BLE Terminal Scan Timing Synchronization for Low Power Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) systems face limitations in efficiently managing connections between multiple devices, leading to suboptimal communication and power consumption, particularly in scenarios where devices need to communicate without establishing a direct connection.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves adjusting the timing and duration of scanning and advertising periods in BLE terminals to synchronize communication, allowing them to connect and exchange information efficiently even when not directly connected to a central device, by dynamically adjusting the execution periods of scans and advertisements to match each other's timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If BLE terminals continuously perform scanning and advertising to enable communication without direct connection, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic scanning and advertising intervals instead of continuous operation. The BLE terminal performs scanning and advertising at predetermined intervals, allowing it to maintain communication capability while consuming less power during idle periods between intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the execution periods of scanning and advertising based on connection status. When a connection is established, the terminal modifies its scanning and advertising behavior to optimize power consumption while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If BLE terminals adjust scanning and advertising timing to synchronize communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidtiming synchronization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where BLE terminals exchange timing information through advertising packets. Each terminal adjusts its scanning and advertising timing based on feedback received from other terminals, enabling synchronized communication without complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The timing synchronization is achieved through self-service where each BLE terminal independently adjusts its own scanning and advertising periods based on information received from peer terminals, eliminating the need for complex external coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3125641B1Wireless system, wireless device, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein communication program, and communication method

Publication Date: 2021.07.21 NINTENDO CO LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A communication system as an example of an exemplary embodiment includes two mobile terminals and two BLE terminals. The mobile terminals establish connections with the BLE terminals. Specifically, one of the mobile terminals and one of the BLE terminals are connected together such that the mobile terminal is a central and the BLE terminal is a peripheral. In the state of being connected to the mobile terminal, the BLE terminal communicates with the other BLE terminal in the state of being connected to the other mobile terminal. The BLE terminals may establish a connection with each other and communicate with each other, or may communicate with each other without establishing a connection with each other.