Protocol Translation Device for Legacy Wireless Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices are unable to communicate with newer devices due to differences in communication protocols, limiting their ability to take advantage of improved features and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A protocol translation device that fits within the battery compartment of an electronic device, translating between a first wireless protocol used by the device and a second wireless protocol used by external devices, enabling communication between devices with different protocol standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an older electronic device uses its original communication protocol, then it maintains its original function and reliability, but it cannot communicate with newer devices that use different protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation device as an intermediary component that fits within the battery compartment of the older electronic device. This translator contains a first communication interface that speaks the original protocol and a second communication interface that speaks newer protocols, thereby mediating communication between devices with incompatible protocols without modifying the original device's core functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol translation device is designed to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously, allowing a single device to interface with various newer devices using different protocols. The translator can be configured to handle multiple protocol types, making the older device universally compatible with diverse newer devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a protocol translation device is added to enable communication with newer devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol translation device is designed to nest within the existing battery compartment of the older electronic device. By utilizing the unused or partially used battery compartment space, the translator is accommodated without requiring additional external space or modifying the device's external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The communication functionality is segmented into separate components: the original device maintains its core functions while the protocol translation capability is separated into a distinct translator module. This segmentation allows the translator to be independently sized and configured to fit within the battery compartment without affecting the main device structure
3Reliability
If the translator operates continuously to maintain communication readiness, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translator operates in periodic intervals rather than continuously, entering low-power states when no communication is needed and activating only when communication events are detected or scheduled. This periodic operation maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The translator incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor communication requests and device states to dynamically adjust its operational mode. When communication activity is detected, the translator activates; when idle, it enters power-saving mode. This feedback-driven operation optimizes the balance between communication availability and energy consumption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A protocol translation device comprises: a casing sized to fit within a compartment of a first apparatus; a translator comprising a translator circuit operably connected between a first antenna that communicates with the first apparatus and a second antenna that communicates with a second apparatus, wherein the translator circuit translates between a first communication protocol used by the first apparatus and a second communication protocol used by the second apparatus; and a battery operably connected to power the first apparatus in addition to the translator, wherein the translator, which comprises the translator circuit operably connected between the first antenna and the second antenna, and the battery, are all disposed within the casing, wherein the second apparatus is outside the casing.