Wireless Device Channel Switching During AP Quiet Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless networks face challenges in enabling coexistence among devices operating in wideband and narrowband channels without frequent mode switching, which is costly in terms of radio resources and increases power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The use of a Quiet Element and Extended Quiet Element to suspend wideband channel transmissions, allowing for seamless transition to narrowband channel operations, and providing additional information to devices about narrowband channel operations to reduce frequent mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If devices operate in wideband channels, then communication speed and bandwidth are improved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel operation by allowing devices to switch between wideband and narrowband modes based on operational requirements. The AP coordinates these transitions by managing quiet intervals, enabling devices to operate in power-efficient narrowband mode during non-critical periods while maintaining wideband capability when high-speed communication is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between communication speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces periodic quiet intervals during which wideband transmissions are suspended and narrowband operations are permitted. This periodic switching between operational modes allows the system to achieve high-speed wideband communication only when necessary, while spending more time in low-power narrowband mode, effectively reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices switch between wideband and narrowband modes frequently, then adaptability is improved, but radio resource efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode flexibilityVSAvoidradio resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary coordination through the AP, which announces quiet intervals in advance before allowing narrowband operations. This advance notification allows devices to prepare for mode transitions without abrupt switching, reducing the frequency of unnecessary mode changes and improving radio resource efficiency while maintaining the necessary adaptability to switch between wideband and narrowband modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If narrowband operations are allowed during active wideband channels, then device versatility is improved, but signal quality and interference management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel operation flexibilityVSAvoidchannel interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel operation into distinct time intervals: wideband intervals for high-speed communication and quiet intervals for narrowband operations. By temporally separating these operations, the patent allows devices to access narrowband channels during quiet intervals when wideband transmissions are suspended, enabling versatile multi-mode operation while preventing interference between wideband and narrowband signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3829229A1Communicating in a second channel while ceasing transmission in a first channel
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • EP3829229A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3829229A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3829229A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In some examples, a wireless device receives, from an access point (AP), information indicating that the wireless device is to cease transmission in a first channel. In response to the information, the wireless device communicates with the AP in a second channel that is a subset of the first channel, during a time interval in which the wireless device is to cease transmission in the first channel.