Wireless Communication Device Channel Switching Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face disconnection issues with terminal devices during scanning processes, as they need to switch frequency channels to find a new relay device, leading to communication delays and potential loss of real-time data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication system with multiple MAC and PHY units, allowing one set to maintain connection with a terminal device while another set scans for a relay device by performing discontinuous active scans in isolated steps, using Information Elements for channel switching in management or data frames to minimize communication disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scanning process is performed to search for a relay device by sequentially switching frequency channels, then the ability to find a new relay device is improved, but the connection with the terminal device is disrupted causing communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into discontinuous isolated steps rather than continuous sequential channel switching. The wireless communication device performs scanning on one frequency channel while maintaining communication on another, segmenting the scanning activity into discrete intervals that do not continuously disrupt terminal device communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by using multiple frequency channels simultaneously - one channel for scanning and another for maintaining terminal device communication. This dimensional approach allows both scanning and communication to occur in parallel without sequential interference.
2Productivity
If multiple MAC and PHY units are used to maintain simultaneous scanning and communication, then real-time data transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic channel assignment where the wireless communication device can flexibly switch between using one or two sets of MAC/PHY units depending on whether simultaneous scanning and communication are required. This dynamic approach allows the system to scale complexity only when necessary rather than permanently maintaining multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MAC and PHY units multi-functional, allowing them to serve different purposes at different times - scanning function and terminal communication function. The same hardware units can be dynamically allocated to different tasks, reducing the need for dedicated separate units for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first communication control unit (100) and a second communication control unit (200) share one transmitting/receiving unit (50). Even during a time when the first communication control unit (100) scans frequency channels and searches for an access point, the second communication control unit (200) maintains connection with a terminal device. When a search processing unit (104) detects the access point, the second communication control unit (200) sets a frequency channel to be used between the terminal device and the second communication control unit to a frequency channel used at the detected access point.