Periodic interference avoidance in a wireless radio frequency communication system
AssigneeNorand Corporation
InventorGuy J. West
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hierarchical communication system is described whereby periodic interference can be detected and avoided utilizing constituents' computer controllers and sync signals generated in response to the interference. The use of a predictive sync signal allows radio frequency communication to be optimally timed to efficiently make use of the interference-free time within the periodic interference signal.
Claims19
A system for transmitting and receiving radio frequency communication in an environment where there is periodic interference, comprising:
- (a) means for transmitting a communications message via wireless radio frequency communication;
- (b) sync means comprising:
- (b1) sensing means for sensing periodic interference;
- and
- (b2) means, coupled with said sensing means, for generating a sync signal that tracks an alternating current associated with a power main which is representative of the timing of said periodic interference and controlling said transmitting means to effect radio frequency transmission of a communication message according to the sync signal, so as to tend to avoid errors in radio frequency communication due to said periodic interference.
A method of transmitting and receiving wireless communication in an environment where there is periodic and non-periodic interference, comprising the steps of:
- sensing interference;
- generating a sync waveform that tracks an alternating current signal associated with a power main;
- determining whether the sensed interference tracks the sync waveform;
- and
- selectively conducting wireless communication if the sensed interference tracks the sync waveform, so as to tend to avoid communication errors due to said periodic interference.
A wireless communication device comprising:
- a receiver that wirelessly receives messages and detects interference;
- a transmitter that wirelessly transmits messages;
- a synchronization circuit that tracks an alternating current cycle associated with a power main;
- a controller which interacts with said receiver and said transmitter pursuant to a communication protocol for managing exchanges of messages;
- said controller coordinates with said synchronization circuit and said receiver to identify periodic interference that is synchronous with the alternating current cycle associated with the power main;
- and
- said controller adapting said protocol for operation when periodic interference is identified.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.