Communication Apparatus Slave Device Tethering Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, maintaining a stable connection to slave devices or terminal apparatuses is challenging, especially in environments with poor cellular reception, where existing technologies may disconnect from access points, leading to decreased throughput.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and system design that includes a first communicator for cellular communication and a second communicator for a different communication scheme, with a controller enabling a 'slave device tethering mode' where the first apparatus relays cellular and wireless LAN communications through the second apparatus, maintaining connectivity and providing wireless services to terminal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication apparatus operates as a master device in wireless LAN communication, then it can provide wireless services to terminal devices, but it may disconnect from access points in poor cellular reception areas, leading to decreased throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master device as an intermediary between terminal devices and the cellular network. The master device establishes a wireless connection with a slave device (the communication apparatus) and provides wireless LAN services, while maintaining cellular connectivity through the slave device. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain stable connections even in poor cellular reception areas, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and communication throughput.
2Reliability
If the communication apparatus maintains connection to terminal devices, then it ensures continuous service, but it increases device complexity and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional components: a slave device that maintains cellular connection, a master device that provides wireless LAN services, and terminal devices that access the network. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous connection. The master device handles wireless LAN protocols while the slave device handles cellular communication, dividing the complexity across multiple devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the communication apparatus relays cellular communication through another device, then it can provide wireless services in poor reception areas, but it increases the number of communication components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the slave device serves dual purposes: it acts as a cellular communication device for maintaining network connection and simultaneously serves as an access point for the master device's wireless LAN. This universal design allows the system to adapt to poor reception environments without requiring completely separate components, reducing the overall number of components needed while maintaining environmental adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes: a first communicator capable of wireless-communicating using a cellular communication scheme; a second communicator capable of wireless-communicating with another communication apparatus using a first communication scheme (not the cellular communication scheme); and a controller controlling the first and second communicators to execute a first communication mode. The second communicator transmits a wireless connection request to the other communication apparatus in the first communication mode. The first communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication apparatus is a slave device for another communication apparatus (access point), communication through the cellular communication scheme and communication through the first communication scheme are relayed, and a wireless service is provided, via the other communication apparatus, to a terminal apparatus capable of wireless-communicating with the other communication apparatus through the first communication scheme.