Communication Device Pre-Startup Process for Reduced Startup Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication devices experience delays in starting communication due to the need for retransmission of start-up signals when the first communication unit fails to acquire a start-up command, leading to unnecessary power consumption and prolonged startup times for the second communication unit.

Innovation Solution

The communication device employs a pre-start-up process where the first communication unit initiates the startup of the second communication unit's constituents except the wireless unit upon receiving an external signal, ensuring the second unit is fully started only when a valid start-up command is received, thereby reducing startup time and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the first communication unit waits to confirm the start-up command before activating the second communication unit, then power consumption is reduced, but the startup time of the second communication unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidstartup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first communication unit performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the external signal and preparing the control signal before the second communication unit is fully activated. This allows the second communication unit to start up faster while the first communication unit has already prepared the necessary activation commands, reducing the overall startup time without excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit is divided into two distinct units: a first communication unit that operates continuously with low power consumption to monitor external signals, and a second communication unit that is activated only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low power consumption while enabling fast startup of the high-power second communication unit when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the first communication unit continuously monitors for start-up commands, then response time is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a first communication unit designed for continuous low-power monitoring and a second communication unit for high-power communication tasks. This segmentation enables the first unit to maintain continuous operation with minimal power consumption while the second unit remains dormant until activation is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first communication unit creates a control signal that is a processed copy of the external signal, which then activates the second communication unit. This copying mechanism allows the system to respond quickly to external commands while the first communication unit continues its low-power monitoring function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces the time required for the second communication unit to reach a full start-up state and minimizes power consumption by ensuring the high-power second communication unit is only activated when necessary, enhancing overall system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first wireless unit (22) configured to transmit and receive a first wireless signal by use of an electric wave as a medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second wireless unit (32) configured to transmit and receive a second wireless signal by use of an electric wave as a medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3113374B1Reduction of the time to start up a second communication unit
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3113374B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3113374B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3113374B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An objective of the present invention is to shorten time required for starting up a second communication unit. A communication device (1) of the present invention includes a first communication unit (2) and a second communication unit (3). The first communication unit (2) includes a first wireless unit (22) configured to transmit and receive a first wireless signal by use of an electric wave as a medium. The second communication unit (3) includes a second wireless unit (32) configured to transmit and receive a second wireless signal by use of an electric wave as a medium. The first communication unit (2) is configured to perform a pre-start-up process to start up at least one of constituents of the second communication unit (3) except the second wireless unit (32) when receiving an external signal with the second communication unit (3) not having been started up.