Multi-Protocol Wireless Device Frequency Hopping Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional short-range wireless networks, such as Bluetooth scatternets, experience interference and degraded communication due to proximity of interconnected piconets, requiring master devices to cycle through optimization procedures to find optimal frequency hopping settings.

Innovation Solution

Combination devices that can communicate using multiple protocols, such as Bluetooth and WLAN, determine optimal configuration settings for one protocol and transmit these settings using another protocol, allowing adjacent networks to adjust their communication parameters and improve performance without needing individual optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple piconets operate in close proximity using Bluetooth protocol, then network connectivity and coverage are improved, but transmission interference increases and communication quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidtransmission interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency hopping parameters of Bluetooth piconets by sharing AFH configuration data between neighboring piconets. This allows each piconet to adjust its frequency hopping pattern to avoid interference with others, thereby maintaining good communication quality while operating in close proximity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses WLAN communication as an intermediary channel to transmit AFH configuration data between Bluetooth piconets. This mediator enables the piconets to coordinate their frequency hopping patterns without directly interfering with each other's Bluetooth transmissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If master devices cycle through optimization procedures to find optimal AFH settings, then transmission quality is improved, but time consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidoptimization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs frequency hopping optimization in advance by determining optimal AFH settings before actual Bluetooth data transmission begins. This preliminary optimization eliminates the need for continuous trial-and-error cycles during operation, saving time and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where AFH configuration data is shared between piconets, allowing each piconet to learn from others' optimization results. This feedback loop enables faster convergence to optimal settings without requiring each piconet to independently cycle through all possible configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10951262B2Devices, systems and methods for transmitting protocol configuration information between multi-protocol devices

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAS CORP

AI summary

A method can include receiving frequency hop configuration data for a first wireless communication protocol via a second wireless communication protocol in second communication circuits; and configuring first communication circuits to communicate according to the first communication protocol with frequency hopping indicated by the frequency hop configuration data; wherein the first communication circuits and second communication circuits are formed in a same combination device. Related devices and systems are also disclosed.