Adaptive Channel Scanning for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless computing and communication devices face inefficiencies in channel scanning due to redundant scans, power consumption, and lack of adaptability to varying communication activity, leading to suboptimal use of communication resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic and adaptive scanning methods that alternate between scan and rest cycles, adjusting scan and rest intervals based on detected events, and conserving energy by extending rest periods when no significant activity is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the device performs frequent channel scans to detect communication opportunities, then the detection speed and responsiveness improve, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning by alternating between scan intervals and rest intervals. During scan intervals, the device actively scans channels to detect communication opportunities. During rest intervals, the device reduces or stops scanning to conserve power. This periodic action allows the system to balance detection speed with power consumption by not continuously scanning at full intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts scan interval durations based on detected communication activity. When communication activity is detected, scan intervals are shortened or frequency increased to capture more opportunities. When no activity is detected, scan intervals are extended or frequency reduced to save power. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between detection speed and power consumption based on real-time conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device performs scans for multiple communication functions independently, then each function's requirements are met, but redundant scans occur causing resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent scan requests from different communication functions into a single coordinated scanning operation. The scan manager consolidates scan requests and performs unified scanning across all required channels, eliminating redundant scans that would occur if each function scanned independently. This combining approach maintains comprehensive function coverage while reducing duplicate scanning efforts and associated resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal scanning mechanism that serves multiple communication functions simultaneously through a single scanning infrastructure. The scan manager and scanning module are designed to handle requests from various communication functions (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) using a common scanning framework, allowing one scanning system to perform multiple functions efficiently rather than requiring separate scanning systems for each function.
3Device complexity
If the device uses fixed scan intervals regardless of activity level, then the system complexity is low, but the system cannot adapt to varying communication environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the scan manager monitors detected communication activity and uses this information to adjust future scan intervals. The system continuously observes communication patterns and feeds this information back into the scanning schedule, dynamically modifying scan frequency and interval durations. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying communication environments while maintaining relatively simple operational logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the scanning system to self-adjust its behavior based on detected conditions without requiring complex external control. The scan manager autonomously decides when to increase or decrease scan frequency based on observed communication activity patterns. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to environmental changes using relatively simple internal logic rather than complex external management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for dynamic, adaptive scanning of communication channels are provided. A device alternates between scan cycles and rest cycles. A scan cycle includes interleaved intervals of scanning and resting. A scan interval may involve active or passive scanning, and a rest interval may be active or inactive. An active rest interval is spent tending to a communication requirement other than scanning (e.g., an infrastructure connection, a peer-to-peer connection). An inactive rest interval may be spent in a low-power mode of operation. Rest cycles, like rest intervals, may also be active or inactive. Durations of rest cycles and rest intervals increase each time a scan cycle completes without detection of any significant event or signal (e.g., until they reach a maximum). Upon detection of a significant event, they decrease, possibly by being reset to default durations.