Protocol Management Module for Heterogeneous Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

As portable electronic devices offer increasingly complex services, there is a demand for functions beyond simple data input/output and processing, and existing communication technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and prioritizing heterogeneous communication protocols, leading to potential malfunctions and performance issues when handling multiple protocols simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is designed to support a combination of heterogeneous protocols by using a shared RF front end and controlling the communication processors based on priority, allowing for seamless switching between protocols like LTE and Wi-Fi, preventing malfunctions and optimizing communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported simultaneously, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and reliability deteriorate due to potential malfunctions and conflicts between protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protocol management module is introduced as an intermediary between multiple communication protocols and the RF front end. This mediator arbitrates protocol conflicts, manages resource allocation, and coordinates protocol switching, thereby maintaining system reliability while supporting multiple protocols simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic protocol selection and switching mechanisms that adapt to current communication conditions. The protocol management module can dynamically adjust which protocol is active based on signal quality, network conditions, and service requirements, preventing protocol conflicts and maintaining stable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If heterogeneous protocols are combined in a single device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing and control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol supportVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal protocol management module is designed to handle multiple communication protocols through a unified architecture. This single multi-functional component provides protocol selection, arbitration, and control functions for all protocols, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated controllers for each protocol.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines protocol management functions into a unified module that handles multiple protocols simultaneously. By merging protocol selection, arbitration, and resource management into a single integrated component, the system reduces the number of separate control units and simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining support for heterogeneous protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If protocol priority management is implemented, then communication performance is improved, but processing overhead and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol management module uses configurable priority parameters to manage multiple protocols. By assigning different priority levels to protocols based on service requirements and network conditions, the system efficiently manages protocol selection and resource allocation through simple parameter adjustments rather than complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3349511B1Method for communication using plurality of protocols and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3349511B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3349511B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3349511B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for communication using a plurality of communication protocols and an electronic device thereof are provided. An electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least one antenna; and a control circuitry configured to perform a communication with an external electronic device by using a first protocol and a second protocol via the at least one antenna, wherein the control circuitry is configured to identify context information associated with the communication; determine, at least based on the context information, a priority associated with the first protocol and the second protocol; determine, among the first protocol and the second protocol, a protocol, based at least in part on the priority; and communicate, via the at least one antenna, using the determined protocol with the external electronic device.