Multi-AP Power Coordination Frames for Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-AP communication systems, radio interference can reduce communication speed due to inappropriate transmission powers set by individual APs or STAs.

Innovation Solution

A communication device that transmits frames to access points, including information for identifying the access point and specifying transmission power, enabling coordinated power settings among multiple APs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each AP or STA sets transmission power independently, then each device can operate autonomously, but radio interference increases and communication speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidcommunication speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a frame transmission mechanism as an intermediary between APs and STAs to coordinate transmission power. The frame carries power control information from the transmitting device to the receiving device, enabling centralized or coordinated power management while maintaining operational autonomy. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing devices to operate autonomously based on received power instructions rather than independent decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where transmission power information is exchanged between devices through structured frames. The receiving device sends back power control feedback to the transmitting device, enabling dynamic adjustment of transmission power based on actual communication conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize communication speed while reducing interference through coordinated power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple APs transmit data simultaneously to STAs, then throughput increases due to cooperative transmission, but transmission power coordination becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidpower coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power control functionality into a unified frame structure that can be transmitted between multiple APs and STAs. Instead of implementing separate complex coordination protocols for each AP pair, the invention combines power control information transmission with data communication frames, simplifying the overall system while enabling multi-AP cooperative transmission with coordinated power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal frame structure that serves multiple functions: data transmission, power control, and coordination signaling. This multi-functional frame can be used in single-AP and multi-AP scenarios alike, reducing the need for specialized complex protocols and enabling scalable power coordination across different network configurations.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4672811A1Communication device, information processing device, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CANON KK
  • EP4672811A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672811A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672811A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device that performs wireless communication that complies with IEEE 802.11 series of standards includes a communication means that cooperates with an access point to perform data communication with a station, and the communication means transmits, to the access point, a frame instructing the access point to communicate with the station, the frame including information for identifying the access point and information regarding transmission power.