Wireless wake-up protocol for wireless communications

Abstract

Systems and methods for implementing a wake-up radio protocol are described herein. An exemplary method may involve placing a wireless module of a wireless client into a power-saving mode. The method includes detecting, by a wake-up radio, an RF signal exhibiting a pattern containing a sequence of values. The method includes determining, by a processing device of the wake-up radio, that the pattern matches a wake-up word specified for the wireless client to cause the wireless module to wake up from the power-saving mode. The method includes sending a signal to the wireless module to cause the wireless module to transition from the power-saving mode to an active mode.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless technology and in particular to a wake-up radio protocol used to support power-saving techniques. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless network protocols, such as Wi-Fi, enable wireless communication between devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Many wireless network protocols provide a power-saving mode to optimize power management by allowing devices to sleep for extended periods. Wireless devices can improve power efficiency by negotiating scheduled wake-up times during which they will wake up and receive or transmit data. Outside of these scheduled wake-up times, the wireless device can enter a reduced-power state to conserve energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003] The described embodiments and their advantages are best understood with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no way restrict modifications in form and detail that a person skilled in the art may make to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for providing power saving by using a wake-up radio device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system comprising several wake-up radio devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of a method for waking up a wireless client from a power-saving mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a process flow diagram of a method for operating a wireless client according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a machine in the exemplary form of a computer system containing a set of instructions to cause the machine to perform one or more of the methodologies discussed herein for implementing a wake-up radio protocol. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] Wireless communication technologies have become widespread in a wide variety of consumer, healthcare, and industrial applications, including smart home devices, the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), health monitoring devices, smart city devices, energy management, agricultural and environmental monitoring, and many others. Power efficiency can be a challenge for many of these applications. For example, some wireless devices operate on battery power. Efficient power use can allow such wireless devices to operate for extended periods without needing to recharge or replace the battery.

[0005] Many wireless communication protocols implement mechanisms that enable power savings. For example, the Wi-Fi protocol includes a Targeted Wait Time (TWT) mechanism that improves power efficiency by negotiating scheduled wake-up times for wireless devices to wake up and receive or transmit data. The wireless device can remain in a reduced-power state between wake-up intervals. At the scheduled wake-up interval, the wireless device wakes up to determine if there is data waiting to be transmitted. If so, the wireless device can begin network communication. If no data is waiting to be transmitted, the wireless device can return to the reduced-power state.In many use cases, it can be expected that no data will be transferred during most wake-up times, in which case the wake-up process wastes power.

[0006] In many use cases, wireless communication is initiated by an event. For example, one type of event might be a user attempting to access a wireless device, such as a doorbell camera, in which case the wireless device should be able to respond in a timely manner. In such use cases (i.e., those requiring high availability), the wake-up interval will generally be configured to minimize latency, meaning the wake-up interval will be relatively short (e.g., hundreds of milliseconds), even though the probability of the triggering event occurring at any given time of day is very low. In some use cases, the wireless device might even be configured to be continuously available without ever entering a reduced-power state.High availability implies higher power consumption, which leads to shorter battery lifespans.

[0007] The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned and other deficiencies by providing a wake-up radio protocol for waking up a wireless device. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the wake-up radio is a low-current device included in the wireless device and communicatively coupled to a wireless communication module. The wake-up radio remains switched on (not in a reduced-current state) and continuously waits for a signal, referred to herein as a wake-up word, indicating a triggering event. Upon receiving the wake-up word, the wake-up radio sends a signal to the wireless communication module, forcing the communication module to wake up from its reduced-current state. In this way, the wireless device can respond to the triggering event even between wake-up intervals.Accordingly, the wake-up interval can be extended or even eliminated without increasing response latency in high-availability applications. Thus, the wireless device is able to save power by remaining in a low-power state for longer periods.

[0008] As discussed herein, the present disclosure provides an approach that improves the operation of a computer system by implementing a wake-up radio device that enables a wireless device to wake up from a power-saving state without having to wake up periodically according to a predetermined schedule. Additionally, the present disclosure provides an improvement to the technological field of wireless technology by providing a wake-up protocol that results in longer sleep times and reduced battery consumption. As an example, the following description may refer to the Wi-Fi protocol (i.e., the IEEE 802.11 WLAN protocol). However, embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in any suitable wireless communication protocol, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), and others.

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for providing power savings by using a wake-up radio device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary system 100 comprises a wireless client 102 with wireless networking capabilities. The wireless client 102 can be any suitable type of electronic device and can be an edge device (e.g., a network endpoint). For example, the wireless client 102 can be an IoT device (e.g., an IoT sensor), a smart home device (e.g., a smart thermostat, a lock, a light, etc.), a security camera, a health monitoring device, wearable medical sensors, a smart city device (e.g., smart lighting, a parking meter, a traffic monitoring device), an energy management device (e.g., a smart electricity meter), consumer electronics (e.g., a smart TV ...a television, a wireless speaker, etc.) and others.

