KR20240155682A - Electronic device for determining bluetooth communication time and method for operation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A first electronic device including a communication circuit and at least one processor is disclosed. The at least one processor is configured to establish a communication link with a second electronic device, determine first information associated with a first time at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device, obtain second information associated with a second time at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device, determine a third time for the communication link based on the first time and the second time, and communicate with the second electronic device through the communication link using the third time.

Description

{ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR DETERMINING BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATION TIME AND METHOD FOR OPERATION THEREOF}

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for determining a Bluetooth communication time and a method of operating the same.

Bluetooth communication technology can provide a short-range wireless communication technology that allows electronic devices to be connected to each other for the exchange of data or information. Bluetooth communication technology can include Bluetooth legacy (or classic) communication technology or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication technology, and can have various connection type topologies such as a piconet or a scatternet.

Recently, electronic devices utilizing Bluetooth communication technology have been widely used. For example, a pair of ear buds that can be worn on each ear of a user have been widely used as ear-wearable devices. The ear-wearable device can provide various functions. For example, the ear-wearable device can identify the user's voice by including a microphone, and can transmit data about the user's voice to an electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) through the microphone. In addition, the ear-wearable device can include a speaker, and can output audio data received from an electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) through the speaker.

The wearable device may include a primary earbud (e.g., a right earbud) and a secondary earbud (e.g., a left earbud) that can be connected to an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone). The primary earbud can transmit audio data to the electronic device through a connection with the electronic device, and the electronic device can transmit audio data (or audio content) to the primary earbud. The primary earbud can transmit audio data (or audio content) received from the electronic device through wireless communication to the secondary earbud, and output the audio data through a speaker. The secondary earbud can be synchronized with the primary earbud and output audio data received from the primary earbud or the electronic device through the speaker.

The primary earbud and the secondary earbud (hereinafter referred to as “earbuds”) may be connected to each other based on Bluetooth communication to perform the above-described operations. To this end, the earbuds may perform pairing including inquiry and/or inquiry scan, or BLE advertising and/or BLE scan.

BLE advertising may refer to an action of periodically broadcasting advertising packets on an advertising physical channel, and BLE scanning may refer to an action of monitoring the reception of advertising packets.

An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to embodiments of the present disclosure can receive audio data transmitted from a source electronic device.

An electronic device and its operating method according to embodiments of the present disclosure can negotiate and change a time for communication with an external electronic device receiving an audio service.

A first electronic device according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit and at least one processor functionally connected to the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to establish a communication link with a second electronic device via the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to determine first information associated with a first time at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to obtain second information associated with a second time at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a third time for the communication link based on the first time and the second time. The at least one processor may be configured to communicate with the second electronic device via the communication link using the third time.

An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a wireless communication module, and at least one processor functionally connected to the wireless communication module. The at least one processor may be configured to establish at least one communication link with at least one external electronic device via the wireless communication module. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a first time at which the at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device (2410). The at least one processor may be configured to determine whether the first time conflicts with a second time (3612, 3614) at which the electronic device communicates with the at least one external electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to determine operation information indicating a third time set for the at least one communication link so as not to at least partially overlap the first time if the first time conflicts with the second time. The at least one processor may be configured to transmit the operation information to the at least one external electronic device via the wireless communication module.

A method of operating a first electronic device according to one embodiment may include establishing a communication link with a second electronic device. The method may include determining first information associated with a first time at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device. The method may include obtaining second information associated with a second time at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device. The method may include determining a third time for the communication link based on the first time and the second time. The method may include communicating with the second electronic device over the communication link using the third time.

A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include establishing at least one communication link with at least one external electronic device. The method may include determining a first time at which the at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device. The method may include determining whether the first time conflicts with a second time at which the electronic device communicates with the at least one external electronic device. The method may include determining operating information indicating a third time set for the at least one communication link so as not to at least partially overlap with the first time if the first time conflicts with the second time. The method may include transmitting the operating information to the at least one external electronic device.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to: establish a first communication link with a second electronic device, determine first information associated with a first time at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device, obtain second information associated with a second time at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device, determine a third time for the communication link based on the first time and the second time, and configure the electronic device to communicate with the second electronic device over the communication link using the third time.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to: establish at least one communication link with at least one external electronic device, determine a first time at which the at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device, determine whether the first time conflicts with a second time at which the electronic device communicates with the at least one external electronic device, determine operational information indicating a third time set for the at least one communication link so as not to at least partially overlap with the first time if the first time conflicts with the second time, and transmit the operational information to the at least one external electronic device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection between electronic devices based on short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an electronic device supporting short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a Bluetooth LE (BLE) scan operation according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram showing an example of an operation procedure for establishing a CIS according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of CIS parameters set for CIS communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a time diagram illustrating an example of CIS communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CIS event according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings for explaining examples of CIS transmission according to one embodiment.
FIG. 11 illustrates a signal flow diagram for describing a procedure for synchronizing to a broadcast isochronous group (BIG) according to one embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining BIG parameters according to one embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a BIG event and a BIS event according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are diagrams illustrating retransmission of BIS data packets according to one embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the timing of Bluetooth communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining time reallocation of bridge communication and audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for adjusting time for bridge communication so as not to collide with audio communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a topology of a CIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 21 illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining an operation of negotiating bridge communication time considering CIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for avoiding collision during CIS operation according to one embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for adjusting bridge communication time considering CIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a topology for a BIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a topology for an assistant-based BIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 26 illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining an operation of negotiating bridge communication time considering BIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for avoiding collision during BIS operation according to one embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for adjusting bridge communication time considering BIS audio service according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 29 and 30 are diagrams for explaining establishment of CIS links according to one embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a CIS link according to one embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining time intervals of a CIS link according to one embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an operation of applying a new time by considering audio communication time according to one embodiment.
FIG. 34 illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining bridge communication considering BIS reception time according to one embodiment.
Figure 35 is a diagram for explaining time intervals of BIG according to one embodiment.
FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing the operation information of a second communication link and a third communication link according to one embodiment.
FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining an example of determining a collision of BIS audio according to one embodiment.
FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining an example of avoiding collision of BIS audio according to one embodiment.
FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for changing a communication time considering a BIS audio service according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of an electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a nonvolatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display module (160), the sensor module (176), or the communication module (190)), for example, while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) on which artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or nonvolatile memory (134).

The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output module (155) can output an audio signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part thereof.

The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) can include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can obtain sound through an input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

The sensor module (176) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery (189) can power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) can include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (190) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102), the electronic device (104), or the server (108)), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199).

The wireless communication module (192) can support a 5G network and next-generation communication technology after a 4G network, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in an electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., a second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and the external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC positioned on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) positioned on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above components may be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

In one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an IoT (Internet of Things) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199). The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection between electronic devices based on short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, an external electronic device (102) (e.g., an ear-wearable device) may be wirelessly connected to an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (102) is a true wireless stereo (TWS) device, such as a binaural detachable ear-wearable device, and may include at least one of a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a left ear bud) and a second electronic device (204) (e.g., a right ear bud).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) are illustrated as a pair of earbuds, but the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may include any device capable of operating as a pair, not just earbuds. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be implemented to include identical or similar components.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may establish a connection (e.g., a communication link) with at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204), and transmit and/or receive data therefrom. For example, the electronic device (101) may establish a communication link with at least one of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) based on a short-range wireless communication technology such as at least one of a Wi-Fi method, a Bluetooth method (e.g., Bluetooth classic or Bluetooth low energy (BLE)), or an ultra wideband (UWB) method, but the method by which the electronic device (101) establishes a communication link with the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) is not limited to at least one of a Wi-Fi method, a Bluetooth method, or a UWB method.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may establish a communication link with only one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204), or may establish separate communication links with each of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can operate as a central (or, master, primary, or main) and an external electronic device (102) (e.g., at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204)) can operate as a peripheral (or, slave or secondary). The electronic device (101) operating as a central can transmit data to the external electronic device (102) operating as a peripheral (e.g., the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204)). For example, when the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) establish a communication link with each other, the electronic device (101) can be selected as a central and the first electronic device (202) can be selected as a peripheral. For audio services, an electronic device (101) operating as a central device may be a source electronic device, and an electronic device (e.g., a first electronic device (202) or a second electronic device (204)) operating as a peripheral device may be a sink electronic device.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may establish a communication link between each other based on at least one of a Wi-Fi method, a Bluetooth method, or a UWB method, but the method by which the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) establish the communication link is not limited to at least one of a Wi-Fi method, a Bluetooth method, or a UWB method.

In one embodiment, one of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can operate as a central (or primary device) and the other can operate as a peripheral (or secondary device). The electronic device operating as a central (e.g., the first electronic device (202)) can transmit data (e.g., a reception acknowledgement signal or relay data) to the electronic device operating as a peripheral (e.g., the second electronic device (204)). For example, when the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) establish a communication link with each other, one of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can be randomly selected as the central and the other can be selected as the peripheral.

The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may communicate directly or indirectly with an external electronic device (250). In one embodiment, the external electronic device (250) may be an ear buds case device or a cradle device that stores and charges the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204).

According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (250) can establish a connection (e.g., a communication link) with at least one of the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204), and transmit and/or receive data therefrom. For example, the external electronic device (250) can establish a communication link with at least one of the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204) based on a Wi-Fi method, a Bluetooth method (e.g., Bluetooth classic or Bluetooth low energy (BLE)), or an UWB method, but the method by which the external electronic device (250) establishes a communication link with the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204) is not limited to at least one of the Wi-Fi method, the Bluetooth method, or the UWB method.

FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an external electronic device supporting short-range wireless communication according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) can be wirelessly connected to the electronic devices (202, 204). The electronic device (101) can be implemented as, for example, a smart phone, and may also be implemented as various types of devices (e.g., a notebook computer including a standard notebook, an ultrabook, a netbook, and a tabbook, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a desktop computer) without being limited to those described and/or illustrated. The electronic device (101) can be implemented as illustrated in FIG. 1, and thus can include at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 (e.g., various modules), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted.

The electronic devices (202, 204) may be implemented as wireless earbuds, but may also be implemented as various types of devices (e.g., smart watches, head-mounted display devices, devices for measuring biosignals (e.g., electrocardiogram patches)) that support the audio services described below without being limited to those described and/or illustrated. According to one embodiment, when the electronic devices (202, 204) are wireless earbuds, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be a pair of devices (e.g., a left earbud and a right earbud). According to one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be implemented to include identical or similar configurations.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with at least one of the electronic devices (202, 204) and transmit and/or receive data to each other. For example, each of the electronic devices (202, 204) may establish a communication connection with the electronic device (101) using D2D (device to device) communication such as Wi-Fi direct or Bluetooth (e.g., using a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (320)) that supports the corresponding communication method), but is not limited thereto and may communicate with each other using various types of communication (e.g., a communication method such as Wi-Fi using an access point (AP), a cellular communication method using a base station, or a wired communication method).

In one embodiment, one of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be a primary device (or a master device or a main device) and the other may be a secondary device (or a slave device or a sub device), and the primary device (or the main device) may transmit data to the secondary device. For example, when the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) establish a communication connection with each other, one of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be randomly selected as the primary device and the other may be selected as the secondary device. In one embodiment, when the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) establish a communication connection with each other, a device that detects that it is worn on a human body first (e.g., a sensor for detecting wearing (e.g., a proximity sensor, a touch sensor, a 6-axis tilt sensor, or a 9-axis sensor) detects a value indicating that it is worn) may be selected as a primary device, and the remaining devices may be selected as secondary devices.

In one embodiment, the primary device can transmit data received from the electronic device (101) to the secondary device. For example, the first electronic device (202), which is the primary device, can output audio to the speaker (354) based on audio data received from the electronic device (101), and transmit the audio data to the second electronic device (204), which is the secondary device. In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204), which is the secondary device, can receive audio data transmitted from the electronic device (101) to the primary device (e.g., the first electronic device (202)) through sniffing, based on connection information provided from the primary device (e.g., the first electronic device (202)).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202), which is a primary device, may transmit data (e.g., audio data or response data) received from the second electronic device (204), which is a secondary device, to the electronic device (101). For example, when a touch event occurs in the second electronic device (204), which is a secondary device, control data including information about the generated touch event may be transmitted by the first electronic device (202), which is a primary device, to the electronic device (101). However, without being limited to what has been described, as described above, the secondary device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)) and the electronic device (101) establish a communication connection with each other, and thus, transmission and/or reception of data may be directly performed between the secondary device and the electronic device (101).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may include components identical to or similar to at least one of the components (e.g., modules) of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1. The first electronic device (202) may include a processor (310) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a communication circuit (320) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1), an input device (330) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1), a sensor (340) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), an audio processing module (350) (e.g., the audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a power management module (360) (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 1), a battery (370) (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1), an interface (380) (e.g., the interface (177) of FIG. 1), and a memory (390) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1).

According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (320) may include at least one of a wireless communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth communication module, a cellular communication module, a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication module, a near field communication (NFC) communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication (PLC) communication module). The Bluetooth communication module may support at least one communication connection (e.g., a communication link) by, for example, Bluetooth legacy communication (e.g., Bluetooth classic) and/or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication.

The communication circuit (320) can communicate directly or indirectly with at least one of an electronic device (101) (e.g., a smart phone), an external electronic device (250) (e.g., a charging device such as a cradle), or a second electronic device (204) (e.g., a secondary earbud) through a first network (e.g., the first network (198) of FIG. 1) using at least one communication module included therein. The second electronic device (204) can be configured as a pair with the first electronic device (202). The communication circuit (320) can include a transmitting circuit and a receiving circuit configured to support communication with the electronic device (101) and/or the external electronic device (250). The communication circuit (320) can operate independently of the processor (310) and can include one or more communication processors that support wired or wireless communication.

