Beacon Idle Mode Transition for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beacons continuously transmit alert signals regardless of availability or demand, leading to early battery depletion and reduced efficiency, necessitating frequent maintenance and replacement.
Innovation Solution
The beacon system is designed to transition from idle to non-idle mode only when activated by user input or external stimuli, and back to idle mode upon receiving an indication that the transmitted packet has been received and acted upon, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the beacon continuously transmits advertisement packets at pre-determined intervals, then the alert information is reliably delivered to users, but the battery depletes quickly requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon transmits advertisement packets at pre-determined intervals rather than continuously, creating periodic transmission cycles. The system enters idle mode between transmissions and can be awakened by external triggers, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining periodic alert delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon system automatically transitions between idle and non-idle modes based on external triggers without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages its transmission cycles and battery usage, optimizing energy consumption while ensuring alerts are delivered when needed
2Productivity
If the beacon transmits advertisement packets at pre-determined intervals, then users receive timely alerts, but maintenance and replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon uses periodic transmission intervals and idle modes to extend operational lifespan. By reducing continuous transmission and enabling periodic sleep cycles, the system decreases wear on components and battery depletion rate, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining alert transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon dynamically adjusts its operational state between idle and non-idle modes based on external triggers and transmission needs. This dynamic state management optimizes the balance between alert transmission productivity and device longevity, reducing maintenance requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach extends the operational lifespan of beacons, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures efficient power usage by transmitting advertisement packets only when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
the beacon comprises a light emitting diode (LED) configured to provide a visual indication of the transmitter transmitting the advertisement packet
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an improved beacon, associated system, and methods of using the same. In particular, provided is an improved beacon that upon actuation, is modified from an idle state to a non-idle state, where the beacon transmits advertisement packets. Once the advertisement packets are received and/or acted upon, the beacon is modified from non-idle state to idle state. Accordingly, the beacon efficiently provides access to or monitoring of remote locations and, thus, has reduced maintenance costs and an increased lifetime.