Context-Based Wireless Signal Detection for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices that detect wireless beacon signals, such as BLE beacons, consume significant power due to continuous broadcasting and detection, leading to rapid battery depletion, especially in location-based services.
Innovation Solution
A technique that varies detection activity based on calendar information, location, and motion to optimize power consumption by increasing detection when likely to occur and decreasing otherwise, allowing devices to efficiently check for or emit wireless signals only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device continuously detects or broadcasts wireless beacon signals, then location-based service functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases rapidly depleting the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the beacon signal detection rate based on contextual factors such as device state, user behavior patterns, and environmental conditions. This allows the device to maintain adequate location-based service functionality while adapting power consumption levels to different operational scenarios, resolving the contradiction between reliable service and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of detection rate from a constant value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on multiple factors including device state (active/idle), user behavior (movement patterns, app usage), and environmental context (signal strength, surrounding beacons). By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system maintains service reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.
2Measurement precision
If a device increases detection activity to improve location accuracy, then detection reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the detection rate to match the actual need for location accuracy rather than maintaining maximum detection activity continuously. The system performs detection at a rate sufficient for the current contextual requirements - using higher detection rates only when location accuracy is critical (such as during active navigation) and lower rates when basic location tracking suffices, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is described for efficiently detecting a wireless beacon signal emitted from a beacon-emitting mechanism, and thereby reducing consumption of power. The technique operates by selectively increasing detection activity when a detection event is likely to occur, and decreasing it otherwise. The technique leverages calendar information as one factor in determining when a detection event is likely to occur. The technique can also vary the detection activity based on location information (identifying the location of a user) and/or motion information (describing the motion of the user).