Multi-Core Chipset Prioritized Connection Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual-MAC chipsets face performance limitations when used in vehicle-based communication networks, particularly in managing multiple connections and operating modes, which restricts their full utilization in vehicular and mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows simultaneous connection of multiple cores of a multi-core chipset to different external access points, automatically assigning priority to support multiple use cases, by scanning the radio frequency spectrum to identify candidate APs, selecting one as a primary station, disconnecting external APs from secondary stations, and connecting to them as secondary stations, enabling concurrent communication across multiple APs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-MAC chipset is used to support simultaneous dual-band functionality, then communication capability is improved, but connection management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection management by introducing a primary station (STA1) and secondary station (STA2) architecture. STA1 is dedicated to maintaining a persistent connection with a partnered network, while STA2 handles opportunistic connections to available access points. This segmentation allows the dual-MAC chipset to manage multiple connections simultaneously without overwhelming complexity, as each station has a specific role and management protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a connection manager that coordinates between the primary and secondary stations. This intermediary handles the complex decision-making logic for when to connect, disconnect, or switch between APs, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the burden on the chipset's connection management resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connections are managed simultaneously, then network coverage is improved, but performance limitations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidperformance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational characteristics to different stations. STA1 is optimized for stable, long-term connections with partnered networks, while STA2 is optimized for quick, opportunistic connections to available APs. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve broad network coverage without compromising the performance of individual connections, as each connection is managed according to its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by allowing the secondary station to attempt connections to available APs without requiring full system resources. The secondary station can opportunistically connect to APs when resources are available, providing enhanced network coverage and redundancy without consistently impacting the performance of the primary connection. This approach allows the system to scale its connection management efforts based on available resources and network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If automatic connection switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic connection switchingVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a primary connection with a partnered network before attempting secondary connections. The primary station (STA1) maintains a pre-configured, stable connection that serves as the foundation of the system's network connectivity. This preliminary connection ensures that the system always has a reliable backup, and automatic switching to secondary connections only occurs when the primary connection is available and stable, thereby maintaining overall connection stability while providing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11212683B1Method for prioritized connection of a multi-core chipset to external access points and vehicle using the same
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US11212683B1 patent drawing
  • US11212683B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for use aboard a motor vehicle or other mobile system having a multi-core communication chipset includes scanning a radio frequency spectrum to identify candidate access points (APs) operating in a frequency band of the communication chipset, e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The method includes selecting one of the candidate APs as a first AP for connection to a primary station of the chipset. In response to a secondary station (STA-2) of the chipset being connected to an external AP on the same frequency band as the first AP, the method includes automatically disconnecting the secondary station (STA-2), then connecting the first AP to the primary station. Another candidate AP is connected to the secondary station as a second AP. The method may include simultaneously communicating with the first and second APs via the primary and secondary stations, respectively.