Patent Application
20170332331
One or more embodiments relate generally to digital media networking, and in particular, a method and system for dynamically allocating wireless channels for applications (e.g., audio applications, video applications, and other types of media applications).
A wireless electronic device may be used to wirelessly transmit data to one or more other electronic devices (e.g., another wireless electronic device, a non-wireless electronic device, etc.) without use of a physical cable. A wireless microphone is an example wireless electronic device used for transmitting sound to a broadcast/media device/system, such as an amplifier or a recording device. Wireless microphones may operate in various different spectrum bands. Wireless microphones may be designed to operate on a discrete set of frequencies within a spectrum band, or they may cover an entire range of frequencies in the band.
One embodiment provides a method for dynamic allocation of wireless channels for applications. The method comprises receiving first control data indicating a first wireless media device selected from multiple wireless media devices to activate at a first pre-determined time. The method further comprises, based on the first control data and information indicating transmission channels available for use by the multiple wireless media devices, dynamically assigning a first transmission channel to the first wireless media device, such that no two wireless media devices are active on the same transmission channel at the same time. The method further comprises wirelessly transmitting a first control command to the first wireless media device. The first control command comprises a first instruction for the first wireless media device to power on at the first pre-determined time and wirelessly transmit data on the first transmission channel.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures.
The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
One or more embodiments relate generally to digital media networking, and in particular, a method and system for dynamically allocating wireless channels for applications (e.g., audio applications, video applications, and other types of media applications). One embodiment provides a method for dynamic allocation of wireless channels for applications. The method comprises receiving first control data indicating a first wireless media device selected from multiple wireless media devices to activate at a first pre-determined time. The method further comprises, based on the first control data and information indicating transmission channels available for use by the multiple wireless media devices, dynamically assigning a first transmission channel to the first wireless media device, such that no two wireless media devices are active on the same transmission channel at the same time. The method further comprises wirelessly transmitting a first control command to the first wireless media device. The first control command comprises a first instruction for the first wireless media device to power on at the first pre-determined time and wirelessly transmit data on the first transmission channel.
For expository purposes, the term “media device” as used herein refers to a professional broadcast/media device/system, such as a professional audio device/system or a professional video device/system, etc. Examples of media devices include, but are not limited to, microphones, wireless microphones, amplifiers, audio mixers, recording devices, etc. Examples of different users/operators of media devices include, but are not limited to, broadcasters, programming networks, theaters, venues (e.g., sports venues, music venues, etc.), festivals, fairs, film studios, conventions, corporate events, houses of worship, sports leagues, schools, etc.
For expository purposes, the term “wireless media device” as used herein refers to a media device capable of exchanging data with another device (e.g., another media device) wirelessly (i.e., without need of a physical cable). For example, a wireless microphone is a wireless media device used to capture and transmit audio data (i.e., sound) to another device (e.g., an amplifier, a recording device, etc.) wirelessly. Examples of wireless microphones include, but are not limited to, hand-held or body-worn wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, media devices used for cueing on-air talent, intercom systems for backstage communications, etc.
In recent times, the amount of spectrum traditionally available for wireless microphones and similar wireless electronic devices (e.g., wireless intercoms, wireless in-ear monitors, etc.) in ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) bands is decreasing as one or more portions of the spectrum is reclaimed and repurposed for new wireless services by government mandate. For example, in 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibited operation of wireless microphones and similar devices in the 700 MHz band (i.e., 698-806 MHz). As another example, in 2014, the FCC adopted rules to implement the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, which will involve reorganizing existing television band and repurposing a portion of the UHF band for new wireless broadband services, which will no longer be available to wireless microphones. As a result of such limitations on the amount of spectrum available for wireless microphone use, there is a limited number of unique transmission channels (i.e., wireless channels) available for wireless microphone use during large-scale events.