According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (320) may be connected to one or more antennas capable of transmitting or receiving signals or information to or from another electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101), the second electronic device (204), or the external electronic device (250) (e.g., the cradle device). According to one embodiment, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (e.g., the first network (198) of FIG. 1) or a second network (e.g., the second network (199) of FIG. 2), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication circuit (320). The signal or information may be transmitted or received between the communication circuit (320) and the other electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

According to one embodiment, the input device (330) may be configured to generate various input signals that may be used in the operation of the first electronic device (202). The input device (330) may include at least one of a touch pad, a touch panel, or a button.

In one embodiment, the input device (330) can generate a user input regarding turning the first electronic device (202) on or off. In one embodiment, the input device (330) can receive a user input for a communication connection between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the input device (330) can receive a user input associated with audio data (or audio content). For example, the user input can be associated with a function of starting playback, pausing playback, stopping playback, controlling playback speed, controlling playback volume, or muting audio data.

According to one embodiment, the sensor (340) can measure or confirm the position or operating state of the first electronic device (202). The sensor (340) can convert the measured or confirmed information into an electrical signal. The sensor (340) can include, for example, at least one of a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a biometric sensor, or an optical sensor.

According to one embodiment, the processor (310) may detect data (e.g., audio data) from data packets (e.g., protocol datagram units (PDUs)) received from the electronic device (101), process the detected data through the audio processing module (350), and output the data to the speaker (354). The audio processing module (350) may support an audio data collection function and may play the collected audio data.

According to one embodiment, the audio processing module (350) may include an audio decoder (not shown) and a D/A converter (not shown). The audio decoder may convert audio data stored in the memory (390) or received from the electronic device (101) through the communication circuit (320) into a digital audio signal. The D/A converter may convert the digital audio signal converted by the audio decoder into an analog audio signal. According to one embodiment, the audio decoder may convert audio data received from the electronic device (101) through the communication circuit (320) and stored in the memory (390) into a digital audio signal. The speaker (354) may output the analog audio signal converted by the D/A converter.

According to one embodiment, the audio processing module (350) may include an A/D converter (not shown). The A/D converter may convert an analog voice signal transmitted through a microphone (352) (hereinafter referred to as a microphone) into a digital voice signal. The microphone (352) may include at least one air conduction microphone and/or at least one bone conduction microphone for detecting voice and/or sound.

According to one embodiment, the audio processing module (350) can reproduce various audio data set in the operating operation of the first electronic device (202). For example, the processor (310) can be designed to detect that the first electronic device (202) is coupled to or separated from the user's ear through the sensor (340), and reproduce audio data related to sound effects or guidance sounds through the audio processing module (350). The output of the sound effects or guidance sounds can be omitted depending on the user's settings or the designer's intention.

According to one embodiment, the memory (390) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (310) or the sensor (340)) of the first electronic device (202). The data can include, for example, input data or output data for software and instructions related thereto. The memory (390) can include volatile memory or nonvolatile memory.

According to one embodiment, the power management module (360) can manage power supplied to the first electronic device (202). According to one embodiment, the power management module (360) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). According to one embodiment, the power management module (360) can include a battery charging module. According to one embodiment, when another electronic device (e.g., one of the electronic device (101), the second electronic device (204), or another electronic device) is electrically connected (wirelessly or wired) to the first electronic device (202), the power management module (360) can receive power from the other electronic device and charge the battery (370).

In one embodiment, the battery (370) can power at least one component of the first electronic device (202). The battery (370) can include, for example, a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, when the first electronic device (202) is mounted within a cradle device (e.g., external electronic device (250)), the first electronic device (202) can charge the battery (370) to a specified charge level and then turn on power to the first electronic device (202) or turn on at least a portion of the communication circuitry (320).

According to one embodiment, the interface (380) can support one or more designated protocols that can be used to directly (e.g., wired) connect the first electronic device (202) to the electronic device (101), the second electronic device (204), the cradle device (e.g., the external electronic device (250)), or another electronic device. The interface (380) can include, for example, at least one of a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a USB interface, an SD card interface, a power line communication (PLC) interface, or an audio interface. According to one embodiment, the interface (380) can include at least one connection port for establishing a physical connection with the cradle device (e.g., the external electronic device (250)).

In one embodiment, the processor (310) may execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the first electronic device (202) coupled to the processor (310) and perform various data processing or calculations. In one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (310) may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor (340) or a communication circuit (320)) into the volatile memory (390), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (390), and store the resulting data in the nonvolatile memory.

According to one embodiment, the processor (310) may establish a communication connection with the electronic device (101) through the communication circuit (320), and may receive data (e.g., audio data) from the electronic device (101) through the established communication connection. According to one embodiment, the processor (310) may transmit data received from the electronic device (101) through the communication circuit (320) to the second electronic device (204). According to one embodiment, the processor (310) may perform operations of the first electronic device (202) to be described below. According to one embodiment, the processor (310) may include a physical layer, a link layer, a host, and an application layer for performing Bluetooth communication.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first electronic device (202) may further include various modules depending on its provision form. Although the modifications are so diverse in accordance with the convergence trend of digital devices that they cannot all be listed, components equivalent to the above-mentioned components may be additionally included in the first electronic device (202). In addition, it goes without saying that the first electronic device (202) according to various embodiments may exclude certain components from the above-mentioned components or be replaced with other components depending on its provision form. This will be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

According to various embodiments, a second electronic device (204) configured as a pair with a first electronic device (202) may include components identical to or similar to those included in the first electronic device (202) and may perform all or part of the operations of the first electronic device (202) described in the drawings described below.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can discover at least one of the electronic devices (202, 204) through a BLE scan and establish a BLE connection with the discovered device. At least one of the electronic devices (202, 204) can perform BLE advertising so that it can be discovered by the electronic device (101) and establish a BLE connection with the electronic device (101).

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a Bluetooth LE (BLE) scan operation according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may start performing a scan operation to search for surrounding Bluetooth devices based on BLE according to operation 414. In operation 412, the first electronic device (202) may periodically transmit (e.g., multicast or broadcast) an advertising packet (“ADV”) so as to be discovered by surrounding Bluetooth devices based on BLE. In one embodiment, the advertising packet may include advertising data (e.g., periodic advertising PDU: PA data), and the advertising data may provide information related to a connection or account (e.g., pairing) with the first electronic device (202) to unspecified surrounding electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device (101)). In one embodiment, the advertising packet may include at least one of identification information of the first electronic device (202), account information of the user, information about whether the first electronic device (202) is paired with another electronic device (not shown), a list of devices with which the first electronic device (202) has previously been paired, information about devices that can be paired simultaneously, and information about transmission power, detection area, or remaining battery level.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may initiate an operation of transmitting an advertising packet in response to a user input, for example, for a pairing request. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may be stored in a cradle device (e.g., a third external electronic device (250)) and may initiate transmission of the advertising packet when the cradle device is opened or removed from the cradle device while stored in the cradle device. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit the advertising packet based on a specified condition. In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may initiate transmission of the advertising packet when power is supplied, or based on at least one of a specified time period.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive at least one of the advertising packets broadcast from the first electronic device (202) and output a user interface for connection with the first electronic device (202) on a display. The electronic device (101) may provide the user interface according to various conditions based on information included in the received advertising packet. As an example, the user interface may include at least one of an image corresponding to the first electronic device (202), a user account, transmission power, or remaining battery level.

In operation 416, the electronic device (101) may transmit a scan request packet (e.g., Scan_req) corresponding to the advertising packet received from the first electronic device (202) to the first electronic device (202). In operation 418, the first electronic device (202) may transmit a scan response packet (e.g., Scan_rsp) corresponding to the scan request packet to the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, during and after the scan request packet of operation 416 and the scan response packet of operation 418 are exchanged, the first electronic device (202) may continue to periodically transmit the advertising packet in operation 420.

At operation 422, the electronic device (101) may generate a scan result (e.g., including a received signal strength indicator (RSSI)) upon reception of the scan response packet. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may terminate the scan operation upon reception of the scan response packet at operation 424. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may continue to perform the scan operation. At operation 426, the electronic device (101) may establish a BLE-based communication link (e.g., an asynchronous connection-less (ACL) link) with the first electronic device (202). In one embodiment, operation 426 may include transmitting a CONNECT_IND packet and a first data packet.

A BLE communication link may include multiple LE physical channels, each of which may be optimized for different purposes, for example, an LE piconet physical channel, an LE advertising physical channel, an advertising periodic physical channel, and an LE isochronous physical channel. The LE piconet physical channel is used for communication between connected devices and may be associated with a specific piconet. The LE advertising physical channel may be used to broadcast advertisements to Bluetooth devices. The advertisements may be used to discover, connect, or send user data to a peer electronic device. The advertising periodic physical channel may be used to transmit user data to a peer electronic device at a specific interval via periodic advertisements. The LE isochronous physical channel may be used to transfer isochronous data between Bluetooth devices within an LE piconet, or to transfer isochronous data between unconnected Bluetooth devices.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204)) may support an audio service via a connected isochronous stream (CIS) method and/or a broadcast isochronous stream (BIS) method based on Bluetooth communication technology.

CIS may refer to a logical transport that enables electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204)) to transmit isochronous data in any direction. The CIS may carry fixed or variable sized data (e.g., CIS data packets), and each CIS link may be associated with an ACL link. The CIS link may support transmission of variable sized packets and one or more packets at each isochronous event, and may support various data rates. Data traffic over the CIS link may be unidirectional or bidirectional, and an acknowledgement protocol may be used to enhance the reliability of data transmission over the CIS link.

FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram showing an example of an operation procedure for establishing a CIS according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, at operation 500, an electronic device (e.g., a CIS source electronic device or electronic device (101)) may have a BLE connection (e.g., an ACL link or a second communication link (2012)) with a counterpart electronic device (e.g., a CIS sink electronic device or a first electronic device (202)). At operation 510, the electronic device (101) may transmit a link layer CIS request message (e.g., an LL_CIS_REQ packet) including CIS parameters (e.g., control data (600) of FIG. 6) defining a CIS link (e.g., the first CIS link (2022)) to the first electronic device (202). At operation 512, the electronic device (101) may receive a link layer CIS response message (e.g., an LL_CIS_RSP packet) from the first electronic device (202). In operation 514, the electronic device (101) may transmit a link layer CIS indication message (e.g., an LL_CIS_IND packet) to the first electronic device (202).

In operations 516, 518, and 520, the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) can confirm establishment of a CIS link by exchanging one or more CIS null packets (e.g., protocol data units (PDUs)). In operation 522, the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) can communicate CIS data PDUs over the CIS link.

In BLE, CIS can mean a logical transmission capable of transmitting isochronous data in either direction between electronic devices that create a communication link. CIS can transmit fixed data sizes as well as variable data sizes, and can be used for both framed data and unframed data. A schedule of time slots known as events and sub-events can be set for each CIS. CIS can control the data rate by transmitting variable size packets and one or more packets in each isochronous event. Data traffic on a CIS link can be transmitted unidirectionally or bidirectionally between devices, and can include an acknowledgment (ACK) protocol to improve the reliability of packet transmission.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of CIS parameters set for CIS communication according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, parameters used in CIS communication (e.g., referred to as CIS parameters) can be provided to a counterpart electronic device (e.g., a first electronic device (202)) through control data (600) included in LL_CIS_REQ of operation 510. In one embodiment, an electronic device (101) operating as a master role (or a central device) can allocate a CIS_ID for CIS communication, and the CIS_ID can be shared with the first electronic device (202) operating as a slave role (or a peripheral device) through a link layer message (e.g., LL_CIS_REQ).

In one embodiment, the control data (600) includes a CIG_ID identifying a CIG (CIS group) (e.g., CIG (510)), a CIS_ID identifying a CIS link (e.g., a first CIS link (2022)), a parameter indicating a master-slave physical layer transmission method (hereinafter referred to as PHY) (e.g., including PHY_M_To_S and PHY_S_To_M), a Max_SDU parameter indicating a maximum size of an SDU (service data unit) (e.g., including Max_SDU_M_To_S and Max_SDU_S_To_M), at least one RFU (reserved for future use) field, a Framed field, an SDU_Interval parameter (e.g., including SDU_Interval_M_to_S and SDU_Interval_S_to_M), a Max_PDU parameter indicating a maximum PDU size (e.g., including Max_PDU_M_To_S and Max_PDU_S_To_M), an NSE (number of subevent), Sub_Interval field, BN (burst number) parameter (including, for example, BN_M_To_S and BN_S_To_M), FT (flushing time) parameter (including, for example, FT_M_To_S and FT_S_To_M), ISO_Interval, CIS offset parameter (including, for example, CIS_Offset_Min and CIS_Offset_Max), or connEventCount.

The parameters set by the control data (600) can be applied to audio data transmission on the CIS link and may not be changed until the CIS link is terminated after it is created. The CIS_ID can be shared with the host of the first electronic device (202) through the link layers of the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202), and may not be used in the link layer.

PHY_M_To_S and PHY_S_To_M can indicate a PHY used for data transmission in the master-slave direction and a PHY used for data transmission in the slave-master direction, respectively. PHYs indicated by PHY_M_To_S and PHY_S_To_M (for example, at least one of LE 1M (1 mega-symbol per second), LE 2M (2 mega-symbol per second), Coded PHY with S=2, or Coded PHY with S=8) can be used on the CIS link.

ISO_Interval can represent a regular time interval between two consecutive CIS anchor points, and one CIS event starting from each anchor point can occur within one ISO (isochronous) interval. One CIS event can include one or more sub-events representing a transmission opportunity between master and slave. Sub_Interval can represent a time interval between two consecutive sub-events within one CIS event, and the maximum length of each sub-event can be specified by SE_Length. Max_PDU can represent the maximum size of a CIS data PDU. Max_SDU can represent the maximum size of an SDU on a CIS. NSE can represent the maximum number of sub-events within each CIS event. BN specified by the BN parameter can represent the number of packets that can be transmitted without ACK/NACK. NSE parameter can be the greater value between BN_M_To_S and BN_S_To_M, and can be set to a maximum of 31. The FT parameter indicates the maximum number of CIS events over which a CIS data PDU can be transmitted (or retransmitted) and can have a value from 1 to 255.

