Wireless Module Interference Mitigation via Time-Division Scheduling

Solution Overview

Problem

Mutual interference between wireless communication modules in a single device, particularly between IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth protocols, due to their use of the same frequency band, leads to unstable communication when multiple modules are closely packed, causing signal interference and reduced reception quality.

Innovation Solution

A communication terminal apparatus with multiple wireless communication modules that share a common reference communication cycle, with one module starting its communication after the other has completed, setting an offset time to avoid interference, and using integral multiples of the reference cycle for communication periods to minimize overlap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless communication modules are integrated into a single device, then device functionality and communication versatility are improved, but mutual interference between modules occurs due to close proximity and shared frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidradio wave interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where wireless communication modules alternate their operation in discrete time slots based on a reference communication cycle. Each module is assigned specific time windows for transmission and reception, creating a periodic pattern that prevents simultaneous operation of multiple modules. This temporal segmentation ensures that only one module actively transmits or receives at any given moment, eliminating mutual interference while maintaining all communication functionalities within a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If wireless communication modules operate simultaneously in the same frequency band, then communication efficiency is improved, but signal reception quality deteriorates due to high-output transmission waves interfering with reception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsignal reception quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic time-division scheduling where modules alternate between transmission and reception phases in a cyclical manner. During each reference communication cycle, one module is designated for transmission while others are in reception mode, then roles are swapped in subsequent cycles. This periodic alternation ensures that transmission and reception operations never occur simultaneously across different modules, preventing high-output transmission waves from interfering with sensitive reception operations while maintaining overall system productivity through continuous alternating operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary scheduling of communication time slots before actual data transmission begins. A control unit pre-assigns specific time windows and sequences for each module's transmission and reception activities based on a predetermined reference communication cycle. This preliminary arrangement ensures that modules are ready to switch between modes at the correct times, preventing interference before it can occur and maintaining efficient communication throughput through advance coordination of all module operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If communication modules use frequency hopping to avoid interference, then communication stability is improved, but interference cannot be fully eliminated when modules are in close proximity with one in transmission mode and another in reception mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidtransmission-reception interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where wireless communication modules alternate their operation in discrete time slots based on a reference communication cycle. Each module is assigned specific time windows for transmission and reception, creating a periodic pattern that prevents simultaneous operation of multiple modules. This temporal segmentation ensures that only one module actively transmits or receives at any given moment, eliminating mutual interference while maintaining all communication functionalities within a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7697896B2Communication apparatus preventing communication interference

Publication Date: 2010.04.13 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AI summary

A game apparatus according to a preferred embodiment includes a first wireless communication module and a second wireless communication module. The first wireless communication module performs communication utilizing Bluetooth protocols, whereas the second wireless communication module performs communication utilizing IEEE802.11 protocols. The first radio communication module and the second radio module have a common reference communication cycle, and each communicates in communication cycles of an integral multiple of a reference communication cycle. A control unit sets offset time between from the start time of a communication by the first wireless communication module until the start time of a communication by the second wireless communication module. In so doing, the control unit monitors the communication load of the first wireless communication module and sets the offset time based on a monitored result.