Wireless Communication Apparatus Inhibit Periods for Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices using different methods, such as IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth, experience radio wave interference when operating in the same frequency band, leading to degraded communication performance.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication apparatus with a first and second wireless communication module, an inhibit period generation module, and a transmission control module that coordinates transmission timing to prevent interference by generating inhibit periods based on the second communication method's information and calculating occupation times to instruct the first module to stop or delay transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless communication modules operate simultaneously in the same frequency band, then communication functionality is enhanced, but radio wave interference occurs and communication performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidcommunication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the second wireless communication module (e.g., Bluetooth) inform the first wireless communication module (e.g., WLAN) of its transmission timing through inhibit period generation. This allows the first module to prepare for potential interference by pre-establishing inhibition periods before actual interference occurs, enabling proactive coordination rather than reactive response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the second wireless communication module provides information about its transmission timing to the first module. The first module uses this feedback information to adjust its transmission behavior by generating appropriate inhibit periods, creating a closed-loop coordination system that adapts to the actual communication needs of both modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the first wireless communication module continuously transmits data, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but interference with the second communication method increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidradio wave interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic action by implementing inhibit periods that are generated based on the transmission timing of the second wireless communication module. Instead of continuous transmission, the first module transmits data periodically, pausing during inhibit periods when the second module is active. This periodic transmission pattern reduces interference while maintaining overall transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission control module dynamically adjusts the transmission behavior of the first wireless communication module based on real-time conditions. The inhibit period generation module continuously monitors the transmission timing of the second module and updates the inhibition schedule accordingly, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to changing communication needs and minimize interference proactively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If transmission timing is coordinated between two communication methods, then radio wave interference is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio wave interferenceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of the inhibit period generation module that mediates between the two wireless communication modules. This intermediary component handles the complexity of timing coordination by generating standardized inhibit period information, which simplifies the interaction between modules and reduces the overall system complexity compared to direct coordination protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the first wireless communication module delays transmission to avoid interference, then communication performance is maintained, but transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary coordination actions where the second wireless communication module provides advance information about its transmission timing to the first module. This allows the first module to schedule its transmissions around the inhibit periods efficiently, minimizing unnecessary delays while ensuring interference-free communication. The preliminary timing information enables optimal scheduling rather than conservative delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8989811B2Wireless communication apparatus with physical layer processing module and MAC layer processing module and its communication method
Publication Date: 2015.03.24 INT SEMICON GRP
  • US8989811B2 patent drawing
  • US8989811B2 patent drawing
  • US8989811B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless communication apparatus includes a first module, a second module, an inhibit module, a calculation module, and a control module. The first module constitutes a first system. The first system transmits and receives first data to and from a first device. The second module constitutes a second system. The second system transmits and receives second data to and from a second device in each interval time-divided with determined transmission timing. The inhibit module generates inhibit periods for preventing the first module from communicating by use of the first data. The calculation module calculates an occupation time required for the transmission and reception of the first data. The control module compares the period between the inhibit periods adjacent to one another with the occupation time and, according to the comparison result, instructs the first device to stop or delay the transmission of the first data.