Title of Invention	SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS USING CONFERENCING CONNECTION
Abstract	A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed whereby a wireless Personal Area Network such as a Bluetooth piconet may be extended to a remote location beyond the normal range by means of a conferencing connection. The conferencing connection may comprise, for example, one or more ISDN lines or an IP connection between two or more conference endpoints. The broadband connection may include a video channel, an audio channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel.

Title of Invention

SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS USING CONFERENCING CONNECTION

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed whereby a wireless Personal Area Network such as a Bluetooth piconet may be extended to a remote location beyond the normal range by means of a conferencing connection. The conferencing connection may comprise, for example, one or more ISDN lines or an IP connection between two or more conference endpoints. The broadband connection may include a video channel, an audio channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel.

Full Text	BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention. [001] ThA present invention relates generally to conferencing, and more particularly, to extending the range of wireless piconets or wireless Personal Area Networks (PANs) by use of a conferencing connection. 2. Description of the Related Art. [002] Audio conferencing and video conferencing enable geographically remote individuals or groups to communicate with each other from their respective locations. Conferencing serves a valuable purpose by reducing the time and expense required by traveling to meet in person. Accordingly, teleconferencing enables increased profitability, productivity, and efficiency within or among organizations. Conferencing also allows enterprises to speed decision-making and empower dispersed teams. Conferencing is particularly beneficial in the fields of business, medicine, education, and government. [003] In audio conferencing, speakerphones are examples of endpoint devices used to enable audio communication between participants at two or more sites. An example of a speakerphone can be found in the POLYCOM® SOUNDSTATION® line of products. Video conferencing offers the additional ability to communicate graphic information and to view the facial expressions and body language of the conference participant(s) located at a remote site. Video conferencing offers the benefits of face-to-face communication without the inconvenience, expense, and uncertainty associated with traveling. An example of a video conferencing unit can be found in the POLYCOM® VIEWSTATION® line of products. 1»> -t* >-«r »-( [004] It is often desirable to share data with remote participants during a conference. Video conferencing and collaboration, together with data sharing and collaboration, allow increasingly dispersed organizations to pull their human Page2of 26 and information resources together to create new ways of working and interacting. A video conferencing system can provide a rich and effective collaborative environment, even though participants may be thousands of miles apart. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [005] Wireless devices are becoming increasingly prevalent. Eliminating wires offers flexibility and mobility, and eliminates clutter. Huge sums have been invested worldwide on wireless technologies and standards. Current wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, 802.11, and IR (infrared), are limited, however, for use within a restricted range. [006] A need has therefore arisen to provide conferencing solutions that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously combine features of long-distance audio and video conferencing with features of short-range wireless technology. [007] A video conferencing unit establishes a wireless piconet in the vicinity of the video conferencing unit. When engaged in an audio or video conference with one or more remote conferencing units, the piconet may be extended to include the remote locations using the data channels employed by the video conferencing system. In this way, devices in wireless communication with any one of the conferencing units can connect to a remote piconet to receive and/or transmit data over the conference connection. Embodiments of the present invention provide a Bluetooth bridge that allows virtual physical proximity. [008] Thus, during an audio or video conference, another mode of communication is n-t* >~f* -* +•• advantageously provided, wherein remote devices can communicate wirelessly as if they are in the same room. For example, a wireless device at a near end can wirelessly transmit data to a near-end video conferencing unit, which Page2Afo26 sends the data via a conference connection to a far-end conferencing unit, which wirelessly transmits the data to a far-end wireless device. Examples of such wirelessly transmitted data include electronic business cards, images, Bluetooth pen data, Bluetooth whiteboard data, phone numbers, video numbers, calendar data, address book data, keyboard data, mouse data, audio from a wireless microphone, audio to a wireless loudspeaker, etc. Embodiments of the present invention therefore improve and enhance collaboration among remotely located parties. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [009] Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a conferencing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0010] Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0011] Figure 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0012] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which depicts a wireless-network-enabled conference endpoint 100 at a first physical location 105 (Site A). Endpoint 100 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled video conferencing unit (VCU). An exemplary block diagram of a suitable video conferencing unit is depicted in Figure 3. In other embodiments, endpoint 100 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled audio conferencing unit without video capability. #-fr •■ *■ For example, endpoint 100 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled speakerphone comprising the components of the VCU of Figure 3, excluding Page 3 of 26 any video channels, video encoders, video decoders, video monitors, and video cameras. [0013] Endpoint 100 is capable of establishing a radio-frequency Personal Area Network 110 (PAN A) with one or more similarly enabled devices 120, 130, and 140. In some embodiments, the one or more devices 120, 130, and 140 may comprise Bluetooth-enabled devices capable of short-range wireless communications according to the Bluetooth standard. The one or more devices 120, 130, and 140 may comprise such devices as, for example, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a printer, a laptop, a display device, a projector, a camera, a Bluetooth whiteboard, a Bluetooth pen, a speaker, a microphone, a headset, a keyboard, a mouse, and any other devices capable of communicating wirelessly in a PAN. PAN A 110 is not limited to a Bluetooth piconets and may, for example, comprise an Ultrawide Band ("UWB") network or other suitable network. In other embodiments, infrared (IR) or 802.11 communications may be used. [0014] Also shown in Figure 1 is a wireless-network-enabled conference endpoint 150 at a physical location 155 (Site B) which is remote from location 105 (Site A). Endpoint 150 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled video conferencing unit 150. An exemplary block diagram of a suitable video conferencing unit is depicted in Figure 3. In other embodiments, endpoint 150 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled audio conferencing unit without video capability. For example, endpoint 150 may comprise a wireless- network-enabled speakerphone comprising the components of the VCU of Figure 3, excluding any video channels, video encoders, video decoders, video monitors, and video cameras. [0015] In one embodiment, endpoints 100 and 150 are capable of audiovideo (AV) and data communication via a conference connection 145. ^The conference connection 145 may comprise a video channel, an audio channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel. The conference connection 145 may comprise, for example, one or more ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Page 4 of 26 Network) lines, an Internet Protocol (IP) connection over a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet, or any other suitable data communications means such as a fiber optic connection, microwave, or satellite link, etc. Any IP-based standard may be employed, whether now known or later developed. Examples of presently known IP- based standards include without limitation Real Time Transport Protocol (RTP), Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), H-Series (e.g., H.323, and H.324, etc.), and T-Series (e.g., T.120, etc.), among others. In other embodiments, wherein audio conferencing is enabled and video conferencing is not, conference connection 145 may comprise, for example, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), SIP, or ISDN connection. [0016] Endpoint 150 is capable of establishing a wireless Personal Area Network 160 (PAN B) with one or more devices 170 and 180. PAN B 160 may comprise a Bluetooth piconet. The one or more devices 170 and 180 may comprise, for example, Bluetooth-enabled devices capable of short-range wireless communications using the Bluetooth system. The one or more devices 170 and 180 may comprise such devices as, for example, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a printer, a laptop, a display device, a projector, a camera, a Bluetooth whiteboard, a Bluetooth pen, a speaker, a microphone, a headset, a keyboard, a mouse, and any other devices capable of communicating wirelessly in a PAN. [0017] Using connection 145, PAN A 110 may be linked to PAN B 160 such that devices 120, 130, 140, 170, and 180 (and any other devices which may join PAN A or PAN B) are in data communication with one another. Video conferencing connection 145 therefore allows virtual physical proximity of devices that are hundreds or thousands of miles away. [0018] While Figure 1 depicts a point-to-point conferencing sj«tem, the system can be scaled to provide for multipoint conferencing, in which additional video conferencing units are linked by connection 145. Connection 145 may comprise a multipoint control unit (MCU) to enable multiple video Page 5 of 26 conferencing units to join in a single video conference. In a three-party conference, for example, wherein each PAN comprises a Bluetooth piconet, the maximum number of devices in each PAN is tripled. [0019] Bluetooth is a standard and a specification for small form-factor, low-cost, short-range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones, peripherals, and other portable devices. Unlike conventional radio operator networks, a Bluetooth piconet does not require an access point and, unlike infrared communication (e.g., per the IrDA standard), Bluetooth does not require a line-of-sight connection. [0020] Bluetooth devices can function in circuit switched mode and packet switched mode. Circuit switched mode is the most common mode for voice communication, while packet switched mode is usually preferred for Internet data and higher bandwidth mobile communication systems. [0021] A Bluetooth Personal Area Network includes a master and up to seven slaves, thereby permitting the interconnection of up to eight devices in a limited radius (e.g., 10 meters). In a process referred to as Device Discovery, the master seeks devices by broadcasting requests; those slaves which are in a "discoverable" state answer with their identification numbers. Data encryption is available for those users and applications that require additional security. [0022] Bluetooth profiles are published definitions of implementations of Bluetooth wireless technology for particular uses. Profiles are the "services" offered by a device. In order for two Bluetooth-enabled devices to interoperate to complete a user task, both devices must implement a set of common profiles. [0023] The signal transmitted by the Bluetooth link may be either half-duplex or full- duplex. Full duplex links in a Bluetooth piconet can send data at more than 64 Kbps - a speed sufficient to accommodate several voice channels. A half- duplex link can be established with a data rate of 721 kilobits per second in Page 6 of 26 one direction and 57.6 Kbps in the other. If a half-duplex link having the same speed in both directions is required, a link with 432.6 Kbps in each direction can be made. [0024] Unlike many other wireless standards, the Bluetooth wireless specification includes both link layer and application layer definitions for product developers which support data, voice and content-centric applications. [0025] The Bluetooth protocol architecture is further described in the Bluetooth specification. The contents of the most recent Bluetooth Specification Rev v2.0 + EDR, dated November 4, 2004, which can be found at http://www.bluetooth.com, are incorporated herein by reference. The principles of various embodiments of the present invention may be used, however, with prior and next generations of the Bluetooth specification. [0026] The Bluetooth specification may be described as a protocol stack with the Bluetooth Radio layer as its base. The radio layer defines the requirements for a Bluetooth transceiver operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) band. A transceiver that takes part in a power-controlled link must be able to measure its own receiver signal strength and determine if the transmitter on the other side of the link should increase or decrease its output power level. A Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) makes this possible. The instructions to alter the transmitter power are carried in the LMP (Link Manager Protocol) link. [0027] Above the radio layer in the Bluetooth stack is the Baseband layer which describes the specification of the Bluetooth Link Controller (LC) which carries out the baseband protocols and other low-level link routines. The baseband is the physical layer of the Bluetooth stack. It manages physical channels and links apart from other services like error correction, data -t* fr f whitening, hop selection and Bluetooth security. The baseband protocol is implemented as a Link Controller which works with the link -manager for carrying out