Encryption of the CIS link can be applied as is to encryption of the ACL link. Both the central device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and the peripheral device (e.g., first electronic device (202)) can have a 39-bit CIS event counter (cisEventCounter), and after setting the CIS event counter to 0 for the first CIS event of the CIS link, the CIS event counter can be increased by 1 whenever an isochronous PDU is transmitted in each CIS event. The CIS link can have a 39-bit CIS payload number (cisPayloadNumber), and the CIS link can be terminated when the CIS payload number becomes 2 ³⁹ -1. A CIS null PDU may not have a cisPayloadNumber.

FIG. 7 is a time diagram illustrating an example of CIS communication according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, CIS communication may include CIS events occurring at specified intervals (e.g., an ISO interval that may be indicated by ISO_Interval), and each CIS event may include one or more subevents (e.g., a first subevent (702) corresponding to Sub_Interval). The SE_Length (704) indicating the length of each subevent may be specified, for example, by a Sub_Interval parameter among CIS parameters (e.g., control data (600)).

In one embodiment, during one sub-event (e.g., a first sub-event (702)), the electronic device (101) can perform one transmission (e.g., a C->P packet (706) transmitted from the electronic device (101) (the central device) to the first electronic device (202) (the peripheral device)) and one reception (e.g., a P->C packet (710) transmitted from the first electronic device (202) (the peripheral device) to the electronic device (101) (the central device)). The first electronic device (202) can receive the C->P packet (706) and transmit a corresponding response (e.g., a P->C packet (710)) after an interval (708) of T_IFS. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can not perform any transmission during the first sub-event (702) if it fails to receive the packet (706) from the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) can use the following sub-events for retransmission (RT) of the packet (706) or transmission of the next packet.

After the transmission of the first electronic device (202) (e.g., P->C packet (710)), there may be an interval of at least T_MSS (time for minimum subevent space) (712) before the end of the first subevent (702). T_MSS (712) means the minimum time interval between the last bit of the last packet (e.g., P->C packet (710)) and the first bit of the first packet of the next subevent within one subevent (e.g., the first subevent (702)), and may be specified as, for example, 150 μs (microseconds) by the standard.

When the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) complete the transmission of the isochronous data scheduled in the CIS event, all remaining sub-events of the CIS event will have no further transmissions, and the CIS event can be terminated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CIS event according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, at least one CIS event (e.g., CIS event x (804)) may be included within an ISO_interval (802) for a CIS link. The CIS event x (804) signifies an opportunity for a central device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and a peripheral device (e.g., first electronic device (202)) to exchange CIS packets (e.g., CIS PDUs), occurs at regular intervals, and may include up to NSE number of sub-events (e.g., including sub-event 1 (808)). For example, if NSE=4, up to four sub-events may exist within the CIS event x (804), and the case where three sub-events (e.g., sub-event 1 (808), sub-event 2, and sub-event 3) occur is illustrated herein. Each CIS event (e.g. CIS event x(804)) starts at every CIS anchor point (800) until the CIS communication is terminated, and there may be a uniform separation of ISO_Interval (802) between two consecutive CIS anchor points.

Each CIS event (e.g., CIS event x(804)) can be split into one or more sub-events (e.g., including sub-event 1(808)). Within one sub-event 1(808), there can be a data transfer from a central device (e.g., electronic device (101)) to a peripheral device (e.g., first electronic device (202)) (“C->P”) and a data transfer from the peripheral device to the central device (“P->C”). There can be a separation of Sub_Interval(806) between the start points of two consecutive sub-events within the CIS event x(804).

A CIG is a group of CISs that provide the same service, and a CIG may include one or more CISs. Multiple CISs within a CIG may have a common timing reference based on the time of a central device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and may be synchronized in time units. A CIG may have a time relationship at an application level. CISs within a CIG may have the same ISO_Interval (e.g., ISO_Interval (802)), and up to 31 CISs may be included in a CIG. A central device may assign a CIG_ID and share the CIG_ID with a peripheral device (e.g., first electronic device (202)) via an LL message.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of CIS transmission according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, BN=2, FT=1, and NSE=4 can be set for CIS transmission. During the first CIS event (902) having an ISO interval, the electronic device (101) can repeatedly transmit packet P0 using up to four sub-events (904) according to NSE=4. For example, the first electronic device (202) may fail to normally receive packet P0 in four sub-events (904) and transmit NACK using the last fourth sub-event.

If the electronic device (101) fails to successfully transmit packet P0 until the flush point of packet P0 is reached in the second CIS event, i.e., fails to receive an ACK for packet P0, the electronic device (101) can transmit the next packet P1 in the third CIS event. If an ACK is received from the first electronic device (202) using the second sub-event of the third CIS event, the electronic device (101) can transmit the next packet P2 using the third sub-event of the third CIS event.

FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining another example of CIS transmission according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, BN=1, FT=2, and NSE=4 can be set for CIS transmission. During a first CIS event (1002) having an ISO interval, the electronic device (101) can use up to four sub-events (1004) according to NSE=4. For example, in the first sub-event, the electronic device (101) can transmit packet P0 and receive an ACK from the first electronic device (202). In the second, third, and fourth sub-events, the electronic device (101) can repeatedly transmit packet P1, and in the fourth sub-event, the first electronic device (202) can transmit an ACK for packet P1 to the electronic device (101).

For the second CIS event, the electronic device (101) can repeatedly transmit packet P2 using the first and second sub-events, and can repeatedly transmit packet P3 using the third and fourth sub-events. For the third CIS event, the electronic device (101) can repeatedly transmit packet P4 using the first sub-event, and can repeatedly transmit packet P5 using the second, third, and fourth sub-events.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may set the CIS parameters to the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) by transmitting CIS parameters (e.g., control data (600)) to the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) to transmit audio data using CIS communication. For example, for a media type, two CISs (e.g., a first CIS link (2022) and a second CIS link (2024)) having CIS parameters of ISO interval = 20 ms, BN = 2, FT = 5, NSE = 6, and SE length = 884 μs) are opened between the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204), and an audio service may be performed through the CISs.

In one embodiment, the CIS resources available to the electronic device (101) for one CIS may be calculated as "SE length * NSE / ISO interval", and thus, the resources for multiple CISs may be "CIS-specific available resources * CIS count". Here, the CIS count may mean the number of CISs included in one CIG (for example, 2). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine the resource by using the specified SE length and the ISO interval and NSE among the CIS parameters (for example, the control data (600)) transmitted to the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204).

In one embodiment, a CIG is expected to have a time relationship at the application layer and may include Num_CIS CISs with equal ISO intervals, where Num_CIS may be less than or equal to 31. A host of a central device (e.g., electronic device (101)) may assign a CIG_ID to a CIG. The CISs within each CIG may be arranged in a sequential manner, an interleaved manner, or a hybrid manner depending on the interval between Sub_Intervals and CIS anchor points. In one embodiment, a first CIS link associated with a first electronic device (202) and a second CIS link associated with a second electronic device (204) may be arranged in a hybrid manner. For example, within one CIG event, a first CIS event of a first CIS link (e.g., the first CIS link (2022)) may at least partially overlap a second CIS event of a second CIS link (e.g., the second CIS link (2024)).

A BIS may mean a logical transmission used to transmit one or more isochronous data streams to all devices for a BIS within a specified range. A BIS may include one or more subevents for transmitting isochronous data packets (e.g., BIS data packets). A BIS may support transmission of multiple new isochronous data packets in all BIS events. A BIS does not include an acknowledgment protocol and may be transmitted unidirectionally from a broadcasting device (e.g., a source electronic device). In order to improve the reliability of a BIS logical transmission, isochronous data packets may be unconditionally retransmitted by increasing the number of subevents in all events. In addition, transmission reliability may be improved by transmitting the isochronous data packets in an interval earlier than an interval associated with the isochronous data packets. This is called a pre-transmission. A BIS may be identified by a unique access address and time information. The access address and time information may be transmitted via packets transmitted using a corresponding periodic advertising broadcast logic transmission.

A scanning device (e.g., a sink electronic device) supporting a synchronized receiver role (e.g., a sink role) can receive isochronous data (e.g., isochronous data packets) from the BIS after synchronizing to the BIS using the time information obtained from the periodic advertising packets.

Each BIS can be part of a broadcast isochronous group (BIG). A BIG can contain one or more BISs having the same isochronous interval (e.g., ISO_Interval). The BISs within a BIG have a common timing reference based on the source electronic device and can be temporally synchronized with each other. The maximum number of BISs within a BIG can have a specified value (e.g., 31). A BIG can also contain control sub-events.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sequence diagram for describing a procedure for synchronizing to a broadcast isochronous group (BIG) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, at operation 1112, a source electronic device (1100) may generate a BIG including one or more BISs and initiate periodic advertising related to the BIG. At operation 1114, a sink electronic device (1105) (e.g., at least one of the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204)) may initiate BLE scanning for reception synchronization.

In operation 1116, the source electronic device (1100) may periodically transmit an advertising packet (e.g., AUX_SYNC_IND) related to the BIG at a specified interval. The AUX_SYNC_IND may include BIG information (e.g., BIG information (1200) of FIG. 12) in an ACAD (additional controller advertising data) field, for example. The BIG information may include parameters used to synchronize to a BIG (e.g., at least one BIS) provided by the source electronic device (1100). In one embodiment, the sink electronic device (1105) may receive the BIG information directly from the source electronic device (1100), or may receive the BIG information from the source electronic device (1100) based on the assistance of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) acting as a BIS assistant role, or may receive the BIG information from an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)).

In one embodiment, a sink electronic device (1105) (e.g., at least one of the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204)) can receive the advertising packet via BLE scanning and obtain BIG information (e.g., the BIG information (1200)) from the advertising packet. In one embodiment, the sink electronic device (1105) (e.g., the electronic device (101)) can receive synchronization information necessary to receive the BIG information (1200) from the source electronic device (1100) and transmit the synchronization information to an external electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204)). In one embodiment, a sync electronic device (1105) (e.g., a first electronic device (202) or a second electronic device (204)) may receive an advertising packet from a source electronic device (1100) based on synchronization information received from an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) and obtain BIG information (e.g., BIG information (1200)) from the advertising packet.

At operation 1118, the sink electronic device (1105) may determine to start receiving BIS based on the BIG information. At operation 1120, the sink electronic device (1105) may synchronize to the BIG of the source electronic device (1100) using parameters included in the BIG information. In one embodiment, the BIG synchronization operation performed by the sink electronic device (1105) may include an operation of calculating an access address and time information to which audio data is transmitted based on the BIG information. In one embodiment, the time information may include channel information (e.g., a channel map) and transmission times of audio data.

In operation 1122, the sink electronic device (1105) may receive audio data (e.g., at least one BIS data packet) broadcast by the source electronic device (1100) via at least one BIS within the BIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining BIG parameters according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, BIG information (1200) may include BIG parameters such as at least one of BIG_Offset, BIG_Offset_units, ISO_Interval, Num_BIS, NSE (number of subevent), BN (burst number), Sub_Interval, PTO (pre-transmission offset), BIS_Spacing, IRC (immediate repetition count), Max_PDU, RFU (reserved for future use), SeedAccessAddress, SDU_Interval, Max_SDU, BaseCRCInit, ChM (channel map), PHY (physical), bisPayloadCount, Framing, GIV (group initialization vector), or GSKD (group session key derivation). In one embodiment, the length of BIG information (1200) may be 33 octets when not encrypted and 57 octets when encrypted.

The BIG parameters that can be included in BIG information (1200) are described below.

Num_BIS represents the number of BISs in BIG. Each BIS in BIG can be assigned a different BIS_Number from 1 to Num_BIS.

ISO_Interval can represent the time in 1.25ms units between two adjacent BIG anchor points (e.g. 5ms to 4s).

BIS_Spacing can represent the time between the start time of sub-events in adjacent BISs within a BIG and the start time of the first sub-event of the last BIS.

Sub_Interval can represent the time between the start times of two consecutive sub-events of each BIS.

Max_PDU is the maximum number of data octets that can be transmitted in each BIS data packet within the BIG, and can indicate the maximum duration of the packet. (For example, 1 to 251 octets)

Max_SDU can indicate the maximum size (e.g. maximum duration) of an SDU (service data unit) within a BIG. (e.g. 1 to 4095 octets)

BN, PTO and IRC can contain values to control what data is transmitted in each BIG event. The sub-events of each BIS event can be divided into groups (e.g., sub-event groups) containing BN sub-events. Therefore, the group count (GC) is NSE / BN. IRC can specify the number of groups carrying data related to the current BIS event. The remaining groups can carry data related to future BIS events specified by PTO.

IRC may be greater than 0 and not greater than GC. If IRC = GC, PTO may be ignored, otherwise PTO may be greater than 0. Groups of sub-events may be numbered sequentially from 0 to GC - 1 (e.g., group index g). If g < IRC, group g may contain data related to the current BIS event. If g >= IRC, group g may contain data related to a future BIS event after the current BIS event (e.g., PTO * (g - IRC + 1)th BIS event).

NSE represents the maximum number of sub-events within each BIG event.

The Framing field can indicate whether the BIG is carrying framed data or unframed data.

BIG_Offset may represent the time from the start of a packet (e.g., AUX_SYNC_IND (1116)) containing BIG information (1200) to the next BIG anchor point. The value of BIG_Offset may be indicated by the unit indicated by the bits of BIG_Offset_Units. The time offset is determined by multiplying the value of BIG_Offset by the unit indicated by BIG_Offset_Units. The time offset may be greater than 600 ㎲ (micro second). If the bit of BIG_Offset_Units is set, the unit is 300 ㎲, otherwise it is 30 ㎲. The bit of BIG_Offset_Units may not be set if the time offset is less than 491,460 ㎲. The BIG anchor point can be between the time offset and the time offset plus 1 unit after the start time of the packet (e.g. AUX_SYNC_IND).

