Communication Apparatus Full-Duplex Role Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies rely on half-duplex channels, which are insufficient for applications requiring full-duplex communication, leading to issues like packet collisions and decreased throughput.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and system that switches roles between transmission and reception sides based on response instructions, using a switch unit and communication unit to manage data transmission and reception, enabling full-duplex communication over half-duplex channels through ACK frame and token frame arbitration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If half-duplex communication channels are used for wireless communication, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but full-duplex communication capability cannot be achieved and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefull-duplex communication capabilityVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic role switching between transmission and reception sides using a switch unit. The communication apparatus can dynamically change its communication mode based on received responses containing switching instructions, allowing the system to adapt between half-duplex and full-duplex operations without requiring separate dedicated channels for each direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication channel by switching between transmission and reception modes. The switch unit modifies the communication state based on protocol states and received instructions, effectively transforming a static half-duplex channel into a dynamic full-duplex communication system through parameter changes in transmission/reception timing and role assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If role switching between transmission and reception sides is implemented, then full-duplex communication is supported, but device complexity increases due to the switch unit and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefull-duplex communication supportVSAvoidswitching control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the communication apparatus monitors received responses for switching instructions and automatically adjusts its role accordingly. The switch unit responds to feedback from the communication protocol state and received messages, enabling automated role switching without complex manual control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication apparatus performs self-service by automatically determining when to switch between transmission and reception modes based on received responses. The switch unit autonomously changes communication roles according to protocol states and received instructions, reducing the need for external control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If continuous monitoring for switching instructions is performed, then role switching responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverole switching responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of responses for switching instructions rather than continuous monitoring. The communication unit checks received responses at specific intervals when data is actually transmitted or received, allowing the system to maintain responsiveness to role switching opportunities while consuming less power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10200184B2Communication apparatus, communication system and communication method
Publication Date: 2019.02.05 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US10200184B2 patent drawing
  • US10200184B2 patent drawing
  • US10200184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a communication apparatus including: a switch unit configured to switch data communication to be performed with another communication apparatus on a transmission side or a reception side; and a communication unit configured to transmit transmission data to the other communication apparatus and receive a response when the data communication is performed on the transmission side, and receive reception data from the other communication apparatus and transmit a response when the data communication is performed on the reception side. The switch unit performs switching from the transmission side to the reception side when the response received by the communication unit includes a switching instruction.