Bluetooth Master Node Frequency Channel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth master nodes face limitations in supporting a large number of simultaneous connections due to time separation constraints, typically allowing only up to eight simultaneous connections, which is insufficient for scenarios requiring communication with numerous peripheral devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the master node allocates different groups of channels within the frequency band, assigning specific channels to each group and using filters to attenuate signals from other groups, allowing for independent scheduling and increased simultaneous connections without requiring standard changes to peripheral devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If time separation is used to manage multiple connections, then connection management becomes simple, but the number of simultaneous connections is limited to eight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection management complexityVSAvoidnumber of simultaneous connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band is segmented into multiple groups, with each group containing a set of channels. Different connections are assigned to different groups, allowing simultaneous connections to occur in parallel without interfering with each other. This segmentation enables the master node to handle more than eight simultaneous connections while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of managing multiple connections sequentially in time (one dimension), the invention transitions to managing connections across multiple frequency groups simultaneously (adding a frequency dimension). This dimensional shift from time-division to frequency-division multiplexing allows parallel connection handling, dramatically increasing the number of simultaneous connections supported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If more simultaneous connections are supported, then system capacity increases, but signal interference between connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of simultaneous connectionsVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the frequency band into separate groups with dedicated channels, the invention isolates signals from different connections into distinct frequency segments. This segmentation prevents interference between connections by ensuring that each connection operates on its assigned channels without overlapping with other connections' frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Filters act as intermediaries between different frequency groups, selectively allowing signals from assigned channels to pass while attenuating signals from other groups. This intermediary mechanism enables multiple simultaneous connections by blocking interference from unrelated frequency groups while maintaining desired signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If filters are used to attenuate signals from other groups, then connection isolation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection isolationVSAvoidfilter implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the frequency parameter of signal processing by using filters tuned to specific frequency groups. Instead of complex time-domain signal processing, frequency-domain filtering provides simpler isolation mechanisms. The filters are configured with specific center frequencies and bandwidths corresponding to assigned channel groups, achieving reliable connection isolation through parameter-based differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the number of simultaneous connections, reducing latency and improving energy performance, while increasing the capacity of the Bluetooth communication system, allowing for longer ranges and more efficient data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The master node further attenuates, for the connection to the first slave device, signals relating to channels not comprised in the first set of channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

attenuates for the connection in the first group, signals relating to any other group being allocated a set of channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10512084B2Master node and a method therein for handling connections to slave devices

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by a master node, for handling Bluetooth connections to slave devices is provided. The master node allocates to a first group, a first set of channels, and to a second group a second set of channels. The first set of channels relates to a first part of a frequency band supported by the master node, and the second set of channels relates to a second part of the frequency band that is different from the first part of the frequency band. The master node assigns to the first group, a first connection between the master node and a first slave device, to use channels comprised in the first set of channels. The master node then attenuates for the connection in the first group, signals relating to any other group being allocated a set of channels, including the second group.