A wireless communication device

Abstract

A mechanism for controlling a wireless communication module of a wireless communication device. The wireless communication module is controlled to switch between an active mode and a sleep mode. In the active mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a routing device over a first wireless communication channel. In the sleep mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a second device, such as a remote control, over a second wireless communications channel.

Description

[0001] A wireless communication device

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is a growing use and reliance upon wireless technologies to facilitate communications between devices. In a number of common wireless network protocols, such as Wi-Fi®, a routing or coordinating device will route communications to the devices in the network.

[0006] To reduce power consumption in wireless communication devices, it is known for a wireless communication module of a wireless communication device to alternate between operating in an awake or active mode and a sleep mode. The wireless communication module may only operate or transmit signals during the awake or active mode. Of course, the wireless communication module may operate in other modes (e.g., a long-term active mode if downloading or uploading a large amount of data or a long-term sleep mode if temporarily disabled).

[0007] US2021409100A1 discloses a wireless signal extending apparatus that includes a wireless signal transmission circuit and a processing circuit. A first transmission channel between the wireless signal transmission circuit and a wireless network router that corresponds to a standard WiFi wireless communication protocol is controlled to perform communication during a plurality of router communication time periods. A second transmission channel between the wireless signal transmission circuit and a wireless network station that corresponds to a non-standard WiFi wireless communication protocol is controlled to perform communication during a plurality of gap time periods, wherein each of the gap time periods is located between neighboring two of the router communication time periods.

[0008] There is an ongoing desire to reduce the power consumption and improve the efficiency of networks of devices that communicate wirelessly.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is defined by the claims.

[0010] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless communication device comprising a processing system and a wireless communication module configured to communicate using a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0011] The processing system is configured to: control the wireless communication module to alternate between operating in an active mode and a sleep mode, wherein, during the active mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel; and permit the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with a second device using a predetermined wireless communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel.

[0012] The proposed wireless communication device is therefore able to communicate with a second device when operating in a sleep mode. This provides a mechanism for repurposing a same wireless communication module to communicate with both a routing device and the second device.

[0013] In this way, the wireless communication device may have a dual-mode function or dual-channel function, in which it is able to switch between an active mode (in which it communicates over the first wireless communication channel) and a sleep mode (in which it is able to communicate over the second wireless communication channel).

[0014] The predetermined wireless communication protocol may be a Wi-Fi communication protocol. This means that communications with the routing device and the second device can take place using a Wi-Fi communication protocol, improving an efficiency of the wireless communication device.

[0015] The wireless communication device may be configured to communicate with the second device using a direct communication pathway.

[0016] In some examples, the wireless communication module is prevented or restricted from communicating with the routing device during the sleep mode. This significantly increases a power efficiency of the wireless communication device, as communications with the routing device are restricted to within only a fraction of the time that the wireless communication device is powered.

[0017] The processing system may be configured to restrict or prevent the wireless communication module, when operating in the active mode, from communicating with the second device over the second wireless communication channel. This significantly increases a power efficiency of the wireless communication device, as well as reducing a risk of any communication conflict by the wireless communication device with the second device and routing device.

[0018] The processing system may be configured to control the active mode to have a first predetermined length and the sleep mode to have a second predetermined length. For improved efficiency, the second predetermined length may be greater than the first predetermined length.

[0019] The processing system may be configured to only permit the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with the second device over the second wireless communication channel for a part of a time that the wireless communication module operates in the sleep mode.

[0020] In some examples, the first wireless communication channel is associated with a first wavelength band and the second wireless communication channel is associated with a second, different wavelength band. In some examples, the first wavelength band does not overlap the second wavelength band.

[0021] The second wireless communication channel may be identified by the wireless communication device during a scanning procedure, wherein the scanning procedure identifies the potential wireless communication channel, of a plurality of potential wireless communication channels, having the lowest calculated occupancy. This approach provides a technique for identifying a low-noise and / or low-traffic wireless communication channel over which the wireless communication device and the second device may communicate. This reduces a risk of packet loss between the wireless communication device and the second device, e.g., even if the second wireless communication channel is fixed for future communications between the two devices.

[0022] The scanning procedure may comprise: determining, for each of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels, a number of routing devices using the potential wireless communication channel; and selecting one of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels responsive to the determined number of routing devices using each potential wireless communication channel.

