Centralized WLAN Scan Control for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face high power consumption due to frequent scanning for access networks, leading to reduced standby time and potential delays in data transmission, especially when multiple applications independently perform scans, resulting in unnecessary resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A centralized scan control mechanism that performs scans independently of application requests, allowing applications to register for scan events and share scan results, thereby reducing the number of scans and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple applications independently perform WLAN scanning operations, then each application can obtain current scan results, but the system power consumption increases significantly and standby time reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan result currencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent scanning operations into a single centralized scanning mechanism. The scan control device consolidates scan requests from multiple applications and performs one unified scan operation, combining the scanning function into a shared resource that serves all applications simultaneously, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining scan result availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scan control device acts as an intermediary between applications and the scanning mechanism. It receives scan requests from multiple applications, manages the scanning operation centrally, and distributes results to requesting applications. This intermediary layer decouples the scanning operation from individual application requests, enabling efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If scanning is performed frequently to ensure current results, then applications have up-to-date network information, but the system experiences increased power consumption and reduced standby time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan result currencyVSAvoidstandby time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic scanning with configurable intervals through the scan control device. Instead of continuous or on-demand scanning by each application, the system performs scans at optimized periodic intervals, balancing the need for current information with power conservation during standby periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The scan control device allows dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters including interval timing and trigger conditions. By changing these parameters based on system state and application needs, the system optimizes the balance between result currency and power consumption, extending standby time while maintaining adequate scan freshness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If each application performs separate scanning operations, then applications have independent control over scan timing, but the system performs redundant scans increasing overall scan frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication controlVSAvoidscan operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The scan control device provides universal scanning functionality that serves multiple applications simultaneously. It implements a multi-functional interface that handles scan requests from different applications through a unified mechanism, allowing the same scanning infrastructure to support diverse application needs without redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary consolidation of scan requests before executing scanning operations. The scan control device collects and aggregates requests from multiple applications in advance, then executes a single coordinated scan operation that satisfies all pending requests, improving overall scan efficiency while maintaining application-level control through the interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1739995B1Centralised WLAN scanning system
Publication Date: 2010.04.14 NOKIA CORP
  • EP1739995B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1739995B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention proposes a scan control device, wherein in the scan operation a network detection is performed, the device comprising a request receiving means (41) for receiving at least one request for providing scan information, and a scan control means (42) for performing a scan operation independently from receiving the scan information requests. The invention also proposes a corresponding method and a computer program product.