The above parameters included in BIG information (1200) may not be changed during the lifetime of BIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a BIG event and a BIS event according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, a BIG event (e.g., BIG event x(1305)) may be composed of one or more BIS data packets (e.g., PDUs). A source electronic device (e.g., source electronic device (1100)) may transmit BIS data packets in BIG events (e.g., BIG event x(1305)). Each BIG event (e.g., BIG event x(1305)) may be split into Num_BIS BIS events and, if present, one control sub-event. Each BIS event may be split into NSE sub-events.

Each BIS event can start at a BIS anchor point and end after the last sub-event. Each BIG event (e.g., BIG event x(1305)) can start at a BIG anchor point and end after a controlling sub-event, if any, or end at the last constituent BIS event, if no. The BIG anchor points can be regularly spaced apart by ISO_Interval(1310). The BIS anchor points for BIS n of a BIG can be (n - 1) Х BIS_Spacing after the BIG anchor points and can be regularly spaced apart by ISO_Interval(1310). The sub-events of each BIS can be spaced apart by Sub_Interval. A source electronic device (e.g., source electronic device (1100)) can terminate a current BIG event (e.g., BIG event x(1305)) at least by T_IFS (time for inter frame space) (e.g., 150 μs) before a BIG anchor point of a next BIG event. The time interval between two consecutive packets on the same channel may be referred to as T_IFS. T_IFS may be defined as the time from the end point of the last bit of a previous packet to the start point of the first bit of a subsequent packet.

BISs within a BIG can be arranged sequentially or interleaved based on Sub_Interval and BIS_Spacing. In the case of sequential arrangement, BIS_Spacing is greater than or equal to NSE Х Sub_Interval, and all sub-events of a BIS event can occur together. In the case of interleaved arrangement, Sub_Interval is Num_BIS Х BIS_Spacing, the first sub-events of all BISs are adjacent, and the second sub-events of all subsequent BISs can be adjacent.

The maximum possible length of the data portion of a BIG event (excluding control sub-events) can be indicated by BIG_Sync_Delay. The value of BIG_Sync_Delay can be equal to the time from the BIS anchor point to the BIG synchronization point, which is the end of the packet containing the payload of Max_PDU octets transmitted in the last sub-event. (BIG_Sync_Delay = (Num_BIS - 1) Х BIS_Spacing + (NSE - 1) Х Sub_Interval + MPT)

A BIS sub-event is an opportunity for a source electronic device (1100) to transmit BIS data packets and for a sink electronic device (1105) (e.g., the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), or the second electronic device (204)) acting as a sink to receive the BIS data packets. The source electronic device (1100) may transmit one BIS data packet at the start of each BIS sub-event of a BIS event, and may transmit at least one BIS packet within, for example, six consecutive BIS events.

For each BIS event, the source electronic device (1100) may provide a data burst consisting of BN payloads. Each payload may include a single fragment or one or more SDU segments. A data burst is associated with a given BIS event, but may be transmitted in earlier events.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are diagrams illustrating retransmission of BIS data packets according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, within a BIS having BN=2, IRC=2, PTO=0, and NSE=4, payloads can be assigned to BIS sub-events within each BIS event. One BIS event corresponding to ISO_Interval(1410) can include at most NSE(=4) BIS sub-events. Within each BIS event (e.g., BIS event x or BIS event x+1), BIS data packets (e.g., P0, P1 or P2, P3) each including two payloads can be assigned to two preceding BIS sub-events, and the remaining sub-events can be used for retransmission of the same BIS data packets (e.g., P0, P1 or P2, P3).

Referring to FIG. 15, within a BIS having BN=1, IRC=3, PTO=2, and NSE=5, payloads can be assigned to BIS sub-events within each BIS event. A BIS event corresponding to an ISO_Interval (1510) can include at most NSE(=5) BIS sub-events. Within a BIS event x, BIS data packet p0 can be transmitted in three preceding BIS sub-events, BIS data packet p2 for BIS event x+2 can be transmitted in the fourth BIS sub-event, and BIS data packet p4 for BIS event x+4 can be transmitted in the last BIS sub-event. Accordingly, BIS data packet p2 can be repeatedly transmitted in BIS event x and BIS event x+2, and BIS data packet p4 can be repeatedly transmitted in BIS event x and BIS event x+4.

Referring to FIG. 16, within a BIS having BN=2, IRC=2, PTO=4, and NSE=6, payloads can be assigned to BIS sub-events within each BIS event. A BIS event corresponding to an ISO_Interval (1610) can include at most NSE(=6) BIS sub-events. Within a BIS event x, BIS data packets p0, p1 can be transmitted in the four preceding BIS sub-events, and BIS data packets p8, p9 for BIS event x+4 can be transmitted in the last two BIS sub-events. Accordingly, BIS data packets p8, p9 can be repeatedly transmitted in BIS event x and BIS event x+4.

Among various Bluetooth topologies, a first electronic device (202) and a second electronic device (204) included in an ear wearable device such as a TWS (e.g., an electronic device (102)) can receive audio data of different channels (e.g., a left channel and a right channel) of the same audio service. For example, the second electronic device (204) can obtain audio data that the first electronic device (202) receives from an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) through a sniffing method. For example, in a BLE audio topology, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can use a Bluetooth audio service by using separate audio communication links (e.g., CIS links) with the external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)).

The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may perform bridge communication with each other for various purposes, such as exchanging states and/or changing operating parameters between each other. For example, in an ear wearable device such as a TWS, each of the first electronic device (202) corresponding to the left channel and the second electronic device (204) corresponding to the right channel may obtain information about the communication status (e.g., a communication degradation situation) of the other electronic device through bridge communication (e.g., TWS-to-TWS communication).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may use a fixedly limited communication time (e.g., inter-TWS communication time) on a communication link for bridge communication while using an audio service with an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) in a connection-based or connectionless-based manner. In this case, there is a possibility that the quality of the audio service may be degraded or the inter-TWS communication may be degraded at a conflict point where the inter-TWS communication time overlaps with the communication time of the audio service.

Depending on the operation of Bluetooth communication, a peripheral electronic device (e.g., a first electronic device (202) or a second electronic device (204)) may activate (e.g., open) a receiving circuit (e.g., a receiving circuit of a communication circuit (320)) at a specific cycle and at specific times (e.g., slots) to receive data packets transmitted from a central electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)). However, the first electronic device (202), which has a peripheral role for the central electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) and at the same time maintains a communication link for bridge communication with a secondary electronic device (e.g., a second electronic device (204)), may allocate some of the wireless link resources available for receiving data packets from the electronic device (101) for the communication link with the second electronic device (204), and thus may experience a collision with the bridge communication at the time of receiving the data packets from the electronic device (101). Likewise, the second electronic device (204) may experience a conflict between communication with the electronic device (101) and communication with the first electronic device (202). Therefore, waste of resources may occur between the electronic device (101), the first electronic device (202), and the second electronic device (204), and a degradation of Bluetooth communication performance may occur.

A primary electronic device (e.g., a first electronic device (202)) and a secondary electronic device (e.g., a second electronic device (204)) operating as sink electronic devices of an audio service can play audio packets received from the electronic device (101) at substantially the same time. The source electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) of the audio service may not retransmit a specific audio packet after a certain period of time. In a section where the time at which the electronic device (101) transmits an audio packet and the time at which the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) communicate with each other overlap, the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) may drop at least one audio packet, which may cause a degradation in the quality of the audio service, such as audio chopping.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when two or more electronic devices (e.g., a first electronic device (202) and/or a second electronic device (204)) perform bridge communication (e.g., TWS-to-TWS communication) and receive an audio service from an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) or a source electronic device (1100)) in a connection-based or non-connection-based manner, at least one electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device (202)) may calculate or obtain a time (e.g., one or more time intervals defined by a start time and an interval) at which an opposing electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)) receives the audio service, and perform bridge communication by avoiding the time.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can ensure audio service quality of electronic devices performing bridge communication (e.g., a first electronic device (202) and/or a second electronic device (204)), and minimize unnecessary resource waste by reducing the probability of collision between bridge communication time and audio service time. This can increase the efficiency of link operation and improve audio service quality.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the timing of Bluetooth communication according to one embodiment. Here, the operation of the first electronic device (202) is illustrated and explained, but the same explanation may also be applied to the second electronic device (204).

Referring to FIG. 17, the first electronic device (202) may start receiving an audio service from a source electronic device (1700) (e.g., the electronic device (101) or the source electronic device (1100)), or may decide to receive an audio service. The first electronic device (202) may identify a time (e.g., a reception time (1704), a reception time (1706), and a reception time (1708)) at which audio data transmitted by the source electronic device (1700) over the communication link is received within each connection interval (1702), and may activate a receiving circuit (e.g., a reception circuit of the communication circuit (320)) at the reception times (1704), (1706), and (1708) to monitor the reception of audio data (e.g., at least one audio data packet) transmitted from the source electronic device (1700) through the receiving circuit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining time reallocation of bridge communication and audio service according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, a first electronic device (202) may connect a second electronic device (204) to a first communication link (e.g., a communication link for bridge communication). The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may decide to receive an audio service from a source electronic device (1800) (e.g., the electronic device (101) or the source electronic device (2410)), or may start receiving an audio service.

The first electronic device (202) can identify a first time for receiving or transmitting audio data from the source electronic device (1800) within each connection interval (e.g., connection intervals (1800)) on the second communication link. In one embodiment, the first time can include one or more time intervals (e.g., time intervals (1802), time intervals (1804), and time intervals (1806)) that can be defined by a start point and an interval. In one embodiment, at least one of the time intervals (1802), time intervals (1804), or time intervals (1806) can include an opportunity for audio data to be transmitted and/or an opportunity for response data (e.g., ACK/NACK) associated with the audio data to be transmitted.

The second electronic device (204) can identify a second time for receiving or transmitting audio data from the source electronic device (1800) over the third communication link. In one embodiment, the second time can include one or more time intervals (e.g., time intervals 1812, time intervals 1814, and time intervals 1816) that can be defined by a start point and an interval. In one embodiment, at least one of the time intervals (1812), time intervals (1814), or time intervals (1816) can include an opportunity for audio data to be transmitted and/or an opportunity for response data (e.g., ACK/NACK) associated with the audio data to be transmitted.

The first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) can share information about the first time and the second time. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) can share first information related to the first time and second information related to the second time at a specified time (e.g., a time when an intention to start an audio service is confirmed, a start time of an audio service, a specified time after the audio service is started, and/or a specified periodic time). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) can directly calculate or exchange the first information and/or the second information based on information received from the source electronic device (1800) (e.g., control data (600) or BIG information (1200)) at the specified time. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) may receive the first information and/or the second information from an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)).

The first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) can determine a communication time for the first communication link so as not to conflict with (e.g., not to at least partially overlap with) the first time and the second time. In one embodiment, the communication time can include one or more time intervals (e.g., time intervals (1822) and time intervals (1804)) that can be defined by a start time and an interval.

The first electronic device (202) can receive audio data (e.g., left channel audio data) from the source electronic device (1800) via the second communication link at a receiving point in time (1802), and can communicate with the second electronic device (204) via the first communication link during a time interval (1822) determined not to collide with the time interval (1802). The second electronic device (204) can communicate with the first electronic device (202) via the first communication link during a time interval (1822) determined not to collide with the time interval (1812), and can receive audio data (e.g., right channel audio data) from the source electronic device (1800) via the third communication link at the receiving point in time (1812).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for adjusting a time for bridge communication so as not to collide with audio communication according to one embodiment. According to embodiments, at least one of the operations described below may be omitted, modified, or the order changed. According to one embodiment, at least one of the operations described below may be executed by the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)). Although the operations described below are illustrated and described herein as being performed by the first electronic device (202), the same description may also be applied to the second electronic device (204).

Referring to FIG. 19, at operation 1905, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) may create a first communication link with a second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may constitute a pair of electronic devices (e.g., earbud wearable devices, or multi-channel audio receiving devices) configured to receive at least one audio service (e.g., different channel data of the same audio service or different audio services).

In one embodiment, the first communication link may include a Bluetooth communication link (e.g., BT/BLE ACL link or near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communication) for bridge communication (e.g., TWS-to-TWS communication) between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first communication link may be used to exchange connection status or operation information of audio services between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may connect the first communication link based on a specified event, for example, separation of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) from a cradle device (e.g., an external electronic device (250)).

In operation 1910, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may initiate or determine to receive an audio service from a source electronic device (1800) (e.g., electronic device 101 or source electronic device 1100). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may establish a second communication link (e.g., CIS link) for the audio service (e.g., CIS type BLE audio service). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may connect the second communication link based on receiving a connection request to initiate a CIS type BLE audio service from the source electronic device (1800). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may be synchronized to BIG for the audio service (e.g., BIS type BLE audio service). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may be synchronized to the BIG based on BIG parameters (e.g., BIG information (1200)) received from the source electronic device (1800).

In operation 1915, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may determine first information associated with a first time (e.g., time intervals (1802, 1804, 1806)) at which the first electronic device (202) receives first audio data (e.g., left channel audio) of the audio service from the source electronic device (1800). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may calculate the first information based on parameters (e.g., control data (600) or BIG information (1200)) obtained from the source electronic device (1800). In one embodiment, the first time may include a time interval (e.g., a time interval during which left channel audio packets (“L” packets) are received among the time interval (3202) of FIG. 32 or the time interval (3502) of FIG. 35) during which the first electronic device (202) is guaranteed to receive first audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device (1800).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can calculate a first time (e.g., time interval (3202) of FIG. 32) at which the first electronic device (202) receives first audio data (e.g., left channel audio) of the audio service from the source electronic device (1800) based on the CIS parameters included in the control data (600), including ISO_Interval, BN, NSE, Sub_Interval, FT, and/or Max_PDU. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may calculate a first time (e.g., time interval (3502) of FIG. 35) at which the first electronic device (202) receives first audio data (e.g., left channel audio) of the audio service from the source electronic device (1800) based on Num_BIS, ISO_Interval, BN, NSE, Sub_Interval, BIS_spacing, PTO, and/or Max_PDU among the BIG parameters included in the BIG information (1200).