[0023] The scanning procedure may comprise: determining, for each of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels, a maximum signal strength of any signals communicated using the potential wireless communication channel; and selecting one of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels responsive to the determined maximum signal strength for each potential wireless communication channel. In some examples, the processing system is configured such that the length of time that the wireless communication module is permitted to communicate with the second device over the second communication channel, per iteration of the sleep mode, is greater than the length of any single iteration of the active mode.

[0024] In some examples, the wireless communication device is a lighting device further comprising a light source, such as an LED arrangement. The wireless communication module of the lighting device may be configured, when operating in the sleep mode, to receive one or more communications from the second device. The processing system may be configured to control the operation and / or function of the light source responsive to the one or more communications.

[0025] There is also proposed a wireless system comprising: any herein disclosed wireless communication device; and one or more further wireless communication devices configured to communicate with the routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over the first communication channel.

[0026] Preferably, the wireless communication device is configured to, responsive to a control communication from the second device over the second communication channel, control the operation of the one or more further wireless communication devices over the first communication channel, responsive to the control communication.

[0027] There is also proposed a computer-implemented method for controlling a wireless communication module configured to communicate using a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

[0028] The computer-implemented method comprises: controlling the wireless communication module to alternate between operating in an active mode and a sleep mode, wherein, during the active mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel; and permitting the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with a second device using a predetermined wireless communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel.

[0029] The skilled person would be readily capable of modifying or supplemented the computer-implemented method to carry out the function of any herein disclosed wireless communication device.

[0030] There is also provide a computer program product comprising computer program code means which, when executed on a computing device having a processing system, cause the processing system to perform all of the steps of any herein disclosed method.

[0031] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates a network in which embodiments may be employed;

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates a proposed wireless communication device;

[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates an example operation of the proposed wireless communication device;

[0037] Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate a method for establishing a wireless communication channel between a wireless communication device and a second device;

[0038] Fig. 6 illustrates a proposed scanning procedure;

[0039] Fig. 7 illustrates a proposed wireless system; and

[0040] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a proposed method.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0043] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0044] The invention provides a mechanism for controlling a wireless communication module of a wireless communication device. The wireless communication module is controlled to switch between an active mode and a sleep mode. In the active mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a routing device over a first wireless communication channel. In the sleep mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a second device, such as a remote control, over a second wireless communications channel.

[0045] Thus, proposed approaches provide a wireless communication device that is able to operate in a dual-mode operation. In particular, the wireless communication device may communicate over two different channels for two different devices.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a network 10 in which proposed approaches may be employed, for the sake of improved contextual understanding. The network 10 comprises one or more wireless communication devices 100, 102; a routing device 110 and a second device 120.

[0047] The wireless communication device(s) 100, 102 are configured to communicate with at least the routing device 110 using a Wi-Fi communication protocol. Thus, each wireless communication device may comprise a processing system and a wireless communication module configured to communicate using the Wi-Fi communication protocol. Of course, the wireless communication devices may be able to communicate with one another via the routing device and / or directly.

[0048] A Wi-Fi communication protocol is any communication protocol that conforms or aligns with the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, and is a well-established term of the art.

[0049] In some examples, at least one wireless communication device 100 (e.g., each wireless communication device) is a lighting device further comprising a light emitting element for outputting light. One of more lighting properties of the lighting device may be responsive to one or more communications received at the lighting device. Examples of lighting properties include one or more of the following: a light intensity; a light color; a beam spread; a beam angle; a light temperature; a light pattern and so on.

[0050] The routing device 110 is configured to receive and transmit messages or communications using the Wi-Fi communication protocol, according to known approaches. In some examples, the routing device merely acts as a coordinator within the network. In other examples, the routing device is further configured as a gateway device for facilitating communication between the network and one or more external devices or servers, e.g., over the internet or other communication channel or system.

[0051] An alternative label for the routing device 110 is a router or access point.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the wireless communication device(s) and the routing device communicate using a first wireless communication channel. In practice, this first wireless communication channel may change throughout the lifetime of a wireless connection between the wireless communication device and routing device, e.g., due to channel hopping techniques or the like. Such approaches are widely used, for instance, to avoid channels becoming congested or to switch communications to a less noisy channel.

[0053] The second device 120 is configured to (e.g., directly) communicate with one or more of the wireless communication devices. In particular, the second device may communicate with a wireless communication device over a second wireless communication channel.

