Apparatus and method for wireless transmission of wired signals

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device. The apparatus comprises a physical layer module configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal follows a wired protocol. The apparatus comprises a programmable module configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The apparatus comprises a processing module configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. The processing module is configured for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol. The apparatus comprises a wireless transmission module interconnected with an antenna. The antenna is configured for electromagnetic field emission. The wireless transmission module is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol. The apparatus is configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF WIRED SIGNALS.

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, and a system for enabling wireless transmission of wired signals, such as a wired signal between a host device and a peripheral device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the ever changing world of communication, wireless communication technology enables increased flexibility and accessibility compared to wired communication technology. Sometimes a combination of the two technologies is preferred. However, if a device is not equipped with wireless communication capabilities from the onset, it will require changes and modification to the device to add these capabilities. Unfortunately, such changes and modification may diminish both the quality of the signal as well as the functionality of the device. Recent advances in communication technology now ensures that more and more newly produced devices comprises wireless communication capabilities. However, these advances do not help devices that are already on the market. Thus, there is a need for providing an apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of wired signals.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with the present disclosure, the above-mentioned and other objects are obtained by the disclosed apparatus, a method, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, and a system.

[0008] Disclosed is an apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device. The apparatus comprises a physical layer module configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal follows a wired protocol. The apparatus comprises a programmable module configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The apparatus comprises a processing module configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. The processing module is further configured for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol. The apparatus comprises a wireless transmission module. The wireless transmission module is interconnected with an antenna. The antenna is configured for electromagnetic field emission. The wirelesstransmission module is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol. The apparatus is configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

[0009] It is an advantage that the apparatus provides additional functionalities to the host device and / or peripheral device without having to modify said devices. Thus, in other words, it is an advantage that the apparatus provides additional capabilities to the host device and / or the peripheral device without requiring modifications to their hardware, software, operating systems, application systems, or other components. The apparatus as disclosed is advantageously transparent, or at least substantially transparent, for the host device and the peripheral device, meaning that neither the host device nor the peripheral device can detect or sense the presence of the apparatus.

[0010] Furthermore, it is an advantage that the apparatus provides seamless interception of the wired signal and thus may be without indications to the host device and peripheral device that the signal is intercepted. Thus, in other words, it is an advantage that the host device and peripheral device may not receive error messages or notifications that the signal between them is being intercepted by the apparatus, and the host device and peripheral device may not experience any delays in the communication between them while the signal is being intercepted. Furthermore, it is an advantage that the apparatus provides that the wired signal may be intercepted in an at least substantially seamless manner without altering or interfering with the signal and may be wirelessly transmitted to one or more recipient devices in a non-disruptive manner, such as at least a substantially non-disruptive manner, without interruption, degradation in quality, or delays, maintaining the normal user experience for all users involved. In other words, because the interception of the signal between the host device and the peripheral device is provided in a seamless manner, or at least substantially seamless manner, a normal user experience may be maintained, both for a user of the host device and a user of the peripheral device. Additionally, a normal user experience may also be maintained for a user or users of the one or more recipient devices of the wireless signal.

[0011] Furthermore, it is an advantage because it may provide real-time or near real-time access to the wired signal but in a wireless manner, thereby enabling the one or more recipient devices of the wireless signal instant access, or at least substantially instant access, to the content of the wired communication, thereby making the claimed invention suitable for real-time communication, such as voice and / or video communication.The apparatus is for enabling wireless transmission of the signal transmitted via the wire between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal may be di-directional. Thus, the apparatus may be referred to as a gateway, an interface or a converter between the wired protocol and the wireless protocol. The wire, such as a cable or a cord, may be configured for providing or transmitting the signal from the host device to the peripheral device. Typically, the host device and the peripheral device may interact to exchange communication via the signal. The host device may be the controlling device that initiates, manages and controls the communication with the peripheral device. The peripheral device may be a dependent device that relies on the host device and responds to the requests of the host device. The host device may be a personal computer, such as a laptop, a smartphone, etc. The peripheral device may be a speaker phone, a headset, a sound bar, etc. The signal may comprise a data line. The data line or data lines may be bi-directional, in other words data may be exchanged back and forth between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal may comprise a power line. The signal may comprise a ground line. The data line or data lines may comprise an audio signal, such as music, sound, voice, etc. Thus, the signal may comprise an audio signal. The data line or data lines may comprise a video signal, such as images or images with sound. The signal may comprise a video signal.

