Abstract: A communication protocol provides improved bidirectional communication performance between a wireless stereo headset (12) and a host device (19). The communication protocol provides communication paths between the host device (19) and each ear piece (12a, 12b) of the wireless stereo headset (12), as well as a communication path (17) between the two ear pieces (12a, 12b). In addition to receiving audio information from the host device (19), each ear piece (12a, 12b) may request audio information from the other ear piece (12b, 12a), thus obtaining path diversity in the downlink. One ear piece (12a, 12b) may acknowledge the host device (10) for a correctly received packet, which the other ear piece (12a, 12b) missed, avoiding retransmissions. The ear pieces (12a, 12b) may exchange picked-up voice content to send to the host device (19), providing for path diversity in the uplink.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a random access procedure over a radio interface such as, for example, between a mobile terminal and a radio base station of a mobile network. For example, a method includes the steps of transmitting a synchronization request for synchronization information; receiving synchronization information in response to the synchronization request; and transmitting, based on at least one transmission parameter adjusted in accordance with the synchronization information, a resource request for data transmission resources.

Abstract: A communication protocol provides improved communication performance between a wireless stereo headset (12) and a host device (19). The communication protocol provides communication paths between the host device (19) and each ear piece (12a, 12b) of the wireless stereo headset (12), as well as a communication path between the two ear pieces (12a, 12b) of the wireless stereo headset (12). In addition to receiving audio information from the host device (19), each ear piece (12a, 12b) may request audio information from the other ear piece (12b, 12a), thus obtaining path diversity. Using special control messages on connection between the ear pieces (12a, 12b), the ear pieces (12a, 12b) inform each other which audio information has been received successfully from the host device (19).

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for performing a random access procedure over a radio interface, for example between a mobile terminal and a radio base station of a mobile network. A method aspect of the invention comprises the steps of transmitting a synchronization request for synchronization information; receiving synchronization information in response to the synchronization request; and transmitting, based on at least one transmission parameter adjusted in accordance with the synchronization information, a resource request for data transmission resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing an environment (e.g., a call center) including both voice users and streaming audio users (e.g., streaming music) using a common wireless protocol, e.g., Bluetooth. The system may include multiple base stations communicating with multiple user devices (e.g., wireless headsets) to define a plurality of wireless audio links. A central controller in communication with the base stations may receive wireless link data associated with the wireless audio links, determine a current count of voice users versus streaming audio users, generate channel assignment data specifying a first frequency channels designated for voice users and second frequency channels designated for streaming audio users, and communicate such channel assignment data to the base stations. Each base station may then selectively utilize particular frequency channel(s) based on the channel assignment data and the type of audio communication (e.g.

Abstract: A communication protocol provides group communications between at least two wireless headsets. Multiple broadcast links, mutually time staggered, are established between the headsets for sequentially sending broadcast messages between group members. Group members can retransmit and forward one or more received broadcast messages to improve robustness and range. In the receiving headset, audio received in broadcast messages from multiple members is combined into a single audio signal provided to the loudspeaker of the receiving headset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for heart rate detection are described. In one example, a headphones apparatus and method includes emitting a first light in a first light direction directed at a left ear location from a left ear light emitter, and detecting a detected first light at a left ear light detector following interaction of the first light with a left ear tissue. The method includes emitting a second light in a second light direction directed at a right ear location from a right ear light emitter, the right ear location different from the left ear location. The method further includes detecting a detected second light at a right ear light detector following interaction of the second light with a right ear tissue, and estimating a heart rate from the detected first light and the detected second light.

Abstract: A communication protocol provides improved bidirectional communication performance between a wireless stereo headset (12) and a host device (19). The communication protocol provides communication paths between the host device (19) and each ear piece (12a, 12b) of the wireless stereo headset (12), as well as a communication path (17) between the two ear pieces (12a, 12b). In addition to receiving audio information from the host device (19), each ear piece (12a, 12b) may request audio information from the other ear piece (12b, 12a), thus obtaining path diversity in the downlink. One ear piece (12a, 12b) may acknowledge the host device (10) for a correctly received packet, which the other ear piece (12a, 12b) missed, avoiding retransmissions. The ear pieces (12a, 12b) may exchange picked-up voice content to send to the host device (19), providing for path diversity in the uplink.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing multiple wireless links, e.g., between base stations and wireless headsets. Each wireless link communicates data packets (e.g., audio data packets) according to a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) defining a series of connection intervals having a defined number of frames (e.g., Bluetooth eSCO intervals including 6 or 12 frames per interval). A controller stores interval segmentation data specifying a first interval segment (including a first subset of frames) allocated to original transmissions of packets and at least one additional interval segment (including additional subsets of frames) allocated to retransmissions of failed packets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for carrier selection are described. In one example, a method of carrier selection for a frequency-hopping wireless communication device includes using a fixed set of available carriers to hop over during communications. The method includes allocating a subset of the available carriers to a long-range carrier class. In one example, the subset of available carriers consists of at least two carrier clusters spaced widely in the frequency spectrum. The method further includes monitoring a transmit power level in the wireless communication device. The method further includes using the long-range carrier class to hop over during communications if the wireless communication device transmit power is greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A dual-microphone arrangement (300) provides improve voice performance in a wireless headset (12). A vibration sensor (1130) is used for voice pickup and will add low-frequency voice audio content in windy conditions. An equalizer (810) is used to restore low-frequency voice audio content in wind-free conditions. Depending on the measured wind power, the output will derive more signal from the equalizer (810) or more signal from the vibration sensor (1130).