link level routines like link connection and power control. The Page 7 of 26 baseband also manages asynchronous and synchronous links, handles packets and does paging and inquiry to access and inquire Bluetooth devices in the area. The baseband transceiver applies a time-division duplex (TDD) scheme (alternate transmit and receive). Therefore, apart from the different hopping frequency (frequency division), the time is also slotted. [0028] Thirteen different packet types are defined for the baseband layer of the Bluetooth system. Each packet consists of three entities: the access code (68/72 bits), the header (54 bits), and the payload (0-2745 bits). Access codes are used for timing synchronization, offset compensation, paging and inquiry. The header contains information for packet acknowledgement, packet numbering for out-of-order packet reordering, flow control, slave address and error check for header. The packet payload can contain voice field, data field or both. If it has a data field, the payload will also contain a payload header. [0029] A Bluetooth controller operates in two major states: Standby and Connection. There are seven sub-states which are used to add slaves or make connections in the piconet. These are page, page scan, inquiry, inquiry scan, master response, slave response and inquiry response. The Standby state is the default low power state in the Bluetooth unit. Only the native clock is running and there is no interaction with other devices. In the Connection state, the master and slave can exchange packets, using the channel (master) access code and the master Bluetooth clock. [0030] The Link Manager carries out link setup, authentication, link configuration and other protocols. It discovers other remote Link Managers and communicates with them via the Link Manager Protocol (LMP). To perform its service provider role, the Link Manager uses the services of the underlying Link Controller (LC). *»■ w M* [0031] The Link Manager Protocol essentially consists of a number of PDLJ (protocol Data-Units), which are sent from one device to another, determined by the Page 8 of 26 AM_ADDR in the packet header. Link Manager PDUs are always sent as single-slot packets and the payload header is therefore one byte. [0032] When a connection has been established between two Bluetooth devices, the connection consists of an ACL link. One or more SCO links can then be established. [0033] Each Bluetooth link has a timer that is used for link supervision. This timer is used to detect link loss caused by devices moving out of range, the power- down of a device, or other similar failure. An LMP procedure is used to set the value of the supervision timeout. [0034] The Host Controller Interface (HCI) provides a command interface to the Baseband Link Controller and Link Manager and access to hardware status and control registers. It provides a uniform command method of accessing the Bluetooth baseband capabilities. The HCI Link commands provide the host with the ability to control the link layer connections to other Bluetooth devices. These commands allow the Link Manager to exchange LMP commands with remote Bluetooth devices. [0035] The Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP) is above the Baseband Protocol in the Bluetooth stack and resides in the data link layer. It supports higher level protocol multiplexing, packet segmentation and reassembly, and the conveying of quality of service information. L2CAP permits higher level protocols and applications to transmit and receive L2CAP data packets up to 64 kilobytes in length. Both Synchronous Connection- Oriented (SCO) links and Asynchronous Connection-Less (ACL) links are supported. L2CAP is packet-based, but follows a communication model based on channels. A channel represents a data flow between L2CAP entities in remote devices. Channels may be connection-oriented or connectionless. »-f* +r tfp- L2CAP relies on the flow control mechanism provided by the Link Manager -layer in the baseband. Page 9 of26 [0036] The RFCOMM protocol provides emulation of RS-232 serial ports over the L2CAP protocol. Two device types exist that RFCOMM accommodates: Type 1 devices (communication end points such as computer and printers); and, Type 2 devices (devices that are part of the communication segment such as modems). On Type 1 devices, some port drivers must provide flow control services as specified by the API they are emulation. For example, an application may request a particular flow control mechanism such as XON/XOFF or RTS/CTS and expect the port driver to handle the flow control. On Type 2 devices, the port driver may need to perform flow control on the non-RFCOMM part of the communication path - the physical RS-232 port. [0037] The Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) provides a means for applications to discover which services are provided by or available through a Bluetooth device. It also allows applications to determine the characteristics of those available services. A specific Service Discovery protocol is required in the Bluetooth environment inasmuch as the set of services that are available changes dynamically based on the RF proximity of Bluetooth-enabled devices which may be in motion. SDP uses a request/response model wherein each transaction consists of one request protocol data unit (PDU) and one response PDU. Every SDP PDU consists of a PDU header followed by PDU-specific parameters. The header contains three fields: a PDU ID which identifies the type of PDU; a TransactionID field which uniquely identifies request PDUs thereby permitting the matching of response PDUs to request PDUs; and, a ParameterLength field that specifies the length (in bytes) of all parameters contained in the PDU. [0038] SDP allows Bluetooth-enabled devices to discover what other Bluetooth- enabled devices have to offer in the way of services. The process of looking for any offered services is generally referred to as "browsing"; "searching" generally refers to looking for a specific service. _ In SDP, the mechanism for browsing for services is based on an attribute shared by all services classes Page 10 of 26 called the BrowseGroupList attribute. The value of this attribute contains a list of Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). Each UUID represents a browse group with which a service may be associated for the purpose of browsing. [0039] Reference is now made to Figure 2, which depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the example of Figure 2, a video conferencing unit 200 in a conference room A is capable of establishing a radio-frequency PAN with various Bluetooth-enabled devices in conference room A. In the present example, the Bluetooth-enabled devices in the PAN in conference room A include a printer 220, a PDA 230, and a cellular telephone 240. Other Bluetooth-enabled devices, including but not limited to those described above in connection with Figure 1, may be included in the PAN in conference room A. [0040] Various layers of the video conferencing unit 200, including radio layer 202, hardware layer 204, HCI layer 206, L2CAP layer 208, other Bluetooth stack components 210, and application layer 212 are depicted in Figure 2. Additional layers may be included, such as those as described in the Bluetooth specification, but are not illustrated for purposes of simplicity. [0041] A network interface (NI) 214 is linked to the HCI layer 206 via channel 216. The network interface 214 may operate according to the H.323 standard for audio, video, and data communications across IP-based networks, including the Internet. The network interface 214 may also operate according to the H.320 standard for ISDN video conferencing. The network interface 214 may also operate according to other standards and protocols, whether currently known or later developed. In accordance with the present embodiment, channel 216 may comprise a proprietary RTP channel for sending and receiving Bluetooth data. Page 11 of 26 [0042] The video conferencing unit 200 in conference room A is capable of sending and receiving audio, video, and data via a broadband connection 245, to and from a video conferencing unit 250 in conference room B, which is remote from conference room A. In the present example, the broadband connection 245 may comprise, for example, a connection via an IP network or ISDN line. The conference connection 245 may comprise a video channel, an audio channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel. [0043] Various layers of the video conferencing unit 250, including radio layer 252, hardware layer 254, HCI layer 256, L2CAP layer 258, other Bluetooth stack components 260, and application layer 262 are depicted in Figure 2. Additional layers may be included, such as those as described in the Bluetooth specification, but are not illustrated for purposes of simplicity. [0044] A network interface 264 is linked to the HCI layer 256 via channel 266. In accordance with the present embodiment, channel 266 may comprise a proprietary RTP channel for sending and receiving Bluetooth data. The network interface 264 may operate according to the H.323 standard for audio, video, and data communications across IP-based networks, including the Internet. The network interface 264 may also operate according to the H.320 standard for ISDN video conferencing. The network interface 264 may also operate according to other standards and protocols, whether currently known or later developed. [0045] The video conferencing unit 250 in conference room B is capable of establishing a radio-frequency PAN with various Bluetooth-enabled devices in conference room B. In the present example, the Bluetooth-enabled devices in the PAN in conference room B include a personal computer 270 (such as a handheld PC or a laptop PC, etc.) and a PDA 280. ** >-f* »-W* [0046] Once a conference is connected, such as, for example, an H.323 or H.320 video conference, the VCUs 200 and -250 exchange data pertaining to their respective capabilities. For example, VCU 200 may communicate that it is Page 12 of 26 able to send and receive video, audio, and Bluetooth data, and VCU 250 may also communicate that it is able to send and receive video, audio, and Bluetooth data. [0047] Following the capabilities exchange, the act of device identification (also referred to as device discovery) is performed. Each of the VCUs 200 and 250 performs a radio scan both locally and remotely, and the results are collected and exchanged. Therefore, in the example of Figure 2, VCU 200 discovers local devices (printer 220, PDA 230, and cellular telephone 240) and remote devices (PC 270 and PDA 280); VCU 250 discovers local devices (PC 270 and PDA 280) and remote devices (printer 220, PDA 230, and cellular telephone 240). All such devices (printer 220, PDA 230, cellular telephone 240, PC 270, and PDA 280) appear as if they are in the same room and in the same radio network. Each device has an address (e.g., a network address, etc.) and a set of attributes (e.g., what Bluetooth profile is supported such as headset profile, data exchange profile, etc.). [0048] In one exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, PDA 230 in conference room A and PDA 280 in conference room B can perform an RS232 data exchange and thereby exchange contact information in the form of electronic business cards via connection 245. The data exchange occurs as if they were in the same physical piconet, even though their respective physical locations may be hundreds or thousands of miles apart. [0049] A method for exchanging contact information between Bluetooth PDAs may be performed as follows. First, the PDAs each search for like devices. Next, a connection is established between the PDAs, such as PDA 230 and PDA 280 of Figure 2. The data including the electronic business card data (which may be, for example, stored in vCard or text format) is transmitted pursuant to the device profiles-An application implementing the exchange of such data may be based on the Object Push profile specified in Bluetooth vl.l profiles. Finally, the connection is closed. Page 13 of 26 [0050] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a conference participant can directly dial a video number or a phone number from his or her PDA 230, PDA 280, or cellular telephone 240, etc. Users often store address books and contact information in their PDAs and cellular telephones. Allowing users to directly dial such numbers advantageously allows users to keep their contact information in a central repository. [0051] A method for directly dialing a number from a wireless device such as a Bluetooth PDA may be performed as follows. First, a conference participant dials a video or audio number stored in the directory of his or her PDA, such as PDA 230 of Figure 2. The video conferencing unit 200 includes a phone driver. The PDA 230 connects to the video conferencing unit 200 and sends the number over the Bluetooth link 216 to the video conferencing unit 200, which subsequently dials the number. [0052] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, conference participants can synchronize a set of data such as address books or calendars stored in their wireless devices. An application implementing the synchronization of such address book or calendar data may be based on the Object Synchronization Profile specified in Bluetooth vl.l Profiles. [0053] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, conference participants may engage in collaborative drawing. For example, a near-end user may draw on his or her PDA and share the drawing with the far end. An application implementing the drawing collaboration is developed on top of the SDK (software development kit) of the specific PDA being used and is based on the particular profile the SDK uses. [0054] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, an audio phone call can be added into a video conference. The conferencing tation, such as VCU 200, includes a built-in POTS-like audio port, for a Bluetooth cell phone, such as cellular telephone 240. The conferencing station acts as a Bluetooth headset, while the Bluetooth cell phone acts as an Page 14 of 26 audio gateway. An application implementing this feature can be based on the Headset Profile (or Handsfree Profile) specified in Bluetooth vl .1 Profiles. [0055] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a conference participant can draw on a whiteboard to show his or her idea to other conference participants. Instead of moving the video camera to point to the whiteboard or using a wired whiteboard, the image can be sent wirelessly to the VCU, which then transfers the