Antenna Selection in Ad Hoc Wireless LAN Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In ad hoc wireless LAN networks with multiple devices, the process of selecting the best antenna for communication is complex and time-consuming, especially when there are three or more child stations involved, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary energy expenditure, as existing methods do not guarantee improved transmission quality.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that employs a controller unit to periodically broadcast device identifier information, allowing for dynamic antenna selection based on device functions and roles, optimizing antenna configuration using MIMO technology to improve transmission quality between image input and output devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antenna selection is performed for each communication unit in ad hoc networks, then transmission quality may be improved, but communication time increases and ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidcommunication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs antenna selection in advance before actual communication occurs. The controller determines which antenna to use by assessing propagation paths of multiple antennas beforehand, so that when communication starts, the selected antenna is already ready for immediate use, avoiding time-consuming selection during communication setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs antenna selection without requiring manual intervention or complex user input. The controller autonomously assesses propagation paths and determines the optimal antenna, making the process transparent to users while maintaining high transmission quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If antenna selection is performed for all devices in ad hoc networks, then transmission quality improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies antenna selection selectively based on local conditions. The controller determines whether antenna assessment is necessary by considering factors such as whether the communication unit is a terminal device, the type of network (infrastructure vs. ad hoc), and the specific communication scenario. This localized approach ensures antenna selection is performed only when and where it provides benefit, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If preselection of antenna is stored per communication unit, then communication speed may improve, but transmission quality guarantee is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidtransmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors communication conditions and adjusts antenna selection accordingly. The system assesses propagation paths in real-time and can switch between antennas based on actual transmission quality feedback, ensuring that the selected antenna maintains optimal performance throughout the communication process rather than relying on predetermined selections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2007027B1Communication apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2015.04.15 CANON KK
  • EP2007027B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2007027B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2007027B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A discrimination unit of a communication apparatus discriminates information on devices configuring a network, and a selection unit of the communication apparatus selects whether or not to execute a process of selecting an antenna to be used in communication, based on the information discriminated by the discrimination unit. The information discriminated by the discrimination unit in the present circumstance is type, the function, the type of power supply, or the remaining battery life, of other communication apparatuses.