Abstract: A dual-microphone arrangement (300) provides improve voice performance in a wireless headset (12). A vibration sensor (1130) is used for voice pickup and will add low-frequency voice audio content in windy conditions. An equalizer (810) is used to restore low-frequency voice audio content in wind-free conditions. Depending on the measured wind power, the output will derive more signal from the equalizer (810) or more signal from the vibration sensor (1130).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for multiple radio frequency band operation are described. In one example, a first device is operated in a first radio frequency band. A connection request is received at the first device from a second device utilizing the first radio frequency band. The connection request is processed to designate whether the connection request is a priority services request type or a non-priority services request type. Responsive to designating the connection request as the non-priority services request type, a non-priority services communications channel is established utilizing a second radio frequency band. Responsive to designating the connection request as a priority services request type, it is determined whether a priority services channel is available or not available in the first radio frequency band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for performing a random access procedure over a radio interface, for example between a mobile terminal and a radio base station of a mobile network. A method aspect of the invention comprises the steps of transmitting a synchronization request for synchronization information; receiving synchronization information in response to the synchronization request; and transmitting, based on at least one transmission parameter adjusted in accordance with the synchronization information, a resource request for data transmission resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for performing a random access procedure over a radio interface, for example between a mobile terminal and a radio base station of a mobile network. A method aspect of the invention comprises the steps of transmitting a synchronization request for synchronization information; receiving synchronization information in response to the synchronization request; and transmitting, based on at least one transmission parameter adjusted in accordance with the synchronization information, a resource request for data transmission resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for performing a random access procedure over a radio interface, for example between a mobile terminal and a radio base station of a mobile network. A method aspect of the invention comprises the steps of transmitting a synchronization request for synchronization information; receiving synchronization information in response to the synchronization request; and transmitting, based on at least one transmission parameter adjusted in accordance with the synchronization information, a resource request for data transmission resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying the true content of a data packet wirelessly transmitted and retransmitted from a first device to a second device. The second device receives an original transmission of the data packet (first packet instance), followed by first and second retransmissions of the data packet (second and third packet instances), thus defining a group of three received packet instances, each including erroneous data. The second device may execute a hierarchical packet analysis algorithm to determine the true content of the transmitted data packet, which includes (a) testing selected pairs of the three packet instances to attempt to determine the true content of the transmitted data packet; and (b) if the pair-wise analysis fails, analyzing the first, second, and third packet instances collectively (triplet analysis) to attempt to determine the true content of the transmitted data packet.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for discontinuous transmission on short-range packet-based radio links. As one option, during a communication session with a far-end system on a short-range packet-based radio link, an audio stream received on an audio line in is monitored for voice-based signals. Based on monitoring the audio stream for the voice-based signals, a voice activity estimation signal is generated. While the voice activity estimation signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, one or more voice packets are generated based on the audio stream, and transmitted to the far-end system at one or more times. Also, in response to determining that the voice activity estimation signal is below the predetermined threshold, one or more zero-payload packets are transmitted to the far-end system at one or more subsequent times.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for discontinuous transmission on short-range packet-based radio links. As one option, during a communication session with a far-end system on a short-range packet-based radio link, an audio stream received on an audio line in is monitored for voice-based signals. Based on monitoring the audio stream for the voice-based signals, a voice activity estimation signal is generated. While the voice activity estimation signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, one or more voice packets are generated based on the audio stream, and transmitted to the far-end system at one or more times. Also, in response to determining that the voice activity estimation signal is below the predetermined threshold, one or more zero-payload packets are transmitted to the far-end system at one or more subsequent times.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing multiple wireless links, e.g., between base stations and wireless headsets. Each wireless link communicates data packets (e.g., audio data packets) according to a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) defining a series of connection intervals having a defined number of frames (e.g., Bluetooth eSCO intervals including 6 or 12 frames per interval). A controller stores interval segmentation data specifying a first interval segment (including a first subset of frames) allocated to original transmissions of packets and at least one additional interval segment (including additional subsets of frames) allocated to retransmissions of failed packets.