image to the far end and displays the drawing on a display device. Thus, a Bluetooth whiteboard may join the PAN in conference room A, and drawings on the Bluetooth whiteboard may be viewed on a monitor in remotely located conference room B. An application implementing this feature can be based on the Serial Port Profile and developed on top of the particular whiteboard vendor's SDK. [0056] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a conference participant may draw a diagram on a piece of paper using a Bluetooth pen such as that licensed by Anoto. A Bluetooth pen captures the image, and sends it over the Bluetooth link to the video conference unit. An application implementing this feature can be based on Anoto's SDK. [0057] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a more user-friendly way is provided for navigating UI (user interface) items or receiving user input by using a Bluetooth-enabled mouse and keyboard. An application implementing this feature may be based on the HID (human interface device) profile specified in Bluetooth vl.l Profiles. [0058] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, audio data can be transferred wirelessly from a Bluetooth-enabled microphone to the VCU base station. Whereas a traditional micpod is wire-connected to the base station, which makes room integration harder, a wireless micpod may #-•■ -t* >-t* instead be used. An application implementing this feature can be based on a proprietary protocol to achieve the highest data throughput out of the Bluetooth link 216. Page 15 of 26 [0059] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, an application running on the VCU provides the ability to print files such as documents, slides, and business cards, etc. from the far end during a conference. For example, a document stored on personal computer 270 in conference room B can be printed at printer 220 in remotely located conference room A. The application implementing this feature can be based on one or more of the following profiles which provide Bluetooth printing functionalities: Basic Printing Profile, Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile, Basic Imaging Profile, PAN profile, Object Push Profile, or Serial Port Profile, etc., depending on the particular printer. [0060] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, the above-described applications, e.g., synchronization, collaboration, etc., may be combined depending on what application you have on your PC. Windows® and Mac OS provide some Bluetooth support. Applications can be based on the OS support and profiles, or used with third-party applications. [0061] Figure 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing unit according to one embodiment of the invention. The video conferencing unit comprises a media processor 310 in data communication with an interface 320 comprised of a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Bluetooth module 330 is connected to antenna board 340 for RF communication and to interface 320 for data communication. A high-speed serial link may be used to connect Bluetooth module 330 and interface 320. Bluetooth module 330 comprises software and code for communicating according to the Bluetooth specification. Bluetooth module 330 may comprise software for implementing any of the above-described applications for business card exchange, direct dialing, data synchronization, drawing collaboration, adding an audio call, Bluetooth whiteboard transmission, Bluetooth pen imaging, Bluetooth user inputs, wireless microphones, wireless printing, and wireless PC applications, among others. In other embodiments, communications .may Page 16 of 26 be carried out according to a different standard or protocol, such as UWB, 802.11, IR, or other wireless communication specification. [0062] Various components shown in Figure 3 may be external to the video conferencing unit. For example, one or more of the cameras, monitors, microphones, speakers, and sub-woofer may be external to the video conferencing unit. [0063] While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this present invention. Page 17 of 26 CLAIMS We claim: 1. A method of extending a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), the method comprising the acts of: establishing a first PAN comprising a first PAN-enabled device and a first PAN-enabled conferencing unit; establishing a conferencing connection between the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit and a second PAN-enabled conferencing unit, wherein the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit is at a location remote from the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit; establishing a second PAN comprising a second PAN-enabled device and the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit; and linking the first PAN to the second PAN via the conferencing connection. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first PAN-enabled device, the second PAN-enabled device, the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit, and the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit each comply with the Bluetooth specification. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises a Bluetooth channel. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises an ISDN line. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises an Internet Protocol connection. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises a broadband connection. Page 18 of26 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit comprises a video conferencing unit. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit comprises an audio conferencing unit. 9. A method of extending a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), the method comprising the acts of: establishing a first PAN comprising a first Bluetooth-enabled device and a first Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit; establishing a second PAN comprising a second Bluetooth-enabled device and a second Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit, wherein the second Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit is at a location remote from the first Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit; establishing a video conferencing connection between the first Bluetooth- enabled conferencing unit and the second Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit; and linking the first PAN to the second PAN via the video conferencing connection. 10. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection comprises an audio channel, a video channel, a control data channel, and a Bluetooth channel. 11. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection comprises an ISDN line. 12. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection comprises an Internet Protocol connection. 13. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection comprises a broadband connection. Page 19 of 26 14. A method of exchanging data via a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), the method comprising the acts of: establishing a first PAN comprising a first PAN-enabled device and a first PAN-enabled video conferencing unit; establishing a second PAN comprising a second PAN-enabled device and a second PAN-enabled video conferencing unit, wherein the second PAN- enabled video conferencing unit is at a location remote from the first PAN- enabled video conferencing unit; establishing a video conferencing connection between the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the second PAN-enabled video conferencing unit; linking the first PAN to the second PAN via the video conferencing connection; determining respective capabilities of the first PAN-enabled video conferencing unit and the second PAN-enabled video conferencing unit; identifying one or more devices in the first PAN; identifying one or more devices in the second PAN; and transmitting data from the first PAN-enabled device to the second PAN- enabled device. 15. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN- enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an electronic business card. 16. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN- enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an image drawn on a Bluetooth-enabled whiteboard. 17. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN- enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an image drawn using a Bluetooth-enabled pen. Page 20 of 26 18. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN- enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an image drawn on a PDA. 19. A conferencing system for enabling wireless communications via a virtual Personal Area Network (PAN), the system comprising: a first wireless PAN comprising a first PAN-enabled conferencing unit, a first PAN-enabled device, and a second PAN-enabled device; and a second wireless PAN comprising a second PAN-enabled conferencing unit, the first PAN-enabled device, and the second PAN-enabled device; wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the first PAN-enabled device are at a first location; wherein the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the second PAN- enabled device are at a second location that is physically remote from the first location; and wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit are capable of communicating via a conference connection. 20. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises a Bluetooth channel. 21. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises an ISDN line. 22. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises an Internet Protocol connection. 23. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises a broadband connection. 24. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a Personal Digital Assistant; Page21of 26 25. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a personal computer. 26. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a mobile telephone. 27. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a camera. 28. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a microphone. 29. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a speaker. 30. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a Bluetooth whiteboard. 31. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a Bluetooth pen. 32. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a printer. 33. The system as recited in claim, wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a mouse. 34. The system as recited in claim, wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a keyboard. 35. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit comprises a video conferencing unit. 36. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit comprises an audio conferencing unit. Page 22 of 26 37. A conference endpoint at a near end, the conference endpoint comprising: a processor; an interface coupled to the processor, wherein the interface is configured to send and receive audio data, control data, and Bluetooth data via a conference link to a remote endpoint at a far end; and a Bluetooth module coupled to the interface via a serial link, wherein the Bluetooth module is configured to wirelessly send and receive data to and from a near-end Bluetooth-enabled device. 38. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for dialing a phone number, wherein the phone number is received wirelessly from the near-end Bluetooth-enabled device. 39. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an electronic business card to a far-end Bluetooth-enabled device, wherein the electronic business card is received wirelessly from the near-end Bluetooth- enabled device. 40. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an image to a far-end Bluetooth-enabled device, wherein the image is received wirelessly from the near-end Bluetooth-enabled device. 41. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending a file to a far-end Bluetooth-enabled printer, wherein the file is received wirelessly from the near-end Bluetooth-enabled device. 42. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for synchronizing a Page 23 of 26 first set of data stored on the near-end Bluetooth-enabled device with a second set of data stored on a far-end Bluetooth-enabled device. 43. A video conferencing unit at a first site, the video conferencing unit comprising: a processor; an interface coupled to the processor, wherein the interface is configured to send and receive audio data, video data, control data, and Bluetooth data via a conference link to an endpoint at a second site remote from the first site; and a Bluetooth module coupled to the interface via a serial link, wherein the Bluetooth module is configured to wirelessly send and receive data to and from a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site. 44. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for dialing a video number, wherein the video number is wirelessly transmitted from the Bluetooth- enabled device located at the first site. 45. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an electronic business card to a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the second site, wherein the electronic business card is received wirelessly from the Bluetooth- enabled device located at the first site. 46. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an image to a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the second site, wherein the image is received wirelessly from the Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site. 47. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending a file to a Bluetooth-enabled printer located at the second site, wherein the file is received wirelessly from the Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site. Page 24 of 26 48. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer- readable medium having computer-executable instructions for synchronizing a first set of data stored on a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site with a second set of data stored on the Bluetooth-enabled device located at the second site. Dated this 29th day of March, 2007. A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed whereby a wireless Personal Area Network such as a Bluetooth piconet may be extended to a remote location beyond the normal range by means of a conferencing connection. The conferencing connection may comprise, for example, one or more ISDN lines or an IP connection between two or more conference endpoints. The broadband connection may include a video channel, an audio channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel.

