Communication Unit Standby Mode Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in reducing energy consumption, particularly in wireless and wired networks, where nodes often operate in battery-powered or energy-harvesting modes, and existing methods for switching between operational and sleep states are not flexible enough to maximize energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A method where communication units are granted access to a communication medium in a predetermined sequence, allowing them to switch to a standby mode for a pause duration when not in use, with the option to extend this duration based on statistical estimates of other units' access times, ensuring efficient energy savings and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If communication units switch to standby mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the flexibility and responsiveness of the communication system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes where communication units can switch between active and standby states based on real-time system conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts which units remain active and which enter standby, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining system flexibility through on-demand activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning communication units in standby mode with the capability for rapid activation. The controller maintains readiness information about standby units, enabling quick system reconfiguration when communication capabilities are needed without full system activation.
2Reliability
If communication units operate in active state continuously, then system responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and evaluation of system communication needs. The controller periodically assesses whether active communication units are required or if standby units can suffice, enabling the system to alternate between high-responsiveness and energy-saving states based on actual demand patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the state (active/standby) of communication units based on evaluated requirements. The controller modifies system parameters such as which units are active, their operational modes, and activation priorities to balance responsiveness with energy consumption.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a communication system (100) having a plurality of communication units (300, 301, 302, 303, 304) which are connected to a communication medium (110), wherein access to the communication medium (110) is granted to the communication units (300, 301, 302, 303, 304) in a predefined order, wherein, after the end of a standby mode, a communication unit (300, 301, 302, 303, 304) checks whether it is granted access and changes to the standby mode again for a pause duration (T1, T2) until access is likely to be granted to it again if the communication unit (300, 301, 302, 303, 304) does not require access to the communication medium (110) or is not granted access.