Wireless Device Concurrent Data Reception and Access Point Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices face inefficiencies in scanning for better access points with improved communication quality, as the current scanning process is time-consuming and disrupts ongoing data communications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) communication scheme with multiple receiver chains, where one chain continues to receive data communications while another concurrently scans for a better access point, allowing for simultaneous data reception and scanning without complete cessation of data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the wireless device performs a complete scan for another access point, then the scanning speed and channel coverage are improved, but data communication is interrupted and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning completenessVSAvoidcommunication interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the receiver chain into multiple segments (first receiver chain and second receiver chain) where one segment handles data communication while the other performs scanning. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between complete scanning and continuous communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data communication function and scanning function into a single wireless device with multiple receiver chains operating concurrently. By combining these functions in parallel rather than sequentially, the system achieves both complete channel scanning and uninterrupted data communication simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the wireless device uses a single receiver chain for scanning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning time increases and communication quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver chain configurationVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver chain is segmented into multiple independent units (first and second receiver chains) that can operate in parallel. This segmentation increases scanning speed by dividing the scanning workload across multiple chains while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each receiver chain is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both receiving data communications and performing scanning operations. This universality allows the system to achieve high scanning productivity while maintaining flexibility in resource allocation and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8655355B2Wireless device that receives data and scans for another access point

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A wireless device comprises a plurality of receivers and logic coupled to the receivers. The logic causes at least one receiver to receive data communications from an access point while at least one other receiver concurrently scans for another access point.