Full Text

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention.
[001] ThA present invention relates generally to conferencing, and more particularly,
to extending the range of wireless piconets or wireless Personal Area
Networks (PANs) by use of a conferencing connection.
2. Description of the Related Art.
[002] Audio conferencing and video conferencing enable geographically remote
individuals or groups to communicate with each other from their respective
locations. Conferencing serves a valuable purpose by reducing the time and
expense required by traveling to meet in person. Accordingly,
teleconferencing enables increased profitability, productivity, and efficiency
within or among organizations. Conferencing also allows enterprises to speed
decision-making and empower dispersed teams. Conferencing is particularly
beneficial in the fields of business, medicine, education, and government.
[003] In audio conferencing, speakerphones are examples of endpoint devices used
to enable audio communication between participants at two or more sites. An
example of a speakerphone can be found in the POLYCOM®
SOUNDSTATION® line of products. Video conferencing offers the
additional ability to communicate graphic information and to view the facial
expressions and body language of the conference participant(s) located at a
remote site. Video conferencing offers the benefits of face-to-face
communication without the inconvenience, expense, and uncertainty
associated with traveling. An example of a video conferencing unit can be
found in the POLYCOM® VIEWSTATION® line of products.
*1»> *-t* >-«r »-(
[004] It is often desirable to share data with remote participants during a conference.
Video conferencing and collaboration, together with data sharing and
collaboration, allow increasingly dispersed organizations to pull their human
Page2of 26