Although not illustrated, in one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit the first information to the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first information may be transmitted to the second electronic device (204) via the first communication link. In one embodiment, or from the first electronic device (202) to the second electronic device (204) via an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)). In one embodiment, the first information may be obtained by the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) and transmitted to the second electronic device (204).

In operation 1920, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) may obtain second information associated with a second time (e.g., time intervals 1812, 1814, 1816) at which the second electronic device (204) receives second audio data (e.g., light channel audio) of the audio service from the source electronic device (1800). In one embodiment, the second time may include a time interval (e.g., a time interval during which light channel audio packets (“R” packets) are received among the time intervals 3202 of FIG. 32 or 3502 of FIG. 35) that must be guaranteed for the second electronic device (204) to receive the second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device (1800). In one embodiment, the second time may be associated with the same audio service as the first time or with a different audio service.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can calculate the second information by itself without the cooperation of the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can determine the second information based on parameters obtained from the source electronic device (1800) (e.g., control data (600) or BIG information (1200)). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can receive the second information from the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can inquire the second information to the second electronic device (204).

In operation 1925, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can determine a third time (e.g., time intervals (1822, 1824)) to be used in the first communication link so as not to at least partially overlap with the first time and the second time. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can determine the third time through time negotiation with the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can share information about the third time with the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the information about the third time can include at least one of a start time, an interval length, or an interval interval.

In operation 1930, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may communicate with the second electronic device (204) over the first communication link using the third time while receiving the audio service. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit at least one data packet to the second electronic device (204) in at least one time interval (e.g., time intervals (1822, 1824)) of the third time. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may receive at least one data packet from the second electronic device (204) in at least one time interval (e.g., time intervals (1822, 1824)) of the third time.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a topology of a CIS audio service according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a left channel earbud) knows device information of a second electronic device (204) configured to operate in pair by software implementation or by a user request, and can establish a first communication link (2000) with the second electronic device (204) based on the device information by a designated event (e.g., a cradle open). The first electronic device (202) can create a second communication link (2012) (e.g., an ACL link) with the electronic device (101) by accepting a connection request from the electronic device (101) or by transmitting a connection request to an electronic device (101) with a last connection history according to software implementation. The first electronic device (202) can create a first CIS link (2022) based on the second communication link (2012) with the electronic device (101) according to at least one of a user request, an operation of a specific application, or an input of a specific menu. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may create a first CIS link (2022) based on previous connection history (e.g., previously stored CIS parameters).

The first electronic device (202) can determine whether the second electronic device (204) performs an audio service and the time (e.g., the second time) at which the audio service is performed, directly from the second electronic device (204) or indirectly through information (e.g., CIS parameters in the control data (600)) obtained from the electronic device (101). The first electronic device (202) can negotiate with the second electronic device (204) to reset a new communication time (e.g., the third time) of the first communication link (2000) by considering the time (e.g., the first time) at which the audio service of the first electronic device (202) is received and the time (e.g., the second time) at which the audio service of the second electronic device (204) is received so as not to affect or minimize the effect on the reception of audio services of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may determine the third time of the first communication link (2000) by considering a time (e.g., a first time) during which the first electronic device (202) communicates with the electronic device (101) via the second communication link (2012) and a time (e.g., a second time) during which the second electronic device (204) communicates with the electronic device (101) via the third communication link (2014) so as not to affect or minimize the effect on the communication of the first electronic device (202) via the second communication link (2012) and the communication of the second electronic device (204) via the third communication link (2014).

A second electronic device (204) (e.g. light channel earbuds) may be implemented by software or at the user's request. The first electronic device (202) configured to operate in pairs knows device information of the first electronic device (202), and can establish a first communication link (2000) with the first electronic device (202) based on the device information by a designated event (e.g., cradle open). The second electronic device (204) can accept a connection request of the electronic device (101), or, depending on software implementation, transmit a connection request to an electronic device (101) having a last connection history, to create a third communication link (2014) (e.g., ACL link) with the electronic device (101). The second electronic device (204) can create a second CIS link (2024) based on the third communication link (2014) with the electronic device (101), depending on at least one of a user's request, an operation of a specific application, or an input of a specific menu. In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may create a second CIS link (2024) based on previous connection history (e.g., previously stored CIS parameters).

The second electronic device (204) can directly or indirectly check whether the first electronic device (202) performs an audio service and the time (e.g., the first time) at which the audio service is performed from the first electronic device (202) or through the electronic device (101). The second electronic device (204) can consider the communication time (e.g., the first time) at which the audio service of the first electronic device (202) is performed and the communication time (e.g., the second time) at which the audio service of the second electronic device (204) is performed together, and negotiate with the first electronic device (202) to reset a new communication time (e.g., the third time) of the first communication link (2000) so as not to affect or minimize the effect on the reception of audio services of the second electronic device (204) and the first electronic device (202).

In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may determine the third time of the first communication link (2000) by considering both a time (e.g., a first time) during which the first electronic device (202) communicates with the electronic device (101) via the second communication link (2012) and a time (e.g., a second time) during which the second electronic device (204) communicates with the electronic device (101) via the third communication link (2014), so as not to affect or minimize the effect on the communication between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204).

FIG. 21 illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining an operation of negotiating bridge communication time considering CIS audio service according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21, in operation 2102, a first electronic device (202) and a second electronic device (204) may create a first communication link (2000) for bridge communication. In operation 2104, the first electronic device (202) may create a second communication link (2012) (e.g., an ACL link) with the electronic device (101). In operation 2106, the second electronic device (204) may create a third communication link (2014) (e.g., an ACL link) with the electronic device (101).

At operation 2108, the first electronic device (202) can generate a first CIS link (2022) for an audio service based on a second communication link. At operation 2110, the second electronic device (204) can generate a second CIS link (2024) for an audio service based on a third communication link.

In operation 2112, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can share the communication times (e.g., the first time and the second time) of the first CIS link and the second CIS link. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can calculate the first time and the second time from the CIS parameters (e.g., the control data (600)) obtained from the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can exchange information about the first time and the second time.

In operation 2114, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can negotiate a time (e.g., a third time) for the first communication link (2000) so as not to conflict with the first time and the second time. In one embodiment, the third time can be determined by at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) so as not to at least partially overlap with the communication times of the second communication link and the third communication link. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can exchange information about the third time.

In operation 2116, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can set the first communication link (2000) to use the third time. In operation 2118, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can perform bridge communication through the first communication link (2000) using the third time.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for avoiding collision during CIS operation according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22, in operation 2212, a first electronic device (202) and a second electronic device (204) may establish a first communication link (2000). In one embodiment, a time resource (e.g., time) available in the first communication link (2000) may be designated as a time interval (2202) at a designated location within each connection interval (e.g., connection interval (2200)).

In operation 2214, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may establish the first CIS link (2022) and the second CIS link (2024) with the electronic device (101), respectively, to start an audio service. In one embodiment, the time resource (e.g., the first time) available in the first CIS link (2022) may be designated as a time interval (e.g., the first time interval (2204)) at a specified location within each connection interval (e.g., the connection interval (2200)). In one embodiment, the time resource (e.g., the second time) available in the second CIS link (2024) may be designated as a time interval (e.g., the second time interval (2206)) at a specified location within each connection interval (e.g., the connection interval (2200)).

At operation 2216, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can share time information of the first CIS link (2022) (e.g., first information associated with a first time) and time information of the second CIS link (2024) (e.g., second information associated with a second time). At operation 2218, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can negotiate a new time (e.g., a third time interval (2208)) for the first communication link (2000) so as not to overlap with the first time interval (2204) and the second time interval (2206). In one embodiment, the third time interval (2208) can be set to start a specified time offset (2220) after an anchor point of the connection interval over which time negotiation is performed.

In operation 2222, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can receive the CIS audio service at the first time and the second time, and communicate (e.g., bridge communication) with each other through the first communication link (2000) at a new time (e.g., a third time interval (2208)) that does not conflict with the CIS audio service.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for adjusting a bridge communication time considering a CIS audio service according to an embodiment. According to embodiments, at least one of the operations described below may be omitted, modified, or the order changed. According to an embodiment, at least one of the operations described below may be executed by a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a processor (310)). Although the operations described below are illustrated and described herein as being performed by the first electronic device (202), the same description may also be applied to a second electronic device (204).

Referring to FIG. 23, at operation 2305, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may generate (e.g., establish) a first communication link (2000) with a second electronic device (204). At operation 2310, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may obtain CIS parameters (e.g., control data (600)) for an audio service of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) acting as a central role, and may generate a first CIS link (2022) using the CIS parameters. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may establish a second communication link (2012) (e.g., ACL link) with the electronic device (101), and establish the first CIS link (2022) based on the second communication link (2012). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) can receive the CIS parameters (e.g., control data (600)) from the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) can read the CIS parameters that have been previously stored from the memory (390) according to the previous connection history.

At operation 2315, the first electronic device (202) may determine whether there is a second electronic device (204) that receives an audio channel other than an audio channel (e.g., a right channel) for the first electronic device (202). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may determine whether there is a second electronic device (204) that is connecting the first communication link (2000). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may determine, based on the CIS parameters, whether the audio service includes an audio channel other than an audio channel (e.g., a right channel) for the first electronic device (202). If there is no second electronic device (204) that receives an audio channel other than the left channel, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may proceed to operation 2340. In one embodiment, if the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) determines that the second electronic device (204) is not operating normally, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) may proceed to operation 2340. On the other hand, if there is a second electronic device (204) receiving a different audio channel, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) may proceed to operation 2320.

In operation 2320, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can obtain information about CIS communication times (e.g., the first time and the second time) of audio channels for the audio service. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can share information about a start time and a time interval of the first CIS link (2022) (e.g., the first information about the first time) with the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can inquire of the second electronic device (204) and obtain information about a start time and a time interval of the second CIS link (2024) used by the second electronic device (204) (e.g., the second information about the second time). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may determine information about the start time and time interval of the second CIS link (2024) used by the second electronic device (204) received from the second electronic device (204).

At operation 2325, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) may calculate an idle time interval that does not overlap with the first time and the second time based on the CIS communication times (e.g., the first time and the second time) of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204), and may calculate a start time and a time interval (e.g., the third time) to be allocated to the first communication link (2000) based on the idle time interval (e.g., within the idle time interval). Although not illustrated, in one embodiment, if the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) detects that the CIS communication times (e.g., the first time and the second time) of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) do not overlap with the preset communication time of the first communication link (2000), the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310)) may proceed to operation 2340 without determining a new communication time.

In operation 2330, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can re-establish the calculated start time and time interval (e.g., a third time) for the first communication link (2000) for the first communication link (2000). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can provide information about the third time to the second electronic device (204).

In operation 2335, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a processor (310)) may perform bridge communication with a second electronic device (204) via a first communication link (2000) at a third time while receiving an audio service at a CIS communication time (e.g., a first time) via a second CIS link.

In operation 2340, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a processor (310)) may perform bridge communication with a second electronic device (204) using a preset communication time of a first communication link (2000).

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a topology for a BIS audio service according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24, a source electronic device (2410) (e.g., electronic device (101)) can broadcast audio data via a BIG including at least one BIS (2402). In one embodiment, the source electronic device (2410) can include a mobile phone or a television (TV) acting as a BIS source role. The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can be configured to receive audio data in synchronization with the at least one BIS (2402) of the source electronic device (2410). The at least one BIS (2402) can carry multi-channel audio data (e.g., left channel audio and right channel audio). The first electronic device (202) can be configured to receive left channel audio via the at least one BIS (2402). The second electronic device (204) can be configured to receive right channel audio via the at least one BIS (2402). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be configured to perform bridge communication via the first communication link (2400).

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a topology for an assistant-based BIS audio service according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 25, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a left channel earbud) knows device information of a second electronic device (204) configured to operate in pairs by software implementation or by user request, and can establish a first communication link (2400) with the second electronic device (204) based on the device information by a designated event (e.g., a cradle open).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can directly synchronize to at least one BIS of the source electronic device (2410) via a BLE scan, based on at least one of a user request, an operation of a specific application, or an input of a specific menu.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may create a second communication link (2512) (e.g., an ACL link) with the electronic device (101) acting as a BIS assistant by accepting a connection request from the electronic device (101) or, depending on a software implementation, transmitting a connection request to the electronic device (101) with the last connection history. The first electronic device (202) may be synchronized to at least one BIS of the source electronic device (2410) with the assistance of the electronic device (101) based on at least one of a user's request, an operation of a specific application, or an input of a specific menu.

The first electronic device (202) can determine whether the second electronic device (204) receives an audio service and the time (e.g., the second time) at which the audio service is performed, directly from the second electronic device (204), or indirectly via the electronic device (101) or the source electronic device (2510). The first electronic device (202) can negotiate with the second electronic device (204) to reset a new communication time (e.g., the third time) of the first communication link (2400) by considering the time (e.g., the first time) at which the audio service of the first electronic device (202) is received and the time (e.g., the second time) at which the audio service of the second electronic device (204) is received, so as not to affect or minimize the effect on the reception of the audio service of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204).

A second electronic device (204) (e.g. light channel earbuds) may be implemented by software or at the user's request. The device information of the first electronic device (202) configured to operate in pairs is known, and a first communication link (2400) can be established with the first electronic device (202) based on the device information by a designated event (e.g., cradle opening).

In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) can directly synchronize to at least one BIS of the source electronic device (2410) via a BLE scan, based on at least one of a user request, an action of a specific application, or an input of a specific menu.

In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may create a third communication link (2514) (e.g., an ACL link) with the electronic device (101) acting as a BIS assistant by accepting the connection request of the electronic device (101) or, depending on the software implementation, transmitting the connection request to the electronic device (101) with the last connection history. The first electronic device (202) may be synchronized to the source electronic device (2410) with the help of the electronic device (101) based on at least one of a user's request, an operation of a specific application, or an input of a specific menu.