[0012] The apparatus comprises the physical layer module configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal may comprise data lines. In other words, the apparatus may comprise the physical layer module configured for detecting at least a part of the signal, such as the data lines of the signal, between the host device and the peripheral device. The physical layer module may be configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The physical layer module may be known as a PHY device. The physical layer module may be configured for connecting to a physical layer in the signal transmitted between the host device and the peripheral device. The physical layer in the signal may be a first and lowest layer in the signal, such as in the wired protocol. The physical layer module may be an electronic circuit, typically implemented as an integrated circuit, for implementing physical layer functions.

[0013] The signal follows the wired protocol. In other words, the signal transmitted between the host device and the peripheral device may be a wired communication signal, such as awired communication technology signal. The wired protocol may be a USB, FireWire or Ethernet, such as Ethernet over twisted pair, protocol.

[0014] The apparatus comprises the programmable module configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The programmable module may be a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), etc. The programmable module may be a Microcontroller (MCU) or comprised in a MCU. The programmable module may be a General-Purpose Processor (CPU) or comprised in a CPU. The programmable module may be a System-on-Chip (SoC) or comprised in a SoC. The person skilled in the art will know that “module” in the term “programmable module” is not intended to be limiting. The decoding performed by the programmable module may be an initial decoding, such as verification of the signal and detecting errors in the signal. The programmable module may be connected or interconnected to the physical layer module. The programmable module may be configured for receiving the signal, or at least part of the signal, from the physical layer module. The programmable module may be configured to provide signal filtering. The programmable module may be configured for providing a buffering effect for storing the signal, or at least part of the signal, thereby providing handling of overflow conditions. The programmable module may comprise a memory element to provide the buffering effect. The buffering effect may be a First-In-First-Out buffering effect. The programmable module may be connected or interconnected to the processing module. The programmable module may be configured for providing the signal, or at least part of the signal, to the processing module. The programmable module may be configured for providing error signalling to the processing module. The programmable module may be configured for providing data availability signalling to the processing module. The programmable module may be configured for providing data communication to the processing module. The programmable module may be configured for providing the signal, or at least a part of the signal, such as the decoded signal, to the processing module.

[0015] The apparatus comprises the processing module configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. Thus, in other words, the processing module may be configured for retrieving data from the signal for further processing or storage. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. In some embodiments, the extracted data may be bi-directional.Alternatively, the extracted data may be data, such as e.g. audio, transmitted from the host device to the peripheral device, or vice versa. The processing module may be a micro-processor. The processing module may be a Microcontroller (MCU) or comprised in an MCU. The processing module may be a General-Purpose Processor (CPU) or comprised in a CPU. The processing module may be a System-on-Chip (SoC) or comprised in a SoC. The person skilled in the art will know that “module” in the term “processing module” is not intended to be limiting.

[0016] The processing module is further configured for modifying the signal to follow the wireless protocol. In other words, the processing module may be configured for translating the signal from the wired protocol to the wireless protocol. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for modifying the signal to follow the wireless protocol. Thus, after this modification, the signal may be a wireless signal. The signal may be a wireless communication signal, such as a wireless communication technology signal. The wireless protocol may be a Bluetooth, WiFi, or Zigbee protocol. The processing module may be configured for providing the signal, or at least a part of the signal, such as the modified signal, to the wireless transmission module. The processing module may be configured for providing the signal following the wireless protocol to the wireless transmission module.

[0017] The apparatus comprises the wireless transmission module. The wireless transmission module may be a radio. The wireless transmission module may be a programmable radio, such as a Software defined radio (SDR). The wireless transmission module may be a transmitter. The wireless transmission module may be a transceiver.

