Adaptive Radio Module Control for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing power consumption in mobile devices by powering off GPS and Wi-Fi modules disrupt the 'always-connected' experience and require manual reactivation, making them cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that detects user activity through sensors and adjusts the operational mode of GPS and Wi-Fi modules based on signal quality and inferred activity, switching between active, low power, and powered-off modes automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS and Wi-Fi modules are continuously active to maintain always-connected experience, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational state of GPS and Wi-Fi modules adjustable and adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically transitions modules between active, low-power, and powered-off states based on real-time sensor data and signal quality assessments, resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (power state, search frequency, signal quality thresholds) based on detected conditions. By varying these parameters according to user activity and environmental factors, the system maintains connectivity when needed while reducing power consumption during periods of low demand.
2Use of energy by moving object
If GPS and Wi-Fi modules are powered off to reduce power consumption, then energy use is reduced, but connectivity is disrupted and manual reactivation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when GPS or Wi-Fi modules need to be reactivated based on sensor data and application requirements. The processor autonomously transitions modules between power states without requiring user intervention, maintaining both power savings and connectivity continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where sensor data, signal quality metrics, and application requests continuously inform the operational state of radio modules. This feedback mechanism ensures modules are reactivated promptly when needed while remaining powered off during periods of low demand, resolving the contradiction between power savings and connectivity.
3Reliability
If GPS modules continue to search for signals during periods without reception, then signal detection capability is maintained, but unnecessary power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the intensity and frequency of signal searching based on conditions. Rather than continuously searching at full power, the system performs partial searches at reduced intensity or lower frequency when signal quality is poor or user activity suggests low demand, maintaining detection capability while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include detecting motion of a mobile device and inferring from the motion a first activity of a user of the mobile device. The method may also include evaluating a signal quality of a radio signal received by a signal module and altering an operational mode of the signal module based on the signal quality and the first activity.