IEEE 802.11 Communication Device for 6 GHz Band Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless LAN standards lack a mechanism for notifying that a communication device can use frequency bands including the 6 GHz band for simultaneous communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication device conforming to IEEE 802.11 series standards includes determination means to identify usable frequency bands, generates frames with a Multi-band element that indicates these bands, and transmits frames with a Band ID field to notify the use of 6 GHz band when applicable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional IEEE 802.11 notification mechanisms are used, then backward compatibility is maintained, but the ability to notify 6 GHz band availability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band notification capabilityVSAvoid6 GHz band availability information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds a Multi-band element within the existing IEEE 802.11 beacon and probe response frames. This nested structure allows the 6 GHz band availability information to be carried inside the conventional frame format, maintaining backward compatibility while enabling new functionality. The Multi-band element contains Band ID fields that identify available frequency bands including 6 GHz, nested within the familiar beacon frame structure that legacy devices can still process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of information

If a new notification mechanism for 6 GHz band is introduced, then 6 GHz band availability can be notified, but frame structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve6 GHz band availability informationVSAvoidframe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Multi-band element is designed as a universal notification mechanism that can indicate availability of multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) using a standardized Band ID field structure. This multi-functional element replaces the need for separate notification mechanisms for each band, reducing overall system complexity while enabling 6 GHz band notification capability.

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

3Productivity

If simultaneous communication on multiple frequency bands is implemented, then throughput is improved, but coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidcommunication coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by including Band ID fields in the Multi-band element of beacon and probe response frames before actual data transmission occurs. This advance notification of available frequency bands allows receiving devices to prepare for multi-band simultaneous communication, establishing coordination parameters beforehand and reducing the complexity of real-time coordination during active transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3952433B1Communication device, communication method and program
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 CANON KK
  • EP3952433B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3952433B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3952433B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A communication device conforming to a standard of a IEEE 802.11 series determines one or more frequency bands that the communication device can use for communication, generates a frame in which information of the determined one or more frequency bands is included, and transmits the generated frame. The frame includes a Multi-band element for notifying the information of the determined one or more frequency bands, and the information indicating the determined one or more frequency bands is included in a Band ID field for identifying the frequency band in the Multi-band element. The determined one or more frequency bands include a 6 GHz band.