and information resources together to create new ways of working and
interacting. A video conferencing system can provide a rich and effective
collaborative environment, even though participants may be thousands of
miles apart.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] Wireless devices are becoming increasingly prevalent. Eliminating wires
offers flexibility and mobility, and eliminates clutter. Huge sums have been
invested worldwide on wireless technologies and standards. Current wireless
technologies, such as Bluetooth, 802.11, and IR (infrared), are limited,
however, for use within a restricted range.
[006] A need has therefore arisen to provide conferencing solutions that overcome
the deficiencies of the prior art. Embodiments of the present invention
advantageously combine features of long-distance audio and video
conferencing with features of short-range wireless technology.
[007] A video conferencing unit establishes a wireless piconet in the vicinity of the
video conferencing unit. When engaged in an audio or video conference with
one or more remote conferencing units, the piconet may be extended to
include the remote locations using the data channels employed by the video
conferencing system. In this way, devices in wireless communication with
any one of the conferencing units can connect to a remote piconet to receive
and/or transmit data over the conference connection. Embodiments of the
present invention provide a Bluetooth bridge that allows virtual physical
proximity.
[008] Thus, during an audio or video conference, another mode of communication is
n-t* >~f* *-** *+••
advantageously provided, wherein remote devices can communicate wirelessly
as if they are in the same room. For example, a wireless device at a near end
can wirelessly transmit data to a near-end video conferencing unit, which
Page2Afo26

sends the data via a conference connection to a far-end conferencing unit,
which wirelessly transmits the data to a far-end wireless device. Examples of
such wirelessly transmitted data include electronic business cards, images,
Bluetooth pen data, Bluetooth whiteboard data, phone numbers, video
numbers, calendar data, address book data, keyboard data, mouse data, audio
from a wireless microphone, audio to a wireless loudspeaker, etc.
Embodiments of the present invention therefore improve and enhance
collaboration among remotely located parties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a conferencing system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing system
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing unit in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which depicts a wireless-network-enabled
conference endpoint 100 at a first physical location 105 (Site A). Endpoint
100 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled video conferencing unit
(VCU). An exemplary block diagram of a suitable video conferencing unit is
depicted in Figure 3. In other embodiments, endpoint 100 may comprise a
wireless-network-enabled audio conferencing unit without video capability.
#-fr **•■ ***■
For example, endpoint 100 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled
speakerphone comprising the components of the VCU of Figure 3, excluding
Page 3 of 26

any video channels, video encoders, video decoders, video monitors, and
video cameras.
[0013] Endpoint 100 is capable of establishing a radio-frequency Personal Area
Network 110 (PAN A) with one or more similarly enabled devices 120, 130,
and 140. In some embodiments, the one or more devices 120, 130, and 140
may comprise Bluetooth-enabled devices capable of short-range wireless
communications according to the Bluetooth standard. The one or more
devices 120, 130, and 140 may comprise such devices as, for example, a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a printer, a laptop, a
display device, a projector, a camera, a Bluetooth whiteboard, a Bluetooth
pen, a speaker, a microphone, a headset, a keyboard, a mouse, and any other
devices capable of communicating wirelessly in a PAN. PAN A 110 is not
limited to a Bluetooth piconets and may, for example, comprise an Ultrawide
Band ("UWB") network or other suitable network. In other embodiments,
infrared (IR) or 802.11 communications may be used.
[0014] Also shown in Figure 1 is a wireless-network-enabled conference endpoint
150 at a physical location 155 (Site B) which is remote from location 105 (Site
A). Endpoint 150 may comprise a wireless-network-enabled video
conferencing unit 150. An exemplary block diagram of a suitable video
conferencing unit is depicted in Figure 3. In other embodiments, endpoint 150
may comprise a wireless-network-enabled audio conferencing unit without
video capability. For example, endpoint 150 may comprise a wireless-
network-enabled speakerphone comprising the components of the VCU of
Figure 3, excluding any video channels, video encoders, video decoders, video
monitors, and video cameras.
[0015] In one embodiment, endpoints 100 and 150 are capable of audiovideo (AV)
and data communication via a conference connection 145. ^The conference
connection 145 may comprise a video channel, an audio channel, a control
channel, and a Bluetooth channel. The conference connection 145 may
comprise, for example, one or more ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Page 4 of 26

Network) lines, an Internet Protocol (IP) connection over a Local Area
Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet, or any other
suitable data communications means such as a fiber optic connection,
microwave, or satellite link, etc. Any IP-based standard may be employed,
whether now known or later developed. Examples of presently known IP-
based standards include without limitation Real Time Transport Protocol
(RTP), Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Session Initiation Protocol
(SIP), H-Series (e.g., H.323, and H.324, etc.), and T-Series (e.g., T.120, etc.),
among others. In other embodiments, wherein audio conferencing is enabled
and video conferencing is not, conference connection 145 may comprise, for
example, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), SIP, or ISDN connection.
[0016] Endpoint 150 is capable of establishing a wireless Personal Area Network 160
(PAN B) with one or more devices 170 and 180. PAN B 160 may comprise a
Bluetooth piconet. The one or more devices 170 and 180 may comprise, for
example, Bluetooth-enabled devices capable of short-range wireless
communications using the Bluetooth system. The one or more devices 170
and 180 may comprise such devices as, for example, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a printer, a laptop, a display device, a
projector, a camera, a Bluetooth whiteboard, a Bluetooth pen, a speaker, a
microphone, a headset, a keyboard, a mouse, and any other devices capable of
communicating wirelessly in a PAN.
[0017] Using connection 145, PAN A 110 may be linked to PAN B 160 such that
devices 120, 130, 140, 170, and 180 (and any other devices which may join
PAN A or PAN B) are in data communication with one another. Video
conferencing connection 145 therefore allows virtual physical proximity of
devices that are hundreds or thousands of miles away.
[0018] While Figure 1 depicts a point-to-point conferencing sj«tem, the system can
be scaled to provide for multipoint conferencing, in which additional video
conferencing units are linked by connection 145. Connection 145 may
comprise a multipoint control unit (MCU) to enable multiple video
Page 5 of 26

conferencing units to join in a single video conference. In a three-party
conference, for example, wherein each PAN comprises a Bluetooth piconet,
the maximum number of devices in each PAN is tripled.
[0019] Bluetooth is a standard and a specification for small form-factor, low-cost,
short-range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones, peripherals, and
other portable devices. Unlike conventional radio operator networks, a
Bluetooth piconet does not require an access point and, unlike infrared
communication (e.g., per the IrDA standard), Bluetooth does not require a
line-of-sight connection.
[0020] Bluetooth devices can function in circuit switched mode and packet switched
mode. Circuit switched mode is the most common mode for voice
communication, while packet switched mode is usually preferred for Internet
data and higher bandwidth mobile communication systems.
[0021] A Bluetooth Personal Area Network includes a master and up to seven slaves,
thereby permitting the interconnection of up to eight devices in a limited
radius (e.g., 10 meters). In a process referred to as Device Discovery, the
master seeks devices by broadcasting requests; those slaves which are in a
"discoverable" state answer with their identification numbers. Data
encryption is available for those users and applications that require additional
security.
[0022] Bluetooth profiles are published definitions of implementations of Bluetooth
wireless technology for particular uses. Profiles are the "services" offered by
a device. In order for two Bluetooth-enabled devices to interoperate to
complete a user task, both devices must implement a set of common profiles.
[0023] The signal transmitted by the Bluetooth link may be either half-duplex or full-
duplex. Full duplex links in a Bluetooth piconet can send data at more than 64
Kbps - a speed sufficient to accommodate several voice channels. A half-
duplex link can be established with a data rate of 721 kilobits per second in
Page 6 of 26

