Dual-Mode Wireless Node Power Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication apparatuses that operate both as access points and stations in wireless LAN networks face high power consumption, especially in battery-powered devices, and existing power-saving modes can disrupt data communication in secondary networks formed by these devices.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with participation, formation, management, and notification units that participate in a first network as a station, form a second network as a base station, and manage power modes to reduce power consumption while maintaining data communication integrity by notifying the first base station of power mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the communication apparatus operates in power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but data communication in the second network formed by the communication apparatus may fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata communication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus dynamically switches between power-saving mode and active mode based on whether it is transmitting or receiving data in the second network. When data transmission or reception is required, the apparatus transitions from power-saving mode to active mode, ensuring reliable communication while minimizing power consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus monitors its own data transmission and reception status in the second network and uses this feedback to control its power mode. When data activity is detected, the apparatus activates from power-saving mode, and when no data activity occurs for a predetermined period, it transitions to power-saving mode, creating a closed-loop control system that balances power efficiency and communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the communication apparatus simultaneously operates both station and access point functions, then network versatility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus periodically transitions between power-saving mode and active mode based on data activity detection. During periods of no data transmission or reception in the second network, the apparatus enters power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, while maintaining the capability to quickly activate when data communication is needed, thus enabling simultaneous station and access point functions with reduced power usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8964612B2Communication apparatus belonging to a plurality of networks, method for controlling the same, to reduce poweron consumption

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication apparatus includes a participation unit, a formation unit, a management unit, and a notification unit. The participation unit participates in a first network formed by a first base station. The formation unit forms a second network as a second base station. The management unit manages a power mode of another communication apparatus participating in the second network. Moreover, when the participation unit participates in the first network and the formation unit forms the second network, the notification unit notifies the first base station of a change of a power mode of the communication apparatus according to the power mode managed by the management unit.