Dynamic Keep-Alive Interval for A/V Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as doorbells, face challenges in balancing low latency for remote camera access with battery life, as frequent network checks to reduce latency lead to faster battery drainage, especially when powered by rechargeable batteries.
Innovation Solution
The devices dynamically adjust the keep-alive interval based on power source and battery charge level, setting shorter intervals for reliable power sources like AC mains, longer intervals for battery power, and moderating for solar power, to balance latency and battery conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the keep-alive interval is set to a short duration to reduce latency for remote camera access, then the user experience is improved, but the battery drains more rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The keep-alive interval is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the interval duration based on the detected power source type: using short intervals when AC power is detected, and long intervals when battery power is detected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for latency when power is abundant while conserving energy when battery life is a concern
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of keep-alive interval duration based on the power configuration state. By detecting whether the device is powered by AC mains or battery, the system selects appropriate interval values (short for AC, long for battery), thereby changing the operational parameter to match the power availability and resolve the latency-battery life tradeoff
2Speed
If the device checks in frequently with the network to reduce latency, then remote camera access responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check-in frequency is made dynamic based on power source detection. The system transitions between different operational modes (frequent checking when AC powered, infrequent checking when battery powered) to balance responsiveness and power consumption, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy loss
3Use of energy by moving object
If the keep-alive interval is extended to conserve battery life, then battery drainage is reduced, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the keep-alive interval parameter based on power source detection. When battery power is detected, the interval is extended to conserve energy; when AC power is detected, the interval is shortened to reduce latency. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between battery conservation and time loss
Data Source
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AI summary
In an A/V recording and communication device, the power configuration of the device is considered when determining a setting for a keep-alive interval of the device. If the device is connected to a reliable and continuous source of power, such as AC mains, then the keep-alive interval may be set to a very short duration, thereby reducing or eliminating any latency that the user might experience when attempting to remotely access the camera of the device. By contrast, if the device relies solely on a rechargeable battery for power, then the keep-alive interval may be set to a longer duration, thereby reducing the rate at which the rechargeable battery will be discharged. And, if the device is connected to an intermittent source of power, such as a solar panel, then the keep-alive interval may be set to a moderate duration to balance the competing interests of reducing latency and conserving battery life.