Uplink Coordination for Downlink Control Frame Decoding in Multi-AP WLANs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies, such as Coordinated Spatial Reuse (C-SR), do not adequately address the transmission methods of downlink control frames, leading to potential signal interference and decoding issues due to varying signal-to-interference and noise ratios (SINR), which affect the efficiency and reliability of data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device that coordinates with another device to acquire transmission method information for downlink control signals, allowing for optimal data transmission by selecting appropriate methods based on situational factors, such as signal strength and interference levels, using a combination of transmission units like amplification, wireless interfaces, and communication control units to manage data exchange and determine the most efficient transmission method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the Non Duplicate transmission method is used for downlink control frames to improve frequency utilization efficiency and reduce MAC overhead, then wireless capacity is improved, but signal interference increases and decoding reliability deteriorates due to low SINR at certain reception positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless capacityVSAvoiddecoding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling APs to flexibly switch between Non Duplicate and Duplicate transmission methods based on real-time channel conditions and SINR levels. The system dynamically adjusts the transmission method for downlink control frames rather than using a fixed approach, allowing optimization of both wireless capacity and decoding reliability according to current environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission method parameter (from Non Duplicate to Duplicate or vice versa) based on SINR conditions. When SINR is sufficient, Non Duplicate is used to maximize capacity; when SINR is low, Duplicate is used to ensure reliable decoding. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between capacity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple APs transmit downlink control frames simultaneously using the same resource to improve frequency utilization, then wireless capacity increases, but interference between signals increases causing decoding failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces transmission method information as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between multiple APs. This information enables APs to understand whether others are using Non Duplicate or Duplicate methods, allowing them to adjust their own transmission accordingly to minimize interference while maintaining frequency utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback through transmission method information exchange between APs. Each AP receives information about the transmission methods used by other APs and adjusts its own transmission strategy based on this feedback, creating a coordinated system that balances frequency utilization with interference management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If transmission method information is exchanged between APs to enable optimal transmission method selection, then decoding reliability improves, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential transmission method information needed for coordination, rather than exchanging complete channel state information or other redundant data. This minimal information extraction approach provides sufficient basis for reliable transmission method selection while keeping communication overhead low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If APs selectively use Non Duplicate and Duplicate transmission methods based on situation, then overall system reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple transmission units and coordination mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the downlink control frame transmission system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both Non Duplicate and Duplicate modes. The same transmission infrastructure performs different functions based on conditions, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems and reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260067886A1Wireless communication devices and methods for uplink transmission

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A wireless communication device and method that performs uplink transmission in coordination with another wireless communication device, and acquires transmission method information indicating a transmission method of a downlink control signal which is a control signal necessary for the uplink transmission or information necessary for determining the transmission method from the another wireless communication device.