Wireless Device Dynamic Band Selection for Body Area Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing body area network (BAN) technologies face challenges in managing interference and channel availability, particularly with the limited use of the medical band (M-band) due to its narrower frequency range and country-specific regulations, which complicates stable operation of control and data channels.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a wireless communication device that selectively uses the ISM band for data channels and the M-band for control channels, allowing for stable operation by switching between channels based on interference conditions and availability, ensuring reliable communication in environments with limited M-band usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the M-band is used for control channels to reduce interference, then the resistance to interference is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to country-specific regulations and limited frequency range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference resistanceVSAvoidband availability adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic band selection where the wireless communication device can switch between M-band and ISM band based on regulatory environment and interference conditions. The system dynamically determines which band to use for control channels and data channels, rather than being fixed to a single band, thereby maintaining adaptability while seeking interference resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating frequency band parameter based on regulatory constraints and interference conditions. By selecting different frequency bands (M-band or ISM band) and different channel configurations (control channel and data channel assignments), the system adapts to varying environmental conditions while maintaining communication performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ISM band is used for data channels to ensure wide availability, then the adaptability is improved, but the resistance to interference worsens due to higher interference levels in the ISM band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveband availability adaptabilityVSAvoidinterference resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication channels by function and frequency band. Control channels are preferentially assigned to the M-band when available to minimize interference, while data channels can use the ISM band for wider availability. This functional segmentation of channels across different bands allows the system to balance interference resistance and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different channels. Control channels, which require high reliability for network management, are given preferential access to the lower-interference M-band. Data channels, which can tolerate more interference, use the widely available ISM band. This local quality differentiation optimizes overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple channels are provided for control channel to ensure reliable communication, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to channel management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel reliabilityVSAvoidchannel management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection and switching mechanisms. The wireless communication device can dynamically select between M-band and ISM band for control channels based on regulatory environment and interference conditions, and can switch between available control channels to maintain reliable communication. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the wireless communication device monitors interference levels, regulatory constraints, and channel availability, then adjusts channel selection accordingly. This feedback-driven channel management maintains control channel reliability while adapting to environmental conditions, reducing the need for complex predetermined channel configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10321433B2Wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2019.06.11 KK TOSHIBA
  • US10321433B2 patent drawing
  • US10321433B2 patent drawing
  • US10321433B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a wireless communication device includes: a transmitter configured to transmit a first beacon signal through a first channel and transmit a second beacon signal through a second channel; and controlling circuitry configured to select the first channel from a first radio frequency band and select the second channel from a second radio frequency band. Use of the second radio frequency band is more limited than use of the first radio frequency band.