Interference Management in Wireless Set-Top Box and Gateway

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coexistence of Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi devices causes interference due to their respective frequency hopping spread spectrum and direct sequence spread spectrum techniques, which existing solutions cannot effectively manage in physically separate devices without real-time coordination.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that transfer parameters with a time offset from a residential gateway to a set-top box, determining proximity and applying a time correction to reduce interference by relaying information and deactivating the Bluetooth network, allowing seamless operation of both technologies without interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If temporal and/or frequency and/or spatial isolation solutions are used, then interference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is reduced, but real-time coordination is required which is not available in physically distinct devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidcoordination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The residential gateway performs preliminary actions by transferring Bluetooth parameters to the set-top box in advance and establishing a time offset before actual communication occurs. This preliminary configuration enables interference reduction without requiring real-time coordination during operation, as the time offset is pre-established based on device proximity detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The residential gateway acts as an intermediary between the set-top box and the Bluetooth network. It receives Bluetooth parameters, applies the time offset, and transfers modified parameters to the set-top box, enabling coordination between physically separate devices without direct real-time interaction required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If time offset is applied to Bluetooth parameters, then interference with Wi-Fi is reduced, but device complexity increases due to parameter transfer and proximity detection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidparameter management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The residential gateway performs multiple functions: it manages Wi-Fi communication, detects proximity of Bluetooth devices, transfers parameters to the set-top box, applies time offset, and coordinates deactivation of Bluetooth networks. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single device rather than distributing it across multiple devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by dynamically adjusting the time offset parameter based on detected proximity conditions. When devices are close, a time offset is applied to avoid interference; when distant, normal operation continues. This parameter-based control simplifies the overall system compared to complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If proximity detection is implemented, then appropriate time offset is applied to reduce interference, but additional detection and processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddetection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The residential gateway performs self-service by detecting the proximity of Bluetooth devices using its own sensors and processing capabilities. It autonomously determines when to apply time offset and when to deactivate Bluetooth networks without requiring external intervention or complex additional detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3245843B1Method for managing interference
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP3245843B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3245843B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3245843B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for managing the interference generated by the simultaneous operation of a wireless network using frequency-hopping spread spectrum and a wireless network using a spread spectrum technique, in which a set-top box is provided with a wireless network using frequency-hopping spread spectrum and is connected to a residential gateway provided with a wireless network using frequency-hopping spread spectrum and a wireless network using a spread spectrum technique and in which, if the residential gateway and the set-top box are close, the residential gateway (E40) relays the data between the set-top box and the peripherals connected to the wireless network of the set-top box and the set-top box interrupts the operation of its wireless network using frequency-hopping spread spectrum.