The second electronic device (204) can directly or indirectly check whether the first electronic device (202) receives the audio service and the communication time (e.g., the first time) for performing the audio service from the first electronic device (202) or through the electronic device (101). The second electronic device (204) can consider the communication time (e.g., the first time) for performing the audio service of the first electronic device (202) and the communication time (e.g., the second time) for performing the audio service of the second electronic device (204), and negotiate with the first electronic device (202) to reset a new communication time (e.g., the third time) of the first communication link (2000) so as not to affect or minimize the effect on reception of the audio service of the second electronic device (204) and the first electronic device (202).

FIG. 26 illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining an operation of negotiating bridge communication time considering BIS audio service according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 26, in operation 2602, a first electronic device (202) and a second electronic device (204) may create a first communication link (2400) for bridge communication. In operation 2604, the first electronic device (202) may create a second communication link (2512) with the electronic device (101). In operation 2606, the second electronic device (204) may create a third communication link (2514) with the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a source electronic device (2410), in which case, it should be understood that the operations of the source electronic device (2410) described below are performed by the electronic device (101).

In operation 2608, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can be synchronized to a BIG (e.g., at least one BIS) of the source electronic device (2410) for an audio service. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can receive synchronization information from the electronic device (101) or from the source electronic device (2410), and can receive BIG parameters (e.g., BIG information (1200) in AUX_SYNC_IND) from the source electronic device (2410) using the synchronization information. The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can be synchronized to at least one BIS of the source electronic device (2410) based on the BIG parameters.

In operation 2610, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can share the reception time of the BIS (e.g., the first time and the second time). In one embodiment, at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can directly calculate both the first time and the second time from the BIG parameters (e.g., the BIG information (1200)) obtained from the source electronic device (2510). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can exchange information about the first time and the second time. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can exchange information about the first time and the second time through the electronic device (101), or can receive information about the first time and the second time from the electronic device (101).

At operation 2612, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can negotiate a time (e.g., a third time) for the first communication link (2400) so as not to conflict with the first time and the second time. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can exchange information about the third time. At operation 2614, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can set the first communication link (2400) to use the third time. At operation 2616, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can perform bridge communication over the first communication link (2400) using the third time while receiving a BIS audio service via at least one BIS.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for avoiding collision during BIS operation according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 27, at operation 2712, a first electronic device (202) and a second electronic device (204) may establish a first communication link (2400). In one embodiment, time resources (e.g., time) available in the first communication link (2400) may be designated as time intervals (2702) at designated locations within each connection interval (e.g., connection intervals (2700)). At operation 2714, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may each obtain BIG parameters (e.g., BIG information (1200)) of a source electronic device (2410). The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may calculate a reception time for a BIS audio service based on the BIG parameters.

In one embodiment, the time resource (e.g., the first time) available to the first electronic device (202) to receive the BIS audio service may include time intervals (e.g., the first time intervals (2706)) during which left channel audio (e.g., "R" packets) are transmitted within each connection interval (e.g., the connection intervals (2700)). In one embodiment, the time resource (e.g., the second time) available to the second electronic device (204) to receive the BIS audio service may include time intervals (e.g., the second time intervals (2204)) during which right channel audio (e.g., "L" packets) are transmitted within each connection interval (e.g., the connection intervals (2700)).

In operation 2716, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may negotiate a new time (e.g., a third time interval (2708)) for the first communication link (2400) so as not to overlap with the first time interval (2706) and the second time interval (2704). In one embodiment, the third time interval (2708) may be set to start a specified time offset (2718) after the anchor point of the connection interval over which time negotiation is performed.

In operation 2720, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may perform bridge communication through the first communication link (2400) while receiving the BIS audio service by applying a new time (e.g., a third time interval (2708)) that does not conflict with the BIS audio service.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for adjusting a bridge communication time considering a BIS audio service according to an embodiment. According to embodiments, at least one of the operations described below may be omitted, modified, or the order changed. According to an embodiment, at least one of the operations described below may be executed by a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a processor (310)). Although the operations described below are illustrated and described herein as being performed by the first electronic device (202), the same description may also be applied to a second electronic device (204).

Referring to FIG. 28, at operation 2805, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may create (e.g., establish) a first communication link (2400) with a second electronic device (204). At operation 2810, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may obtain BIG parameters (e.g., BIG information (1200)) for a BIS audio service of a source electronic device (2410). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor 310) may directly scan the source electronic device (2410) and receive periodic advertising data including the BIG information from the source electronic device (2410). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can receive periodic advertising data including BIG information from the source electronic device (2410) using synchronization information of the source electronic device (2410) provided from the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can be synchronized to the BIG of the source electronic device (2410) based on the BIG information.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) can calculate a BIS reception time (e.g., a first time) at which the first electronic device (202) receives BIS audio data via BIG based on the BIG parameters. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) can calculate a BIS reception time (e.g., a second time) at which the second electronic device (204) receives BIS audio data via BIG based on the BIG parameters. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) can directly calculate the first time and the second time from the BIG information of the source electronic device (2410). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) can receive information about the second time from the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a processor (310)) may query a second electronic device (204) for information about a second time.

In operation 2815, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) may determine whether a second electronic device (204) is present that receives an audio channel (e.g., right channel) other than an audio channel (e.g., left channel) for the first electronic device (202). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., processor (310)) may determine whether a second electronic device (204) is present that is connected to the first communication link (2400).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) may determine whether the audio service includes an audio channel other than an audio channel (e.g., a left channel) for the first electronic device (202) based on the BIG parameters. If there is no second electronic device (204) receiving the other audio channel, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) may proceed to operation 2845. In one embodiment, if the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) determines that the second electronic device (204) is not operating normally, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) may proceed to operation 2845. On the other hand, if there is a second electronic device (204) receiving the other audio channel, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor 310) may proceed to operation 2820.

At operation 2820, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can check the communication time of the first communication link (2400). In one embodiment, if the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) calculates only the first time at operation 2810, at operation 2815, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can additionally calculate or obtain the second time based on determining that there is a second electronic device (204) receiving another audio channel.

In operation 2825, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may determine whether a communication time of the first communication link (2400) at least partially overlaps with BIS reception times (e.g., a first time and a second time) of audio channels for the audio service. In one embodiment, the BIS reception time may include a first time representing a time interval during which the first electronic device (202) receives left channel audio and a second time representing a time interval during which the second electronic device (204) receives right channel audio.

If the communication time of the first communication link (2400) does not overlap with the BIS reception time, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may proceed to operation 2845. On the other hand, if the communication time of the first communication link (2400) at least partially overlaps with the BIS reception time, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may proceed to operation 2830.

In operation 2830, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may calculate an idle time interval that does not overlap with the first time and the second time based on the BIS reception time (e.g., the first time and the second time), and may calculate a start time and a time interval (e.g., the third time) to be allocated to the first communication link (2400) among the idle time intervals.

In operation 2835, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can re-establish the calculated start time and time interval (e.g., a third time) for the first communication link (2400) for the first communication link (2400). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) can provide information about the third time to the second electronic device (204).

In operation 2840, a first electronic device (202) (e.g., a processor (310)) may perform bridge communication with a second electronic device (204) via a first communication link (2400) at a third time while receiving an audio service (e.g., left channel audio) at a BIS receiving time (e.g., a first time).

In operation 2845, the first electronic device (202) (e.g., the processor (310)) may perform bridge communication with the second electronic device (204) using the preset communication time of the first communication link (2400).

In one embodiment, the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) is based on Bluetooth Legacy or BLE and can be used to exchange data packets for, for example, bridge communication between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) and to carry an acknowledgement (ACK) for the data packets. The first communication link based on Bluetooth Legacy (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) can be established through paging and paging scan. The first communication link based on BLE (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) can be established through advertising and BLE scan.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may recognize the second electronic device (204) using wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth Legacy or BLE). The second electronic device (204) may transmit advertising data in a multicast or broadcast manner. The advertising data may carry information related to a connection or account (e.g., pairing) to non-specific surrounding electronic devices (e.g., audio sources) using wireless communication (e.g., BLE). In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may be stored in a designated case (e.g., an external electronic device (250) such as a cradle) and may start generating the advertising data when the case (e.g., the external electronic device (250)) is opened while the second electronic device (204) is stored therein. In one embodiment, when a case (e.g., an external electronic device (250)) is opened, the case (e.g., an external electronic device (250)) may begin generating advertising data associated with a second electronic device (204).

In one embodiment, the advertising data may include at least one of identification information of the second electronic device (204) (hereinafter, device identification information), account information of the user (hereinafter, user account information), information regarding whether the device is currently paired with another device (e.g., electronic device (101)) (hereinafter, current pairing information), a list regarding previously paired devices (hereinafter, pairing list), information regarding devices that can be paired simultaneously (hereinafter, simultaneous pairing information), and information regarding transmission power, detection area, or remaining battery level (hereinafter, battery status information).

In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may transmit the advertising data based on a specified condition. For example, the second electronic device (204) may output the advertising data based on at least one of a specified time period or a user input when powered on.

The first electronic device (202) may be configured to connect the second electronic device (204) and the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) in a Bluetooth legacy manner. For example, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may be connected to each other by performing page and page scan, respectively, at the time of separation from a case (e.g., an external electronic device (250) such as a cradle) for charging and storage. In one embodiment, in the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)), the first electronic device (202) may be a primary electronic device acting as a central, and the second electronic device (204) may be a secondary electronic device acting as a peripheral.

A first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) can be used to exchange status information, media packet retransmission, or link operation information between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204). For example, the status information can include at least one of a version, a battery status, a wearing status, or a connection status of each earbud (e.g., the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204)).

FIGS. 29 and 30 are diagrams for explaining establishment of CIS links according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 29, the first electronic device (202) may periodically transmit advertising data (2902) (e.g., one or more advertising PDUs). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may begin transmitting the advertising data (2902) at a point in time determined by a specified criterion, such as a case open or power on. The transmission of the advertising data (2902) may precede, follow, or be concurrent with an advertising/BLE scan or a page/page scan for creation of a first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)).

The electronic device (101) can detect at least one advertising data (2902) via a BLE scan (2904). The electronic device (101) can establish a second communication link (e.g., a first CIS link (2022)) by transmitting a connection request (2906) (e.g., a CIS_REQ packet (3102)) to the first electronic device (202). The first electronic device (202) and the electronic device (101) can confirm the establishment of the first CIS link (2022) by exchanging empty (E) packets (2912, 2914) via the first CIS link (2022). The connection interval (2910) of the first CIS link (2022) can start from the starting point of the first E packet (2912) transmitted by the electronic device (101), and the event length (2908) starting from the starting point can be a transmission opportunity unit (e.g., one CIS event) of the first CIS link (2022).

Referring to FIG. 30, the second electronic device (204) can periodically transmit advertising data (3002) (e.g., at least one advertising PDU). In one embodiment, the advertising data (3002) can be transmitted during, before, or after the exchange of E packets (2912, 2914) between the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202). In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) can begin transmitting the advertising data (3002) at a time determined by a specified criterion, such as a case open or power on. The transmission of the advertising data (3002) can be performed before, after, or concurrently with the advertising/BLE scan or page/page scan for creation of the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)).

The electronic device (101) can detect at least one advertising data (3002) via a BLE scan (3004). The electronic device (101) can establish a third communication link (e.g., a second CIS link (2024)) by transmitting a connection request (3006) (e.g., a CIS_REQ packet (3102)) to the second electronic device (204). The second electronic device (204) and the electronic device (101) can confirm the establishment of the second CIS link (2024) by exchanging empty (E) packets (3012, 3014) via the second CIS link (2024). The connection interval (3010) of the second CIS link (2024) can start from the starting point of the first E packet (3012) transmitted by the electronic device (101), and the event length (3008) starting from the starting point can be a transmission opportunity unit (e.g., one CIS event) of the second CIS link (2024).

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a CIS link according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 31, the electronic device (101) may create a first CIS link (2022) with the first electronic device (202) and a second CIS link (2024) with the second electronic device (204) by various methods such as a request from the first electronic device (202), a request from the second electronic device (204), a user input, a specific application operation, or a menu entry. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may create the two CIS links (2022, 2024) within one CIG, or may create the two CIS links (2022, 2024) within two CIGs, respectively. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may create the two CIS links (2022, 2024) using different CIS parameter sets, respectively, within one CIG.

The electronic device (101) can transmit a CIS_REQ packet (3102) to the first electronic device (202) for establishing a first CIS link (2022) via the second communication link (2012). The first electronic device (202) can transmit a CIS_RSP packet (3104) to the electronic device (101) via the second communication link (2012). The electronic device (101) can transmit a CIS_IND packet (3106) to the first electronic device (202) via the second communication link (2012). The electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) can confirm the establishment of the first CIS link (2022) (e.g., CIS link (3108)) by exchanging CIS Null packets (3110, 3112) over the first CIS link (2022) (e.g., CIS link (3108)) after a designated time point (e.g., first anchor point) following the CIS_IND packet (3106).

Although the establishment of a first CIS link (2022) for a first electronic device (202) is illustrated and described above, a second CIS link (2024) for a second electronic device (204) may also be established through a similar procedure.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may transmit or receive information about whether each other's audio service is being operated and information about the operation of the audio service at various times. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit information (e.g., first information) related to the operation of the audio service in response to an inquiry request from a counterpart electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit information (e.g., first information) related to the operation of the audio service to the counterpart electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)) at a time when an intention to start the audio service is confirmed, at a time when the audio service is started, at a designated time after the audio service is started, and/or at designated periodic time points, or may receive information (e.g., second information) related to the operation of the audio service from the counterpart electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)).

Information exchanged between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) via the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) may include information (e.g., the first information and/or the second information) related to an operation time (e.g., a first time and/or a second time) of an audio service of each other. In one embodiment, the information (e.g., the first information and/or the second information) may include at least some of parameters (e.g., CIS parameters of the control data (600)) related to an audio service that the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) are to receive.

