Wireless Device Discovery Multiplexing for BLE and BR/EDR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently discovering and establishing connections between devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR) protocols, particularly in multiplexing device discovery processes to optimize signal strength and connection establishment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect sequences of wireless device advertising channel messages in one protocol and multiplex transmission of discovery messages in another protocol, synchronizing timing and determining signal strength to initiate connections based on predefined criteria, enhancing device discovery and connection establishment between BLE and BR/EDR devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If device discovery scans are performed in both BLE and BR/EDR protocols simultaneously, then device discovery completeness is improved, but power consumption and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic device discovery scans alternating between BLE and BR/EDR protocols. The system performs discovery scans in one protocol, then switches to the other protocol in a periodic manner, allowing comprehensive device discovery while reducing instantaneous processing complexity and power consumption compared to simultaneous dual-protocol scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary device discovery scans in one protocol before initiating scans in the other protocol. By first scanning for devices in BLE mode and then in BR/EDR mode (or vice versa), the system ensures comprehensive discovery while managing processing resources efficiently through sequential rather than concurrent operations.
2Productivity
If device discovery scans are performed frequently, then device discovery speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic discovery scans with configurable intervals between scan cycles. Instead of continuous scanning, the system performs scans at regular intervals, allowing the radio to enter low-power states between scans. This maintains device discovery capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs discovery scans at optimized frequencies that balance discovery speed with power consumption. By scanning less frequently than maximum possible rate but more frequently than minimum required rate, the system achieves adequate discovery performance while conserving battery power through partial scanning activity.
3Reliability
If signal strength threshold is set low, then connection establishment success rate is improved, but false connection attempts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors connection outcomes and adjusts the RSSI threshold dynamically. When false connection attempts occur, the threshold is increased; when connection success rate is low, the threshold is decreased. This adaptive feedback loop optimizes the balance between connection reliability and false attempt reduction based on real-time performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the RSSI threshold parameter dynamically based on environmental conditions and connection performance. Instead of using a fixed threshold, the system adjusts this critical parameter to optimize connection establishment while minimizing false attempts, adapting to varying signal conditions and device densities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments enhance wireless communications device discovery processes. In an example embodiment, a method comprises detecting, by an apparatus, a sequence of wireless device advertising channel messages in a first communications protocol during device discovery scans of the first communications protocol; and multiplexing, by the apparatus, transmission of a sequence of wireless device discovery messages in a second communications protocol, with the detected sequence of wireless device advertising channel messages in the first communications protocol, in response to the detecting of the sequence of wireless device advertising channel messages in the first communications protocol.