[0018] The wireless transmission module is interconnected with the antenna. The antenna is configured for electromagnetic field emission. The antenna may be an RF antenna. The wireless transmission module is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol. The wireless transmission module may be configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol via the antenna. The transmission may be broadcast or point to point transmission. It is an advantage that the disclosed apparatus may provide broadcasting capabilities to existing solutions and devices without the need for changes or modifications to existing devices, systems and supporting software.The apparatus is configured for intercepting the signal, or at least a part of the signal, between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing. In other words, the interception of the signal between the host device and the peripheral device may be provided using high impedance sensing. Thus, the interception of the signal may be provided by only allowing a relatively small amount, or an insignificant amount, of current through, thereby reducing the amount of current drawn from the signal or from the host device. In other words, the interception of the signal between the host device and the peripheral device may be provided using a high impedance circuit or circuitry. The physical layer module may comprise the high impedance circuitry. The programmable module may comprise the high impedance circuitry. It is noted that “high impedance” in this context is an impedance that is several orders of magnitude larger than an impedance value of the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. For example, the impedance value of the signal between the host device and the peripheral device may be about 80-100 Ohm (Q), while the high impedance sensing used for intercepting the signal may be 1 mega-Ohm (MQ) or larger, such as 2 megaOhm, 3 mega-Ohm, etc. Other words for intercepting may be tapping, capturing, probing or passive monitoring, etc. In this disclosure, the term “intercepted” is used in connection with high impedance sensing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the wired protocol is a USB protocol. For example, the USB may be USB 1.x, USB 2.0, USB 3.x USB4 or any intermediate version. It is stressed that the provided examples of USB are not intended to be limiting as it is expected that the development of USB technology will continue to progress. The part of the signal that may be detected or intercepted, may be USB data lines, also known as D+ and D-. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the wireless protocol is a Bluetooth protocol. The Bluetooth may be Bluetooth classic or Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). It is stressed that the provided examples of Bluetooth are not intended to be limiting as it is expected that the development of Bluetooth technology will continue to progress.

[0020] In some embodiments, the programmable module is further configured for determining a speed of the USB protocol. The USB speed may be e.g. 1.5 Mbit / s, 480 Mbit / 2, 5 Gbit / s, 10 Gbit / s, 20 Gbit / s, etc. It is stressed that the provided examples of USB speed are not intended to be limiting as it is expected that the development of USB technology will continue to progress. The programmable module may be configured for configuring the physical layer module according to the determined speed.In some embodiments, the programmable module is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol. Thus, the programmable module may be configured for detecting the USB data lines. This detection may be provided independently from the detection provided by the physical layer module. Thus, in other words, the apparatus may be configured for detecting the wired signal between the host device and the peripheral device at two points or two instances. The programmable module may be configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol.

[0021] In some embodiments, the signal is an audio signal, such as a pulse code modulation (PCM) audio signal. The processing module may be configured for applying audio processing to the audio signal. The audio processing may comprise filtering, equalisation, time-domain processing, sample rate conversion, etc.

[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one first interface module. The at least one first interface module may be provided between the signal and the physical layer module. The at least one first interface module may be configured for amplifying the signal prior to it entering the physical layer module. Alternatively or additionally, the least one first interface module may be provided between the signal and the programmable module. In other words, if the programmable module is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol, at least one first interface module may be provided between the signal and the programmable module. The at least one first interface module may be configured for amplifying the signal prior to it entering the programmable module. However, it is envisioned that the at least one first interface module may be provided in or comprised in the physical layer module and the programmable module, respectively, rather than being provided between the signal and the physical layer module and the programmable module, respectively. The at least one first interface module may be a Low Voltage Differential Signal (LVDS) amplifier. The LVDS amplifier may be configured for being in a high impedance state, also known as tristate version. Thus, the at least one first interface module may provide the high impedance sensing for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device.In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one first interface module provided between the signal and the physical layer module or at least one first interface module comprised in the physical layer module. If the programmable module is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol, the apparatus may comprise at least one first interface module provided between the signal and the programmable module or at least one first interface module comprised in the programmable module. The apparatus may comprise one first interface module for each data line to be detected or intercepted. Thus, if both the physical device module and the programmable module are configured for detecting the signal using two USB data lines, the apparatus may comprise four first interface modules.

[0023] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a high impedance circuit or circuitry. The high impedance circuit or circuitry may be one or more high impedance circuit or circuitry. One high impedance circuit or circuitry may be provided or comprised in each module. The high impedance circuit or circuitry may be provided or comprised in the physical layer module. Additionally, another high impedance circuit or circuitry may be provided or comprised in the programmable module. Alternatively or additionally, the high impedance circuit or circuitry may be provided or comprised in the at least one first interface module - one high impedance circuit or circuitry may be provided or comprised in each module. For example, if the programmable module is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol, both the physical layer module and the programmable module may each comprise high impedance circuit or circuitry. If the apparatus comprises at least one first interface module, each of the at least one first interface module may comprise high impedance circuit or circuitry. It is an advantage that the high impedance circuit or circuitry may provide avoiding loading the signal lines because it may provide that a minimal amount of current is drawn and may thereby not affect the signal. It is an advantage that the high impedance circuit or circuitry may provide seamless interception.