Traditionally, when more spectrum was available for wireless microphone use, one-to-one assignment of a transmitter to a transmission channel (i.e., wireless channel) is enabled (i.e., each transmitter utilized at an event is assigned its own transmission channel). Enabling such one-to-one assignment at an event provides audio/sound operators at the event with the most stable and reliable channel plan that assures no audio interference during the event. As the amount of spectrum available for wireless microphone use has declined over time, it may not be feasible to allow one-to-one assignment at certain events (e.g., large-scale events) as the amount of spectrum available for wireless microphone use is not enough. As such, transmission channels available for wireless microphone use during such events must be shared between different transmitters utilized at the event. For example, a transmission channel assigned to a wireless microphone transmitter utilized by a vocalist during a musical act at an event may be shared with a wireless microphone transmitter utilized by a guitarist during a subsequent musical act at the event.
As the amount of spectrum available for wireless microphone use declines over time, sharing of transmission channels (“channel sharing”) becomes more and more common at large-scale events (e.g., music festivals, sporting events, etc.). Currently, channel sharing is managed/monitored by a person/entity responsible for/in-charge of transmitters utilized at an event (e.g., audio/sound operator, operator of the venue at which the event is held, wireless microphone operator, etc). The person/entity may have to make decisions with regards to channel sharing that are complex. For example, if multiple acts/performances share common transmission channels, delays may be scheduled between the acts/performance to allow enough time to elapse/pass for switching between transmitters assigned the common transmission channels.
During an event, an operator must follow a pre-determined channel sharing plan, and communicate closely to coordinate times when each transmitter is powered off and powered on (i.e., turn off times and turn on times). A misstep may result in audio interference that occurs when two transmitters operate on the same transmission channel simultaneously or a transmitter is powered off when it should be powered on and transmitting audio. As such, management of channel sharing is prone to human error and may result in a catastrophic failure during the event.
Each wireless media device 104 comprises, but is not limited to, the following components: (1) a receiver unit 101 for wirelessly receiving data/signals (e.g., control commands), (2) a transmitter unit 102 for wirelessly transmitting data/signals (e.g., audio data/signals, video data/signals, etc.), and (3) a user interface (UI) 103 for configuring one or more parameters/settings for the wireless media device 104. Each wireless media device 104 is assigned a corresponding unique identifier (ID).
Transmission channels (i.e., wireless channels) available for the wireless media devices 104 may be divided using any type of channelization protocol, such as time-division multiple access (TDMA), frequency-division multiple access (FDMA), or code-division multiple access (CDMA).
The system 100 further comprises a channel receiver 201 for wirelessly receiving data/signals (e.g., audio data/signals, video data/signals, etc.) transmitted from each wireless media device 104. The channel receiver 201 is a media device. In one embodiment, the channel receiver 201 is an audio channel receiver.
The system 100 further comprises a transmitter controller 200 for communicating with and controlling each wireless media device 104. Specifically, the transmitter controller 200 is configured to: (1) receive control data from a computing device 202, and (2) based on the control data, selectively transmit one or more control commands wirelessly to one or more of the wireless media devices 104. In one embodiment, the computing device 202 comprises an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a smart phone, etc. The computing device 202 is configured to exchange data (e.g., control data) with the transmitter controller 200 over a point-to-point connection (e.g., a wireless connection such as a WiFi connection or a cellular data connection, a wired connection, or a combination of the two). The computing device 202 may be operated by a user/operator tasked with managing the system 100 (e.g., an audio/sound operator).
In one embodiment, the control data indicates which of the wireless media devices 104 should be active (i.e., powered on) at a particular time during an event. Based on the control data and information indicative of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104, the transmission controller 200 dynamically allocates transmission channels for applications. For example, at a particular time during the event, the transmission controller 200 may assign a transmission channel to an active wireless media device 104 and a different transmission channel to a different active wireless media device 104, such that no two wireless media devices 104 are active on the same transmission channel at the same time. The active wireless media devices 104 may be associated with different applications (e.g., the active wireless media devices 104 include separate wireless microphone transmitters for a vocalist and a guitarist performing simultaneously).
