Communication Device Power Save Mode Relay Data Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices using Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) and Narrowband IoT (NB IoT) technologies face challenges in energy efficiency and secure data transmission, particularly in multi-hop device-to-device communication networks, where unnecessary components are activated for data relay and management, leading to increased power consumption and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A communication device configured with an application processor that operates in a power save mode during data relay and management operations, utilizing a security enclave for secure storage and transmission of data, separating data into application, relay, and management types to minimize component activation and enhance energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the application processor is activated for data relay and management operations, then data transmission functionality is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication device into distinct functional components: a communication interface that can operate independently in relay mode, and an application processor that can be deactivated. This segmentation allows the communication interface to handle data relay operations without requiring the application processor to remain active, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a memory component as an intermediary between the communication interface and the application processor. The memory stores relay data and management data, allowing the communication interface to read and transmit data without the application processor being active. This intermediary enables the decoupling of data transmission operations from application processing, resolving the contradiction between functionality and power consumption.
2Reliability
If more components are activated for secure data storage and transmission, then security is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security functions into a dedicated security enclave that operates independently from the application processor. The security enclave provides secure data storage and cryptographic operations while the application processor can remain in a low-power state. This segmentation allows security functions to be maintained without requiring the full activation of the application processor, thus improving energy efficiency while maintaining security.
3Speed
If the application processor remains active for all operations, then response time is reduced, but battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the communication interface and memory to handle relay operations independently. The communication interface is designed to autonomously receive, store, and transmit data without requiring real-time application processor intervention. This preliminary setup enables fast response times for data relay operations while allowing the application processor to remain in a low-power state, thus extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having the application processor wake up at scheduled intervals to perform application-specific tasks while remaining in a low-power state between wake-ups. During these periodic wake-ups, the processor can handle application data and then return to sleep mode. This periodic operation pattern maintains system responsiveness while significantly extending battery life compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication device (100) for communicating over a communication network. The communication device (100) comprises a memory (101) comprising an application data portion for storing application data, and a relay data portion for storing relay data. The communication device (100) further comprises an application processor (103) configured to operate in one of an execution mode and a power save mode (PSM), wherein, in the execution mode, the application processor (103) is configured to execute an application program based on the application data. The communication device (100) further comprises a communication interface (105) configured to operate in a relay mode, wherein, in the relay mode, the communication interface (105) is configured to receive the relay data from a first neighboring communication device over the communication network, to store the relay data in the relay data portion, to read the relay data from the relay data portion, and to transmit the relay data to a second neighboring communication device over the communication network. The application processor (103) is configured to maintain operation in the power save mode (PSM) during operation of the communication interface (105) in the relay mode.