Wireless Communication Device with Access-Point-Aware NAN Channel Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to consider switching operation channels of NAN devices based on the establishment of wireless connections with access points, leading to inefficient communication processes.

Innovation Solution

A communication device equipped with multiple wireless communication schemes and a controller that switches communication channels based on the establishment of a wireless connection with an access point, executing different search processes using specific channels accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the NAN device uses the same operation channel as other communication for establishing a NAN data link, then communication efficiency is improved, but channel interference increases when wireless connection with access point is established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidchannel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection by making the NAN data link operation channel adaptable to the connection status with access point. The controller dynamically switches between using the same operation channel as other communication (when no AP connection) or a different operation channel (when AP connection exists), resolving the contradiction between communication efficiency and interference avoidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operation channel parameter based on the wireless connection status. When a wireless connection with an access point is established, the system changes the operation channel from the same channel used for other communication to a different channel, thereby reducing interference while maintaining communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the NAN device switches operation channels based on wireless connection status, then channel interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel interferenceVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control where the controller monitors the wireless connection status with the access point and adjusts the NAN data link operation channel accordingly. This feedback mechanism automatically resolves interference issues without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed to handle multiple functions: managing both the wireless connection with access point and the NAN data link operation. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the patent avoids increasing overall device complexity despite implementing dynamic channel switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If different communication channels are used for search processes, then communication reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple channel switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsearch time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel determination by checking the wireless connection status with the access point before executing the search process. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-select the appropriate operation channel, avoiding time-consuming channel switching during the search process itself and maintaining both reliability and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250294632A1Communication device, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for communication device, and method executed by communication device

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A communication device may include a wireless interface configured to communicate according to a first wireless communication scheme, a second wireless communication scheme, and a third wireless communication scheme. The communication device may establish a first wireless connection with an access point via the wireless interface according to the first wireless communication scheme and execute a search process via the wireless interface. The search process may include: under a first situation, execute a first search process using a first communication channel according to the second wireless communication scheme and a second search process using the first communication channel according to the third wireless communication scheme; and under a second situation, execute a third search process using a second communication channel according to the second wireless communication scheme and a fourth search process using a third communication channel according to the third wireless communication scheme.