[0024] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a second interface module provided between the physical layer module and the programmable module. The second interface module may for example be a USB 2.0 Transceiver Macrocell Interface (UTMI), UTMI+ Low Pin Interface (ULPI), or Physical Interface for PCI Express (PIPE) module. This is an advantage because the second interface module may provide efficient and reliable data transfer between the physical layer module and the programmable module.In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a third interface module provided between the programmable module and the processing module. The third interface module may be a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), such as a Quad SPI. The programmable module may be a SPI slave and the processing module may be a SPI master. This is an advantage because the third interface module may provide efficient and reliable data transfer between the programmable module and the processing module.

[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one switch configured for disconnecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for disconnecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The apparatus may also be configured for connecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The processor module may be further configured for controlling the at least one switch. The processing module may be configured for controlling the at least one switch for disconnecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device in response to a determination that the intercepted signal does not comprise enumeration. The processing module may be configured for controlling the at least one switch for re-connecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal between the host device and the peripheral device may comprise enumeration. The processing module may be configured for determining if the signal, such as the intercepted signal, comprises enumeration. The apparatus may be configured to be manually inserted between the host device and the peripheral device, such that the apparatus may be able to detect or intercept all of the signal, including enumeration, because the peripheral device may only receive power from the host device once the host device, apparatus and peripheral device are connected, with the apparatus provided between the host device and the peripheral device. However, if for some reason, the apparatus should detect that the signal does not comprise enumeration, the apparatus may disconnect the signal and then connect the signal gain. This is an advantage because it may provide that the signal, once connected again, comprises enumeration. Thus, in other words, this is an advantage because it may prove that the apparatus forces re-enumeration.

[0026] The processing module may be configured for decoding the enumeration before extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. In other words, the apparatusmay be configured for decoding the enumeration before extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol.

[0027] In some embodiments, the signal, such as the intercepted or detected signal, between the host device and the peripheral device signal is a differential signal. Thus, the signal may comprise two complementary signals. The physical layer module may be configured for converting the differential signal into a digital signal. In other words, the apparatus may be configured for converting the differential signal into a digital signal. The conversion may be provided using a Analog-to-Digital-Converter (ADC). Thus, the physical layer module may comprise an ADC.

[0028] In some embodiments, the signal comprises data packets and control packets. Decoding the signal following the wired protocol may comprise identifying the data packets and control packets. This decoding may be considered initial decoding and may be provided by the programmable device. The signal, such as the data packets, may comprise clock signals. The data packets may be audio packets. The data packets may comprise audio packets. The data packets may be video packets. The data packets may comprise video packets.

[0029] In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The decoding performed or provided by the processing module may be configured for supplementing the decoding performed by the programmable device. The decoding performed or provided by the processing device may comprise enumeration decoding as previously described. The decoding performed or provided by the processing device may comprise data packet decoding.

[0030] In some embodiments, two or more of the modules are comprised in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities of two or more of the modules may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. This is an advantage because it may provide that the apparatus is easier to manufacture. This is an advantage because it may provide that the apparatus is cheaper to manufacture. Thus, in some embodiments, the physical layer module is comprised in a same module or in a same physical component as one or more of the other modules. For example, in some embodiments, the physical layer module and the programmable module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, thefunctionalities as disclosed in relation to the physical layer module and the programmable module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.

[0031] In some embodiments, the programmable module is comprised in a same module or in a same physical component as one or more of the other modules. For example, in some embodiments, the programmable module and the processing module are provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the programmable module and the processing module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wireless transmission module is comprised in a same module or in a same physical component as one or more of the other modules. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless transmission module and the processing module are provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the wireless transmission module and the processing module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one first interface module is comprised in a same module or in a same physical component as one or more of the other modules. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one first interface module and the physical layer module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the at least one first interface module and the physical layer module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the at least one first interface module and the programmable module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the at least one first interface module and the programmable module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second interface module is comprised in a same module or in a same physical component as one or more of the other modules. For example, in some embodiments, the second interface module and the physical layer module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the second interface module and the physical layer module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second interface module and the programmable module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the second interface module and the programmable module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.

[0035] In some embodiments, the third interface module is comprised in a same module or in a same physical component as one or more of the other modules. For example, in some embodiments, the third interface module and the programmable module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the third interface module and the programmable module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the third interface module and the processing module may be provided in a same module or in a same physical component. In other words, the functionalities as disclosed in relation to the third interface module and the processing module may be provided by a same module or in a same physical component.