[0054] In the context of the present disclosure, a wireless communication channel may represent a particular set or range of (one or more) frequencies or wavelengths, e.g., a particular wavelength band. Thus, the first communication channel may represent a first wavelength band (or first set of one or more wavelengths) and the second communication channel may represent a second wavelength band (or second set of one or more wavelengths). The width of each channel may be defined by the communication protocol in or to be used. More particularly, the wireless communication channels may be any wireless LAN (WLAN) channel.

[0055] The present disclosure proposes a variation of a wireless communication for at least improved efficiency of wireless communications by the wireless communication device.

[0056] Figure 2 provides a schematic representation of the wireless communication device 100. As previously mentioned, the wireless communication device 100 comprises a processing system 210 and a wireless communication module 220. The wireless communication module is configured to communicate using at least a Wi-Fi communication protocol, i.e., complying with one of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards.

[0057] By way of example, the wireless communication module 220 may comprise at least one antenna 221 and a communication processing system 222. The communication processing system 222 is communicatively coupled to the at least one antenna 221. The communication processing system 222 is configured to define or control one or more electromagnetic signals 225 emitted by the at least one antenna 221, e.g., by controlling electrical signals provided to the at least one antenna 221. The communication processing system 220 is also configured to process electrical signals produced by the at least one antenna 221 responsive to one or more electromagnetic waves 225 received by the at least one antenna 221. In practice, the communication processing system 222 may form part of the processing system 210, e.g., the processing system 210 and the communication processing system 222 may be different parts / portions of a larger, common processing system.

[0058] The function, structure and operation of wireless communication modules are well known in the art, and are not described in detail for the sake of conciseness. For instance, the wireless communication module may comprise one or more amplifying arrangements, one or more signal generators, one or more signal processors and so on.

[0059] The processing system 210 is configured to control the wireless communication module 220 to alternate between operating in an active mode and a sleep mode.

[0060] During the active mode, the wireless communication module is configured to communicate with a / the routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel. In some examples, the wireless communication module may send a keepalive signal (also known as a keepalive or keepalive ping) when operating in the active mode, to maintain the first wireless communication channel and ensure the wireless communication device is able to maintain a communication with the routing device.

[0061] The processing system is configured to permit the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with a second device using a predetermined wireless communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel. The predetermined wireless communication protocol may be a Wi-Fi communication protocol, such as a direct Wi-Fi communication protocol, or any another form of communication protocol (e.g., a proprietary communication protocol).

[0062] In this way, the wireless communication module switches between an active mode (in which it communicates with the routing device) and a sleep mode (in which it is able to communicate with the second device). This may be performed iteratively. By periodically switching between the two modes, the wireless communication device can keep a communication channel with the routing device alive, but also be able to react or respond to any communications from the second device.

[0063] A wireless communication device having a processing system that operates in this manner (i.e., controls a wireless communication module to switch between an active mode, in which it communicates with the routing device, and a sleep mode, in which it is able to communicate with the second device) can be considered to be in a dual-mode operation or dual-channel operation. This can be distinguished from a wireless communication device that has a single-mode operation or single-channel operation, in which the wireless communication module of the device is not configured or able to directly communicate with the second device over the second wireless communication channel - i.e., the wireless communication module does not transmit or receives signals in the second wireless communication channel.

[0064] Further example features of a proposed wireless communication device, which may be employed in some embodiments, are hereafter described.

[0065] In preferred examples, the predetermined wireless communication protocol, for communicating between the wireless communication device and the second device, is a Wi-Fi communication protocol, i.e., complying with one of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. This effectively means that the wireless communication module can communicate with the routing device and the second device using only Wi-Fi communication protocols, for improved efficiency and reduced memory resource.

[0066] In preferred examples, the wireless communication device is configured to communicate with the second device using a direct communication pathway, such as Wi-Fi direct. This provides a reliable communication path between the two devices.

[0067] In some examples, during the sleep mode, the wireless communication module is prevented or restricted from communicating with the routing device. This helps save power and provides for more efficient operation of the wireless communication device.

[0068] In some examples, the processing system is configured to restrict or prevent the wireless communication module, when operating in the active mode, from communicating with the second device over the second wireless communication channel. In this way, the same components of the wireless communication module may be repurposed to perform the communication with the routing device and the second device - i.e., be available for dedicated communication with the routing device (in the active mode) or the second device (in the sleep mode).