[0010] In some embodiments, the wireless client 102 can be a non-access point station (non-AP-STA), which refers to a device equipped with a wireless network interface controller and using a Wi-Fi protocol to connect to other devices or networks, but lacking access point capability. An access point (AP) is a specialized type of station that acts as a central transmitting device and receiver of wireless radio signals. A station that has access point capability is typically referred to as an AP, a wireless access point (WAP), or simply a station (STA). A station that lacks access point capability is typically referred to as a non-AP station (non-AP-STA). Non-AP stations are typically end devices (e.g., IoT devices) that communicate with a station (e.g., a Wi-Fi client).communicate with the wireless AP 118) to establish network connectivity.

[0011] The wireless client 102 includes a wireless module 104, which enables the wireless client to access one or more wireless networks. The wireless module 104 can use any suitable wireless protocol, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and others. The wireless module 104 can also be configured to operate according to a combination of different protocols. For example, the wireless module can be Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capable. Furthermore, although a single wireless module is shown, the wireless client 102 can include two or more wireless modules 104, each for accessing a different type of wireless network.

[0012] The system also includes a wireless access point AP 118, configured to communicate with the wireless client 102 via the wireless module 104. The wireless AP 118 can act as a central transmitter and receiver of wireless radio signals. When the wireless AP 118 uses the Wi-Fi protocol, it can be referred to as a wireless access point (WAP) or a base station (STA). However, it is understood that the wireless AP 118 can use any suitable communication protocol. The wireless AP 118 can also be communicatively coupled to a network 122, which can be a public network (e.g., the internet), a private network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN)), or a combination thereof. For example, the network 122 could be a corporate network of an institution such as a hospital, a warehouse, a manufacturer, or another business.Network 122 can also be a public network, such as the internet. For example, the wireless AP 118 can be a wireless home router connected to the internet via an internet service provider. In some configurations, the wireless AP 118 can be a wireless repeater that extends the range of the wireless network.

[0013] System 100 can also include one or more personal devices 120A-B capable of communicating with the wireless client 102. The personal devices 120A-B can be any suitable type of end-user electronic equipment, such as a smartphone, a personal computer (e.g., a desktop, a laptop, etc.), a tablet computer, and the like. The personal device 120A can be configured to communicate with the wireless client 102 via the network 122 and the wireless access point 118. For example, the personal device 120A can be a smartphone connected to the internet via a cellular data provider or a Wi-Fi hotspot. The personal device 120A can also be a personal computer (e.g., a desktop, a laptop, a tablet) connected to the wireless access point 118 via a wired network (e.g., Ethernet), a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi), or a combination thereof.The personal device 120B can be configured to communicate with the wireless client 102 via direct wireless communication (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and others).

[0014] The wireless client 102 can be configured to enter various power-saving modes, which completely or partially shut down components of the wireless client 102. For example, the wireless client 102 can enter a power-saving mode that shuts down the wireless module 104 or parts of it, such as the wireless module's transceiver. The wireless client 102 can be configured to implement a wake-up interval, so that the wireless module 104 will periodically exit power-saving mode to determine if there is traffic waiting to be transmitted to the wireless client 102. In terms of Wi-Fi implementations, the power-saving mode can be a Wireless Network Management (WNM) sleep mode or a Target Wait Time (TWT) sleep mode.WNM sleep mode is an enhanced power-saving mode for non-AP stations that causes the station to skip a specified number of Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM) beacon frames according to a listening interval. TWT sleep mode is a power-saving mode where the station specifies a wake-up time interval to determine if network traffic is available. Other power-saving modes are also possible.

[0015] The wireless client 102 also includes a wake-up radio 106, which is configured to cause the wireless client 102 (e.g., the wireless module 104) to transition from power-saving mode to an active mode. In active mode, the wireless module 104 can be powered on and operated so that the wireless client 102 can communicate with the wireless access point 118 to wirelessly send and receive data. The wake-up radio 106 is configured to be continuously active and to listen for a wake-up word to be transmitted wirelessly (e.g., by the wireless access point 118 or the personal device 120B).

[0016] The wake-up radio 106 may comprise a radio frequency (RF) receiver 108, a processing device 110, and a memory 112. The RF receiver 108 is configured to receive radio frequency signals and may include circuitry used for receiving and decoding radio frequency signals. The RF receiver 108 may be configured to operate at any suitable frequency or frequency range, which may be the same or different from the frequency range of the wireless module 104. Additionally, the RF receiver 108 and the wireless module 104 may be coupled using the same antenna or antenna array. However, in some embodiments, the RF receiver 108 may also be coupled to a separate antenna, which is included as a component of the wake-up radio 106 and is intended for use with the wake-up radio 106.

