Communication Apparatus Intermittent Reception ACK NACK Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, retransmission control increases the chances of successful data transmission but makes it difficult to manage intermittent receptions at predetermined intervals, leading to waste in reception and transmission operations due to retransmissions occurring outside the intended interval.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that control the receiving unit to stop processing or search for another transmitting apparatus after transmitting an ACK or NACK signal, with a longer reception operation period for NACK signals compared to ACK signals, and power management to reduce consumption by turning off the receiving unit after successful ACK signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If retransmission control is performed to increase successful data transmission, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but waste in reception and transmission operations increases due to retransmissions occurring outside predetermined interval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccessful data transmissionVSAvoidwaste in reception and transmission operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving apparatus dynamically adjusts its reception operation timing based on the type of signal transmitted. When a NACK signal is transmitted, the receiving apparatus performs reception operations during a longer period including both the first retransmission timing and second retransmission timing. When an ACK signal is transmitted, the receiving apparatus performs reception operations only during the first retransmission timing. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy usage while maintaining reliable data transmission through retransmission control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If retransmission control is performed to increase successful data transmission, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple retransmission timings and signal types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccessful data transmissionVSAvoidreception control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retransmission control mechanism is segmented based on signal type. The receiving apparatus divides reception operation timing into different periods: a longer period when NACK is transmitted (covering both first and second retransmission timings) and a shorter period when ACK is transmitted (covering only first retransmission timing). This segmentation simplifies the control logic by creating distinct reception patterns for different signal types, making the overall system more manageable despite multiple retransmission opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If receiving unit is kept on to receive retransmissions, then reliability of data reception is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata receptionVSAvoidpower consumption of receiving unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving unit operates periodically rather than continuously, with activation timing determined by the transmitted signal type. When NACK is transmitted, the receiving unit activates during periods covering both first and second retransmission timings. When ACK is transmitted, the receiving unit activates only during the first retransmission timing period. This periodic operation pattern ensures reliable data reception while minimizing power consumption by keeping the receiving unit off during unnecessary periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2037640B1Communication apparatus and receiving method thereof
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP2037640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2037640B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2037640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication apparatus that performs receiving processing of data transmitted at timings of a predetermined interval, the communication apparatus having a transmitting unit configured to transmit a signal (ACK) indicating that data is successfully received when the data transmitted at an Mth predetermined interval is successfully received, and a control unit configured to suspend the above receiving processing or conduct other receiving processing until the M+1th interval after the transmission of the signal. In this way, unnecessary retransmissions are reduced whilst intermittent reception is being performed.