Hub Device Dynamic Bit Rate Duty Cycle Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring systems with hub devices and peripheral devices face interference issues due to simultaneous use of in-band or marginally out-of-band communication channels, and challenges in providing sufficient range for communication across distant devices, leading to signal swamping and reduced reception quality.
Innovation Solution
A hub device with a processing system that operates in two modes: a first mode for communication with peripheral devices at a lower bit rate for longer range and a second mode for receiving data from a remote station at a faster bit rate, reducing duty cycle and minimizing interference, allowing for efficient data transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the hub transmits data at a higher bit rate to reduce duty cycle and minimize interference, then interference to the receiver is reduced, but transmission range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bit rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between a first bit rate (for normal operation with longer range) and a second, faster bit rate (when interference mitigation is needed). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between range and interference reduction based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bit rate parameter to resolve the contradiction. By increasing the bit rate from the first bit rate to the second (faster) bit rate, the duty cycle is reduced, which minimizes the time the transmitter is active and thus reduces interference to the receiver. This parameter change directly addresses the trade-off between interference and range.
2Device complexity
If the hub uses in-band or marginally out-of-band communication channels for both remote station and peripheral devices, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through duty cycle management. The transmitter operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously, with the duty cycle adjusted based on the bit rate being used. This periodic operation allows the receiver to periodically listen for signals while minimizing the time the transmitter is active, thereby reducing self-interference in the shared communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that data transmission to peripheral devices continues without interruption, even while mitigating interference. The system manages the timing and duration of transmissions to maintain ongoing communication functionality while reducing harmful interference effects.
3Length of stationary object
If the hub transmits with further range to cover distant peripheral devices, then communication range is improved, but interference upon the receiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bit rate based on operational needs. When longer transmission range is required, the system uses the first (slower) bit rate. When interference mitigation is the priority, it switches to the second (faster) bit rate. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to balance range requirements against interference concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bit rate parameter to control the duty cycle, which in turn controls the interference level. By adjusting this parameter, the system can manage the trade-off between transmission range and receiver interference in the shared communication channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hub device (102) comprises a first antenna (106) communicating with a peripheral device (104a), a second antenna communicating with a remote station (110a or 110b). In a first mode, the first antenna (106) transmits at a first bit rate. A trigger switches operation to a second mode in which a data stream is received from the remote station (110), and there is a transmission to the first peripheral device (104(a)), of data derived from the data stream. The first antenna (106) transmits while the data stream is being received on the second antenna (108). In the second mode, the first antenna (106) transmits at a second bit rate that is faster than the first bit rate so that transmitting the derived data at the second bit rate uses a shorter duty cycle (144, 142) than that required (140, 142) to transmit the derived data at the first bit rate.