[0017] The processing device 110 can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller, etc. The memory 112 can be one or more random-access memory (RAM), solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory), read-only memory (ROM), a cache, etc. In some embodiments, the memory 112 can be an integrated component of the processing device 110. Additionally, the memory 112 can be read-only memory, writable memory, or a combination thereof.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wake-up radio 106 may include a battery 114 that provides electrical current to power the RF receiver 108, the processing device 110, and the memory 112. The battery 114 may be rechargeable. The wake-up radio 106 may also include a power harvester 116 used to recharge the battery 114. The power harvester 116 may be configured to draw electrical energy from any suitable ambient energy source, such as visible light (photovoltaic), thermal energy (e.g., thermoelectric), kinetic energy (e.g., piezoelectric), radio waves, and the like. The wake-up radio 106 may also be powered by an external power source, such as a battery of the wireless client 102 or alternating current supplied to the wireless client 102.

[0019] The RF receiver 108 can receive wireless signals and decode them to generate digital data, which is then communicated to the processing device 110. The processing device 110 can then determine whether the received digital data matches the wake-up word. Upon detection of the wake-up word, the wake-up radio 106 signals the wireless module to enter active mode. If the wireless client 102 is in power-saving mode at that time, it exits power-saving mode and enters active mode, thereby turning on the wireless module 104. Once turned on, the wireless module 104 can listen for wireless communications directed to the wireless client 102.For example, the wireless module 104 can receive a beacon from the wireless access point 118 or the personal device 120B, indicating that data packets are waiting to be transmitted to the wireless client 102. Wireless communication can then proceed normally according to the appropriate wireless communication protocol.

[0020] The wake word can be a specific sequence of symbols, such as a specific pattern of ones and zeros. The wake word can be transmitted by the same transmission device used to communicate with the wireless module 104. For example, if the wireless module 104 and the wireless AP 118 communicate using the Wi-Fi protocol, the wireless AP 118 can use the same Wi-Fi transceiver to transmit the wake word as it uses to transmit Wi-Fi data packets. In such examples, the wake word can be encoded in a data packet or data frame of the applicable communication protocol. For example, the wake word can be transmitted as part of a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth beacon frame.The wake-up word can also be transmitted as part of an Initial Control Frame (ICF), such as a Request-to-Send (RTS) or Clear-to-Send (CTS) control frame, Multi-User (MU) RTC or CTS, an Acknowledgement Control Frame (ACK), a Block Acknowledgement Request (BAR), and others.

[0021] In some embodiments, the wake-up word can be transmitted by separate circuitry (e.g., separate wake-up transmitters) that are separate from the circuitry used to communicate with the wireless module 104 of the wireless client 102. For example, the wake-up word can be transmitted using a first communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) to wake up a wireless module that uses a different communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi) or a completely different RF band, such as 900 MHz. In some embodiments, the wake-up word can be transmitted using a user-defined, ad-hoc, or non-standard communication protocol. The wake-up transmitter 106 can be configured to continuously monitor all wireless signals that it detects, regardless of the type of packet or frame to which the wake-up word is associated.For example, a Wi-Fi packet destined for another wireless client (not shown) may include a wake-up word targeting the wireless client 102 shown. Because the wake-up radio 106 does not filter received signals based on destination, the presence of the wake-up word in a data packet intended for another wireless client can be used to wake up the wireless client 102 shown. Additionally, multiple wake-up words can be embedded in the same data packet or data frame.

[0022] The wake-up word can be stored in memory 112. In some embodiments, the wake-up radio 106 is programmed with a static wake-up word, meaning that the wake-up word for the wireless client 102 does not change. In such embodiments, the wake-up word can be programmed into the wake-up radio 106 using a small amount of read-only memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Additionally, the wireless module 104 can be configured to send one or more setup parameters to the wake-up radio 106, the setup parameters including the wake-up word that the wake-up radio 106 is configured to listen for.

[0023] In other embodiments, the wake-up word can be reprogrammed during operation. For example, the wake-up radio 106 can receive one or more setup parameters from the wireless module 104, the setup parameters including the wake-up word that the wake-up radio 106 is configured to listen for. If there are multiple wireless clients 102 communicating with the wireless AP 118, each having a wake-up radio 106, the wireless AP 118 and the wireless clients 102 can coordinate to ensure that each wireless client 102 is associated with a unique wake-up word. This allows specific wireless clients 102 to be woken up individually or in clusters. A system with multiple wireless clients 102 is referred to as, with respect to Fig. 2 further described. In embodiments in which the wake-up word is negotiated between the wireless client 102 and the wireless AP 118, the wake-up word negotiation can be carried out by the wireless module 104, and once the wake-up word is created, the wireless module 104 can send the wake-up word to the wake-up radio 106 to store it in the memory 112.

[0024] The wireless client 102 can also periodically receive a new wake-up word. For example, the wake-up radio 106 can implement an entropy-based wake-up word change. Changing the wake-up word over time can help improve security by preventing an unauthorized user from learning the wake-up word.

