Wireless Communication Power Management via Bluetooth Intermediary Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices in power-saving mode consume excessive power due to unnecessary Wi-Fi module activity, especially when no access point is detected, as they periodically scan for frequency, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
The method involves turning off the Wi-Fi module and using a Bluetooth module to periodically scan the operational frequency band, waking up the device only when a matching radio frequency signal is detected, allowing the Wi-Fi module to enter normal mode and establish a connection efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Wi-Fi module is periodically activated for frequency scan in power-saving mode, then network services can be provided immediately after switching back to normal mode, but the Wi-Fi module consumes large amount of power when performing frequency scan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Bluetooth module as an intermediary to perform frequency scanning instead of the Wi-Fi module. The Bluetooth module has lower power consumption and can detect the presence of access points in the operational frequency band, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly establish wireless connections when needed.
2Reliability
If the Wi-Fi module performs unnecessary frequency scan when no access point is near, then the device can detect and respond to access points, but extra power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The Bluetooth module serves as an energy-efficient intermediary that performs frequency scanning with lower power consumption. It can detect access points and provide location information, allowing the system to make informed decisions about when to wake up the Wi-Fi module, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption when no access points are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the Bluetooth module continuously monitors the operational frequency band and reports its findings. Based on this feedback about the presence or absence of access points, the system dynamically adjusts whether to wake up the Wi-Fi module, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the Wi-Fi module is turned off in power-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the wireless connection is cut off and frequency scan is required for establishing new connection
Solution Approach 1:
The Bluetooth module performs preliminary frequency scanning while the Wi-Fi module remains off, detecting the presence of access points in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for quick connection establishment by knowing whether access points are nearby before the Wi-Fi module needs to be activated, thereby reducing the time delay when switching back to normal mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device includes a Wi-Fi module for operating in WLAN system and a Bluetooth module for operating in Bluetooth system. After entering a power-saving mode, the wireless communication device is configured to turn off the Wi-Fi module and periodically scan an operational frequency band of a network using the Bluetooth module. When detecting a radio frequency signal having the same bandwidth as the network in the operational frequency band, the wireless communication device is configured to enter a normal mode.