Wireless Sensor Controller Synchronizing Signal Strength to Reduce Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication between sensors and communication devices can be disrupted when multiple systems operate in close proximity, leading to signal saturation and reduced quality of physiological signal transmission in patient monitoring applications.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a controller that determines signal strength values over time to synchronize transmission and reception periods, avoiding interference from neighboring devices by controlling operations based on these values, using a first mode for signal strength determination and a second mode for synchronized communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple communication devices operate in close proximity, then the coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but signal interference and disturbance between devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission and reception cycles where communication devices alternate between transmitting and receiving signals. By synchronizing these periodic operations, devices can share the same spatial coverage area without continuous interference, as each device transmits only when others are in reception mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where devices monitor signal strength values and use this information to adjust their transmission timing. The controller receives feedback about the operational state of neighboring devices and modulates transmission/reception periods accordingly, allowing dynamic adaptation to reduce interference while maintaining coverage.
2Productivity
If transmission and reception operations continue simultaneously, then the productivity and data collection rate are improved, but signal quality and reliability deteriorate due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides continuous operation into periodic transmission and reception cycles. Each device alternates between these modes, ensuring that during reception periods, no other device is transmitting, thus maintaining signal quality while still achieving continuous data collection through coordinated periodic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring and data collection by ensuring that at least one device in each neighboring group is always in a state ready to receive or transmit. The periodic switching is coordinated so that the system as a whole maintains continuous operational capability without interruption, balancing productivity with reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different channels within a frequency band are used, then the capacity to support multiple devices is improved, but transmission disturbance between channels cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic transmission and reception cycles to coordinate device operations across different channels. By timing the transmission and reception periods appropriately, devices on different channels can operate without mutual interference, as each device's transmission period is synchronized with the reception periods of neighboring devices regardless of channel differences.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication device (8) for wirelessly communicating with a sensor (4). The communication device (8) comprises a receiver for receiving signals, an amplifier for amplifying the received signals, a transmitter for transmitting signals, and a controller. The controller is operable in a first mode in which signal strength values are determined over time, which are indicative of a strength of an amplified received signal, and in a second mode in which signal transmission and reception are controlled based on the determined signal strength values. The determined signal strength values can be indicative of, for instance, a saturation of the amplifier caused by a transmission operation of another, neighboring communication device such that, by considering the determined signal strength values, the transmission carried out by the communication device (8) can be synchronized with the corresponding operation of the neighboring communication device. This can lead to reduced disturbances.