[0036] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a System-on-Chip (SoC). The processing module and the wireless transmission module may be comprised in the SoC. In some embodiments, the physical layer module is also comprised in the SoC. Additionally, in some embodiments, the programmable module is also comprised in the SoC. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first interface module may also be comprised in the SoC. Alternatively or additionally, the second interface module may also be comprised in the SoC. Alternatively or additionally, third interface module may also be comprised in the SoC. The SOC may comprise a processor, such as a CPU. The SOC may comprise one or more forms of memory, such as flash memory, random access memory (RAM), solid state or other programmable memory. The memory may be comprised in the CPU or as a separate hard drive or chip. The memory may be coupled or connected to the processor.

[0037] In some embodiments, the programmable module is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). This is an advantage because the FPGA may be cheaper than e.g. an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which is typically a custom-designed hardware circuit that is programmed for the specific task. Furthermore, it is an advantage that the FPGA may re-programmed if needed.In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured for being connected with the host device. The host device typically comprises one or more receptacles or female connectors. The apparatus may comprise a plug or a male connector. The apparatus may be further configured for being connected with the peripheral device. The apparatus may comprise a receptacle or a female connector. The apparatus may be provided between the host device and the peripheral device. This is an advantage because it may provide that the apparatus is easy to use.

[0038] In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a battery. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be configured for receiving power from a power supply. This is an advantage because the apparatus may then operate without drawing power from the signal between the host device and the peripheral device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured for receiving power from the host device. However, in this embodiment, the power may be supplied from an additional and different female connector of the host device, to ensure separation from the interception of the between the host device and the peripheral device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the apparatus is a portable apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a housing configured for housing the above disclosed modules.

[0041] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more types of security measures configured for preventing the wireless transmitted signal to be received by unintended external users. The one or more security measures may be a code required for accessing the wireless signal. The one or more security measures may be a proximity requirement to access the wireless signal.

[0042] Disclosed is a method for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device. The method comprises intercepting, using high impedance sensing, the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal follows a wired protocol. The method comprises decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The method comprises extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. The method comprises modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol. The method comprises wirelessly transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol.In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the method comprises determining the a speed of the USB protocol.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method comprises applying audio processing to the audio signal.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method comprises disconnecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method comprises determining if the intercepted signal comprises enumeration.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method comprises decoding the enumeration before extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method comprises converting the differential signal into a digital signal.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method comprises decoding the signal following the wired protocol.

[0051] Disclosed is a computer program comprising instructions to cause the apparatus of the above disclosure to execute the steps of the method according to the above disclosure.

[0052] Disclosed is a computer-readable medium having stored thereon the above disclosed computer program.

[0053] Disclosed is a system for enabling wireless transmission of wired signals, the system comprises a host device, a peripheral device, and the above disclosed apparatus.The present invention relates to different aspects including the apparatus, the method, the computer program, the computer-readable medium and the system, each providing one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the apparatus, and comprises one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the apparatus and / or disclosed in the appended claims or items.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0056] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus.

[0057] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary apparatus.

[0058] Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a system.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention nor as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0062] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 2. The apparatus 2 is for enabling wireless transmission of a signal (see figure 2) transmitted via a wire (not shown) between a host device (not shown) and a peripheral device (not shown). The apparatus 2 comprises a physical layer module 4 configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal follows a wired protocol. The apparatus 2 comprises aprogrammable module 6 configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The apparatus 2 comprises a processing module 8 configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. The processing module 8 is further configured for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol. The apparatus 2 comprises a wireless transmission module 10. The wireless transmission module 10 is interconnected with an antenna 12. The antenna 12 is configured for electromagnetic field emission. The wireless transmission module 10 is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol. The apparatus 2 is configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

[0063] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 2. The apparatus 2 is for enabling wireless transmission of a signal 3 transmitted via a wire (not shown) between a host device (not shown) and a peripheral device (not shown). The apparatus 2 comprises a physical layer module 4 configured for detecting the signal 3 between the host device and the peripheral device. The wired signal 3 follows a wired protocol. The apparatus 2 comprises a programmable module 6 configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The apparatus 2 comprises a processing module 8 configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol. The processing module 8 is further configured for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol. The apparatus 2 comprises a wireless transmission module 10. The wireless transmission module 10 is interconnected with an antenna 12. The antenna 12 is configured for electromagnetic field emission. The wireless transmission module 10 is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol. The apparatus 2 is configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

[0064] In figure 2, the wired protocol is a USB protocol. In figure 2, the wireless protocol is a Bluetooth protocol.

