Terminal Interface Switching to Prevent RF Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication technologies face interference issues between different radio frequency interfaces, particularly Bluetooth and near-field communication technologies, leading to disrupted communication processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that controls the activation and deactivation of multiple communication interfaces, including a time delay between deactivation of a first interface and activation of a second interface, to prevent interference, particularly by using a software development kit (SDK) to manage the transition between Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and near-field communication (NFC or RFID) interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the first communication interface (radio frequency) is activated to communicate according to the first radio access technology, then communication via the first interface is enabled, but the proper functioning of the second interface (short-range link) is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterference between interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by receiving an information signal from a radio frequency beacon before activating the second interface. This advance detection allows the system to prepare for interface switching, ensuring that the first interface is deactivated before the second interface is activated, thereby preventing interference between the two communication interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control of communication interfaces by sequentially activating and deactivating interfaces based on received signals. The first interface is activated to receive the information signal, then deactivated, and subsequently the second interface is activated. This dynamic switching ensures that only one interface is active at a time, eliminating interference while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a time delay is applied between deactivation of the first interface and activation of the second interface, then interference is prevented, but communication transition time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidinterface switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information signal from the radio frequency beacon acts as an intermediary that triggers the interface switching process. By using this signal as a mediator, the system can coordinate the deactivation of the first interface and activation of the second interface with a controlled time delay, ensuring stable communication transition while minimizing unnecessary time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication interfaces are activated simultaneously, then communication versatility is improved, but communication interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication interface versatilityVSAvoidcommunication remnants pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the communication process by dividing it into distinct phases: first interface activation and signal reception, first interface deactivation with time delay, and second interface activation. This segmentation ensures that each interface operates independently without interference, maintaining communication versatility while preventing harmful interactions between interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3520564B1Improved activation of communication interfaces of a terminal
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 ORANGE SA
  • EP3520564B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3520564B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to data processing carried out by a terminal, for communication via a plurality of interfaces of the terminal, said terminal (TER) comprising at least: - a first interface for communication via a radiofrequency link (BJR), and - a second interface for communication via a short-range link (CP) which can be polluted by the radiofrequency link (BJR) via the first interface. The invention proposes configuring the terminal to: - activate the first interface, - deactivate the first interface and initiate a time-out during which the terminal can activate a third interface for communication via an optical link (INF), - and then activate the second interface.