Point-to-Multipoint TWS Audio via Synchronized BLE CIS Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Bluetooth technologies, such as BR/EDR and BLE, fail to support synchronous point-to-multipoint audio data transmission between left and right earbuds of true wireless stereo (TWS) headsets, leading to asynchronous playback of audio data.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an isochronous channel (ISO) in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) that allows multiple connected isochronous streams (CIS) within a connected isochronous group (CIG) to share a common synchronization and presentation point, enabling synchronized audio data transmission through serial, interleaved, or joint scheduling methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If BR/EDR technology is used for point-to-point audio transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but point-to-multipoint capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidpoint-to-multipoint capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the audio transmission into multiple independent point-to-point channels (first audio channel to left earbud, second audio channel to right earbud) within a single CIG framework. Each channel maintains reliable point-to-point transmission characteristics while collectively enabling point-to-multipoint capability through shared synchronization resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If BLE broadcasting is used for point-to-multipoint transmission, then versatility is improved, but synchronization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepoint-to-multipoint capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a CIG (Connected Isochronous Group) as an intermediary structure that coordinates multiple CIS (Connected Isochronous Streams) to left and right earbuds. The CIG maintains a unified presentation point that serves as a synchronization mediator, ensuring precise timing across all audio channels while enabling point-to-multipoint transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If separate audio channels are established for left and right earbuds, then transmission reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of multiple audio channels under a single CIG structure. Instead of independently managing separate synchronization systems for left and right earbuds, the CIG consolidates synchronization resources and presents a unified timing reference, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable transmission through dedicated CIS channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3879848B1Point-to-multipoint data transmission method, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3879848B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3879848B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3879848B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A point-to-multipoint data transmission method and an electronic device (100) are provided, so that left and right earbuds (201-1 and 201-2) of a TWS headset (201) can synchronously play audio data. A specific solution includes: The electronic device (100) may separately transmit audio data to the first earbud and the second earbud through two CISs (for example, a first CIS and a second CIS) of a same CIG (for example, a first CIG). The two CISs in the same CIG share a CIG presentation point of the CIG. The CIG presentation point is a time point at which the first earbud and the second earbud play the audio data. The electronic device transmits the audio data to the first earbud through the first CIS from an anchor point of the first CIS, and transmits the audio data to the second earbud through the second CIS from an anchor point of the second CIS.