In one embodiment, the information (e.g., the first information and/or the second information) may indicate a time (e.g., a first time or a second time) at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives an audio service based on a first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)). For example, when the first communication link is of a Bluetooth legacy type, the information may include slot information or clock information indicating a time at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives an audio service. For example, when the first communication link is of a BLE type, the information may include time information or clock information indicating a time at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives an audio service. In one embodiment, the information may represent a time interval (e.g., a first time or a second time) during which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can ensure reception of the audio service without being interrupted by other communication tasks.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining time intervals of a CIS link according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 32, the electronic device (101) can set ISO_Interval=20ms, BN=2, NSE=8, Sub_interval=1.768ms, FT=4, and Max_PDU=120byte for a CIS link (e.g., a first CIS link (2022) for the first electronic device (202). Eight sub-events according to NSE=8 within an ISO interval (3200) of 20ms in length can be used for a CIS audio service. The eight sub-events can include a time interval (3202) including two sub-events (e.g., R0, L0, R1, L1) according to BN=2 and a time interval (3204) including the remaining six sub-events.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may determine that a time interval (3202) including two sub-events according to BN=2 corresponds to a first time that should be guaranteed for a CIS audio service, and transmit first information related to the time interval (3202) to the second electronic device (204). Although not illustrated, the second electronic device (204) may similarly determine a time interval (3202) corresponding to two sub-events according to BN=2 as a second time that should be guaranteed for a CIS audio service, and transmit second information related to the time interval (3202) to the first electronic device (202). In one embodiment, each of the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may determine, based on the CIS parameters, the time interval (3202) corresponding to two sub-events according to BN=2 as the first time and the second time that should be guaranteed for a CIS audio service. Both the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can commonly determine first information for a first time and second information for a second time based on CIS parameters without communicating with each other.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an operation of applying a new time by considering audio communication time according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 33, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can determine the time (e.g., time intervals (3302)) of the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) for bridge communication. At time 3304, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can decide to start receiving an audio service (e.g., a CIS audio service or a BIS audio service) transmitted by the electronic device (101), and can establish a connection (e.g., establish a first CIS link (2022) and a second CIS link (2024) or synchronize to BIG) with the electronic device (101) based on connection information (e.g., control data (600) or BIG information (1200)) of the electronic device (101).

At least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can determine time intervals (3308) during which the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) receive audio data (e.g., L packets and R packets) of the audio service from the electronic device (101) based on the connection information.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can receive, from the second electronic device (204), second information about a time interval (e.g., a second time) during which the second electronic device (204) receives audio data (e.g., R packets) of the audio service from the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can transmit, to the second electronic device (204), first information about a time interval (e.g., a first time) during which the first electronic device (202) receives audio data (e.g., L packets) of the audio service from the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can detect that time intervals (3302) of the first communication link at least partially overlap time intervals (3308) corresponding to audio time (e.g., CIS time).

At time 3306, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may negotiate new times (e.g., time intervals (3310)) for the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) using information shared with each other (e.g., the first information and the second information) or connection information (e.g., the control data (600) or the BIG information (1200)). The time intervals (3310) may be determined within a range that does not affect or at least minimizes the effect on the audio service received by at least the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the time intervals (3310) may be determined such that they do not overlap with, or at least minimally overlap with, time intervals (3308) corresponding to CIS time.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can selectively perform at least one of the bridge communication or the audio service during a time period where a time (3302) for bridge communication and a time (3308) for audio service overlap. In one embodiment, if at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) determines that bridge communication is necessary, for example, if a new time negotiation is required, the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can perform the time negotiation over the first communication link instead of performing the audio service. In one embodiment, at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can stop receiving at least some packets of the audio service (e.g., “L” packets or “R” packets) during the designated time period and exchange information related to the new time (e.g., third information) over the first communication link.

In one embodiment, when the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2000) or the first communication link (2400)) operates using a constant window size at a constant interval, the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) can adjust at least one of the interval, the window size, or the start time of a new anchor point for the first communication link to establish new time intervals (3310) for the first communication link. In one embodiment, the time intervals (3310) can be defined by at least one of the interval, the window size, or the start time of a new anchor point. In one embodiment, the time intervals (3310) can be defined by at least one of a slot duration, a number of slots, or a new slot start time.

The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can perform bridge communication in time intervals (3310) while receiving audio data (e.g., L packets and R packets) of an audio service from the electronic device (101) in time intervals (3308) so as not to affect or minimize the effect on the audio service.

FIG. 34 illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining bridge communication considering BIS reception time according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 34, in operation 3402, the first electronic device (202) may establish a first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2400)) for bridge communication with the second electronic device (204). In operation 3404, the first electronic device (202) may establish a second communication link (e.g., the second communication link (2512)) with the electronic device (101) acting as a BIS assistant. In operation 3406, the second electronic device (204) may establish a third communication link (e.g., the third communication link (2514)) with the electronic device (101).

At operation 3410, the source electronic device (2410) can broadcast periodic advertising data for the BIS audio service (e.g., ADV_EXT_IND PDU, AUX_ADV_IND PDU, and/or AUX_SYNC_IND PDU). At operation 3408, the electronic device (101) can receive periodic advertising data related to the BIS audio service from the electronic device (2410) via a BLE scan. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can perform a BLE scan to receive periodic advertising data from the source electronic device (2410) based on a specified condition. In one embodiment, the BLE scan can be performed based on receiving a user input via an input means of a user interface of the electronic device (101). For example, an electronic device (101) acting as a BIS assistant may display a user interface including a BIS device finder menu, and upon receiving a user input through the BIS device finder menu, may initiate a BLE scan to receive periodic advertising data transmitted by a nearby source electronic device (e.g., source electronic device (2410)).

In operation 3412, the electronic device (101) may include synchronization information for the BIS audio service in a link layer (LL) message (e.g., LL_PERIODIC_SYNC_IND PDU) and transmit the same to the first electronic device (202). In operation 3414, the electronic device (101) may include synchronization information for the BIS audio service in a LL message (e.g., LL_PERIODIC_SYNC_IND PDU) and transmit the same to the second electronic device (204).

At operation 3418, the source electronic device (2410) can broadcast periodic advertising data (e.g., ADV_EXT_IND PDU, AUX_ADV_IND PDU, and/or AUX_SYNC_IND PDU) for a BIS audio service. At operation 3416, at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can obtain BIG parameters (e.g., BIG information (1200)) from the periodic advertising data (e.g., AUX_SYNC_IND PDU) broadcast by the source electronic device (2410) based on the synchronization information. In one embodiment, at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can obtain at least one of Num_BIS, ISO_interval, L/R information, or time information in the BIG information (1200).

In one embodiment, the BIG parameters may include an access address (e.g., a Seed access address), a channel map (e.g., a ChM), and BIG parameters (e.g., at least one of Num_BIS, ISO_Interval, BIS_Spacing, Sub_Interval, Max_PDU, Max_SDU, MPT, BN, PTO, IRC, NSE, Framing field, or Encrypted field).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can calculate a BIS reception time (e.g., at least one of a first time or a second time) at which at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives audio data for a BIS audio service from the source electronic device (2410) based on the BIG information (1200). In one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) can calculate a BIS reception time (e.g., at least one of a first time or a second time) at which at least one of the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives audio data for a BIS audio service from the source electronic device (2410) based on the BIG information (1200).

In operation 3420, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can share information (e.g., first information and second information) about BIS reception times (e.g., first time and second time) with each other.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may transmit or receive information about whether each other's audio service is being operated and information about the operation of the audio service at various times. In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit information related to the operation of the audio service (e.g., first information) or receive information related to the operation of the audio service (e.g., second information) in response to an inquiry request from the counterpart electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may transmit information related to the operation of the audio service (e.g., first information) to the counterpart electronic device at a time when the intention to start the audio service is confirmed, at a time when the audio service is started, at a designated time after the audio service is started, and/or at designated periodic time points, or may receive information related to the operation of the audio service (e.g., second information) from the counterpart electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device (204)).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can calculate information (e.g., both the first information and the second information) related to operation of audio services of themselves and the counterpart electronic device from the BIG information. The BIG information transmitted by the source electronic device includes both time information of BIS audio data (e.g., left channel audio) that the first electronic device (202) should receive and time information of BIS audio data (e.g., right channel audio) that the second electronic device (204) should receive. The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can calculate information (e.g., both the first information and the second information) related to operation of audio services of themselves and the counterpart electronic device from the BIG information without exchanging information (e.g., the first information or the second information).

In one embodiment, the information (e.g., the first information and/or the second information) shared between the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) in operation 3420 may indicate the operation time of each other's audio service. In one embodiment, the information (e.g., the first information and/or the second information) may include at least one of the BIG parameters of the audio service received by the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the information (e.g., the first information and/or the second information) may indicate the time (e.g., the first time or the second time) at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives the audio service based on the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2400)).

For example, if the first communication link (2400) is of the Bluetooth legacy type, the information may include slot information or clock information indicating a time point at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives the audio service. For example, if the first communication link (2400) is of the BLE type, the information may include time information or clock information indicating a time point at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receives the audio service. In one embodiment, the information may indicate a time interval (e.g., a first time or a second time) during which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) can guarantee reception of the BIS audio service without being interrupted by other communication tasks.

In operation 3424, the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) may use information shared with or commonly obtained by each other (e.g., the first information and the second information) to negotiate and re-establish a new time (e.g., a third time or time interval (3310)) for the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2400)) at a time when an intention to start an audio service is confirmed, a start time of the audio service, a designated time after the audio service has been started, and/or a designated periodic time. The third time may be determined within a time range that does not affect or minimizes the impact on reception of the audio service by the first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the third time may be determined so as not to overlap with, or at least to minimally overlap with, an audio reception time (e.g., time intervals (3308)).

In operation 3422 and operation 3426, the source electronic device (2410) can transmit audio data (e.g., L packets and R packets) of a BIS audio service at designated times (e.g., a first time and a second time). The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can receive and output the BIS audio data (e.g., L packets and R packets) in synchronization with the source electronic device (2410). The first electronic device (202) and the second electronic device (204) can perform bridge communication using the newly set time interval (e.g., the third time or time intervals (3310)) of the first communication link (e.g., the first communication link (2400)) while ensuring reception of the BIS audio service.

Figure 35 is a diagram for explaining time intervals of BIG according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 35, the source electronic device (2410) can set Num_BIS=2, ISO_Interval=20ms, BN=2, NSE=10, Sub_Interval=1.188ms, BIS_spacing=594㎲, PTO=1, IRC=3, and Max_PDU=100byte for BIG. Five sub-event groups according to NSE=10 and BN=2 within an ISO interval (3500) of 20ms in length can be used for BIS audio service. The above five sub-event groups may include a time interval (3502) including three sub-event groups (e.g., R0, L1, R1, L1, R0, L1, R1, L1, R0, L1, R1, L1) according to IRC=3, and a time interval (3504) including two sub-event groups (e.g., R2, L2, R3, L3, R4, L4, R5, L5) for future BIS audio data.

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) may determine a time interval (3502) including three sub-event groups according to IRC=3 as the first time and the second time to be guaranteed for the BIS audio service. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second electronic device (204) may determine a time interval (3502) as the first time and the second time to be guaranteed for the BIS audio service.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing the operation information of a second communication link and a third communication link according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 36, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) acting as a BIS assistant may change operation information related to operation of at least one of a second communication link (e.g., second communication link (2512)) between the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) or a third communication link (e.g., third communication link (2514)) between the electronic device (101) and the second electronic device (204) based on at least one of a request of the first electronic device (202), a request of the second electronic device (204), or a judgment of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the operation information may include at least one of an interval, an event length, or an anchor point.

In one embodiment, an event counter A of a second communication link (2512) (e.g., a first ACL link) associated with a first electronic device (202) can be started at every connection interval (3602). The electronic device (101) can exchange packets with the first electronic device (202) during a time interval (3612) designated for the second communication link (2512) within each connection interval (3602). In one embodiment, an event counter B of a third communication link (2514) (e.g., a second ACL link) associated with a second electronic device (204) can be started at every connection interval (3604). The electronic device (101) can exchange packets with the second electronic device (204) during a time interval (3614) designated for the third communication link (2514) within each connection interval (3604).

FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining collisions between BIS audio and the second communication link and the third communication link according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 37, the first electronic device (202) can be synchronized to the BIG (e.g., at least one BIS) of the source electronic device (2410) based on the synchronization information received from the electronic device (101) via the second communication link (2512) (e.g., during the time interval (3612)). In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) can be synchronized to the BIG of the source electronic device (2410) based on the synchronization information received from the electronic device (101) via the third communication link (2514) (e.g., during the time interval (3614)). The reception times (e.g., time intervals (3700)) at which the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) receive the BIS synchronization service can be repeated at specified time intervals (e.g., the ISO interval included in the BIG information (1200)).

At least one of the first electronic device (202), the second electronic device (204), or the electronic device (101) can detect, by means of specified criteria, that time intervals (3700) during which the BIS audio service is received conflict with at least one of the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514).

In one embodiment, the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) may determine that the time intervals (3700) for the synchronized BIS audio service at least partially overlap with the communication time (e.g., the time intervals (3612) or the time intervals (3614)) of the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514), and may request the electronic device (101) to change the communication time (e.g., the time intervals (3612) or the time intervals (3614)) of the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine that the time intervals (3700) for the BIS audio service at least partially overlap with the time intervals (3612) of the second communication link (2512) or the time intervals (3614) of the third communication link (2514), and may determine to change the communication time (e.g., the time intervals (3612) or the time intervals (3614)) of the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a reception time (e.g., time intervals (3700)) of a BIS audio service associated with the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) based on the BIG information (1200), prior to or after transmitting synchronization information associated with BIG information (e.g., BIG information (1200)) to the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) via the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514). The electronic device (101) may change the operational information (e.g., ACL parameters) of the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514) based on whether the time intervals (3700) conflict with (e.g., at least partially overlap with) the time intervals (3612) or the time intervals (3614).