[0025] When the wake-up radio 106 detects the wake-up word used by the wireless client 102, the processing device 110 can send a wake-up signal to the wireless module 104. In some embodiments, the wake-up signal can be sent to the wireless module 104 using any suitable chip-to-chip communication protocol, such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), and others. The wake-up signal can be sent to the wireless module 104 via a single signal line.

[0026] If the wireless module 104 is in a power-saving mode subject to a wake-up interval (e.g., TWT interval), the wake-up signal causes the wireless module 104 to enter active mode early, i.e., before the next scheduled wake-up time. In this way, the wireless client 102 is able to implement longer wake-up intervals without increasing the latency between a triggering event and the activation of the wireless module 104. Additionally, the techniques described herein also allow the wireless module 104 to enter an indefinite power-saving mode, i.e., a power-saving mode without a scheduled wake-up time or interval. Accordingly, the use of the wake-up radio 106 allows the wireless module 104 to remain in power-saving mode for longer periods, thereby conserving power and extending battery life.

[0027] The wireless AP 118 can include executable code (e.g., software, firmware) that issues wake-up words aimed at waking up specific wireless devices. This code may be pre-installed, for example, by the manufacturer or an IT management team. In some embodiments, the software code can be downloaded to the wireless AP 118 as part of a procedure for configuring the wireless client 102. Such software can be downloaded from a cloud service 124 that provides services associated with the wireless client 102. For example, when purchasing a new device, such as a smart home device, the user may download an app to configure the smart home device and associate it with a user account registered with the cloud service 124. As part of the configuration process, the user may enter information (e.g.,(IP address) that enables Cloud Service 124 to install an application on the user's wireless AP 118. In some embodiments, Cloud Service 124 also provides Wireless AP 118 with the wake word associated with Wireless Client 102.

[0028] As mentioned above, the wake-up word can be transmitted by the wireless AP 118 (e.g., home router, wireless repeater, etc.) and / or the personal device 120B (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.). Various scenarios for waking the wireless client 102 from a power-saving mode can be implemented depending on the specifics of the situation and / or system design. For example, the wireless client 102 might be home electronic equipment, such as a video camera, and the user might want to view a live video stream on their smartphone (e.g., personal device 120A). In this situation, the user can activate an app on their personal device 120A to connect to the wireless client 102 by accessing the wireless AP 118 (e.g., home router) via the network 122 (e.g., the internet).In some embodiments, access to the wireless client 102 can also be performed via the cloud service 124, which can serve as a management system running on a cloud computing platform. For example, the cloud service 124 can verify user credentials, apply user account settings, enable the selection of specific smart home devices (e.g., specific security cameras), and perform other functions.

[0029] When wireless AP 118 receives data packets identifying wireless client 102 as the destination, it can transmit a signal (e.g., a DTIM beacon frame) informing client 102 that data is waiting to be transmitted. Additionally, AP 118 can transmit a wake-up word to client 102 if it is in a power-saving mode. AP 118 can transmit the wake-up word in the same beacon frame as the signal informing client 102 of waiting data. However, the way the wake-up word is transmitted depends on the specific implementation details. For example, it can be included in the next data packet to be transmitted, including packets destined for other wireless clients.Additionally, in a mixed-mode configuration, the wake-up word for waking up the Wi-Fi module can be transmitted using a Bluetooth beacon frame or Bluetooth data packet, and vice versa. The wake-up word can also be transmitted using separate circuitry specifically designed for generating and transmitting wake-up words.

[0030] Upon detection of the wake-up word, the wake-up radio 106 can send a signal to the wireless module 104, causing it to enter active mode. Once active, the wireless module 104 can begin communicating with the wireless AP 118 as normal (e.g., reading the next DTIM beacon frame, etc.). The video camera can then begin streaming video over the network 122 to the user's personal device 120A.

[0031] In some examples, if the user is in the same general area as the wireless client 102, the personal device 120B can transmit the wake-up word directly to the wireless client 102 instead of relying on the wireless AP 118 to transmit it. For example, the wireless client 102 could be a smart light bulb, a smart thermostat, or a smart door lock, and the user might want to control the wireless client 102 via their personal device 120B, which could be a smartphone, for example. The user can activate an app on their personal device 120B and select a control feature to control a feature of the wireless client 102 (e.g., turn the light on or off, adjust the thermostat, unlock the door, etc.).When the control feature is selected, the personal device 120B can be configured to transmit the wake-up word using the smartphone's existing RF capabilities, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular voice (e.g., GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)), and / or cellular data (e.g., 4G, 5G, LTE, etc.). In some embodiments, the wake-up word can be transmitted to the wireless client 102 in a data packet sent to the wireless access point 118. Because the wireless client 102 can be configured to monitor all wireless signals, it can detect the wake-up word even if the wake-up word is embedded in a data packet with a separate destination.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wake-up radio 106 can wake up an additional subsystem 130 of the wireless client 102 separately from the wireless module 104. The subsystem 130 can be any suitable subsystem of the wireless client 102, including an imaging module for capturing still images or video, an audio recording module, a sensor module used to monitor an environmental feature such as temperature, an actuator module for generating control signals to control smart home devices, etc. Upon detection of the wake-up word, the subsystem 130 can be activated in addition to or instead of the wireless module 104.

