Wireless Terminal Bidirectional Association via Co-located AP Info

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication devices with multiple MAC addresses, establishing bidirectional association relationships is challenging due to the inability to recognize whether two association relationships are established with the same device, leading to inefficiencies in channel scanning and network operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that allows wireless terminals to recognize and establish bidirectional association relationships by using a Co-located AP Info element in association request frames, enabling efficient channel detection and reducing the need for channel switching, even when multiple PHY function blocks are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional association relationships are established using multiple MAC addresses, then the ability to connect with multiple devices is improved, but the ability to recognize whether associations are with the same device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to connect with multiple devicesVSAvoidability to recognize whether associations are with the same device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Co-located AP Info element as an intermediary information carrier that transmits MAC address information between association requestor and responder. This element enables the recognition of bidirectional associations by providing a mechanism to share and compare MAC address sets, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining multi-device connectivity capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If channel scanning is performed for each association, then the ability to establish connections is improved, but the time required for association processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to establish connectionsVSAvoidtime required for association processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary channel detection by the association requestor before initiating the association process. By detecting the channel in advance and including this information in the association request, the system eliminates redundant channel scanning that would otherwise be performed by the responder, thereby reducing overall association time while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the channel detection function into the association requestor's responsibilities and combines the detection results with the association request message. This consolidation eliminates duplicate channel scanning operations and streamlines the association process, reducing time loss while ensuring reliable connection establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11677445B2Electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes transmitter circuitry configured to transmit a first association request frame to a first electronic apparatus; and receiver circuitry configured to receive a first association response frame corresponding to the first association request frame from the first electronic apparatus, and to receive a second association request frame from the first electronic apparatus.