Bluetooth Communication Apparatus Frequency Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems using intermittent methods like Bluetooth face inefficiencies due to unsynchronized communication frequencies between node apparatuses and communication apparatuses, leading to wasteful transmission/reception timing and loss of real-time data properties.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus that acquires and adjusts communication frequencies between a service providing apparatus and a service using apparatus, optimizing communication intervals to minimize wasteful transmissions and maintain real-time data updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication intervals are set independently between information processing apparatus-communication apparatus and communication apparatus-node apparatus, then each communication link can operate autonomously, but communication synchronization is lost causing wasteful transmission/reception timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication frequency flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus receives notification of communication timing from both the information processing apparatus and node apparatus, then uses this feedback to determine optimal communication timing that synchronizes with both ends, eliminating wasteful transmissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication apparatus dynamically adjusts its communication timing based on the notification received from other apparatuses, transitioning from static independent intervals to dynamic synchronized timing that adapts to different communication frequencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If communication interval between information processing apparatus and communication apparatus is shorter than communication interval between communication apparatus and node apparatus, then real-time data from node apparatus is maintained, but wasteful transmission occurs when no new information is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data propertyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus preliminarily determines the communication timing by receiving notification from the node apparatus before actually communicating, allowing it to schedule transmissions only when necessary based on when the node apparatus provides new information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the node apparatus about when it provides new information to optimize the communication interval, balancing real-time data requirements with energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary transmissions when no new data is available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If communication interval between information processing apparatus and communication apparatus is longer than communication interval between communication apparatus and node apparatus, then power consumption is reduced, but one of the two pieces of provided information loses the real time property

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreal-time data property

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus dynamically adjusts its communication timing based on real-time notification from the node apparatus, allowing it to maintain real-time data properties when needed while reducing power consumption during periods when no new information is provided

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By receiving continuous notification from the node apparatus about its communication timing, the system can dynamically synchronize its communication to maintain real-time data integrity without unnecessary transmissions, optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10327125B2Communication apparatus, control method for communication apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication apparatus for performing intermittent communication with a service providing first apparatus and a service using second apparatus, respectively, using a communication method complying with a Bluetooth standard, acquires a first frequency as a communication frequency in the intermittent communication with the first apparatus and a second frequency as a communication frequency in the intermittent communication with the second apparatus, and transmits, to the second apparatus, a request to change the second frequency to a communication frequency determined based on the first frequency.