[0069] The present disclosure recognizes that there is a desire to facilitate or permit only intermittent and / or irregular communication from the second device to (e.g., one of) the wireless communication devices. This may, for instance, be advantageous in the circumstances in which the second device 120 is a remote control for controlling an operation of the wireless communication device, e.g., a remote control for a lighting device.

[0070] If the wireless communication device changes or modifies the second wireless communication channel (e.g., due to channel hopping) between (irregular) communications from the second device, then this second device will need to perform a full channel scan to reidentify a channel over which to communicate with the wireless communication device. This is time-consuming and power inefficient.

[0071] To overcome this issue, in preferred approaches, the second wireless communication channel may (once established) be fixed and / or changeable only using the second device - e.g., requiring the second device to be in active communication with the wireless communication device before any changes to the second wireless communication channel are made. This avoids or reduces a risk that the second device will become unable to communicate with the wireless communication device (e.g., without performing a further scan).

[0072] In practice, the active mode may be associated with a first predetermined length and the sleep mode may have a second predetermined length. Accordingly, the processing system may be configured to control the active mode to have a first predetermined length and the sleep mode to have a second predetermined length.

[0073] This effectively controls the wireless communication module to switch between the two modes at predetermined time intervals. For improved efficiency, the second predetermined length may be greater than the first predetermined length.

[0074] For improved efficiency, the processing system may be configured to only permit the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with the second device over the second wireless communication channel for a part of a time (i.e., not all of the time) that the wireless communication module operates in the sleep mode.

[0075] In some examples, the processing system is configured such that the length of time that the wireless communication module is permitted to communicate with the second device over the second communication channel, per iteration of the sleep mode, is greater than the length of any single iteration of the active mode. This reduces a risk of missing a communication from the second device.

[0076] Figure 3 conceptually illustrates an example operation of the wireless communication module over time according to an example operation. In particular, Figure 3 illustrates in which channel C the wireless communication module is configured to communicate over time t during the example operation.

[0077] The wireless communication module is configured to alternative between operating in an active mode (between a zeroth to and first ti point in time) and a sleep mode (between the first ti and a second t2 point in time). This is iteratively repeated. In the illustrated example, the wireless communication module is configured to communicate in a first wireless communication channel Cl (i.e., with the routing device) during the active mode to - ti. The length of the active mode t0- ti may be a first predetermined length LI.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the wireless communication module is configured to be operational in (e.g., be able to communicate) a second wireless communication channel C2 (i.e., with the routing device) during the sleep mode. In particular, the wireless communication module may only be operational in the second wireless communication channel C2 for a part of the time (i.e., not all of the time) that the wireless communication module is in the sleep mode ti - 12. The length of the sleep mode t0- ti may be a second predetermined length L2, e.g., different to the first predetermined length and preferably longer for improved efficiency.

[0079] The sleep mode may therefore be defined as a period of time during which the wireless communication module does not communicate in the first wireless communication channel.

[0080] In Figure 3, a channel value of “0” indicates that the wireless communication module does not communicate with any other device at the corresponding point in time, i.e., is not active in any wireless communication channel. This can improve a power efficiency of the wireless communication device.

[0081] Preferably, the wireless communication module may only be operational in the second wireless communication channel C2 for no more than 90% (e.g., no more than 80% or no more than 70%) of the time that the wireless communication module is in the sleep mode. Thus, the length of time (per iteration of the sleep mode) that the wireless communication module is able to communicate in the second wireless communication channel C2 may be no more than 0.9 times (e.g., no more than 0.8 times or no more than 0.7 times) the second predetermined length L2. This approach is more resource efficient. The lower the length of time that the wireless communication module is able to communicate in the second wireless communication channel C2 during the sleep mode, the more resource efficient the wireless communication device.

[0082] Preferably, the wireless communication module may only be operational in the second wireless communication channel C2 for no less than 20% (e.g., no less than 40% or no less than 50%) of the time that the wireless communication module is in the sleep mode. Thus, the length of time (per iteration of the sleep mode) that the wireless communication module is able to communicate in the second wireless communication channel C2 may be no less than 0.2 times (e.g., no less than 0.4 times or no less than 0.5 times) the second predetermined length L2. This approach reduces a risk of missing a communication from the second device. The greater the length of time that the wireless communication module is able to communicate in the second wireless communication channel C2 during the sleep mode, the less likely that a communication from the second device will be missed.

