Channel State Detection via Beacon Frame Periodicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless lighting control systems face interference issues due to the shared use of the 2.4GHz ISM band with other applications like IEEE802.11 WLAN, leading to potential interruptions in lighting control signal transmission, especially when there is no or less data traffic, causing channels to be mistakenly judged as clean.
Innovation Solution
A detecting device and method that monitor a channel for periodicity of beacon frames broadcasted by wireless networks like IEEE 802.11 WLAN to determine channel occupancy, allowing the wireless lighting control system to switch to a clean channel for interference-free transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the average signal strength approach is used to detect channel occupancy, then the detection cost is low, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when there is no or less data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking for beacon frames before making channel occupancy decisions. The detecting device proactively searches for periodic beacon signals from wireless networks during the detection period, and uses this information to determine channel occupancy before the lighting control system transmits, preventing interference issues before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical signal strength measurement approach with a signal pattern recognition approach. Instead of measuring average signal strength (which fails when traffic is low), the system substitutes a method that detects the periodic pattern of beacon frames, which are always present when a wireless network occupies a channel regardless of data traffic levels.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wireless lighting control system switches to a new channel when detecting interferences, then the interference is avoided, but the lighting control signal transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary channel detection by monitoring for beacon frames before the lighting control signal transmission begins. By detecting channel occupancy in advance through beacon frame detection, the system can select a clean channel beforehand, avoiding both interference and transmission interruptions during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting device continuously monitors channels for beacon frames and provides feedback about channel occupancy status to the wireless lighting control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about channel selection and switching, ensuring uninterrupted transmission by avoiding occupied channels.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated terminal based on IEEE802.11 protocol is equipped at each lighting position for detection, then the detection accuracy is high, but the design and deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the detecting device to perform multiple functions: it detects beacon frames from IEEE 802.11 WLANs, monitors channel occupancy, and provides information for channel selection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated terminals at each lighting position, reducing system cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting device performs self-service by autonomously monitoring channels for beacon frames and determining channel occupancy without requiring dedicated terminals at each lighting position. The device independently executes the detection algorithm and provides channel status information, reducing overall system complexity and deployment costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention proposes a device and method for detecting the channel state. The detecting device first monitors a channel within a predetermined duration so as to receive a plurality of signals transmitted on the channel, and then determines whether part of the plurality of signals possess periodicity. If part of the plurality of signals possesses periodicity, then the detecting device determines that the channel is interfered. Even if there is no or less data traffic over one or more wireless networks which occupy the channel, the detecting device and method provided by the present invention are capable of detecting the existence of the one or more wireless networks, and determine that the channel is interfered, so as to avoid potential interference. In addition, the cost to detect whether a channel is interfered will be reduced effectively by using the detecting device and the detecting method according to embodiments of the present invention.