one direction and 57.6 Kbps in the other. If a half-duplex link having the
same speed in both directions is required, a link with 432.6 Kbps in each
direction can be made.
[0024] Unlike many other wireless standards, the Bluetooth wireless specification
includes both link layer and application layer definitions for product
developers which support data, voice and content-centric applications.
[0025] The Bluetooth protocol architecture is further described in the Bluetooth
specification. The contents of the most recent Bluetooth Specification Rev
v2.0 + EDR, dated November 4, 2004, which can be found at
http://www.bluetooth.com, are incorporated herein by reference. The
principles of various embodiments of the present invention may be used,
however, with prior and next generations of the Bluetooth specification.
[0026] The Bluetooth specification may be described as a protocol stack with the
Bluetooth Radio layer as its base. The radio layer defines the requirements for
a Bluetooth transceiver operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific
and medical) band. A transceiver that takes part in a power-controlled link
must be able to measure its own receiver signal strength and determine if the
transmitter on the other side of the link should increase or decrease its output
power level. A Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) makes this possible.
The instructions to alter the transmitter power are carried in the LMP (Link
Manager Protocol) link.
[0027] Above the radio layer in the Bluetooth stack is the Baseband layer which
describes the specification of the Bluetooth Link Controller (LC) which
carries out the baseband protocols and other low-level link routines. The
baseband is the physical layer of the Bluetooth stack. It manages physical
channels and links apart from other services like error correction, data
*-t* *fr *f
whitening, hop selection and Bluetooth security. The baseband protocol is
implemented as a Link Controller which works with the link -manager for
carrying out link level routines like link connection and power control. The
Page 7 of 26

baseband also manages asynchronous and synchronous links, handles packets
and does paging and inquiry to access and inquire Bluetooth devices in the
area. The baseband transceiver applies a time-division duplex (TDD) scheme
(alternate transmit and receive). Therefore, apart from the different hopping
frequency (frequency division), the time is also slotted.
[0028] Thirteen different packet types are defined for the baseband layer of the
Bluetooth system. Each packet consists of three entities: the access code
(68/72 bits), the header (54 bits), and the payload (0-2745 bits). Access codes
are used for timing synchronization, offset compensation, paging and inquiry.
The header contains information for packet acknowledgement, packet
numbering for out-of-order packet reordering, flow control, slave address and
error check for header. The packet payload can contain voice field, data field
or both. If it has a data field, the payload will also contain a payload header.
[0029] A Bluetooth controller operates in two major states: Standby and Connection.
There are seven sub-states which are used to add slaves or make connections
in the piconet. These are page, page scan, inquiry, inquiry scan, master
response, slave response and inquiry response. The Standby state is the
default low power state in the Bluetooth unit. Only the native clock is running
and there is no interaction with other devices. In the Connection state, the
master and slave can exchange packets, using the channel (master) access
code and the master Bluetooth clock.
[0030] The Link Manager carries out link setup, authentication, link configuration
and other protocols. It discovers other remote Link Managers and
communicates with them via the Link Manager Protocol (LMP). To perform
its service provider role, the Link Manager uses the services of the underlying
Link Controller (LC).
**»■ w* M*
[0031] The Link Manager Protocol essentially consists of a number of PDLJ (protocol
Data-Units), which are sent from one device to another, determined by the
Page 8 of 26

AM_ADDR in the packet header. Link Manager PDUs are always sent as
single-slot packets and the payload header is therefore one byte.
[0032] When a connection has been established between two Bluetooth devices, the
connection consists of an ACL link. One or more SCO links can then be
established.
[0033] Each Bluetooth link has a timer that is used for link supervision. This timer is
used to detect link loss caused by devices moving out of range, the power-
down of a device, or other similar failure. An LMP procedure is used to set
the value of the supervision timeout.
[0034] The Host Controller Interface (HCI) provides a command interface to the
Baseband Link Controller and Link Manager and access to hardware status
and control registers. It provides a uniform command method of accessing the
Bluetooth baseband capabilities. The HCI Link commands provide the host
with the ability to control the link layer connections to other Bluetooth
devices. These commands allow the Link Manager to exchange LMP
commands with remote Bluetooth devices.
[0035] The Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP) is above the
Baseband Protocol in the Bluetooth stack and resides in the data link layer. It
supports higher level protocol multiplexing, packet segmentation and
reassembly, and the conveying of quality of service information. L2CAP
permits higher level protocols and applications to transmit and receive L2CAP
data packets up to 64 kilobytes in length. Both Synchronous Connection-
Oriented (SCO) links and Asynchronous Connection-Less (ACL) links are
supported. L2CAP is packet-based, but follows a communication model
based on channels. A channel represents a data flow between L2CAP entities
in remote devices. Channels may be connection-oriented or connectionless.
»-f* *+r tfp-
L2CAP relies on the flow control mechanism provided by the Link Manager
-layer in the baseband.
Page 9 of26

[0036] The RFCOMM protocol provides emulation of RS-232 serial ports over the
L2CAP protocol. Two device types exist that RFCOMM accommodates:
Type 1 devices (communication end points such as computer and printers);
and, Type 2 devices (devices that are part of the communication segment such
as modems). On Type 1 devices, some port drivers must provide flow control
services as specified by the API they are emulation. For example, an
application may request a particular flow control mechanism such as
XON/XOFF or RTS/CTS and expect the port driver to handle the flow
control. On Type 2 devices, the port driver may need to perform flow control
on the non-RFCOMM part of the communication path - the physical RS-232
port.
[0037] The Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) provides a means for applications to
discover which services are provided by or available through a Bluetooth
device. It also allows applications to determine the characteristics of those
available services. A specific Service Discovery protocol is required in the
Bluetooth environment inasmuch as the set of services that are available
changes dynamically based on the RF proximity of Bluetooth-enabled devices
which may be in motion. SDP uses a request/response model wherein each
transaction consists of one request protocol data unit (PDU) and one response
PDU. Every SDP PDU consists of a PDU header followed by PDU-specific
parameters. The header contains three fields: a PDU ID which identifies the
type of PDU; a TransactionID field which uniquely identifies request PDUs
thereby permitting the matching of response PDUs to request PDUs; and, a
ParameterLength field that specifies the length (in bytes) of all parameters
contained in the PDU.
[0038] SDP allows Bluetooth-enabled devices to discover what other Bluetooth-
enabled devices have to offer in the way of services. The process of looking
for any offered services is generally referred to as "browsing"; "searching"
generally refers to looking for a specific service. _ In SDP, the mechanism for
browsing for services is based on an attribute shared by all services classes
Page 10 of 26

called the BrowseGroupList attribute. The value of this attribute contains a
list of Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). Each UUID represents a
browse group with which a service may be associated for the purpose of
browsing.
[0039] Reference is now made to Figure 2, which depicts a block diagram of an
exemplary video conferencing system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. In the example of Figure 2, a video conferencing unit
200 in a conference room A is capable of establishing a radio-frequency PAN
with various Bluetooth-enabled devices in conference room A. In the present
example, the Bluetooth-enabled devices in the PAN in conference room A
include a printer 220, a PDA 230, and a cellular telephone 240. Other
Bluetooth-enabled devices, including but not limited to those described above
in connection with Figure 1, may be included in the PAN in conference room
A.
[0040] Various layers of the video conferencing unit 200, including radio layer 202,
hardware layer 204, HCI layer 206, L2CAP layer 208, other Bluetooth stack
components 210, and application layer 212 are depicted in Figure 2.
Additional layers may be included, such as those as described in the Bluetooth
specification, but are not illustrated for purposes of simplicity.
[0041] A network interface (NI) 214 is linked to the HCI layer 206 via channel 216.
The network interface 214 may operate according to the H.323 standard for
audio, video, and data communications across IP-based networks, including
the Internet. The network interface 214 may also operate according to the
H.320 standard for ISDN video conferencing. The network interface 214 may
also operate according to other standards and protocols, whether currently
known or later developed. In accordance with the present embodiment,
channel 216 may comprise a proprietary RTP channel for sending and
receiving Bluetooth data.
Page 11 of 26