[0033] In some embodiments, subsystem 130 is activated first, and the wireless module 104 is activated later when data needs to be reported or when the success or failure of a task needs to be reported. For example, the wireless device can be an IoT device, and subsystem 130 can be a sensor module equipped with one or more temperature sensors. Upon detection of the wake-up signal, the wake-up radio 106 can send a wake-up signal to the sensor module to cause it to transition from a power-saving mode to active mode. Upon waking, the sensor module can begin recording a series of temperature measurements. The wake-up radio 106 or subsystem 130 can then activate the wireless module 104 so that it can report the collected sensor data.

[0034] Upon wake-up, subsystem 130 can perform a set of actions (e.g., recording sensor measurements) that are pre-programmed into subsystem 130. For example, subsystem 130 can be programmed to record a single sensor measurement upon wake-up, send it to processing device 110, and return to power-saving mode. Additionally, some actions performed by subsystem 130 can be determined based on instructions or information received by wireless module 104 after the wake-up word is detected. For example, upon detection of the wake-up word, the wake-up radio 106 can send wake-up signals to both subsystem 130 and wireless module 104. Upon wake-up, wireless module 104 can receive a task request instructing wireless device 102 to perform a task, such as...to perform multiple measurements over a specified time period and / or within a specified interval.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system comprising multiple wake-up radios, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary system 100 comprises a number of wireless clients 202A-N with wireless networking capabilities connected to the wireless AP 118. The wireless clients 102A-N are similar to the wireless client 102 and may include the wake-up radio 106 and the wireless module 104, as described in Figure 2. Fig. 1 described.

[0036] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the wake-up radio 106 of each wireless client 202A-N is associated with a unique wake-up word, allowing individual wireless clients 202A-N to be woken up independently. Independently waking up specific equipment can be useful in scenarios where a large number of wireless devices operate in the same environment. For example, in a hospital environment, multiple wireless clients 102A-N (e.g., monitoring devices and other medical equipment) may be associated with each patient. In a factory environment, there may be multiple machine parts monitored by multiple wireless clients 102A-N (e.g., IoT sensors). In such environments, it is often not necessary for all equipment to be active at all times. Selectively activating each wireless client 102A-N individually at separate times can help prevent network congestion.

[0037] In some embodiments, the wake-up words (i.e., the specific code or waveform used to wake up a specific wireless client 102) can be negotiated between the wireless AP 118 and each wireless client 102. For example, the wireless client 102 can specify a particular wake-up word, and the wireless AP 118 can acknowledge that the wake-up word has been received and is not being used by another wireless client 102. In another example, the wireless AP 118 can select the wake-up words to be assigned to each of the wireless clients 102A-N, and the wireless clients 102A-N acknowledge receipt of the wake-up words. The wireless clients 102A-N and the wireless AP 118 can also acknowledge that they possess a wake-up word capability.

[0038] Once a wake-up word has been created for a specific wireless client 102A-N, the wireless AP 118 can wake up the wireless client 102A-N, as described in relation to Fig. 1 described. Each wireless client 102A-N can implement an indefinite power-saving mode, so that the wireless clients 102A-N only wake up when instructed to do so by the wireless AP 118.

[0039] In some scenarios, it can be useful to wake up clusters of wireless clients simultaneously. For example, an office or residential building might have multiple smoke detectors and / or fire alarms, each associated with a different 102A-N wireless client. These 102A-N wireless clients can be configured to communicate with a central management system to report their status. For instance, it might be useful to wake up the smoke detectors on a specific floor of the building. To wake up multiple 102A-N wireless clients simultaneously, multiple wake-up signals can be embedded in the same data packet (e.g., the same Wi-Fi data packet, the same beacon frame, etc.). Additionally, some wake-up signals can be configured to wake up a specific group of 102A-N wireless clients that are programmed to recognize a wake-up word common to all wireless clients in that group.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of a method for waking a wireless client from a power-saving mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 can be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, a processor, a processing device, a central processing unit (CPU), a systemon chip (SoC), etc.), software (e.g., instructions that run / are executed on a processing device), firmware (e.g., microcode), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least part of the method 300 can be performed by the wireless AP 118 or the personal device 120B, which is described in Figure 300. Fig. As shown in section 1, the procedure 300 can begin at block 302.

[0041] Block 302 is used to receive data intended for transmission to a wireless client. In the case of a wireless access point (AP), the data might be received from another device connected to the wireless network or via an internet service provider (ISP). For a personal device, such as a smartphone, the data could be a user command to control a smart home device, such as a door lock, thermostat, lights, etc. For example, the data could be an instruction to turn one or more lights on or off, lock or unlock a door, and so on. The data can identify a destination, such as the wireless client's IP address.

