Transceiver Mode Switching for Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems using the 2.4 GHz band, compliant devices are unfairly prevented from transmitting due to noise from non-compliant devices, leading to dropped connections and degraded user experience, as they must pause transmissions and yield the channel, allowing non-compliant devices to occupy it for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a transceiver operation mode that switches between adaptive and non-adaptive modes based on interference detection, using clear channel assessment and duty cycle calculations to ensure fair usage of the band, allowing for dynamic switching between modes to maximize throughput and minimize idle periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If compliant devices pause transmissions and yield the channel to non-compliant devices, then fair usage of the band is maintained, but connection efficiency and user experience are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefair usage complianceVSAvoidconnection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver dynamically switches between adaptive mode (for fair usage compliance) and non-adaptive mode (for maintaining connection efficiency). This dynamic operation allows the device to adapt its behavior based on channel conditions, resolving the contradiction between being fair and being efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes: adaptive mode where transmissions are halted upon interference detection, and non-adaptive mode where transmissions follow a duty cycle regardless of interference. This parameter switching enables the device to balance fair usage with connection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive mode is used to detect and respond to interference, then fair channel sharing is achieved, but transmission latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference responseVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver dynamically adjusts its response to interference by switching modes. In non-adaptive mode, it maintains consistent transmission timing based on duty cycle, reducing latency. In adaptive mode, it responds to interference for fair sharing. The dynamic switching resolves the latency-fairness tradeoff

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic duty cycle-based transmissions in non-adaptive mode, which provides predictable timing and reduces latency compared to continuous adaptive listening. This periodic action maintains fairness while improving time efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If non-adaptive duty cycle mode is used for transmissions, then throughput is maximized, but unfair channel occupation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidchannel sharing fairness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver dynamically switches between non-adaptive mode (for maximum throughput) and adaptive mode (for fair channel sharing). This dynamic behavior allows the device to maximize throughput when appropriate while ensuring fair usage when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3241400B1Dynamic adaptive and non-adaptive mode switching
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3241400B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241400B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241400B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of operating a transceiver may comprise operating in an adaptive mode in which transmissions from the transceiver are halted after detection of interference, performing a clear channel assessment (CCA), as a result of the CCA, detecting energy from an interferer above a predetermined threshold, and switching operation to a non-adaptive mode in which the transceiver is configured to alternate transmission periods and idle periods according to a duty cycle. Then, the method may comprise performing an energy detect, as a result of the energy detect, subsequently detecting the energy from the interferer below the predetermined threshold, and switching operation to the adaptive mode.