Communication Device Modulation Selection for Distance and Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current short-range wireless communication devices, particularly those using NFC standards, face limitations in achieving high communication quality due to variations in communication distance and compatibility with different standards, leading to inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication device and method that utilizes a signal generator, modulators, and a communication controller to select between passive and active load modulation based on signal amplitude, allowing for phase adjustment and modulation synchronization to enhance communication quality across varying distances and standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single modulation technique is used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication quality becomes inconsistent across varying distances and standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication quality consistencyVSAvoidmodulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic modulation by providing multiple modulators (first modulator and second modulator) that can be selectively activated based on communication conditions. The communication controller dynamically selects which modulator to use depending on the detected signal characteristics and communication standard, allowing the system to adapt to varying communication distances and standards while maintaining consistent communication quality without permanently increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the modulation parameter by switching between different modulation techniques (passive load modulation and active load modulation) based on detected communication conditions. The communication controller detects signal amplitude or other characteristics and selects the appropriate modulation method, effectively changing the operational parameters to optimize communication quality for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If passive load modulation is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcommunication distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between passive load modulation (low energy) and active load modulation (higher energy) based on the detected communication distance or signal characteristics. When the communication partner is close, the system uses passive load modulation to conserve energy. When the partner is far away, it switches to active load modulation to extend communication distance, thus dynamically optimizing the energy-distance tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy consumption parameter by selecting different modulation techniques. Passive load modulation consumes minimal energy but limits distance, while active load modulation consumes more energy but extends distance. The communication controller adjusts this parameter based on detected conditions, allowing the system to optimize energy usage for each specific communication scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If active load modulation is used, then communication distance is extended, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication distanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control where active load modulation is only activated when necessary (when communication distance requires it). The communication controller detects signal characteristics and selectively enables the second modulator for active load modulation only when the first modulator's passive approach is insufficient, thus extending distance only when needed while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the energy consumption parameter by switching between modulation modes. Active load modulation increases energy consumption to extend communication distance, but this parameter change is applied selectively based on detected communication conditions rather than continuously, optimizing the distance-energy tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If multiple modulators are provided, then communication quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidmodulator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides multiple modulators (first and second modulators) with different modulation techniques but implements dynamic selection through the communication controller. The controller activates only the necessary modulator based on detected communication conditions, allowing the system to have the capability of multiple modulators without permanently operating with the full complexity of all components simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication controller serves multiple functions: it detects signal characteristics, determines communication standards, selects appropriate modulators, and manages the switching between different modulation techniques. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple modulation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables improved communication quality by dynamically selecting modulation techniques based on signal strength and standard compatibility, effectively increasing communication distance and reducing errors, thus enhancing overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a coil receives a first signal from a communication partner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The first modulator is configured to be able to modulate the first signal on the basis of the second signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS10951443B2Communication device and communication method
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US10951443B2 patent drawing
  • US10951443B2 patent drawing
  • US10951443B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication device according to the disclosure includes: a signal generator that generates, on the basis of the first signal received from a communication partner through a coil, a second signal that synchronizes with the first signal; a first modulator configured to be able to modulate the first signal on the basis of the second signal; a second modulator configured to be able to modulate the first signal; and a communication controller that selects, on the basis of the first signal, whichever modulator is to be operated, from the first modulator and the second modulator.