[0083] Thus, there may be a balance struck for the length of time (per iteration of the sleep mode) that the wireless communication module is able to communicate in the second wireless communication channel C2. Thus, this length of time may be between: 0 and 1 times the second predetermined length; 0.2 and 1 times the second predetermined length; 0.4 and 1 times the second predetermined length; 0.5 and 1 times the second predetermined length; 0 and 0.9 times the second predetermined length; 0.2 and 0.9 times the second predetermined length; 0.4 and 0.9 times the second predetermined length; 0.5 and 0.9 times the second predetermined length; 0 and 0.8 times the second predetermined length; 0.2 and 0.8 times the second predetermined length; 0.4 and 0.8 times the second predetermined length; 0.5 and 0.8 times the second predetermined length; 0 and 0.7 times the second predetermined length; 0.2 and 0.7 times the second predetermined length; 0.4 and 0.7 times the second predetermined length; and 0.5 and 0.7 times the second predetermined length.

[0084] Turning back to Figure 2, it is noted that in some examples the wireless communication device 100 is embodied as a lighting device. Thus, the wireless communication device 100 may comprise a light source 230, such as an LED arrangement.

[0085] The operation of the light source may be controlled by the processing system 210. In particular, the operation of the light source 230 may be controlled responsive to one or more communications received at the wireless communication module from the second device (e.g., a remote control) or the routing device (e.g., from another device in communication with the routing device).

[0086] Approaches for controlling and defining parameters of a light source are well known in the art, and are not described in detail for the sake of conciseness.

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a process 400 performed using a second device to define or establish a connection with the wireless communication device. This provides a technique for defining the second wireless communication channel between the second device and the wireless communication device.

[0088] The process 400 may be initiated, for instance, responsive to a particular user input at the second device (e.g., a long press of a button of the second device). Alternatively, the process 400 ma be initiated responsive to a failure to communicate with the wireless communication device for a predetermined period of time. Other triggers for initiating process 400 will be apparent to the skilled person, and may depend upon the use-case scenario.

[0089] The process 400 comprises a step 410 of broadcasting a data packet on a wireless communication channel. For the first iteration of step 410, this wireless communication channel may be a first of a set of possible wireless communication channels for the second device.

[0090] The process 400 comprises a determination step 420 of determining whether or not feedback, to the data packet broadcast in step 410, is received from the wireless communication device. Responsive to a negative determination in step 420, the process 400 performs a step 425 of selecting a next channel, before reverting back to step 410 to broadcast another data packet on the next channel.

[0091] Responsive to a positive determination in step 420, the process moves to step 430 of exchanging binding data with the wireless communication device over the wireless communication channel (over which the feedback was received). This binding data is used, in step 430, to set up or establish a communication between the second device and the wireless communication device. In particular, in step 430, the binding data may be used to identify the second wireless communication channel over which the second device and the wireless communication device communicate.

[0092] After performing step 430, the process 400 may in a step 440 define or establish the second wireless communication channel over which the second device and the wireless communication device communicate, i.e., based on the outcome of step 430. The second wireless communication channel may be fixed, e.g., until process 400 is re-initiated.

[0093] The wireless communication device may be configured to perform a similar procedure as process 400 outlined above.

[0094] Figure 5 illustrates a process 500 performed using a wireless communication device to define or establish a connection with the second device. This provides a technique for defining the second wireless communication channel between the second device and the wireless communication device.

[0095] The process 500 may be initiated, for instance, responsive to a particular user input at the wireless communication device. Alternatively, the process 500 may be initiated responsive to a failure to communicate with the second device for a predetermined period of time. As another example, process 500 may be initiated responsive to a switching of the wireless communication device from a single-mode operation to a dual-mode operation. Other triggers for initiating process 500 will be apparent to the skilled person, and may depend upon the use-case scenario.