The transmission controller 200 is configured to wirelessly transmit a control command to a particular/individual wireless media device 104 at a particular time. The control command comprises an instruction to the wireless media device 104 to adjust an operating mode (e.g., switch between a powered on or powered off mode) of the wireless media device 104. For example, the control command comprises, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: (1) an instruction to power off (i.e., turn off or deactivate) or power on (i.e., turn on or activate) at the particular time, or (2) an instruction to wirelessly transmit data/signals (e.g., audio data/signals, video data/signals, etc.) on a particular transmission channel assigned to the wireless media device 104.
The total number of wireless media devices 104 (i.e., n) in the system 100 may exceed the number of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104 as long as the total number of active wireless media devices 104 (i.e., wireless media devices 104 that are powered on) at any particular time during the event never exceeds the number of transmission channels available.
In one embodiment, the computing device 202 comprises a user interface 203 configured to provide information and one or more functionalities that a user/operator (e.g., an audio/sound operator) tasked with managing the system 100 may utilize for management of the system 100. The functionalities include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) selecting/communicating with one or more wireless media devices 104 the user/operator needs to have active (i.e., powered on and transmitting signals) at a particular time during an event, and (2) managing assignment of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104. For example, the user/operator may select which of the wireless media devices 104 should be active (i.e., powered on) at a particular time during the event via the user interface 203. Control data transmitted to the transmitter controller 200 may be based on input provided by the user/operator via the user interface 203.
For example, the transmitter controller 200 is configured to receive feedback information from the channel receiver 201. Specifically, in response to receiving a control command from the transmitter controller 200, a wireless media device 104 is configured to wirelessly transmit an acknowledgment packet to the channel receiver 201. The acknowledgment packet comprises a limited amount of data (e.g., at least 1 bit) acknowledging receipt of the control command. For example, if a control command received at a wireless media device 104 comprises an instruction for the wireless media device 104 to power off (i.e., turn off or deactivate), the wireless media device 104 transmits an acknowledgment packet to the channel receiver 201 acknowledging receipt of the instruction to power off. In response to receiving the acknowledgement packet from the wireless media device 104, the channel receiver 201 forwards the acknowledgment packet to the transmitter controller 200 that in turn forwards the acknowledgement packet to the computing device 202. The feedback loop 207 increases robustness of the system 310, enabling confirmation that the wireless media device 104 assigned to a particular transmission channel has powered off (i.e., is deactivated) before allowing another wireless media device 104 to utilize the same transmission channel.
As another example, if a control command received at a wireless media device 104 comprises an instruction for the wireless media device 104 to power on (i.e., turn on), the wireless media device 104 transmits an acknowledgment packet to the channel receiver 201 acknowledging receipt of the instruction to power on. In response to receiving the acknowledgement packet from the wireless media device 104, the channel receiver 201 forwards the acknowledgment packet to the transmitter controller 200 that in turn forwards the acknowledgement packet to the computing device 202. The feedback loop 207 increases robustness of the system 310, enabling confirmation that the wireless media device 104 assigned to a particular transmission channel is active (i.e., activated) on the transmission channel after receiving the instruction to power on.
The channel receiver 201 is connected to the signal combining device 204 via a communication bus 205 comprising M channels, wherein M>1. In one embodiment, the communication bus 205 is an audio bus comprising M audio channels.
In one embodiment, if the channelization protocol utilized is FDMA, the number of channels (i.e., M) included in the communication bus 205 will be limited to the number of individual wireless media devices 104 tuned to a particular transmission channel, which is typically equal to the number of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104.
In one embodiment, the signal combining device 204 is configured to exchange data with the computing device 202 over a point-to-point connection (e.g., a wireless connection such as a WiFi connection or a cellular data connection, a wired connection, or a combination of the two). For example, the signal combining device 204 may communicate with the computing device 202 to request that a particular wireless media device 104 is either: (1) powered on, or (2) powered to a particular transmission channel, thereby ensuring data/signals (e.g., audio data/signals) transmitted by the wireless media device 104 is routed to an appropriate channel (e.g., audio channel) of the communication bus 205. This connection between the signal combining device 204 and the computing device 202 is optional, but may expand functionality and ease of use of the system 350.
