Bluetooth Low Energy Role Switching via Preliminary Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radio communication systems using Bluetooth low energy, smooth role switching between master and slave roles is challenging, as existing methods do not guarantee reconnection to the same apparatus after role change, leading to potential battery drain and connectivity issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a radio communication apparatus with a role change receiver and an identification information transmitter that transmits identification information at shorter intervals when a role change request is received, and a receiver that awaits identification information across multiple channels in a specific pattern, ensuring efficient reconnection after role switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If role switching is performed in Bluetooth low energy radio communication, then power consumption is reduced by switching from master to slave role, but connection reliability deteriorates because reconnection to the same apparatus is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the master apparatus transmit its identification information to the slave apparatus before role switching occurs. This allows the slave apparatus to store the master's identification information in advance, ensuring that when the slave becomes master after role switching, it can immediately use the stored identification information to reconnect to the same apparatus, thus maintaining connection reliability while enabling power-saving role switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If connection is terminated for role changing, then role switching can be performed, but reconnection time increases and smooth reconnection is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverole switching capabilityVSAvoidreconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the apparatus prepare and exchange identification information before the actual role switching and disconnection. The slave apparatus stores the master's identification information in advance, so when reconnection is needed after role switching, the slave (now master) can immediately initiate connection using the pre-stored identification information, significantly reducing reconnection time and enabling smooth role switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3169135B1Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP3169135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3169135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3169135B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Receiving a role change request, a radio communication apparatus (100b) operating as a master transmits a role switching request to a radio communication apparatus (100a) operating as a slave and after setting an advertising channel upon reconnection, disconnects from the radio communication apparatus (100a). Subsequently, the radio communication apparatus (100b) transmits an advertisement to the radio communication apparatus (100a) on the set advertising channel. Receiving the advertisement, the radio communication apparatus (100a) transmits a connection request to the radio communication apparatus (100b) and establishes reconnection to the radio communication apparatus (100b).