Dual Wireless Module Controller for Inactive State Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices require booting up before allowing communication with portable devices, making it inconvenient for users to access data or perform functions across devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a dual wireless module system with a controller that allows communication between electronic devices and portable devices even when the device is in an inactive state, using a second wireless module powered independently of the main processor and chipset, enabling data transfer and control functions without the need for booting up the main device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic device requires booting up before allowing communication with portable devices, then the main processor and chipset can be fully activated to handle communication tasks, but the user convenience deteriorates because the device cannot be accessed in an inactive state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication module is segmented into two independent parts: a first wireless module controlled by the chipset for active state communication, and a second wireless module controlled by a separate controller for inactive state communication. This segmentation allows the device to handle communication tasks in both active and inactive states without requiring full system boot-up, thereby improving user convenience while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second wireless module is added to enable communication in inactive state, then the functionality and user convenience are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second wireless module controlled by the separate controller provides universal communication capability that operates independently of the main processor state. This module can handle various communication tasks (data transfer, wake-up signals, diagnostics) in both active and inactive states, making the communication system more versatile without proportionally increasing complexity since the controller is already present in the device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the first wireless module controlled by chipset is used, then the communication can be handled by the main system, but the device must be in an active/operational state which increases power consumption and reduces accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second wireless module acts as an intermediary that enables communication when the main system is inactive. It can receive and process signals from portable devices, handle data transfer, and even initiate wake-up sequences without requiring the chipset and main processor to be fully operational. This intermediary approach reduces power consumption during inactive states while maintaining device accessibility, as the second module operates with minimal power requirements compared to the full system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9696779B2Integrated circuit, electronic device and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2017.07.04 NUVOTON
  • US9696779B2 patent drawing
  • US9696779B2 patent drawing
  • US9696779B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment of the invention provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first wireless module, a second wireless module and a controller. The first wireless module is controlled by a chipset to communicate with a portable device. The second wireless module communicates with the portable device. The controller is coupled to the second wireless module. When the first wireless module and the chipset are disabled, the electronic device receives a signal from the portable device via the second wireless module.