Wireless Device Near-Field Far-Field Interference Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices experience interference beyond a threshold level when using far-field transceivers, particularly in scenarios involving high-latency and low-latency devices, such as smartphones and gaming dongles, unless they are partially screened by a conductive host structure like a human body.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of asymmetric wireless devices with near-field and far-field transceivers, where near-field transceivers communicate using protocols like NFMI or NFEMI, and far-field transceivers use standardized protocols like Bluetooth Classic and proprietary low-latency protocols, with the human body acting as a conductive host structure to attenuate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If far-field transceivers are used for wireless communication, then communication range and versatility are improved, but mutual interference between simultaneous communications increases beyond threshold levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidmutual interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the communication function into two distinct transceiver types: near-field transceivers for low-latency communication and far-field transceivers for high-latency communication. This segmentation allows each transceiver type to operate in its optimized frequency range, reducing mutual interference while maintaining communication versatility across different device types and use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The human body acts as a conductive host structure that serves as an intermediary to attenuate interference between far-field transceiver communications. By positioning transceivers on or near the body, the body's conductive properties create a natural shielding effect that reduces mutual interference between simultaneous communications from different wireless devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple far-field transceivers operate simultaneously in the same frequency bandwidth, then communication versatility is improved, but signal interference increases beyond acceptable levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by assigning different operational characteristics to different transceivers based on their location and function. Near-field transceivers (e.g., in earbuds) operate with low-latency protocols optimized for audio, while far-field transceivers (e.g., in smartphones or gaming devices) operate with high-latency protocols. Each transceiver is optimized for its specific communication role, improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by using different frequency bandwidths and communication protocols for near-field and far-field transceivers. This parameter differentiation allows simultaneous operation of multiple transceivers without excessive interference, as each operates in its designated parameter space rather than competing in the same frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If near-field and far-field transceivers are integrated in the same wireless device, then device functionality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic operation by allowing wireless devices to activate only the transceiver type needed for the current communication task. For example, audio devices activate near-field transceivers for low-latency audio streaming, while media devices activate far-field transceivers for high-latency data transfer. This dynamic activation reduces power consumption compared to continuously operating both transceiver types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by designing wireless devices that can function with either near-field or far-field transceivers depending on the application. A single device type (e.g., wireless earbuds) can operate in near-field mode for audio or connect to far-field devices for media playback, providing multi-functionality without requiring both transceiver types to operate simultaneously, thus managing power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces mutual interference, enabling simultaneous and low-latency communication for gaming and high-latency applications like media playback, while balancing power consumption and ensuring robust communication links.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second wireless devices are at least partially screened by a conductive host structure... the conductive host structure attenuates the far-field frequency bandwidth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the near-field transceivers communicate using a non-propagating quasi-static magnetic near-field signal; or a non-propagating quasi-static electric near-field signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field electromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10492002B1Wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2019.11.26 NXP BV
  • US10492002B1 patent drawing
  • US10492002B1 patent drawing
  • US10492002B1 patent drawing

AI summary

One example discloses a first wireless communication device, including: a first near-field transceiver and a first far-field transceiver; wherein the first wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a second wireless device having a second near-field transceiver and a second far-field transceiver; wherein the first near-field transceiver is configured to communicate with the second near-field transceiver; wherein the first far-field transceiver is configured to communicate with a third wireless device in a far-field frequency bandwidth; wherein the second far-field transceiver is configured to communicate with a fourth wireless device in the far-field frequency bandwidth; and wherein communications between the first wireless device and the third wireless device interfere beyond a threshold interference level with communications between the second wireless device and the fourth wireless device unless the first and second wireless devices are at least partially screened by a conductive host structure.