Wireless Handover via Proximity Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handover techniques in wireless communication systems, such as signal level comparisons and manual network selection, are unreliable and cumbersome, especially when base stations are close to each other, leading to inefficient handover processes between wireless domains.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilizes a short-range wireless protocol, like NFC or UWB, to detect proximity signals and request handovers between wireless domains, providing precise delineation of handover boundaries through communication with a proximity communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If signal level comparisons are used to trigger handovers, then handover automation is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal fluctuations from multipath propagation and system loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary access control system with proximity communication capabilities (NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, UWB) that mediates between the wireless communication device and the wireless domains. This intermediary system provides reliable handover triggering through direct proximity detection rather than indirect signal level comparisons, eliminating the reliability issues caused by multipath propagation and system loading variations.
2Reliability
If manual network selection is used, then handover reliability is improved through user control, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must consciously perform network selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service handover triggering where the wireless communication device automatically detects proximity signals from the access control system and autonomously requests handovers without user intervention. The device monitors for proximity signals and automatically initiates handover procedures when entering or exiting designated areas, eliminating the need for manual network selection while maintaining reliable handover control.
3Area of stationary object
If base stations are deployed close to each other, then network coverage is improved, but signal level comparison accuracy deteriorates due to significant signal level fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic signal level comparison mechanism with a proximity-based detection mechanism using short-range wireless protocols (NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, UWB). This substitution eliminates the measurement precision problems associated with signal level fluctuations in densely deployed networks, as proximity detection provides clear, unambiguous boundaries regardless of base station spacing.
4Extent of automation
If signal level based handovers are used, then handover automation is achieved, but handover boundary precision deteriorates due to fluctuating signal levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from signal level (which fluctuates) to proximity signal presence/absence (which is binary and stable). By using short-range wireless protocols to detect whether a device is within proximity of an access control system, the system achieves precise handover boundaries at the automation level, eliminating the boundary fuzziness caused by signal level variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handover in a wireless communication device between wireless domains is described. In one example, a signal employing a short-range wireless protocol is detected at the wireless communication device. For example, the short-range wireless protocol may be a near-field communication (NFC) protocol, a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol, an optical protocol, a BLUETOOTH protocol, and the like known in the art. A handover is requested from the first wireless domain to the second wireless domain in response to the detected signal. In one example, the signal may be broadcast by an access control system to a building and may be configured to control access to the building. In this manner, precise delineation of the handover boundary between wireless domains is provided.