[0096] The process 500 comprises a step 510 of monitoring a plurality of wireless communication channels. The plurality of wireless communication channels may include possible wireless communication channels for communication with the second device, which may be predefined (e.g., by a known communication protocol). Step 510 may be performed by monitoring for all of the plurality of wireless communication channels simultaneously, or by sequentially stepping through each of the plurality of wireless communication channels in turn. Other approaches will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0097] The process 500 comprises a determination step 520 of determining whether or not a data packet, broadcast by the second device, is received. Responsive to a negative determination in step 520, the process 500 reverts back to step 510.

[0098] Responsive to a positive determination in step 520, the process 500 moves to step 530 of exchanging binding data with the second device over the wireless communication channel (over which the data packet was received). This binding data is used, in step 530, to set up or establish a communication between the second device and the wireless communication device. In particular, in step 530, the binding data may be used to identify the second wireless communication channel over which the second device and the wireless communication device communicate.

[0099] After performing step 530, the process 500 may define or establish in a step 540 the wireless communication channel as the second wireless communication channel over which the second device and the wireless communication device communicate, i.e., based on the outcome of step 530. The second wireless communication channel may thereafter be fixed to this channel.

[0100] The process 400 and 500, described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 respectively, both include a step of exchanging binding data between the second device and the wireless communication device. This step is used to establish or define the second wireless communication channel.

[0101] In some examples, the wireless communication device is defined or identified by the wireless communication device in a scanning procedure, which may form a portion of step 530. Once defined, the wireless communication device may pass (as part of the exchange of binding data) information on the identified channel to the second device. In particular, the scanning procedure aims to identify the potential wireless communication channel, of a plurality of potential wireless communication channels, having the lowest calculated occupancy.

[0102] Figure 6 illustrates one example approach for performing the scanning procedure 600. This scanning procedure may be integrated into a process 500, as previously described, or may be performed by the wireless communication device during another procedure.

[0103] The scanning procedure 600 comprises a step 610 and / or a step 620.

[0104] Step 610 comprises determining, for each of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels, a number of routing devices using the potential wireless communication channel.

[0105] Step 620 comprises determining, for each of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels, a maximum signal strength of any signals communicated using the potential wireless communication channel.

[0106] The scanning procedure 600 further comprises a step 630. Step 630 comprises selecting one of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels responsive to: the determined number of routing devices using each potential wireless communication channel; and / or the determined maximum signal strength for each potential wireless communication channel.

[0107] In one example, in which step 620 is omitted, step 630 comprises selecting the wireless communication channel for which the fewest number of routing devices use the wireless communication channel.

[0108] In another example, in which step 610 is omitted, step 630 comprises selecting the wireless communication channel for which the determined maximum signal strength is the lowest (i.e., the least noisy channel).

[0109] In yet another example, in which both steps 610 and 620 are performed, step 630 may comprise selecting the wireless communication channel responsive to both the number of routing devices using each wireless communication channel and the determined maximum signal strength on each channel.

[0110] For instance, in some examples, each wireless communication channel is ranked, in a first rank list, by the number of routing devices using the wireless communication channel and ranked, in a second rank list, by the determined maximum signal strength of each channel. For each wireless communication channel, a rank position in the first list and the rank position in the second rank list may be summed. The summed rank positions may be used to select the wireless communication channel. For instance, where a lower rank position in the first list indicates fewer routing devices using the channel and a lower rank position in the second list indicates a lower maximum signal strength, then the wireless communication device with the lowest summed rank may be used.

[0111] Other techniques may be used and / or exploited by the skilled person.

[0112] Figure 7 illustrates a wireless system 70 according to an embodiment.

[0113] The wireless system 70 comprises the wireless communication device 700 and one or more further wireless communication devices 731, 732, 733, 734. The wireless communication device 700 may be embodied as any previously disclosed wireless communication device.

[0114] The wireless communication device 700 and the further wireless communication device(s) 731, 732, 733, 734 may together define or form a pool of wireless communication devices of the wireless system.

[0115] The wireless system 70 may further comprise the routing device 710 and the second device 720. The routing device 710 may be configured to communicate with an external server, which may fall outside of the wireless system or form another aspect of the wireless system.

[0116] Each further wireless communication devices 731, 732, 733, 734 is configured to communicate with the routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over the first communication channel. In this way, each further wireless communication device operates in a same first wireless communication channel as the wireless communication device 700 (which is also able to communicate with the second device 720).

