Communication Apparatus Channel Switching for Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing concurrent operations as both a child station and a parent station, particularly in maintaining wireless connections and switching channels without causing radio wave interference between infrastructure and direct connection modes.

Innovation Solution

The communication apparatus is designed to operate in both modes concurrently, using a control unit to maintain wireless connections and a stop unit to switch channels dynamically, ensuring that different channels are used for infrastructure and direct connections to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the communication apparatus operates concurrently as both a child station and a parent station, then the convenience and functionality of the apparatus are improved, but radio wave interference occurs between the infrastructure mode and direct connection mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent operation capabilityVSAvoidradio wave interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless communication operations into separate time slots - infrastructure mode operations (child station mode) and direct connection mode operations (parent station mode) are performed at different times rather than simultaneously. This temporal segmentation eliminates radio wave interference while maintaining both operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching where the communication apparatus can transition between child station mode and parent station mode based on operational requirements. The control unit dynamically adjusts the operating mode and timing to prevent interference while maximizing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the access point changes the channel used for wireless connection, then the communication apparatus can maintain connectivity, but the direct connection mode operation must be stopped causing interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connection maintenanceVSAvoiddirect connection operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary channel switching for the parent station before the access point changes channels. The control unit proactively switches the direct connection mode to a different channel in advance, so when the access point changes channels, no interference occurs and the direct connection operation can continue without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a monitoring and control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the access point's channel changes and the direct connection mode. The control unit monitors access point channel changes and mediates by switching the parent station to alternative channels, preventing direct interference while maintaining both connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230389114A1Communication apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 CANON KK

AI summary

A stop unit is configured to stop a communication apparatus operating in a second mode based on a change of a channel used by an access point while a state in which predetermined wireless connection is maintained and a state in which the communication apparatus is operating in the second mode are concurrently maintained.