[0042] The video conferencing unit 200 in conference room A is capable of sending
and receiving audio, video, and data via a broadband connection 245, to and
from a video conferencing unit 250 in conference room B, which is remote
from conference room A. In the present example, the broadband connection
245 may comprise, for example, a connection via an IP network or ISDN line.
The conference connection 245 may comprise a video channel, an audio
channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel.
[0043] Various layers of the video conferencing unit 250, including radio layer 252,
hardware layer 254, HCI layer 256, L2CAP layer 258, other Bluetooth stack
components 260, and application layer 262 are depicted in Figure 2.
Additional layers may be included, such as those as described in the Bluetooth
specification, but are not illustrated for purposes of simplicity.
[0044] A network interface 264 is linked to the HCI layer 256 via channel 266. In
accordance with the present embodiment, channel 266 may comprise a
proprietary RTP channel for sending and receiving Bluetooth data. The
network interface 264 may operate according to the H.323 standard for audio,
video, and data communications across IP-based networks, including the
Internet. The network interface 264 may also operate according to the H.320
standard for ISDN video conferencing. The network interface 264 may also
operate according to other standards and protocols, whether currently known
or later developed.
[0045] The video conferencing unit 250 in conference room B is capable of
establishing a radio-frequency PAN with various Bluetooth-enabled devices in
conference room B. In the present example, the Bluetooth-enabled devices in
the PAN in conference room B include a personal computer 270 (such as a
handheld PC or a laptop PC, etc.) and a PDA 280.
*** >-f* »-W*
[0046] Once a conference is connected, such as, for example, an H.323 or H.320
video conference, the VCUs 200 and -250 exchange data pertaining to their
respective capabilities. For example, VCU 200 may communicate that it is
Page 12 of 26

able to send and receive video, audio, and Bluetooth data, and VCU 250 may
also communicate that it is able to send and receive video, audio, and
Bluetooth data.
[0047] Following the capabilities exchange, the act of device identification (also
referred to as device discovery) is performed. Each of the VCUs 200 and 250
performs a radio scan both locally and remotely, and the results are collected
and exchanged. Therefore, in the example of Figure 2, VCU 200 discovers
local devices (printer 220, PDA 230, and cellular telephone 240) and remote
devices (PC 270 and PDA 280); VCU 250 discovers local devices (PC 270
and PDA 280) and remote devices (printer 220, PDA 230, and cellular
telephone 240). All such devices (printer 220, PDA 230, cellular telephone
240, PC 270, and PDA 280) appear as if they are in the same room and in the
same radio network. Each device has an address (e.g., a network address, etc.)
and a set of attributes (e.g., what Bluetooth profile is supported such as
headset profile, data exchange profile, etc.).
[0048] In one exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, PDA
230 in conference room A and PDA 280 in conference room B can perform an
RS232 data exchange and thereby exchange contact information in the form of
electronic business cards via connection 245. The data exchange occurs as if
they were in the same physical piconet, even though their respective physical
locations may be hundreds or thousands of miles apart.
[0049] A method for exchanging contact information between Bluetooth PDAs may
be performed as follows. First, the PDAs each search for like devices. Next,
a connection is established between the PDAs, such as PDA 230 and PDA 280
of Figure 2. The data including the electronic business card data (which may
be, for example, stored in vCard or text format) is transmitted pursuant to the
device profiles-An application implementing the exchange of such data may
be based on the Object Push profile specified in Bluetooth vl.l profiles.
Finally, the connection is closed.
Page 13 of 26

[0050] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a
conference participant can directly dial a video number or a phone number
from his or her PDA 230, PDA 280, or cellular telephone 240, etc. Users
often store address books and contact information in their PDAs and cellular
telephones. Allowing users to directly dial such numbers advantageously
allows users to keep their contact information in a central repository.
[0051] A method for directly dialing a number from a wireless device such as a
Bluetooth PDA may be performed as follows. First, a conference participant
dials a video or audio number stored in the directory of his or her PDA, such
as PDA 230 of Figure 2. The video conferencing unit 200 includes a phone
driver. The PDA 230 connects to the video conferencing unit 200 and sends
the number over the Bluetooth link 216 to the video conferencing unit 200,
which subsequently dials the number.
[0052] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention,
conference participants can synchronize a set of data such as address books or
calendars stored in their wireless devices. An application implementing the
synchronization of such address book or calendar data may be based on the
Object Synchronization Profile specified in Bluetooth vl.l Profiles.
[0053] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention,
conference participants may engage in collaborative drawing. For example, a
near-end user may draw on his or her PDA and share the drawing with the far
end. An application implementing the drawing collaboration is developed on
top of the SDK (software development kit) of the specific PDA being used
and is based on the particular profile the SDK uses.
[0054] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, an
audio phone call can be added into a video conference. The conferencing
tation, such as VCU 200, includes a built-in POTS-like audio port, for a
Bluetooth cell phone, such as cellular telephone 240. The conferencing
station acts as a Bluetooth headset, while the Bluetooth cell phone acts as an
Page 14 of 26

audio gateway. An application implementing this feature can be based on the
Headset Profile (or Handsfree Profile) specified in Bluetooth vl .1 Profiles.
[0055] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a
conference participant can draw on a whiteboard to show his or her idea to
other conference participants. Instead of moving the video camera to point to
the whiteboard or using a wired whiteboard, the image can be sent wirelessly
to the VCU, which then transfers the image to the far end and displays the
drawing on a display device. Thus, a Bluetooth whiteboard may join the PAN
in conference room A, and drawings on the Bluetooth whiteboard may be
viewed on a monitor in remotely located conference room B. An application
implementing this feature can be based on the Serial Port Profile and
developed on top of the particular whiteboard vendor's SDK.
[0056] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a
conference participant may draw a diagram on a piece of paper using a
Bluetooth pen such as that licensed by Anoto. A Bluetooth pen captures the
image, and sends it over the Bluetooth link to the video conference unit. An
application implementing this feature can be based on Anoto's SDK.
[0057] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, a
more user-friendly way is provided for navigating UI (user interface) items or
receiving user input by using a Bluetooth-enabled mouse and keyboard. An
application implementing this feature may be based on the HID (human
interface device) profile specified in Bluetooth vl.l Profiles.
[0058] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention,
audio data can be transferred wirelessly from a Bluetooth-enabled microphone
to the VCU base station. Whereas a traditional micpod is wire-connected to
the base station, which makes room integration harder, a wireless micpod may
#-*•■ *-t* >-t*
instead be used. An application implementing this feature can be based on a
proprietary protocol to achieve the highest data throughput out of the
Bluetooth link 216.
Page 15 of 26

[0059] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, an
application running on the VCU provides the ability to print files such as
documents, slides, and business cards, etc. from the far end during a
conference. For example, a document stored on personal computer 270 in
conference room B can be printed at printer 220 in remotely located
conference room A. The application implementing this feature can be based
on one or more of the following profiles which provide Bluetooth printing
functionalities: Basic Printing Profile, Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile,
Basic Imaging Profile, PAN profile, Object Push Profile, or Serial Port
Profile, etc., depending on the particular printer.
[0060] In another exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention, the
above-described applications, e.g., synchronization, collaboration, etc., may be
combined depending on what application you have on your PC. Windows®
and Mac OS provide some Bluetooth support. Applications can be based on
the OS support and profiles, or used with third-party applications.
[0061] Figure 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary video conferencing unit
according to one embodiment of the invention. The video conferencing unit
comprises a media processor 310 in data communication with an interface 320
comprised of a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Bluetooth module
330 is connected to antenna board 340 for RF communication and to interface
320 for data communication. A high-speed serial link may be used to connect
Bluetooth module 330 and interface 320. Bluetooth module 330 comprises
software and code for communicating according to the Bluetooth
specification. Bluetooth module 330 may comprise software for
implementing any of the above-described applications for business card
exchange, direct dialing, data synchronization, drawing collaboration, adding
an audio call, Bluetooth whiteboard transmission, Bluetooth pen imaging,
Bluetooth user inputs, wireless microphones, wireless printing, and wireless
PC applications, among others. In other embodiments, communications .may
Page 16 of 26

be carried out according to a different standard or protocol, such as UWB,
802.11, IR, or other wireless communication specification.
[0062] Various components shown in Figure 3 may be external to the video
conferencing unit. For example, one or more of the cameras, monitors,
microphones, speakers, and sub-woofer may be external to the video
conferencing unit.
[0063] While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited
number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous
modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended
claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit
and scope of this present invention.
Page 17 of 26

CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A method of extending a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), the method
comprising the acts of:
establishing a first PAN comprising a first PAN-enabled device and a first
PAN-enabled conferencing unit;
establishing a conferencing connection between the first PAN-enabled
conferencing unit and a second PAN-enabled conferencing unit, wherein
the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit is at a location remote from the
first PAN-enabled conferencing unit;
establishing a second PAN comprising a second PAN-enabled device and the
second PAN-enabled conferencing unit; and
linking the first PAN to the second PAN via the conferencing connection.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first PAN-enabled device, the
second PAN-enabled device, the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit, and the
second PAN-enabled conferencing unit each comply with the Bluetooth
specification.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises
a Bluetooth channel.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises
an ISDN line.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises
an Internet Protocol connection.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conferencing connection comprises
a broadband connection.
Page 18 of26

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing
unit comprises a video conferencing unit.
8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing
unit comprises an audio conferencing unit.
9. A method of extending a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), the method
comprising the acts of:
establishing a first PAN comprising a first Bluetooth-enabled device and a first
Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit;
establishing a second PAN comprising a second Bluetooth-enabled device and
a second Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit, wherein the second
Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit is at a location remote from the
first Bluetooth-enabled video conferencing unit;
establishing a video conferencing connection between the first Bluetooth-
enabled conferencing unit and the second Bluetooth-enabled video
conferencing unit; and
linking the first PAN to the second PAN via the video conferencing
connection.
10. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection
comprises an audio channel, a video channel, a control data channel, and a
Bluetooth channel.
11. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection
comprises an ISDN line.
12. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection
comprises an Internet Protocol connection.
13. The method as recited in claim , wherein the video conferencing connection
comprises a broadband connection.
Page 19 of 26

14. A method of exchanging data via a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), the
method comprising the acts of:
establishing a first PAN comprising a first PAN-enabled device and a first
PAN-enabled video conferencing unit;
establishing a second PAN comprising a second PAN-enabled device and a
second PAN-enabled video conferencing unit, wherein the second PAN-
enabled video conferencing unit is at a location remote from the first PAN-
enabled video conferencing unit;
establishing a video conferencing connection between the first PAN-enabled
conferencing unit and the second PAN-enabled video conferencing unit;
linking the first PAN to the second PAN via the video conferencing
connection;
determining respective capabilities of the first PAN-enabled video
conferencing unit and the second PAN-enabled video conferencing unit;
identifying one or more devices in the first PAN;
identifying one or more devices in the second PAN; and
transmitting data from the first PAN-enabled device to the second PAN-
enabled device.
15. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN-
enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an electronic
business card.
16. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN-
enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an image drawn on a
Bluetooth-enabled whiteboard.
17. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN-
enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an image drawn
using a Bluetooth-enabled pen.
Page 20 of 26

18. The method as recited in claim , wherein the data transmitted from the first PAN-
enabled device to the second PAN-enabled device comprises an image drawn on a
PDA.
19. A conferencing system for enabling wireless communications via a virtual
Personal Area Network (PAN), the system comprising:
a first wireless PAN comprising a first PAN-enabled conferencing unit, a first
PAN-enabled device, and a second PAN-enabled device; and
a second wireless PAN comprising a second PAN-enabled conferencing unit,
the first PAN-enabled device, and the second PAN-enabled device;
wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the first PAN-enabled
device are at a first location;
wherein the second PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the second PAN-
enabled device are at a second location that is physically remote from the
first location; and
wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit and the second PAN-enabled
conferencing unit are capable of communicating via a conference
connection.
20. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises a
Bluetooth channel.
21. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises an
ISDN line.
22. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises an
Internet Protocol connection.
23. The system as recited in claim , wherein the conference connection comprises a
broadband connection.
24. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
Personal Digital Assistant;
Page21of 26

25. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
personal computer.
26. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
mobile telephone.
27. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
camera.
28. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
microphone.
29. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
speaker.
30. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
Bluetooth whiteboard.
31. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
Bluetooth pen.
32. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
printer.
33. The system as recited in claim, wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
mouse.
34. The system as recited in claim, wherein the first PAN-enabled device comprises a
keyboard.
35. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit
comprises a video conferencing unit.
36. The system as recited in claim , wherein the first PAN-enabled conferencing unit
comprises an audio conferencing unit.
Page 22 of 26

37. A conference endpoint at a near end, the conference endpoint comprising:
a processor;
an interface coupled to the processor, wherein the interface is configured to
send and receive audio data, control data, and Bluetooth data via a
conference link to a remote endpoint at a far end; and
a Bluetooth module coupled to the interface via a serial link, wherein the
Bluetooth module is configured to wirelessly send and receive data to and
from a near-end Bluetooth-enabled device.
38. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for dialing a phone
number, wherein the phone number is received wirelessly from the near-end
Bluetooth-enabled device.
39. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an
electronic business card to a far-end Bluetooth-enabled device, wherein the
electronic business card is received wirelessly from the near-end Bluetooth-
enabled device.
40. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an image
to a far-end Bluetooth-enabled device, wherein the image is received wirelessly
from the near-end Bluetooth-enabled device.
41. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending a file to a
far-end Bluetooth-enabled printer, wherein the file is received wirelessly from the
near-end Bluetooth-enabled device.
42. The conference endpoint as recited in claim , further comprising a computer
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for synchronizing a
Page 23 of 26

first set of data stored on the near-end Bluetooth-enabled device with a second set
of data stored on a far-end Bluetooth-enabled device.
43. A video conferencing unit at a first site, the video conferencing unit comprising:
a processor;
an interface coupled to the processor, wherein the interface is configured to
send and receive audio data, video data, control data, and Bluetooth data
via a conference link to an endpoint at a second site remote from the first
site; and
a Bluetooth module coupled to the interface via a serial link, wherein the
Bluetooth module is configured to wirelessly send and receive data to and
from a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site.
44. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for dialing a video
number, wherein the video number is wirelessly transmitted from the Bluetooth-
enabled device located at the first site.
45. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an
electronic business card to a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the second site,
wherein the electronic business card is received wirelessly from the Bluetooth-
enabled device located at the first site.
46. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending an image
to a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the second site, wherein the image is
received wirelessly from the Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site.
47. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for sending a file to a
Bluetooth-enabled printer located at the second site, wherein the file is received
wirelessly from the Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site.
Page 24 of 26

48. The video conferencing unit as recited in claim , further comprising a computer-
readable medium having computer-executable instructions for synchronizing a
first set of data stored on a Bluetooth-enabled device located at the first site with a
second set of data stored on the Bluetooth-enabled device located at the second
site.
Dated this 29th day of March, 2007.

A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed whereby a wireless Personal Area
Network such as a Bluetooth piconet may be extended to a remote location beyond the
normal range by means of a conferencing connection. The conferencing connection may
comprise, for example, one or more ISDN lines or an IP connection between two or more
conference endpoints. The broadband connection may include a video channel, an audio
channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=be8d6JlJo6Q+STgZD5Gneg==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

270239

Indian Patent Application Number

510/KOL/2007

PG Journal Number

49/2015

Publication Date

04-Dec-2015

Grant Date

03-Dec-2015

Date of Filing

29-Mar-2007

Name of Patentee

POLYCOM, INC.

Applicant Address

6001 AMERICA CENTER DRIVE SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95002 UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	NOGAREDE KATHERINE D.	1303 GOETH CIRCLE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746
2	WILSON GEORGE "JED" D., JR.	8201 AMASIA COVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78729
3	ROUSCH CHARLES GREGORY	9713 DERECHO DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78737

PCT International Classification Number

H04Q 7/22; H04Q 7/38

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	11/278,321	2006-03-31	U.S.A.