BLE Beacon Switch State Transition for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beacon devices using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transmit signals continuously, leading to increased power consumption and unnecessary message transmission to all devices within range, rather than only to intended recipients.
Innovation Solution
A BLE-based beacon device with a switch that allows users to activate signal transmission only during a predetermined period, automatically switching to an idle state to conserve power after the period elapses, using a control circuit to manage the device's operation state based on user input and elapsed time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the beacon device transmits beacon signals continuously, then the signal coverage and message delivery are maintained, but the power consumption increases and battery lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device transmits signals periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit activates the wireless transmitter only during specific time intervals (when the counter value indicates it's time to transmit), allowing the device to enter low-power states between transmissions. This periodic operation maintains signal coverage while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
2Loss of information
If the beacon device transmits beacon signals all the time, then all smart devices within range receive messages, but messages are transmitted to devices that do not need them and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device uses a counter circuit to control signal transmission timing. The counter increments with each clock cycle and compares against a reference value to determine when to activate the wireless transmitter. This periodic transmission approach ensures messages are delivered at scheduled intervals while minimizing unnecessary transmissions and power consumption.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the beacon device enters idle state to reduce power consumption, then battery lifespan is extended, but the device cannot transmit beacon signals when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device dynamically switches between idle state and wakeup state based on transmission requirements. The control circuit monitors the counter value and activates the wireless transmitter when the counter reaches the reference value, then returns to idle state afterward. This dynamic state management ensures the device is available for transmission when needed while maximizing battery lifespan through extended idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A Bluetooth low energy (BLE)-based beacon device includes a wireless transmitter, a memory device that stores an ID of the BLE-based beacon device, a switch, and a control circuit that senses the switch being pressed, changes a state of the BLE-based beacon device from an idle state to a wakeup state based on a result of the sensing, determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and changes the state of the BLE-based beacon device from the wakeup state to the idle state when the predetermined period of time has elapsed. The control circuit transmits the ID stored in the memory device to the wireless transmitter only while the BLE-based beacon device is in the wakeup state.