Single Transceiver Interference Detection in Wireless Body Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Body sensor networks face interference from other wireless devices and microwave ovens, which can disrupt communication between sensors and monitors, necessitating an effective method to detect and identify interfering technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single transceiver adapted to employ a first wireless radio access technology, such as Zigbee, to scan for radio signals across multiple frequency channels, measure signal strength, and identify interfering technologies based on predefined criteria, including signal patterns and frequency hopping schemes, without increasing device size, weight, or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transceivers are added to detect different interfering technologies, then detection capability is improved, but device size, weight, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing transceiver perform dual functions: both wireless communication (employing a first wireless radio access technology) and interference detection (scanning for second and third technologies). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated detection transceivers, thereby avoiding increased power consumption, device size, and weight while maintaining comprehensive interference detection capability across multiple frequency channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the interference detection function with the existing communication transceiver by integrating the scanning mechanism and signal analysis capabilities into the same hardware unit. The transceiver alternates between communication mode and detection mode, merging what would traditionally be separate functions into a single unified system, thus avoiding the overhead of additional transceivers
2Device complexity
If a single transceiver is used for both communication and detection, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning of frequency channels at predetermined intervals during the communication process. The transceiver alternates between communication mode and detection mode in a periodic fashion, allowing it to monitor for interfering technologies without continuously interrupting data transmission. This periodic action maintains communication reliability while enabling comprehensive interference detection across multiple frequency channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs interference detection at predetermined intervals during communication, allowing the system to identify potential interference sources before they critically impact communication quality. By proactively scanning for interfering technologies and detecting signal patterns in advance, the system can take preventive measures to maintain communication reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient detection and identification of interfering technologies, ensuring reliable communication in body sensor networks by using existing communication transceivers for both data transmission and interference detection, maintaining device mobility and reducing interference-related disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The transceiver is adapted to employ a first wireless radio access technology and to scan a first plurality of frequency channels provided by the first wireless radio access technology for radio signals of a second interfering technology
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and a device for detecting interfering radio technologies. The method in accordance with the invention is applicable in order to detect and identify possible interfering technologies that can be found, e.g., in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, by use of a device having a single transceiver which is adapted to employ a first wireless radio access technology. For example, a device having an IEEE 102.15.4 cordless transceiver is able to identify according to the method in accordance with the invention radio signals sent by disquieters which use other interfering technologies by use of only this transceiver. The device can for example be a sensor of a wireless body sensor network.