Dual-Protocol Wireless Device Switching Between Bluetooth and ZigBee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Bluetooth piconets face limitations in accommodating new devices and conserving power, as they can only support up to seven active slave devices and require existing devices to enter a power-saving mode when new devices attempt to join, which is inefficient for continuous data transmission and power management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for devices to switch between Bluetooth and ZigBee protocols based on monitored parameters such as data transmission rates and network requests, allowing dual protocol compatibility and dynamic protocol switching to optimize power usage and network flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new device requests to join a Bluetooth piconet, then network connectivity is improved, but existing devices must enter park mode which reduces real-time data transmission capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network by introducing a second radio protocol (ZigBee) alongside Bluetooth. Devices can switch between protocols based on operational needs, allowing the network to accommodate new devices without forcing existing devices into park mode, thus maintaining real-time data transmission capability while improving network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling devices to operate with multiple radio protocols (both Bluetooth and ZigBee). This universal capability allows devices to participate in the network flexibly, choosing the appropriate protocol for their operational requirements without being forced into restrictive modes like park mode.
2Ease of operation
If devices use Bluetooth protocol, then communication capability is provided, but power consumption increases when devices must remain active for continuous data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing devices to switch between Bluetooth and ZigBee protocols based on data rate requirements and power consumption considerations. Devices can select ZigBee for low data rate communications where power saving is critical, and Bluetooth when higher data rates are needed, thus optimizing the trade-off between communication capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic protocol selection where devices can change their operational protocol based on real-time requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between Bluetooth and ZigBee protocols, enabling devices to conserve power when continuous high-rate transmission is not required while maintaining communication capability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device sets up its own piconet to accommodate new devices, then network flexibility is improved, but the device cannot conserve power and slave devices have limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling devices to function as both master and slave across different protocols. When a device needs to accommodate new devices, it can use its dual protocol capability to facilitate joining without requiring the device to become master of a new piconet, thus maintaining power conservation while achieving network flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ZigBee as an intermediary protocol that facilitates device joining and communication. Instead of requiring a device to set up its own piconet as master, the ZigBee protocol acts as an intermediary that enables devices to join and communicate efficiently, allowing power conservation while maintaining network flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices enter park mode to accommodate new devices, then network capacity is improved, but data transmission continuity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a second radio protocol (ZigBee) that operates independently from Bluetooth. This allows the network to expand capacity by accommodating new devices through protocol switching rather than forcing existing Bluetooth devices into park mode, thereby maintaining data transmission continuity while improving network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into different protocol domains (Bluetooth and ZigBee). This segmentation allows new devices to join through protocol switching without disrupting existing Bluetooth connections, as each protocol operates independently. Thus, network capacity is improved while data transmission continuity is preserved in the Bluetooth domain.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio system employing at least one dual protocol equipped radio device is described. The system and devices form a piconet in which message transaction parameters such as amount of data or requests to join the piconet, are monitored (60). A dual protocol device is then selected (62) (or selects itself) according to the monitored parameters, and the selected device then switches (64) the protocol it is using from a first protocol (such as Bluetooth), to a second protocol (such as ZigBee). Hence a flexible piconet is achieved in which various requirements concerning data connection and data-rates are accommodated.