[0042] Block 304 determines whether a wake-up word (WWW) is available for the wireless client identified as the data destination. For example, the wireless access point (AP) might use a lookup table that associates each wireless device with a wake-up word to be used for the wireless client. In some embodiments, not every wireless client is equipped with a wake-up radio and therefore is not associated with a wake-up word. If the wireless client identified as the destination is not associated with a wake-up word, the process can proceed to Block 310, and communication with the wireless client continues according to the wireless communication protocol in use.

[0043] If the wireless client is associated with a wake word, the process flow advances to block 306 and the applicable wake word is identified. For example, the wake word can be retrieved from the lookup table. The wake word can be a sequence of values, such as a sequence of ones and zeros, to be encoded as an RF signal with a waveform or pattern representing the sequence of values.

[0044] Block 308 transmits the wake-up word. In some embodiments, the wake-up word can be transmitted in a control frame (e.g., a beacon frame) or a data packet destined for another wireless client on the network. In other words, even if the wake-up word is intended to wake up the wireless client identified as the destination for the data received at block 302, the wake-up signal can be embedded in a data packet addressed to another wireless client. Thus, the wake-up word can be embedded in the next data packet to be transmitted, regardless of the destination of the data packet carrying the wake-up word. In some embodiments, multiple wake-up words can be transmitted within the same data packet or data frame.

[0045] At block 310, communication with the wireless client continues according to the wireless communication protocol in use. In some embodiments, a traffic indicator message (e.g., a Wi-Fi DTIM) can be transmitted, informing all receiving wireless clients that data is ready for transmission.

[0046] At block 312, the data received at block 302 is transmitted to the wireless client. By the time the data is transmitted, the wireless client has had time to transition from power-saving mode to active mode.

[0047] Method 300 illustrates exemplary functions used by various embodiments. Although specific functional blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in Method 300, such blocks are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to carrying out various other blocks or variations of the blocks mentioned in Method 300. It is understood that the blocks in Method 300 can be carried out in a different order than shown and that not all blocks in Method 300 can be carried out.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 is a process flow diagram of a method for operating a wireless client with a wake-up radio device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 can be carried out by processing logic that may include hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least part of the method 400 can be carried out by the wireless client 102, which is described in Figure 4. Fig. 1 is shown, or one of the wireless clients 102A-N that are in Fig. The procedures shown in section 2 will be carried out. Procedure 400 can begin at block 402.

[0049] At block 402, the wireless client enters a power-saving mode. This power-saving mode can be any type of power-saving mode, whereby the wireless client or selected components thereof (e.g., wireless module, transceiver, or other subsystems) are powered off and / or placed in a sleep state to conserve power. With respect to Wi-Fi implementations, the power-saving mode can be a WNM sleep mode or a Target Wait Time (TWT) sleep mode. Other power-saving modes are also possible, depending on the implementation.

[0050] At block 404, the wireless client begins monitoring all received RF signals for the wake-up word applicable to the wireless client. This monitoring can be initiated by the command in Fig. 1 and Fig. The wake-up radio 106 shown in Figure 2 can be used for monitoring the wake-up word. Monitoring for the wake-up word can involve monitoring RF transmissions to detect a waveform pattern that matches the wake-up word programmed into the wireless client, which can be represented as a sequence of values ​​programmed into the wake-up radio's memory 112. Detection of the waveform pattern is independent of the specific packet used to transmit the wake-up word. For example, the wake-up word can be embedded in a Wi-Fi beacon frame, a data packet addressed to another wireless client, and so on. Additionally, in a mixed-mode configuration, the wake-up word can be embedded in a data frame or packet of another communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) that differs from the primary wireless communication protocol used by the wireless client for regular network communication (e.g., Wi-Fi).

[0051] If the wake-up word is not detected at block 406, the process flow returns to block 404 and the wireless client continues monitoring. If the wake-up word is detected, the process flow advances to block 408.

[0052] At block 408, the wireless client transitions from power-saving mode to active mode. To transition the wireless client to active mode, the wake-up radio can send wake-up signals to the wireless module (e.g., Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, etc.) of the wireless client and / or other subsystems (e.g., subsystem 130 of the system). Fig. 1) send. In some embodiments, switching the wireless client to active mode causes a subsystem of the wireless client to perform one or more pre-programmed actions, as described above in relation to Fig. As described in section 1, the wireless module can be activated to report the results of actions (e.g., success, failure, data collected, etc.). The wake-up word can also indicate that data is waiting to be transmitted to the wireless client. Accordingly, bringing the wireless client into active mode can also include activating the wireless module to receive data. The wake-up signal causes the wireless module to exit power-saving mode, making it ready to send or receive data over the wireless network. In some embodiments, the wireless module can also receive a traffic information message (e.g., a Wi-Fi DTIM).