[0065] In figure 2, the programmable module 6 is further configured for determining a speed of the USB protocol. The programmable module 6 is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol. The programmable module 6 may be configured for configuring the physical layer module according to the determined speed.In some embodiments, the signal is an audio signal, such as a pulse code modulation audio signal. The processing module 8 may be configured for applying audio processing to the audio signal.

[0066] In figure 2, the signal 3 comprises two data lines and one power line.

[0067] In some embodiments, the apparatus 2 further comprises at least one first interface module 14 provided between the signal and the physical layer module 4 and / or the programmable module 6. The apparatus may comprise one first interface module for each data line to be detected or intercepted. Thus, in figure 2, because both the physical device module 4 and the programmable module 6 are configured for detecting the signal using two data lines, the apparatus 2 is shown to comprise four first interface modules 14. In the apparatus shown in figure 2, the first interface 14 modules are configured for amplifying the signal prior to it entering the physical layer module and the programmable module.

[0068] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a second interface module provided between the physical layer module and the programmable module. In some embodiments, two or more of the modules are comprised in a same module or in a same physical component. In figure 2, the apparatus further comprises a second interface module 16 and the programmable module 6 and the second interface module 16 are provided in a same module.

[0069] In some embodiments, the apparatus 2 further comprises a third interface module 18 provided between the programmable module and the processing module. In some embodiments, two or more of the modules are comprised in a same module or in a same physical component. In figure 2, the apparatus 2 further comprises a third interface module 18, and the processing module 8 and the third interface module 18 are provided in a same module. Furthermore, the wireless transmission module 10 is also comprised in the same module as the processing module 8 and the third interface module 18.

[0070] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a high impedance circuit or circuitry (not shown). In the apparatus 2 illustrated in figure 2, it is envisioned that a high impedance circuit or circuitry is comprised in each the four first interface module 14.In some embodiments, the apparatus 2 further comprises at least one switch 20 configured for disconnecting the signal 3, or at least a part of the signal, between the host device and the peripheral device. In figure 2, the apparatus 2 comprises three switches 20, one for each data lines and one for the power line. The processor module 8 is further configured for controlling the three switches 20. The signal 3 between the host device and the peripheral device may comprise enumeration. The processing module 8 may be configured for determining if the intercepted signal comprises enumeration. The processing module 8 may be configured for decoding the enumeration before extracting data from the signal 3 following the wired protocol.

[0071] In some embodiments, the intercepted signal 3 between the host device and the peripheral device signal is a differential signal. The physical layer module 4 may be configured for converting the differential signal into a digital signal.

[0072] In some embodiments, the signal 3 comprises data packets and control packets. Decoding the signal following the wired protocol may comprise identifying the data packets and control packets.

[0073] In some embodiments, the processing device 8 is further configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol. The decoding performed by the processing module 8 may be configured for supplementing the decoding performed by the programmable module 6.

[0074] In some embodiments, the apparatus 2 further comprises a system-on-chip (not shown).

[0075] In some embodiments, the programmable module 6 is a Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0076] In figure 2, the apparatus 2 is configured for receiving power from a power supply 22.

[0077] Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a system 100. The system 100 comprises an apparatus 200 according to the present disclosure, a host device 300, and a peripheral device 400. The system 100 is a system for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between the host device 300 and the peripheral device 400. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein the wired signal follows a USB protocol, and wherein the signal is an audio signal. As shown in the figure, the peripheraldevice 400 may be e.g. a speaker phone, a sound bar, a video conferencing device, a headset, etc. Thus, the signal may comprise audio. The signal may comprise video. As shown in the figure, the host device 300 may be a computer, a meeting room console, a smartphone, etc. The peripheral device 400 comprises a USB cable with a USB male connector 500. Without the apparatus 200 according to the present disclosure, the peripheral device 400 would typically be directly connected with the host device 300, which comprises a USB female connector (not shown). However, as illustrated in the figure, the apparatus 200 is configured for being connected with the host device 300. The apparatus 200 comprises a USB male connector 700. Furthermore, the apparatus 200 is further configured for being connected with the peripheral device 400. Hereby, the figure shows the apparatus 200 provided between the host device 300 and the peripheral device 400. When the apparatus 200 is provided between the host device 300 and the peripheral device 400, the apparatus enables wireless transmission, e.g. such as Bluetooth, of the USB signal transmitted via the wire between the host device 300 and the peripheral device 400 to one or more recipient devices 600. In the figure, the one or more recipient devices 600 are illustrated as hearing aids and a set of speakers.

