Wireless Relay Interference Detection Without Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, such as those specified in IEEE 802.15.4, face challenges in measuring wireless wave interference around wireless relay devices without disrupting data communication with terminal devices, leading to inefficient communication and increased costs due to the need for dedicated measurement units.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus that periodically transmits a beacon signal using a selected wireless channel to detect electric field intensities during a communication limiting period when no communication is performed with unspecified terminal devices, allowing for interference measurement without disrupting data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the wireless relay device measures wireless wave condition by switching to another wireless channel, then the measurement precision is improved, but the communication efficiency deteriorates because the device must remain in standby state to receive data from terminal devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into two separate functional units: a communication unit for data transmission/reception and a measurement unit for wireless wave condition measurement. This segmentation allows the communication relay device to perform channel measurements without interrupting ongoing communications, as the measurement unit operates independently on the current channel while the communication unit maintains data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit is designed to measure wireless wave conditions on the currently active communication channel without requiring channel switching. This multi-functional capability allows the same hardware to serve both communication and measurement purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need to abandon the current channel for measurement.
2Reliability
If the wireless relay device remains in standby state to receive data from terminal devices, then the reliability of data reception is improved, but the ability to measure wireless wave condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into communication unit and measurement unit with distinct functions. The communication unit maintains reliable data reception by staying in standby state, while the measurement unit independently performs wireless wave condition measurement without requiring the communication unit to switch states or channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit acts as an intermediary component that enables wireless wave condition measurement without interfering with the communication unit's standby operation. It provides measurement capabilities while the communication unit maintains its reliability-focused standby state for data reception.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated measurement unit is added to the wireless relay device, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a measurement unit that operates on the current communication channel without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each channel. This multi-functional design allows a single measurement unit to handle measurements across all communication channels, reducing overall device complexity compared to having channel-specific measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit utilizes the existing communication infrastructure and signal environment to perform measurements autonomously without requiring additional dedicated resources. It self-services the measurement function by leveraging the current channel's signals and the existing hardware platform.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient measurement of wireless wave environments without affecting ongoing communication, reducing the need for dedicated measurement devices and maintaining communication efficiency by selecting inactive or virtual communication periods for interference detection.
Implementation Method 1
the state of a wireless wave interference of a wireless channel has to be measured by an ED (Energy Detection) scan
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication apparatus includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit periodically transmits a beacon signal to wireless terminal devices existing in a network using a use channel selected from wireless channels and to detect electric field intensities of the wireless channels. The control unit detects, by the communication unit, the electric field intensities of the wireless channels in a predetermined communication limiting period in a period during which wireless communication with an unspecified wireless terminal device existing in the network is prohibited in a period in which the beacon signal is transmitted.