Bluetooth Sniff Mode Packet Threshold Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth sniff mode is inefficient for data communication due to scheduled asynchronous communication, leading to delays and premature closure of communication windows, and switching to active mode incurs messaging overhead.

Innovation Solution

A method to detect packet communication exceeding a threshold, switching from scheduled sniff mode to unscheduled active mode only when the threshold is exceeded, thereby avoiding unnecessary mode changes and power consumption until data communication demands exceed a specified level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the communication mode is changed from sniff mode to active mode to improve data communication efficiency, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but messaging overhead increases due to mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmessaging overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the communication mode adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between sniff mode and active mode based on real-time data traffic conditions, allowing the communication protocol to optimize its behavior according to current operational requirements while maintaining a balance between power efficiency and data transfer performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the Bluetooth communication by adjusting the mode between sniff and active states based on packet threshold conditions. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a power-efficient but slower sniff mode to a faster but more resource-intensive active mode when data traffic exceeds predefined thresholds, thereby optimizing overall system performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the sniff mode is used to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but data communication efficiency deteriorates due to scheduled communication windows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata communication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on traffic conditions, transitioning from the power-saving sniff mode to the more efficient active mode when packet thresholds are exceeded. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain power efficiency during low-traffic periods while ensuring adequate data transfer performance when traffic increases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of packet communication thresholds to determine when mode switching should occur. By periodically evaluating traffic conditions against predefined thresholds, the system can intelligently decide when to exit sniff mode and transition to active mode, balancing power consumption with communication efficiency requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2074490B1A method, apparatus or computer program for changing from scheduled to unscheduled communication modes
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2074490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2074490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2074490B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method comprising: while in a first communication mode that uses scheduled communication, detecting when a number of packets communicated in an interval exceeds a threshold; and if the number of packets communicated in the interval exceeds the threshold, changing the communication mode from the first communication mode to a second communication mode that uses unscheduled communication and if the number of packets communicated in the interval does not exceed the threshold, remaining in the first communication mode.