Multi-band Antenna for Seamless Wireless Protocol Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encoded information reading (EIR) terminals with wireless communication interfaces lack the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple communication protocols and networks without restarting, limiting their functionality in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
An EIR terminal equipped with a microprocessor, memory, a multi-band antenna, and a wireless communication interface capable of supporting multiple protocols and frequency bands, allowing dynamic selection of wireless communication networks and protocols based on optimized criteria such as signal strength, network status, and cost, using a multi-protocol chipset and MTM-based antennas for efficient signal reception and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional wireless communication interface is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the terminal cannot switch between multiple communication protocols and networks without restarting
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication interface is designed to support multiple wireless communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) and frequency bands within a single integrated component. This multi-functional interface enables the terminal to switch between different protocols and networks without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol, thereby improving adaptability while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal incorporates a dynamic protocol selection mechanism that automatically switches between different wireless communication protocols and networks based on real-time conditions such as signal strength, network availability, and operational requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to changing environments without manual intervention or terminal restarts, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal supports multiple wireless communication protocols, then network adaptability improves, but the ability to seamlessly switch between networks without restart increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal employs an automated protocol selection and switching mechanism that independently monitors available networks and protocols, evaluates signal strength and connectivity conditions, and initiates switches without user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of multi-protocol operation, presenting a simple unified interface to the user while handling the intricate switching logic internally, thus maintaining ease of operation despite enhanced network compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal continuously monitors wireless communication conditions including signal strength, network load, and connectivity status, using this feedback information to dynamically select the optimal protocol and network. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables seamless switching by automatically responding to changing conditions, ensuring smooth transitions between networks without disrupting ongoing operations or requiring manual user input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-band antenna is used, then the antenna structure remains simple, but the terminal cannot simultaneously receive signals in multiple frequency regulatory domains
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed as a multi-band antenna capable of simultaneously receiving radio signals across multiple frequency regulatory domains (e.g., 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands). This single multi-functional antenna replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate single-band antennas, providing comprehensive frequency coverage while minimizing the number of antenna components and simplifying the overall antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple single-band antenna functions into a single integrated multi-band antenna structure. By merging the signal reception capabilities across different frequency bands into one antenna system, the design eliminates the need for separate antenna elements for each band, thereby reducing structural complexity while achieving the versatility of multi-frequency domain operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, an EIR device, a multi-band antenna, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR reading device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data comprising an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can be configured to support at least two wireless communication protocols. The multi-band antenna can be configured to simultaneously receive two or more radio signals in two or more frequency regulatory domains. The EIR terminal can be configured to dynamically select a wireless communication network and/or a wireless communication protocol by optimizing a value of a wireless communication protocol selection criterion which can be based on said two or more radio signals.