Short-Range Wireless Communication Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices often fail to communicate effectively at short ranges, such as less than one meter, due to signal interference and the 'lost node' problem where devices are unaware of low-power transmissions, leading to ineffective communication and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that reduce transmission power and adjust modulation to enable effective short-range wireless communication by determining the desired data-signal transmit power based on received signal strength and link margin, and using robust modulations to ensure detection, while addressing the 'lost node' issue by requesting and confirming the availability of the transmission medium before low-power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transmission power is reduced for short-range communication, then communication effectiveness at short range is improved, but the transmitting device may not be detected by other devices, causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidinterference from undetected transmissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the low-power transmitting device first send a request to use the transmission medium at low power, and receiving a response confirming the medium is available. This preliminary coordination ensures that other devices are aware of the upcoming low-power transmission and will not interfere, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced power for short-range communication and preventing interference from undetected transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If transmission power is reduced, then energy consumption is reduced, but signal strength may be insufficient for reliable reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsignal reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the transmitting device to adjust its transmission power level dynamically based on the communication scenario. For short-range communications where interference is the main issue, the device transmits at reduced power. The system dynamically switches between high power (for long-range or when detection is critical) and low power (for short-range where energy saving and interference avoidance are priorities), thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and signal reception reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2289274B1Short-range wireless communication
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD
  • EP2289274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2289274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2289274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present specification describes techniques and apparatus that enable wireless devices to communicate effectively at short ranges. In one implementation, the transmit power of a transmitting device is reduced to permit a receiving device to demodulate a signal.