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining an example of avoiding collision of BIS audio according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 38, before or after transmitting synchronization information related to BIG information (e.g., BIG information (1200)) to the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) via the second communication link (2512) or the third communication link (2514), the electronic device (101) may determine a reception time (e.g., time intervals (3700)) of a BIS audio service related to the first electronic device (202) or the second electronic device (204) based on the BIG information (1200). The electronic device (101) may determine a new communication time (e.g., time intervals (3802, 3804)) of the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514) so as not to overlap with the time intervals (3700) or at least to a minimal extent. In one embodiment, the time intervals (3802, 3804) can be changed by resetting operational information (e.g., ACL parameters) of the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine operational information (e.g., connection intervals between the first ACL link and the second ACL link, event lengths, or anchor points) of the second communication link (2512) and the third communication link (2514) such that new time intervals (3802, 3804) of the second communication link (2512) and the third communication link (2514) do not overlap with, or at least minimally overlap with, the time interval (3700) of the BIS audio service.

The electronic device (101) can provide the determined operation information to the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can provide ACL parameters (e.g., at least one of the connection interval (3812), the event length, or the anchor point (3822) of the first ACL link) specifying a new communication time (e.g., the time intervals (3802)) of the second communication link (2512) to the first electronic device (202) via the second communication link (2512). The first electronic device (202) can communicate with the electronic device (101) using the time intervals (3802) starting from the event counter X of the second communication link (2512). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide ACL parameters (e.g., at least one of the connection interval (3814), the event length, or the anchor point (3824) of the second ACL link) specifying a new communication time (e.g., the time intervals (3804)) of the third communication link (2514) to the second electronic device (204) via the third communication link (2514). The second electronic device (204) may communicate with the electronic device (101) using the time intervals (3804) starting from the event counter Y of the third communication link (2514).

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for changing a communication time considering a BIS audio service according to one embodiment. According to embodiments, at least one of the operations described below may be omitted, modified, or the order may be changed. According to one embodiment, at least one of the operations described below may be executed by an electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)).

Referring to FIG. 39, at operation 3905, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may generate (e.g., establish) a second communication link (2512) and/or a third communication link (2514) with the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204), respectively. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may identify a communication time (e.g., time intervals (3612)) between the electronic device (101) and the first electronic device (202) in the second communication link (2512). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may identify a communication time (e.g., time intervals (3614)) between the electronic device (101) and the second electronic device (204) in the third communication link (2514).

In operation 3910, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can obtain BIG parameters (e.g., BIG information (1200)) for a BIS audio service of the source electronic device (2410). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can discover the source electronic device (2410) via a BLE scan and receive the BIG parameters via a periodic advertising packet broadcast from the source electronic device (2410). In one embodiment, the BIG parameters can be used by the electronic device (101) to determine a BIS audio reception time of the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204), a collision between the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514), and to change the operation information of the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514).

In operation 3915, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can calculate a BIS reception time (e.g., time intervals (3700)) for receiving BIS audio data based on the BIG parameters. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can calculate a first time at which a first electronic device (202) receives BIS audio data (e.g., "L" packets) based on the BIG parameters. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can calculate a second time at which a second electronic device (204) receives BIS audio data (e.g., "R" packets) based on the BIG parameters.

In operation 3920, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may determine whether the BIS reception time conflicts with a communication time (e.g., time intervals (3612) and time intervals (3614)) of a second communication link (2512) and/or a third communication link (2514) for communicating with the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204).

If the BIS reception time does not conflict with or at least partially overlap with the communication times of the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may terminate the operation, and the communication times (e.g., the time intervals (3612) and the time intervals (3614)) of the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514) may be maintained. On the other hand, if the BIS reception time conflicts with or at least partially overlaps with the communication times of the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may proceed to operation 3925.

In operation 3925, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may calculate an idle time interval that does not overlap with the BIS reception time based on the BIS reception time (e.g., the time intervals (3700)), and change the operational information (e.g., the ACL parameters) for the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514) based on the idle time interval. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may determine the ACL parameters such that the new communication time (e.g., the time intervals (3802) and/or the time intervals (3804)) for the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514) does not overlap with the BIS reception time, or at least minimally overlaps with it.

In operation 3930, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may transmit the calculated operational information (e.g., ACL parameters including at least one of the connection interval (3812, 3814), the event length, or the anchor point (3822, 3824)) for the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514) to the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) via the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514). An electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) can communicate with the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) via the second communication link (2512) and/or the third communication link (2514) without interfering with a BIS audio service of the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) while the first electronic device (202) and/or the second electronic device (204) is receiving a BIS audio service.

An electronic device (202) according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit (320) and at least one processor (310) functionally connected to the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to establish a communication link (2000, 2400) with a second electronic device (204) via the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to determine first information related to a first time (1802, 1804, 1806) at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device (101, 2410). The at least one processor may be configured to obtain second information related to a second time (1812, 1814, 1816) at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a third time (1822, 1824) for the communication link based on the first time and the second time. The at least one processor may be configured to communicate with the second electronic device over the communication link using the third time.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to receive the second information related to the second time from the second electronic device via the communication circuit.

In one embodiment, the second information may include at least one of slot information, time information, or clock information indicating the second time.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to transmit the first information to the second electronic device via the communication circuit.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to calculate the second time based on parameters received from the source electronic device.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to calculate an idle time interval that does not overlap with the first time period and the second time period, and to calculate at least one of a start time point or a time interval of the third time period to be allocated to the communication link based on the idle time interval.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the third time by at least one of an interval, a window size, or a start time of an anchor point.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the third time based on at least one of a slot duration, a number of slots, or a slot start time.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first time or the second time may include a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-events defined by a burst number (BN) parameter among connected isochronous stream (CIS) parameters received from the source electronic device.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first time or the second time may include a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-event groups defined by an immediate repetition count (IRC) parameter among broadcast isochronous stream (BIS) parameters received from the source electronic device.

An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a wireless communication module (192) and at least one processor (120) functionally connected to the wireless communication module. The at least one processor may be configured to establish at least one communication link (2512, 2514) with at least one external electronic device (202, 204) via the wireless communication module. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a first time (3700) at which the at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device (2410). The at least one processor may be configured to determine whether the first time conflicts with a second time (3612, 3614) at which the electronic device communicates with the at least one external electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to determine operation information indicating a third time set for the at least one communication link so as not to at least partially overlap the first time if the first time conflicts with the second time. The at least one processor may be configured to transmit the operational information to the at least one external electronic device via the wireless communication module.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to change at least one parameter of a connection interval, an event length, or an anchor point for the communication link, and generate the operational information including the changed parameter.

A method of operating a first electronic device (202) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1905) of establishing a first communication link (2000, 2400) with a second electronic device (204). The method may include an operation (1915) of determining first information related to a first time (1802, 1804, 1806) at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device (101, 2410). The method may include an operation (1920) of obtaining second information related to a second time (1812, 1814, 1816) at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device. The method may include an operation (1925) of determining a third time (1822, 1824) for the communication link based on the first time and the second time. The method may include an operation (1930) of communicating with the second electronic device over the communication link using the third time.

In one embodiment, the operation of obtaining the second information may include an operation of receiving the second information from the second electronic device.

In one embodiment, the second information may include at least one of slot information, time information, or clock information indicating the second time.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise transmitting the first information to the second electronic device.

In one embodiment, the operation of obtaining the second information may include the operation of calculating the second time based on parameters received from the source electronic device.

In one embodiment, the operation of determining the third time may include the operation of calculating an idle time interval that does not overlap with the first time and the second time, and calculating at least one of a start time or a time interval of the third time to be allocated to the communication link based on the idle time interval.

In one embodiment, the third time may be defined by at least one of an interval, a window size, or a start time of an anchor point.

In one embodiment, the third time may be defined by at least one of a slot duration, a number of slots, or a slot start time.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first time or the second time may include a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-events defined by a burst number (BN) parameter among connected isochronous stream (CIS) parameters received from the source electronic device.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first time or the second time may include a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-event groups defined by an immediate repetition count (IRC) parameter among broadcast isochronous stream (BIS) parameters received from the source electronic device.

A method of operating an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include an operation (3905) of establishing at least one communication link (2512, 2514) with at least one external electronic device (202, 204). The method may include an operation (3910, 3915) of determining a first time (3700) at which the at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device (2410). The method may include an operation (3820) of determining whether the first time conflicts with a second time (3612, 3614) at which the electronic device communicates with the at least one external electronic device. The method may include an operation (3925) of determining operating information indicating a third time set for the at least one communication link so as not to at least partially overlap the first time if the first time conflicts with the second time. The method may include an operation (3930) of transmitting the operating information to the at least one external electronic device.

In one embodiment, the operation of determining the operational information may include an operation of changing at least one parameter of a connection interval, an event length, or an anchor point for the communication link, and an operation of generating the operational information including the changed parameter. The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be a variety of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit of the component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory (390), an internal memory (136), or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (202 or 204) or an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (310 or a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (202 or 204) or an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, ‘non-transitory’ simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store ^TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or an intermediary server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by the module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In the first electronic device (202),
Communication circuit (320); and
At least one processor (310) functionally connected to the above communication circuit, wherein the at least one processor comprises:
Establishing a communication link (2000, 2400) with the second electronic device (204) through the above communication circuit,
The first electronic device determines first information related to a first time (1802, 1804, 1806) at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device (101, 2410),
The second electronic device obtains second information related to a second time (1812, 1814, 1816) at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device,
Determine a third time (1822, 1824) for the communication link based on the first time and the second time,
A first electronic device configured to communicate with the second electronic device via the communication link using the third time. In the first aspect, at least one processor,
configured to receive the second information related to the second time from the second electronic device through the communication circuit;
The above second information is,
A first electronic device characterized by including at least one of slot information, time information, or clock information representing the second time. In the second paragraph, the at least one processor,
A first electronic device characterized in that it is configured to transmit the first information to the second electronic device through the communication circuit. In the first aspect, at least one processor,
A first electronic device characterized in that it is configured to calculate the second time based on parameters received from the source electronic device. In any one of claims 1 to 4, said at least one processor,
Calculate an idle time interval that does not overlap with the first time and the second time,
A first electronic device characterized in that it is configured to calculate at least one of a start time or a time interval of the third time to be allocated to the communication link based on the idle time interval. In any one of claims 1 to 5, said at least one processor,
determining said third time by at least one of the interval, window size, or starting point of the anchor point, or

A first electronic device characterized in that it is configured to determine the third time by at least one of a slot period, a number of slots, or a slot start time. In any one of claims 1 to 6, at least one of the first time or the second time,
A first electronic device characterized by including a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-events defined by a BN (burst number) parameter among CIS (connected isochronous stream) parameters received from the source electronic device. In any one of claims 1 to 6, at least one of the first time or the second time,
A first electronic device characterized in that it includes a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-event groups defined by an immediate repetition count (IRC) parameter among the BIS (broadcast isochronous stream) parameters received from the source electronic device. In an electronic device (101),
Wireless communication module (192); and
At least one processor (120) functionally connected to the wireless communication module, wherein the at least one processor comprises:
Establishing at least one communication link (2512, 2514) with at least one external electronic device (202, 204) through the wireless communication module,
determining a first time (3700) at which at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device (2410);
Determining whether the first time conflicts with a second time (3612, 3614) at which the electronic device communicates with the at least one external electronic device;
If the first time conflicts with the second time, determine operational information indicating a third time set for the communication link so as not to overlap at least partially with the first time;
An electronic device configured to transmit the operational information to at least one external electronic device via the wireless communication module. In the 9th paragraph, the at least one processor,
Changing at least one parameter of the connection interval, event length, or anchor point for the above communication link,
An electronic device characterized in that it is configured to generate the operating information including the changed parameter. In the operating method of the first electronic device (202),
An operation (1905) of establishing a communication link (2000, 2400) with a second electronic device (204),
An operation (1915) of determining first information related to a first time (1802, 1804, 1806) at which the first electronic device receives first audio data of an audio service from a source electronic device (101, 2410),
An operation (1920) of obtaining second information related to a second time (1812, 1814, 1816) at which the second electronic device receives second audio data of the audio service from the source electronic device;
An operation (1925) of determining a third time (1822, 1824) for the communication link based on the first time and the second time;
A method comprising the action (1930) of communicating with the second electronic device over the communication link using the third time. In the 11th paragraph, the operation of obtaining the second information is as follows:
comprising an action of receiving said second information related to said second time from said second electronic device;
The above second information is,
A method characterized by including at least one of slot information, time information, or clock information representing the second time. In Article 12,
A method further comprising the action of transmitting the first information to the second electronic device. In the 11th paragraph, the operation of obtaining the second information is as follows:
A method characterized by comprising an operation of calculating the second time based on parameters received from the source electronic device. In any one of claims 11 to 14, the operation of determining the third time comprises:
An operation for calculating an idle time interval that does not overlap with the first time and the second time,
A method characterized by comprising the action of calculating at least one of a start time or a time interval of the third time to be allocated to the communication link based on the idle time interval. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 15, the third time is:
Defined by at least one of the spacing, window size, or starting point of the anchor point, or

A method characterized by being defined by at least one of a slot interval, a number of slots, or a slot start time. In any one of claims 11 to 16, at least one of the first time or the second time,
A method characterized in that it includes a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-events defined by a BN (burst number) parameter among the CIS (connected isochronous stream) parameters received from the source electronic device. In any one of claims 11 to 16, at least one of the first time or the second time,
A method characterized in that it includes a time interval corresponding to one or more sub-event groups defined by an immediate repetition count (IRC) parameter among the BIS (broadcast isochronous stream) parameters received from the source electronic device. In the operating method of an electronic device (101),
An operation (3905) of establishing at least one external electronic device (202, 204) and at least one communication link (2512, 2514),
An operation (3910, 3915) of determining a first time (3700) at which at least one external electronic device receives an audio service from a source electronic device (2410),
An operation (3820) for determining whether the first time conflicts with a second time (3612, 3614) at which the electronic device communicates with at least one external electronic device;
An operation (3925) of determining operational information indicating a third time set for said at least one communication link so that the first time does not at least partially overlap with the second time when said first time conflicts with the second time;
A method comprising the action (3930) of transmitting said operational information to said at least one external electronic device. In paragraph 19, the operation of determining the operational information is:
An operation for changing at least one parameter of a connection interval, an event length, or an anchor point for the above communication link,
A method characterized by comprising an action of generating the operation information including the changed parameter.

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