In one embodiment, the number of channels (i.e., M) included in the communication bus 205 may exceed the number of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104. For example, if there are only 24 TDMA transmission channels available and an event requires 64 wireless media devices 104, a standard 64 channel digital link (e.g., AES10 (MADI) for audio signals) may be used as the communication bus 205. Each of the 64 wireless media devices 104 is assigned a unique ID (e.g., an ID in the range of 1 to 64). A user/operator (e.g., an audio/sound operator) tasked with managing the system 400 may activate up to 24 of the wireless media devices 104 at a time (e.g., via the computing device 202). Each wireless media device 104 selected to activate at a particular time during the event is wirelessly instructed, via the transmitter controller 200, to power on. For each active wireless media device 104, the computing device 202 assigns a particular transmission channel from the 24 TDMA transmission channels available to the wireless media device 104. At the channel receiver 201, signals received from an active wireless media device 104 on an assigned transmission channel is mapped to a particular channel of the communication bus 205 that corresponds to an ID of the wireless media device 104. For example, if a wireless media device 104 with ID x is a wireless microphone and the channel receiver 201 is an audio channel receiver, the audio channel receiver maps audio signals received from the wireless microphone on an assigned transmission channel to an audio channel of the audio bus 205 that corresponds to the ID x.
In the system 500, the computing device 202 and the UI 203 provide, at the signal combining device 204, an on-board control surface that a user/operator (e.g., an audio/sound operator) tasked with managing the system 500 may use for: (1) selecting/communicating with one or more wireless media devices 104 the user/operator needs to have active (i.e., powered on and transmitting signals) at a particular time during an event, and/or (2) managing assignment of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104.
In the system 650, the computing device 202 and the UI 203 provide, at the channel receiver 201, an on-board control surface that a user/operator (e.g., an audio/sound operator) tasked with managing the system 650 may use for: (1) selecting/communicating with one or more wireless media devices 104 the user/operator needs to have active (i.e., powered on and transmitting signals) at a particular time during an event, (2) managing assignment of transmission channels available for use by the wireless media devices 104, and (3) signal routing (i.e., routing of signals received from a wireless media device 104 on an assigned transmission channel).
In one embodiment, process blocks 801-806 may be performed utilizing at least one of the transmitter controller 200 and the channel receiver 201.
In one embodiment, process blocks 901-903 may be performed utilizing at least one of the transmitter controller 200 and the channel receiver 201.
The communication interface 607 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. The system 600 further includes a communications infrastructure 608 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network) to which the aforementioned devices/modules 601 through 607 are connected.
Information transferred via communications interface 607 may be in the form of signals such as electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 607, via a communication link that carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, a radio frequency (RF) link, and/or other communication channels. Computer program instructions representing the block diagram and/or flowcharts herein may be loaded onto a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, or processing devices to cause a series of operations performed thereon to produce a computer implemented process. In one embodiment, processing instructions for one or more process blocks of process 800 (
Embodiments have been described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products. Each block of such illustrations/diagrams, or combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer program instructions. The computer program instructions when provided to a processor produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor create means for implementing the functions/operations specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram. Each block in the flowchart/block diagrams may represent a hardware and/or software module or logic. In alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures, concurrently, etc.
The terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” “computer readable medium”, and “computer program product,” are used to generally refer to media such as main memory, secondary memory, removable storage drive, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and signals. These computer program products are means for providing software to the computer system. The computer readable medium allows the computer system to read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readable information from the computer readable medium. The computer readable medium, for example, may include non-volatile memory, such as a floppy disk, ROM, flash memory, disk drive memory, a CD-ROM, and other permanent storage. It is useful, for example, for transporting information, such as data and computer instructions, between computer systems. Computer program instructions may be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of one or more embodiments may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
Aspects of one or more embodiments are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Though the embodiments have been described with reference to certain versions thereof; however, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/334,331, filed on May 10, 2016, incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62334331 | May 2016 | US |
