Radio Power Mode Switching for Global Regulatory Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturing devices that comply with varying wireless local area network (WLAN) regulations across different countries is challenging due to distinct frequency ranges and power output requirements, making it difficult to achieve global compliance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for radio power mode switching in client devices that compares the time zone and country code of a client device with the access point it is connected to, adjusting the radio power mode to comply with local regulations by using a database and engines to switch between different power modes based on location-specific regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are manufactured with fixed radio power settings for one country's regulations, then compliance with that country's regulations is achieved, but compliance with other countries' regulations cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory compliance adaptabilityVSAvoidradio power control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radio power mode is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically switches between different radio power modes (first radio power mode and second radio power mode) based on the detected location, allowing the device to adapt its power output to comply with different country regulations without requiring manual configuration or multiple hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the radio power parameter based on location. By comparing time zone information with country code information from the database, the system determines the appropriate radio power mode and adjusts the transmit power accordingly, enabling compliance with different regulatory requirements through parameter adjustment rather than hardware modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices with different fixed power settings are manufactured for different countries, then each device complies with its target market regulations, but global distribution and resale become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal market adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal device that can operate in multiple radio power modes to comply with different country regulations. The system includes a location determination module, a database with country code information, and a power mode switching mechanism, allowing a single device design to serve multiple international markets without requiring country-specific hardware variants.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary location determination by comparing time zone information with country code information from the database before operating. This preliminary action of identifying the current location and selecting the appropriate radio power mode ensures compliance is automatically maintained across different countries without requiring pre-configuration for each market.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual configuration of radio power modes is required for each country, then compliance can be achieved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory compliance reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining its location through time zone and country code comparison, selecting the appropriate radio power mode, and switching between power modes without user intervention. This automated process ensures reliable regulatory compliance while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply use the device normally without needing to configure power settings manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from location information (time zone and country code data) to automatically adjust the radio power mode. By continuously monitoring location data and comparing it with the database information, the system provides feedback-driven automatic power mode selection, ensuring compliance is maintained dynamically as the device moves between different regulatory zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3272152B1Radio power mode switching
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3272152B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3272152B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one implementation, radio power mode switching includes comparing a time zone associated with a current location of a client device with a country code associated with a current location of an access point, where the client device is connected to the access point, and switching a first radio power mode of the client device to a second radio power mode of the client device based on the comparison of the time zone and the country code.