[0053] At block 410, wireless data is transmitted and / or received by the wireless module according to the wireless communication protocol in use. For example, the wireless module can receive Wi-Fi data packets that identify the wireless client as the destination for the data. Additionally, the wireless module can transmit Wi-Fi data packets addressed to a destination, such as the personal device 120A or 120B, or the cloud service 124. It is understood that in some cases there may be no information to send or receive. In such cases, the wireless module cannot be activated, and block 410 can be skipped. After any pre-programmed or requested actions have been performed (or attempted), and if there is no more data to be transmitted or received by the wireless client, the wireless client can return to power-saving mode at block 402.

[0054] Method 400 illustrates exemplary functions used by various embodiments. Although specific functional blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in Method 400, such blocks are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other blocks or variations of the blocks mentioned in Method 400. It is understood that the blocks in Method 400 can be performed in a different order than shown and that not all blocks in Method 400 can be performed.

[0055] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a machine in the exemplary form of a Computer System 500, containing a set of instructions to cause the machine to perform one or more of the methodologies discussed herein for implementing a wake-up radio protocol.

[0056] In alternative embodiments, the machine can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the internet. The machine can operate in the capacity of a server or client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a web application, a server, a network router, a switch or bridge, a hub, an access point, a network access control device, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying actions to be performed by that machine.Furthermore, although only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" is also to be understood as encompassing any collection of machines that, individually or collectively, execute a set (or sets) of instructions to carry out one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. In some embodiments, the Computer System 500 may be representative of a server.

[0057] The exemplary computer system 500 comprises a processing device 502, a main memory 504 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)), a static memory 509 (e.g., flash memory, static random-access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device 518, which communicate with each other via a bus 530. Any of the signals provided via different buses described herein can be time-division multiplexed with other signals and provided via one or more common buses. Additionally, the connection between circuit components or blocks can be shown as buses or as individual signal lines. Each of the buses can alternatively be one or more individual signal lines, and each of the individual signal lines can alternatively be a bus.

[0058] The computer system 500 may further comprise a network interface device 508 capable of communicating with a network 520. The computer system 500 may also comprise a video display unit 510 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and an acoustic signal generation device 519 (e.g., a loudspeaker). In some embodiments, the video display unit 510, the alphanumeric input device 512, and the cursor control device 514 may be combined into a single component or device (e.g., an LCD touchscreen).

[0059] The processing device 502 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices, such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like. Specifically, the processing device may be a complex instruction set (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing device 502 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, or the like.

[0060] The data storage device 518 may comprise a machine-readable storage medium 528 on which one or more sets of instructions 526 (e.g., software) are stored, embodying one or more of the methodologies of functions described herein. The instructions 526 may also reside wholly or at least partially within the main memory 504 or within the processing device 502 during their execution by the computer system 500; the main memory 504 and the processing device 502 also being machine-readable storage media. The instructions 526 may furthermore be transmitted or received over a network 520 via the network interface device 508. The instructions 526 may be configured to perform one of the techniques described herein, such as identifying and transmitting a wake-up word and / or transitioning from a low-power state to an active state in response to a wake-up word.

[0061] The machine-readable storage medium 528 can also be used to store the instructions 526 for performing the techniques described herein. Although the machine-readable storage medium 528 is shown in an exemplary embodiment as a single medium, the term "machine-readable storage medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) that is readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine-readable medium can be a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a floppy disk); an optical storage medium (e.g., a optical disc);CD-ROM); a magneto-optical storage medium; a read-only memory (ROM); a random-access memory (RAM); a erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); a flash memory; or any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, but is not limited to these.

[0062] Unless expressly stated otherwise, terms such as "determine," "identify," "embed," "broadcast," "transmit," "receive," "send," "negotiate," or the like refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by computing devices that manipulate and transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the registers and memories of the computing device into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the memories or registers of the computing device or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., as used herein, are intended as designations to distinguish between different elements and need not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.

[0063] The examples described herein also refer to a device for performing the operations described herein. This device may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may include a general-purpose computing device that is selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computing device. Such a computer program may be stored on a computer-readable, non-volatile storage medium.

[0064] The procedures and illustrative examples described herein do not inherently refer to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein, or it may prove expedient to construct a more specialized device to perform the required procedural steps. The necessary structure for a multitude of these systems will appear as set forth in the preceding description.

[0065] The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific illustrative examples, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims and the entire scope of the equivalents to which the claims refer.

[0066] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "includes," "containing," "comprises," and / or "comprehensive," when used herein, indicate the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Therefore, the terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0067] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the noted functions / steps may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, two figures shown consecutively may actually be executed essentially simultaneously, or may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality / steps involved.

[0068] Although the procedural operations have been described in a specific order, it is understood that other operations can be performed between the described operations, the described operations can be adapted to occur at slightly different times, or the described operations can be distributed in a system that allows the processing operations to occur at different intervals associated with the processing.

