Method and apparatus for distributing data in a short-range wireless communication system

Abstract

A short-range communication system, such as a Bluetooth communication system, is provided that provides for a source communication device to multiplex data packets that are intended for different sink communication devices of multiple sink communication devices into a single stream that is broadcast to all of the multiple sink communication devices, and for each of the multiple sink communication devices to decode only the data packets intended for that sink communication device. Further, the communication system provides for a first sink communication device of the multiple sink communication devices to negotiate connection parameters associated the broadcast and to convey the negotiated connection parameters to a second sink communication device of the multiple sink communication devices, as opposed to each sink communication device setting up its own connection with the source communication device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to short-range wireless communication systems, such as Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Network communication systems, and in particular to wireless distribution of data to multiple sink communication devices in a short-range wireless communication systemBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]With the advent of wireless communications, short range wireless systems have been developed that allow an audio source, such as a Bluetooth-enabled cellular telephone or music player, to wirelessly transmit music to multiple audio sinks, such as desktop speakers or speakers of a Bluetooth headset. However, such speakers typically require a wired connection between the left and right speakers, which limits the industrial design of a system and limits the comfort of a headset. In addition, in surround sound systems that may employ up to five or more speakers, speaker wires must be run from the audio source to each speaker, which can ...

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Problems solved by technology

However, such speakers typically require a wired connection between the left and right speakers, which limits the industrial design of a system and limits the comfort of a headset.

In addition, in surround sound systems that may employ up to five or more speakers, speaker wires must be run from the audio source to each speaker, which can be inconvenient and unsightly.

However, this daisy chain solution introduces a latency issue between speakers that requires tuning during system design and set up.

In addition, the daisy chain solution creates synchronization problems when media is being watched on the audio source, for example, a cell phone, while the audio is wirelessly transferred to the speakers.

However, this is a cumbersome and expensive solution to the problem.

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