the BIG of the audio broadcast transmission B_P and temporarily stores the audio data carried by BIS in the BIG in the buffer 21 of the wireless communication module 14.

[0059] In step S810, the wireless communication module 14 determines whether it is necessary to send audio data to the host 22 (in Figure 8 For simplicity, this is labeled "Sent to host?". If yes, proceed to step S812. If not, proceed to step S814.

[0060] In one embodiment, if the host needs to play audio data, the audio data needs to be sent to the host.

[0061] In step S812, audio data is retrieved from buffer 21 and sent to host 22. In one embodiment, the audio data is sent to host 22 before sending the BIG of intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P.

[0062] In step S814, the wireless communication module 14 determines whether the transmission anchor point of the BIG for transmitting intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P has been reached (in Figure 8 For simplicity, this is labeled "Arrived at the transmitting anchor point?", where the audio data is included in the BIG of the intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P. If yes, proceed to step S816. If not, return to step S806 to determine again whether the receiving anchor point has been reached.

[0063] In step S816, the BIG of intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P is sent, wherein the BIG of intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P is called intermediate BIG.

[0064] In some embodiments, an intermediate BIG of intermediate audio broadcast transmission I_P is sent between two BIGs that receive audio broadcast transmission B_P.

[0065] The above embodiments use audio broadcasting as an example for description. The solution of this application is not limited to audio broadcasting, but is also applicable to the broadcasting of other data formats.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to forward a broadcast stream according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the electronic device may be composed of... Figure 1The illustrated electronic device 10 supports Auracast broadcast audio functionality and can simultaneously function as a BMS and BMR. For better understanding, this method can be implemented using... Figure 9 The workflow shown is illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, it is possible to... Figure 9 Add, delete, or change one or more steps in the workflow shown.

[0067] In step S900, at least one of the following broadcast transmissions is received sequentially: EA packet, EA auxiliary packet, PA packet, and BIS packet, wherein the broadcast transmission includes the EA packet, EA auxiliary packet, PA packet, and the BIS packet, and wherein the BIS packet carries a broadcast stream.

[0068] In this step, the EA auxiliary package is received according to the fields in the EA package; the PA package is received according to the fields in the EA auxiliary package; and the BIS is received according to the fields in the PA package.

[0069] In step S902, it is determined whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the EA packet, EA auxiliary packet, and PA packet. Figure 9 (For simplicity, this is marked as "Forward?"). If yes, proceed to step S904; otherwise, return to step S900.

[0070] In step S904, in response to the need to forward the broadcast stream, an intermediate broadcast transmission is sent according to the broadcast transmission, wherein the intermediate broadcast transmission includes an intermediate EA packet, an intermediate EA auxiliary packet, an intermediate PA packet, and an intermediate BIS carrying the broadcast stream.

[0071] In summary, for the electronic device of the present invention that simultaneously acts as a BMS and BMR (e.g., an intermediate audio device), the electronic device can relay received audio broadcast transmissions. Furthermore, the wireless communication module (e.g., a BT controller) in the electronic device can directly forward the audio data of the received audio broadcast transmissions without sending the audio data to the host and then transmitting the audio data received from the host, which can significantly improve the latency of forwarding audio broadcast streams.

Claims

1. A method for an electronic device to forward a broadcast stream, comprising: The system receives at least one of the following broadcast transmissions: Extended Broadcast (EA) packets, EA auxiliary packets, periodic broadcast (PA) packets, and broadcast isochronous stream (BIS), wherein the broadcast transmission includes the EA packets, the EA auxiliary packets, the PA packets, and the BIS; and wherein the BIS carries the broadcast stream. Based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet, determine whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded; and In response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded, an intermediate broadcast transmission is sent according to the broadcast transmission, wherein the intermediate broadcast transmission includes an intermediate EA packet, an intermediate EA auxiliary packet, an intermediate PA packet, and an intermediate BIS carrying the broadcast stream.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet includes: Determine whether the broadcast identifier ID carried in the EA auxiliary package is a new broadcast ID; In response to the broadcast ID being a new broadcast ID, it is determined whether the broadcast stream of the broadcast transmission needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the broadcast data in the EA auxiliary packet and the broadcast data in the PA packet.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of determining whether the broadcast stream of the broadcast transmission needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the broadcast data in the EA auxiliary packet and the broadcast data in the PA packet includes: Determine whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the broadcast name in the EA auxiliary package and the program information in the PA package.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet includes: Determine whether the broadcast address in the EA packet matches the device address stored in the electronic device; as well as In response to the broadcast address matching a device address stored in the electronic device, it is determined that the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet includes: Determine whether a portion of the broadcast data in the EA packet or a portion of the broadcast data in the PA packet matches information stored in the electronic device; as well as In response to a match between a portion of the broadcast data in the EA packet or a portion of the broadcast data in the PA packet and information stored in the electronic device, it is determined that the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded.

6. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the values ​​of the relevant parameters of the intermediate broadcast transmission frequency hopping algorithm are different from the values ​​of the relevant parameters of the broadcast transmission frequency hopping algorithm.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the relevant parameters of the frequency hopping algorithm include at least one of the broadcast address in the corresponding broadcast transmission, the seed access address in the corresponding broadcast transmission, and the access address in the corresponding broadcast transmission.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the broadcast stream is an audio broadcast stream, and the method further comprises: Play the audio data of the audio broadcast stream before sending the intermediate broadcast transmission; Upon receiving an instruction indicating that the audio data needs to be forwarded, the intermediate broadcast transmission is sent.

9. The method of claim 2, further comprising: In response that the broadcast ID is not a new broadcast ID, the intermediate broadcast transmission is not generated based on the broadcast transmission.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The broadcast transmission includes at least one BIG, wherein the at least one BIG includes one or more BIS carrying the broadcast stream, and the method further includes: In response to the broadcast ID not being a new broadcast ID, the PA packet of the broadcast transmission is not received, wherein the PA packet includes a BIGinfo field, and the BIGinfo field includes information for assisting the electronic device in receiving the at least one BIG.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein, The broadcast transmission includes at least one BIG, wherein the at least one BIG includes one or more BIS carrying the broadcast stream, and the method further includes: In response to the broadcast ID being a new broadcast ID, the reception of the PA packet of the broadcast transmission is performed; and Based on the fields in the PA packet, the reception of the at least one BIG is performed.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes a Bluetooth (BT) controller and a host, the intermediate broadcast transmission includes at least one intermediate broadcast isochronous group (BIG), the at least one intermediate BIG includes one or more BIS carrying the broadcast stream, and the step of sending the intermediate broadcast transmission according to the broadcast transmission in response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded includes: Data from the BT controller to the host is sent from the broadcast stream. Receive the data from the host; The at least one intermediate BIG in the intermediate broadcast transmission is sent, wherein the BIS in the at least one intermediate BIG in the intermediate broadcast transmission carries the data from the host.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device includes a BT controller and a host. The intermediate broadcast transmission includes at least one intermediate BIG, the at least one intermediate BIG including one or more BIS carrying the broadcast stream. In response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded, the step of sending the intermediate broadcast transmission according to the broadcast transmission includes: The data of the broadcast stream transmitted by the broadcast is stored in a buffer; The at least one intermediate BIG of the intermediate broadcast transmission is sent, wherein the BIS in the at least one intermediate BIG of the intermediate broadcast transmission carries data stored in the buffer.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The broadcast stream is carried in a BIS of at least one BIG in the broadcast transmission, the broadcast stream is carried in a BIS of at least one intermediate BIG in the intermediate broadcast transmission, and between receiving two BIGs of the at least one BIG, one of the intermediate BIGs is sent.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The broadcast stream is carried in a BIS of at least one BIG in the broadcast transmission, and the intermediate EA packet and the intermediate EA auxiliary packet are sent before the first BIG of the at least one BIG is received.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The broadcast stream is carried in a BIS of at least one BIG in the broadcast transmission, and the intermediate EA packet, the intermediate EA auxiliary packet and the intermediate PA packet are sent before the first BIG of the at least one BIG is received.

17. An electronic device comprising: A wireless communication module is configured to perform a scanning operation to receive at least one of an extended broadcast EA packet, an EA auxiliary packet, a periodic broadcast PA packet, and a broadcast isochronous stream BIS, wherein the broadcast transmission includes the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, the PA packet, and the BIS; wherein the BIS carries the broadcast stream; and The processor is used for: Based on at least one of the EA packet, the EA auxiliary packet, and the PA packet, determine whether the broadcast stream needs to be forwarded; and In response to the broadcast stream needing to be forwarded, an intermediate broadcast transmission is sent according to the broadcast transmission, wherein the intermediate broadcast transmission includes an intermediate EA packet, an intermediate EA auxiliary packet, an intermediate PA packet, and an intermediate BIS carrying the broadcast stream.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, The processor is further configured to determine whether the broadcast ID carried in the EA auxiliary packet is a new broadcast ID, and when the broadcast ID is a new broadcast ID, to determine whether the broadcast stream of the broadcast transmission needs to be forwarded based on at least one of the broadcast data in the EA auxiliary packet and the broadcast data in the PA packet.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The broadcast transmission includes at least one BIG, wherein the at least one BIG includes one or more BIS carrying the broadcast stream, and the processor does not receive the PA packet of the broadcast transmission in response to the broadcast ID not being a new broadcast ID, wherein the PA packet includes a BIGinfo field, and the BIGinfo field includes information to help the electronic device perform reception of the at least one BIG.

20. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, The wireless communication module is also configured to store the data of the broadcast stream of the broadcast transmission in a buffer; and to transmit at least one intermediate BIG of the intermediate broadcast transmission, wherein the at least one intermediate BIG of the intermediate broadcast transmission carries the data stored in the buffer.

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