[0069] Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed to be "configured to" or "configurable to" perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, the phrase "configured to" or "configurable to" is used to denote the structure by indicating that the units / circuits / components comprise a structure (e.g., circuits) that performs the task or tasks during operation. Thus, the unit / circuit / component can be assumed to be configured to perform the task, or configurable to perform the task, even if the specified unit / circuit / component is not currently operational (e.g., not powered on).The units / circuits / components used with the terms "configured to" or "configurable to" include hardware—for example, circuits, memory that stores program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. The statement that a unit / circuit / component is "configured to" perform one or more tasks or "configurable to" perform one or more tasks is expressly not intended to invoke 35 USC § 112(f) for that unit / circuit / component. Additionally, "configured to" or "configurable to" may include a generic structure (e.g., generic circuits) that is manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor that executes software) to operate in a manner capable of performing the task(s) in question. "Configured to" may also include the adaptation of a manufacturing process (e.g.,a semiconductor manufacturing facility) to produce devices (e.g., integrated circuits) adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks. "Configurable to" is expressly not to be applied to blank media, an unprogrammed processor or generic computer, an unprogrammed programmable logic device, a programmable gate array, or any other unprogrammed device unless accompanied by programmed media that enable the unprogrammed device to be configured to perform the disclosed function(s).

[0070] The foregoing description has been provided for illustrative purposes with reference to specific embodiments. However, the foregoing illustrative discussions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the exact forms disclosed. In light of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations are possible. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the embodiments and their practical applications, thereby enabling other skilled persons to make the best use of the embodiments and various modifications suitable for the specific use under consideration.Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative and not limiting, and the present disclosure is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the attached claims.

Claims

[1] A procedure comprising: Putting a wireless module of a wireless client into a power-saving mode; Detect, by means of a radio frequency (RF) wake-up device, a radio frequency (RF) signal that displays a pattern containing a sequence of values; Determine, by a processing device of the wake-up radio, that the pattern matches a wake-up word specified for the wireless client, in order to cause the wireless module to wake up from power-saving mode; and Sending a signal to the wireless module to cause the wireless module to switch from power-saving mode to an active mode. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein putting the device into power-saving mode includes creating a wake-up interval, wherein the wake-up word causes the wireless module to transition from power-saving mode to active mode before the next scheduled wake-up time. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein putting into power-saving mode includes putting into an indefinite power-saving mode and wherein the wireless module remains in power-saving mode until the wake-up word is received. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method further includes negotiating the wake-up word with a wireless access point and storing the wake-up word in a writable memory of the wake-up radio device. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method further includes receiving the wake-up word from a read-only memory of the wake-up radio device. [6] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method further includes creating a new wake-up word after a period of time. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless module is a Wi-Fi module and the wake-up word is detected in a Wi-Fi beacon frame. [8] Method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless client is a first wireless client and the wake-up word is detected in a data packet addressed to a second wireless client. [9] Method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless module operates according to a first communication protocol and wherein the wake-up word is detected in a data packet generated according to a second communication protocol. [10] A device comprising: a wireless module configured to transmit and receive wireless data according to a wireless communication protocol; and a wake-up radio device comprising a receiver and a processing device, the processing device being configured to perform the following: Comparing a radio frequency (RF) signal received by the receiver with a wake-up word; and If the RF signal matches the wake-up word, send a wake-up signal to the wireless module to cause the wireless module to switch from a power-saving mode to an active mode. [11] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless module is configured to create a wake-up interval and enter power-saving mode, wherein the wake-up word causes the wireless module to exit power-saving mode and enter active mode before the next scheduled wake-up time. [12] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless module is configured to enter an indefinite power-saving mode, and wherein the wireless module remains in the power-saving mode until the wake-up word is received. [13] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless module is configured to send one or more setup parameters to the wake-up radio, wherein the setup parameters include the wake-up word to which the wake-up radio is configured to listen. [14] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wake-up radio is configured to send one or more setup parameters to the wireless module, the setup parameters including the wake-up word to which the wake-up radio is configured to listen. [15] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless module is configured to generate a new wake-up word after a period of time. [16] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless module is a Wi-Fi module and the wake-up word is detected in a Wi-Fi beacon frame. [17] Device according to claim 10, wherein the device is a first wireless client and the wake-up word is detected in a data packet addressed to a second wireless client. [18] Device according to claim 10, wherein the wake-up radio includes a power harvester configured to power the wake-up radio using ambient energy. [19] A procedure comprising: Receiving data that is to be transmitted wirelessly to a wireless client; Identifying a wake word associated with the wireless client; Transmitting a traffic information message to the wireless client to inform the wireless client that the data is about to be delivered; and Before transmitting the traffic information message, broadcast the wake-up word to cause the wireless client to wake up from a power-saving mode. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein the wireless client is a first wireless client and wherein the broadcasting of the wake-up word includes transmitting a data packet addressed to a second wireless client and including the wake-up word associated with the first wireless client in the data packet addressed to the second wireless client.

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