UWB Communication with Contention Phases for Lower Power and Fewer Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB communication in electronic devices experiences unnecessary current consumption and message collisions due to unpredictable activation of UWB Rx and lack of synchronization in two-way ranging schemes, especially when multiple external devices are involved.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a contention phase and transmission offset configuration based on message exchange with external devices to dynamically control the timing of UWB communication, reducing unnecessary activation of UWB Rx and minimizing message collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UWB Rx is activated continuously to receive response messages from external devices, then the electronic device can reliably receive communication messages, but current consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of UWB Rx based on contention phase information exchanged between devices. Instead of continuous activation, the receiver activates only during designated contention phases when response messages are expected, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable message reception during critical communication periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary exchange of poll messages to establish contention phase information before actual response message transmission. This preliminary action allows devices to synchronize their activation timing, ensuring UWB Rx is active only when needed for receiving response messages, thereby reducing unnecessary current consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external electronic devices perform UWB communication simultaneously, then communication coverage is expanded, but message collisions occur between response messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication timeline into distinct contention phases for different external devices. Each device is assigned a specific contention phase during which only that device can transmit response messages. This temporal segmentation prevents message collisions between multiple external devices while maintaining expanded communication coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic device receives contention phase information from poll messages and uses this feedback to control its own transmission timing. This feedback loop ensures that response messages are transmitted only during designated phases, preventing collisions and ensuring reliable communication across multiple devices
3Ease of operation
If the electronic device waits for external devices to initiate UWB communication, then communication initiation is simplified, but the device cannot control timing to reduce power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the electronic device to autonomously manage its own power consumption by actively exchanging poll messages and controlling its UWB Rx activation timing. The device serves itself by determining when to activate based on received contention phase information, rather than passively waiting for external initiation, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: at least one communication module, a memory, and a processor operably connected to the at least one communication module and the memory. The processor is configured to determine transmission offset information or contention phase information, which is associated with first communication, broadcast a first message including the transmission offset information or contention phase information by using the at least one communication module, receive at least one second message from at least one external electronic device via the at least one communication module, in response to the first message, and change the transmission offset information or contention phase information, on the basis of the at least one second message.