[0078] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 1000. The method 1000 is a method for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device. The method 1000 comprises detecting 1100, using high impedance sensing, the signal between the host device and the peripheral device. The signal follows a wired protocol. The method 1000 comprises decoding 1200 the signal following the wired protocol. The method 1000 comprises extracting 1300 data from the signal following the wired protocol. The method comprises modifying 1400 the signal to follow a wireless protocol. The method 1000 comprises wirelessly transmitting 1500 the signal according to the wireless protocol.

[0079] Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive manner. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.LIST OF REFERENCES

[0080] 2, 200 Apparatus

[0081] 3 signal

[0082] 4 physical layer module

[0083] 6 programmable module

[0084] 8 processing module

[0085] 10 wireless transmission module

[0086] 12 antenna

[0087] 14 first interface module

[0088] 16 second interface module

[0089] 18 third interface module

[0090] 20 one or more switch

[0091] 22 power supply

[0092] 100 system

[0093] 300 host device

[0094] 400 peripheral device

[0095] 500 USB male connector of peripheral device 600 recipient device

[0096] 700 USB male connector of apparatus

[0097] 1000 method

[0098] 1100 detecting

[0099] 1200 decoding

[0100] 1300 extracting

[0101] 1400 modifying

[0102] 1500 wirelessly transmittingLIST OF ITEMS

[0103] 1. An apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the apparatus comprising:

[0104] • a physical layer module configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a wired protocol;

[0105] • a programmable module configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol;

[0106] • a processing module configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol, and wherein the processing module is further configured for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol; and • a wireless transmission module interconnected with an antenna configured for electromagnetic field emission, wherein the wireless transmission module is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol; and

[0107] wherein the apparatus is configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

[0108] 2. The apparatus according to item 1 , wherein the wired protocol is a USB protocol;

[0109] and / or wherein the wireless protocol is a Bluetooth protocol.

[0110] 3. The apparatus according to the preceding item, wherein the programmable module is further configured for determining a speed of the USB protocol; and wherein the programmable module is further configured for configuring the physical layer module according to the determined speed.

[0111] 4. The apparatus according to the preceding item, wherein the programmable module is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol.

[0112] 5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the signal is an audio signal, such as a pulse code modulation audio signal; and wherein the processing module is further configured for applying audio processing to the audio signal.6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one first interface module provided between the signal and the physical layer module and / or provided between the signal and the programmable module; and wherein the at least one first interface module is configured for amplifying the signal prior to it entering the physical layer module and / or the programmable module.

[0113] 7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus further comprises a high impedance circuit provided in the physical layer module and / or the programmable module and / or the at least one first interface module.

[0114] 8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second interface module provided between the physical layer module and the programmable module; and / or wherein the apparatus further comprises a third interface module provided between the programmable module and the processing module.

[0115] 9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one switch configured for disconnecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device; wherein the processor module is further configured for controlling the at least one switch; wherein the signal between the host device and the peripheral device comprises enumeration; wherein the processing module is configured for determining if the intercepted signal comprises enumeration; and wherein the processing module is configured for decoding the enumeration before extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol.

[0116] 10. A method for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the method comprising:

[0117] • intercepting, using high impedance sensing, the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a wired protocol;

[0118] • decoding the signal following the wired protocol;• extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol,

[0119] • modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol; and

[0120] • wirelessly transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol.

[0121] 11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the signal between the host device and the peripheral device signal is a differential signal; and wherein the physical layer module is configured for converting the differential signal into a digital signal.

[0122] 12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the signal comprises data packets and control packets; and wherein decoding the signal following the wired protocol comprises identifying the data packets and control packets.

[0123] 13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the processing device is further configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol; and wherein the decoding performed by the processing module is configured for supplementing the decoding performed by the programmable device.

[0124] 14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the physical layer module and / or the programmable module and / or the processing module and / or the wireless transmission module and / or the first interface module and / or the second interface module and / or the third interface module are comprised in a same module or in a same physical component.

