Communication Device Time Slot Antenna Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving long-distance communication while maintaining cost-effectiveness, particularly in scenarios where the number of communication nodes increases with distance, leading to higher installation and maintenance costs, and legal output restrictions limit communication distance.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a control unit that allocates antennas and communication circuits using time slots, allowing for switching between directional antennas and communication circuits to achieve multi-hop communication, thereby enabling long-distance communication while reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multi-hop communication is used to increase communication distance, then communication distance is extended, but the number of communication nodes increases leading to higher cost and longer communication time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (omnidirectional communication, directional communication, and relay functions) into a single communication node. Each node is equipped with both omnidirectional and directional antennas, allowing it to perform multiple roles simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of nodes needed for long-distance communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication nodes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of both omnidirectional broadcasting and directional point-to-point communication. This universal design allows nodes to adapt to different communication scenarios and reduces the need for specialized nodes, thereby lowering system complexity and cost.
2Length of stationary object
If directional antennas are used to increase wave propagation distance, then communication distance is extended, but output must be increased which is limited by legal restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses time-slot based periodic communication where nodes switch between omnidirectional and directional modes at different time intervals. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve long-distance communication through multiple hops without requiring continuously high power output, thereby complying with legal output restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
Omnidirectional communication serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables initial contact and coordination between nodes. This low-power omnidirectional mode facilitates node discovery and time-slot synchronization, after which higher-power directional communication can be efficiently utilized for actual data transmission over long distances.
3Length of stationary object
If the number of communication nodes is increased to achieve long-distance communication, then communication distance is extended, but installation cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple communication functions into single nodes, the system reduces the total number of nodes required for long-distance communication. This directly lowers both installation costs (fewer devices to deploy) and maintenance costs (fewer devices to maintain).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between omnidirectional and directional communication modes based on real-time requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize its node utilization, reducing the need for excessive nodes and thereby lowering overall system cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional antennas are used for long-distance communication, then various types of communication are enabled, but communication distance is limited by output restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically switches between omnidirectional and directional communication modes through time-slot allocation. This allows omnidirectional communication to serve coordination and relay functions while directional communication handles long-distance data transmission, thereby achieving both versatility and extended distance within output restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into different time slots with different functions: omnidirectional slots for node discovery and coordination, and directional slots for long-distance transmission. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the advantages of both antenna types without requiring simultaneously high power in both modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
This communication device that can, for each timeslot, switch the communication partner for performing wireless communication, is characterized by being provided with: a plurality of antennas including at least one directional antenna; at least one communication circuit that transmits/receives a signal with the communication partner using the antennas; and a control unit that allocates the communication circuit and the antennas used in wireless communication on a timeslot-by-timeslot basis.