[0117] The wireless communication device 700 may be configured to route one or more messages from the second device 720 to at least one wireless communication device. In this way, it is not necessary for the further wireless communication devices to communicate (directly) with the second device. Rather, the further wireless communication devices can communicate over the first wireless communication channel with the wireless communication device 700 to communicate with the second device. This can significantly save power and / or processing resource.

[0118] Thus, each further wireless communication device may be deactivated or prevented from communicating directly over the second communication channel (e.g., without routing by the wireless communication device. Thus, each further wireless communication device is configured to prevent or restrict communication to and / or from the further wireless communication device over the second wireless communication channel. More particularly, each further wireless communication device may be in a single-mode operation.

[0119] In some examples, each further wireless communication device similarly comprises its own further processing system and further wireless communication module. The further processing system may be configured to alternate the further wireless communication module from operating in a further active mode and a further sleep mode. During the further active mode, the further wireless communication module communicates with a routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel. During the further sleep mode, the further wireless communication module is prevented (by the further processing system) from communicating with any other device. In particular, the further wireless communication module is prevented (by the further processing system) from communicating with a second device using a predetermined wireless communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel. This significantly increases an energy efficiency of the wireless system.

[0120] The wireless communication device 700 may be configured to, responsive to a control communication from the second device over the second communication channel, control the operation of the one or more further wireless communication devices, over the first communication channel, responsive to the control communication. The wireless communication device 700 may control the operation of the one or more further wireless communication devices directly over the first communication channel (e.g., directly communicate with the further wireless communication devices) and / or via the router.

[0121] In this way, the wireless communication device 700 may effectively function as the leading wireless communication device amongst the pool of wireless communication devices of the wireless system 70.

[0122] In some examples, the wireless communication device 700 and each further wireless communication device 731, 732, 733, 734 may be configured to routinely (e.g., regularly or periodically) report their status to the routing device 710 and / or the external server 740 (e.g., via the routing device).

[0123] The routing device 710 and / or the external server 740 may correspondingly be configured to monitor the status of the wireless communication device 700 and each further wireless communication device 731, 732, 733, 734.

[0124] In some examples, the routing device and / or external server is configured to determine whether or not the wireless communication device 700 is offline. An offline status may, for instance, be identified by failing to receive a status report from the wireless communication device for a predetermined period of time (e.g., within a period of time during which at least a predetermined number of status reports are expected).

[0125] Responsive to determining that the wireless communication device 700 is offline, the routing device and / or external server may send a communication to one of the further wireless communication devices 731, 732, 733, 734 to switch functionality to operate as the wireless communication device, i.e., to enter a dual-mode operation or dual-channel operation (previously explained).

[0126] This approach effectively allows the routing device and / or external server to reselect one of the pool of wireless communication devices to function in the dual-mode operation or dual-channel operation.

[0127] In some examples, the wireless communication device is configured to store details of the second wireless communication channel in the routing device and / or external server. This stored information can be exploited, for instance, if a further wireless communication device is instructed to enter a dual-mode operation. In particular, the routing device and / or external server may provide the details on the second wireless communication channel to the further wireless communication device when switching the further wireless communication device to enter the dual-mode operation. The switched further wireless communication device may use these details to establish a connection with the second device.

[0128] For the sake of completion, Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates a computer- implemented method 800 for controlling a wireless communication module configured to communicate using a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

[0129] The computer-implemented method comprises a process 810 of controlling the wireless communication module to alternate between operating in an active mode and a sleep mode. As previously mentioned, during the active mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a routing device using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel. In some examples, during the sleep mode, the wireless communication module is prevented or restricted from communicating with the routing device.

[0130] The computer-implemented method 800 also comprises a process 820 of permitting the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with a second device using a predetermined wireless communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel.

[0131] Of course, the method 800 may also comprise a process 830 of restricting or preventing the wireless communication module, when operating in the active mode, from communicating with the second device over the second, different wireless communication channel.

[0132] The skilled person would be readily capable of modifying the method 800 for performing the function of any herein described wireless communication device.

[0133] The skilled person would be readily capable of developing a processing system for use in proposed embodiments, particularly in any herein proposed wireless communication system. Where relevant, each step of the flow chart may represent a different action performed by a processing system, and may be performed by a respective module of the processing system.

[0134] Embodiments may therefore make use of a processing system. The processing system can be implemented in numerous ways, with software and / or hardware, to perform the various functions required. A processor is one example of a processing system which employs one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. A processing system may however be implemented with or without employing a processor, and also may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions.

