Wireless Link Availability Signaling for EMLSR Access Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In EMLSR communication, when a communication terminal cannot detect a control frame on any pre-configured link, it is difficult to specify a single radio link for subsequent operations, leading to access control delays and inefficient data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication control device that includes a communication control unit to receive and transmit information indicating available links, allowing the device to specify a suitable link for communication based on the received information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EMLSR STA waits for control frame on all pre-configure links, then it can detect available links, but it causes access control delays and increases time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink detection reliabilityVSAvoidaccess control delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the AP pre-notify the EMLSR STA about available single radio links before data transmission begins. This is achieved through including available link information in downlink data frames or separate control frames, allowing the STA to prepare in advance rather than waiting passively on all links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the link detection function from the passive waiting process. Instead of the STA monitoring all links for control frames, the AP actively provides link availability information through data frames or control frames, separating the detection burden from the STA and reducing its time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If EMLSR STA monitors all pre-configure links for control frames, then it can specify next single radio link, but it increases device complexity and processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink specification capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the AP acts as a mediator that provides link availability information to the EMLSR STA. This intermediary approach through structured control frames or data frame extensions simplifies the STA's operation by providing centralized link information rather than requiring distributed monitoring across all links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by enabling data frames to serve multiple functions - not only carrying downlink data but also conveying available single radio link information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring mechanisms and simplifies the overall system operation.

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

3Reliability

If redundant frame exchanges are performed to detect available links, then link availability is confirmed, but it reduces data transmission efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink availability confirmationVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the link availability confirmation process with the existing data transmission framework. By incorporating available link information into downlink data frames or control frames that are already part of the transmission protocol, the system confirms link availability without requiring separate redundant frame exchanges, thus maintaining data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing link availability information in advance through downlink data frames before actual data transmission on the specified link begins. This preliminary notification eliminates the need for redundant confirmation frames during the transmission process, improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4523357B1Wireless communication control device and method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4523357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4523357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4523357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communication control device performs control to receive first information from a wireless communication device via one link of a plurality of links preset with the wireless communication device, and to transmit second information indicating an available link of the plurality of links.