Multiradio Slave Device Concurrent Communication Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices (WCDs) face interference and communication errors when using dual-mode radio modules, particularly when acting as a slave in a low-power network while simultaneously communicating with other devices, due to the lack of effective communication management strategies that account for concurrent operations across multiple radio protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of multiple radio modules in a WCD connected as a slave on a low-power network, where the timing of communication is established by the low-power master device, allowing for substantially concurrent active communication by considering relative priority and flexibility of the radio modules, and triggering pre-emptive responses to maintain connectivity and avoid conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dual-mode radio module is used to handle multiple radio protocols in a single device, then device complexity is reduced and resource utilization is improved, but communication errors occur due to message collision between simultaneous transactions on different radio protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent schedules and coordinates communication transactions between multiple radio protocols in advance, before actual communication occurs. The system predicts potential conflicts and pre-arranges transmission timing to avoid message collisions, thereby maintaining communication reliability while using integrated dual-mode radio modules.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a WCD acts as a slave on a low-power network with timing established by the master device, then power consumption is reduced and network coordination is simplified, but the WCD cannot effectively manage concurrent operations across multiple radio protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adapts to the master device's timing requirements while coordinating multiple radio protocols. The system flexibly adjusts transmission schedules based on the low-power network's master-established timing, enabling concurrent operations without excessive power consumption by dynamically allocating resources according to actual communication needs.
3Productivity
If the WCD schedules communications only within its own radio protocol, then protocol-specific optimization is achieved, but the WCD is unaware of simultaneous transactions on other radio protocols in a dual-mode radio module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and tracks communication transactions across all radio protocols simultaneously. By gathering information about ongoing communications on different protocols and feeding this back into the scheduling system, the WCD can coordinate transmissions to avoid conflicts while maintaining protocol-specific optimization, preventing loss of coordination information.
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AI summary
A system for optimizing the operation of a plurality of radio modules incorporated within a wireless communication device (WCD) connected as a slave on a low-power wireless network, wherein a low-power device is acting as the master of the wireless network. The timing of communication between master and slave may be established by the master, and as a result, the WCD may utilize a control strategy to allow substantially concurrent active communication in one or more of the plurality of radio modules while still operating under the parameters set forth by the low-power master device.