[0135] Examples of processing system components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0136] In various implementations, a processor or processing system may be associated with one or more storage media such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or processing systems, perform the required functions. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or processing system or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or processing system.

[0137] It will be understood that disclosed methods are preferably computer- implemented methods. As such, there is also proposed the concept of a computer program comprising code means for implementing any described method when said program is run on a processing system, such as a computer. Thus, different portions, lines or blocks of code of a computer program according to an embodiment may be executed by a processing system or computer to perform any herein described method. There is also proposed a non-transitory storage medium that stores or carries a computer program or computer code that, when executed by a processing system, causes the processing system to carry out any herein described method.

[0138] In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block diagram(s) or flow chart(s) may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0139] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0140] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0141] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. If a computer program is discussed above, it may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0142] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A wireless communication device (100, 700) comprising a processing system (210) and a wireless communication module (220) configured to communicate using a Wi-Fi communication protocol, wherein the processing system is configured to: control (810) the wireless communication module (220) to alternate between operating in an active mode and a sleep mode, wherein, during the active mode, the wireless communication module (220) communicates with a routing device (110) using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel; and permit (820) the wireless communication module (220), when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with a second device (120) using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel; wherein the second wireless communication channel is identified by the wireless communication device (100, 700) during a scanning procedure, wherein the scanning procedure identifies the potential wireless communication channel, of a plurality of potential wireless communication channels, having the lowest calculated occupancy.

2. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device (100, 700) is configured to communicate with the second device (120) using a direct communication pathway.

3. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein, during the sleep mode, the wireless communication module is prevented or restricted from communicating with the routing device.

4. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing system (210) is configured to restrict or prevent (830) the wireless communication module (220), when operating in the active mode, from communicating with the second device (120) over the second wireless communication channel.

5. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing system (210) is configured to control the active mode to have a first predetermined length (LI) and the sleep mode to have a second predetermined length (L2) .

6. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing system (210) is configured to only permit the wireless communication module (220), when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with the second device (120) over the second wireless communication channel for a part of a time that the wireless communication module (220) operates in the sleep mode.

7. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first wireless communication channel is associated with a first wavelength band and the second wireless communication channel is associated with a second, different wavelength band.

8. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of claim 1 to 7, wherein the scanning procedure comprises: determining, for each of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels, a number of routing devices using the potential wireless communication channel; and selecting one of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels responsive to the determined number of routing devices using each potential wireless communication channel.

9. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of claim 1 to 8, wherein the scanning procedure comprises: determining, for each of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels, a maximum signal strength of any signals communicated using the potential wireless communication channel; and selecting one of the plurality of potential wireless communication channels responsive to the determined maximum signal strength for each potential wireless communication channel.

10. The wireless communication device (100, 700) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing system (210) is configured such that the length of time that the wireless communication module (220) is permitted to communicate with the second device (120) over the second communication channel, during the length of an iteration of the sleep mode (L2), is greater than the length of any single iteration of the active mode (LI).

11. A wireless system (70) comprising: the wireless communication device (700) of any one of claims 1 to 10; and one or more further wireless communication devices (731, 732, 733, 734) configured to communicate with the routing device (710) using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over the first communication channel, wherein the wireless communication device (700) is configured to, responsive to a control communication from the second device (720) over the second communication channel, control the operation of the one or more further wireless communication devices (100, 700), via the first communication channel, responsive to the control communication.

12. A computer-implemented method (800) for controlling a wireless communication module (220) configured to communicate using a predetermined wireless communication protocol, the computer-implemented method comprising: controlling (810) the wireless communication module to alternate between operating in an active mode and a sleep mode, wherein, during the active mode, the wireless communication module communicates with a routing device (110, 710) using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a first wireless communication channel; and permitting (820) the wireless communication module, when operating in the sleep mode, to communicate with a second device (120, 720) using the Wi-Fi communication protocol over a second wireless communication channel; wherein the second wireless communication channel is identified by the wireless communication device (100, 700) during a scanning procedure, wherein the scanning procedure identifies the potential wireless communication channel, of a plurality of potential wireless communication channels, having the lowest calculated occupancy.

13. A computer program product comprising computer program code means which, when executed on a computing device having a processing system, cause the processing system to perform all of the steps of the method according to claim 12.

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