Shared-Antenna Wireless Communication Window Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wearable wireless communication devices, multiple antennas configured for different communication protocols operating at the same or similar carrier frequencies face issues with internal coupling and packet loss during real-time communication, leading to poor audio quality.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device is designed with a single radio-frequency antenna that uses a processing unit to manage communication windows for different protocols, minimizing interference by synchronizing communication events based on event signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are used for different communication protocols operating at the same frequency, then communication capability is improved, but internal coupling and interference between antennas increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidinternal coupling and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication protocols (first protocol for audio packets and second protocol for data packets) to operate simultaneously over a single shared antenna interface. The switching mechanism dynamically allocates the antenna to different protocols based on communication needs, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each protocol while maintaining full communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that adapts antenna allocation in real-time based on which protocol needs to transmit or receive packets. The switching means changes antenna assignment dynamically during operation, allowing the system to optimize performance for different communication protocols as conditions change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a switched antenna is used to allocate between first protocol and second protocol, then antenna usage efficiency is improved, but packet loss occurs when both protocols need to transmit simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna usage efficiencyVSAvoidpacket loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a communication window mechanism where the first communication window for audio packets and the second communication window for data packets are arranged in a predetermined time sequence. This preliminary scheduling of communication windows prevents simultaneous transmission conflicts by ensuring that packet transfers for different protocols occur in designated time slots, thereby eliminating packet loss while maintaining efficient antenna usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If communication windows for first protocol and second protocol overlap, then real-time communication responsiveness is improved, but interference between communication events increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time communication responsivenessVSAvoidinterference between communication events

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic communication windows for different protocols in a repeating time sequence. The first communication window and second communication window are arranged periodically, with each protocol assigned to specific time intervals. This periodic structure allows the system to maintain high responsiveness within each window while preventing interference between protocols through clear temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250071071A1Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 OTICON

AI summary

A method and wireless communication device use a first processing unit to perform a first communication event within a first communication window by use of a first communication protocol, a second processing unit to perform a second communication event within a second communication window by use of a second communication protocol, and a wireless communication unit connected to a radio-frequency antenna to transmit and/or receive a packet wirelessly. The first and second processing units may perform the first and second communication events via the wireless communication unit. The second processing unit or the wireless communication unit may transmit an event signal to the first processing unit when performing the second communication event or receiving a packet, respectively, to allow the first processing unit to arrange the first communication window (or first communication event) with respect to the second communication window (or second communication event) to minimize interference.