Bluetooth Controller Wake-Up Logic for Console Standby Power

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In information processing systems, the time it takes to initiate desired processing through remote-control operation using a controller is prolonged due to the need for completing the logical layer connection process, which increases power consumption and delays in establishing a connection.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a method where the operation terminal generates physical and logical layer connection request signals to initiate a connection with the information processing unit, allowing it to start up and establish a connection more efficiently, reducing the time required for remote-control operation by prioritizing wireless communication during the start-up process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system completes the full logical layer connection process before initiating processing, then connection reliability is improved, but the time to initiate processing is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtime to initiate processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the operation terminal send connection request signals (physical layer and logical layer) before the information processing unit is fully activated from standby state. The terminal prepares connection parameters and sends requests in advance, so that when the processing unit wakes up, the connection process can be quickly completed without waiting for the full startup sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection process is segmented into distinct phases: physical layer connection request, physical layer connection enable signal, logical layer connection request, and logical layer connection enable signal. This segmentation allows the system to track and manage connection progress through different stages, enabling the terminal to send appropriate signals at the right time without requiring the processing unit to be fully operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the system remains in standby state with minimal power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the startup response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption during standbyVSAvoidstartup response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The operation terminal performs preliminary actions by maintaining readiness to send connection request signals while the information processing unit is in standby state. The terminal keeps its wireless transmitter and signal generation capabilities active, allowing it to immediately initiate the connection process when the processing unit wakes up, thus reducing startup response time without requiring the processing unit to consume additional power during standby.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operation terminal acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the standby state and full operation. By maintaining connection request capabilities on the terminal side while the processing unit remains in low-power standby, the system achieves fast response times without compromising the energy efficiency of the processing unit during standby.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the terminal repeatedly transmits logical layer connection request signals, then connection establishment reliability is improved, but wireless communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidwireless communication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal employs periodic transmission of logical layer connection request signals at predetermined intervals rather than continuous transmission. This periodic approach ensures that connection requests are sent regularly to maintain connection establishment reliability, while the intervals between transmissions reduce wireless communication overhead and energy consumption compared to continuous signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP1920801B1Information communications system, information processing unit, and information communication method
Publication Date: 2013.01.02 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP1920801B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1920801B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1920801B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention suppresses increase in power consumption and reduces the time it takes until a controller is usable when starting the operation of console main unit from the standby state by the controller through BT communication. When a console main unit 10 is started up from the standby state by a controller through BT communication, a main CPU 64 of the console main unit 10 reads in and runs a controller connection managing program after the BT driver is read-in and run. Upon reception of a logical layer connection request signal from the controller, the main CPU 64 stores that logical layer connection request signal in main memory 65, reads in and runs the controller connection managing program, reads in terminal identification information from the main memory 65, establishes a logical layer connection through BT communication, and makes a communication module 79 transmit a logical layer connection enable signal.