[0125] 15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus further comprises a system-on-chip; and wherein the processing module and the wireless transmission module are comprised in the system-on- chip.

[0126] 16. The apparatus according to the preceding item, wherein the physical layer module is comprised in the system-on-chip.

[0127] 17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the programmable module is a Field Programmable Gate Array.18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus is configured for being connected with the host device; and wherein the apparatus is further configured for being connected with the peripheral device, such that the apparatus is provided between the host device and the peripheral device.

[0128] 19. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the apparatus further comprises a battery, or wherein the apparatus is configured for receiving power from a power supply.

[0129] 20. A method in the device according to any one of the preceding items, the method comprising:

[0130] • intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a wired protocol;

[0131] • decoding the signal following the wired protocol;

[0132] • extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol,

[0133] • modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol; and

[0134] • wirelessly transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol.

[0135] 21. A method for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the method comprising:

[0136] • intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a wired protocol;

[0137] • decoding the signal following the wired protocol;

[0138] • extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol,

[0139] • modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol; and

[0140] • wirelessly transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol.

[0141] 22. A computer program comprising instructions to cause the apparatus of any one of the preceding items to execute the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding items.

[0142] 23. A computer-readable medium having store thereon the computer program of the preceding item.An apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the apparatus comprising means adapted to execute the steps of the method of any one of the preceding items.

[0143] An apparatus comprising:

[0144] • a physical layer module;

[0145] • a programmable module;

[0146] • a processing module; and

[0147] • a wireless transmission module interconnected with an antenna.

[0148] A system for enabling wireless transmission of wired signals, the system comprising:

[0149] • a host device;

[0150] • a peripheral device; and

[0151] • the apparatus according to any one of the preceding items.

[0152] An apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the apparatus comprising:

[0153] • a physical layer circuitry for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a USB protocol; • a Field Programmable Gate Array for decoding the signal following the USB protocol;

[0154] • a processor for extracting data from the signal following the USB protocol, and wherein the processing module is also for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol, wherein the wireless protocol is a Bluetooth protocol; and

[0155] • a wireless transmitter interconnected with an RF antenna for electromagnetic field emission, wherein the wireless transmitter is for transmitting the signal according to the Bluetooth protocol; and wherein the apparatus is for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

Claims

26CLAIMS1. An apparatus for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the apparatus comprising:• a physical layer module configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a wired protocol;• a programmable module configured for decoding the signal following the wired protocol;• a processing module configured for extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol, and wherein the processing module is further configured for modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol; and • a wireless transmission module interconnected with an antenna configured for electromagnetic field emission, wherein the wireless transmission module is configured for transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol; andwherein the apparatus is configured for intercepting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device using high impedance sensing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the wired protocol is a USB protocol;and / or wherein the wireless protocol is a Bluetooth protocol.

3. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the programmable module is further configured for determining a speed of the USB protocol; and wherein the programmable module is further configured for configuring the physical layer module according to the determined speed.

4. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the programmable module is configured for detecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device to determine the speed of the USB protocol.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal is an audio signal, such as a pulse code modulation audio signal; and wherein the processing module is further configured for applying audio processing to the audio signal.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one first interface module provided between the signal and the physical layer module and / or provided between the signal and the programmable module; and wherein the at least one first interface module is configured for amplifying the signal prior to it entering the physical layer module and / or the programmable module.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises a high impedance circuit provided in the physical layer module and / or the programmable module and / or the at least one first interface module.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second interface module provided between the physical layer module and the programmable module; and / or wherein the apparatus further comprises a third interface module provided between the programmable module and the processing module.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one switch configured for disconnecting the signal between the host device and the peripheral device; wherein the processor module is further configured for controlling the at least one switch; wherein the signal between the host device and the peripheral device comprises enumeration; wherein the processing module is configured for determining if the intercepted signal comprises enumeration; and wherein the processing module is configured for decoding the enumeration before extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol.

10. A method for enabling wireless transmission of a signal transmitted via a wire between a host device and a peripheral device, the method comprising:• intercepting, using high impedance sensing, the signal between the host device and the peripheral device, wherein the signal follows a wired protocol;• decoding the signal following the wired protocol;• extracting data from the signal following the wired protocol,• modifying the signal to follow a wireless protocol; and• wirelessly transmitting the signal according to the wireless protocol.

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