Dynamic Communication Link Switching for Speed-Energy Tradeoffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices often select communication pathways without considering device and network conditions, leading to inefficient and energy-wasting data transfers.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically changing communication links based on change metrics and criteria, using a recommendation engine to coordinate link changes between devices, such as selecting low-energy and low-speed links for small transfers and high-energy and high-speed links for large transfers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a high-speed communication link is selected for all data transfers, then transfer speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different communication links (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, cellular) based on real-time monitoring of data transfer requirements, device state, and network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use low-power links for small transfers and high-speed links for large transfers, resolving the contradiction between transfer speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different communication pathways based on transfer size thresholds and monitored metrics. The connection manager adjusts the communication link parameters dynamically, switching from low-energy links to high-speed links when transfer requirements exceed predefined thresholds, thereby optimizing both speed and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If communication link selection is made before transfer initiation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication management complexityVSAvoidadaptability to device and network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of device state, network conditions, and transfer progress. The system process monitors metrics and provides feedback to the connection manager, which adjusts communication link selection in real-time based on changing conditions, maintaining adaptability while managing complexity through automated feedback loops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The connection manager automatically monitors conditions and makes communication link decisions without user intervention. The system self-adjusts by monitoring metrics and autonomously selecting appropriate communication pathways, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If low-energy communication links are used for all transfers, then power consumption is minimized, but transfer speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts communication link selection based on real-time transfer requirements. For small data transfers, low-energy links are used to minimize power consumption. When transfer size exceeds thresholds or speed requirements increase, the system dynamically switches to high-speed links, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and transfer speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes communication parameters by selecting different links based on transfer characteristics. The connection manager monitors transfer progress and switches from low-energy to high-speed links when parameters such as transfer size or time constraints indicate that speed optimization is needed, thereby balancing power consumption and transfer speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If communication pathways are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication management complexityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection manager implements automated monitoring and dynamic selection of communication pathways without user intervention. The system self-optimizes by continuously monitoring device state and network conditions and autonomously selecting the most efficient communication link, improving communication efficiency while maintaining simplicity through automated management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses continuous feedback from monitored metrics to adjust communication pathway selection. The system process provides feedback to the connection manager, which dynamically optimizes communication efficiency based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed pathways and adaptive efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4664945A1Techniques for dynamic communication link upgrades
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 APPLE INC
  • EP4664945A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664945A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4664945A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In some implementations, the techniques may include initiating a transfer of data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device over a first communication pathway. In addition, the techniques may include monitoring, by a system process of the first mobile device, one or more metrics measured of a device state, a network state, a transfer state, or a combination thereof during the transfer of data. The techniques may include generating, by the system process, a change recommendation using the one or more metrics, the change recommendation indicating a change from the first communication pathway to a second communication pathway. Moreover, the techniques may include providing the change recommendation to connection manager. Also, the techniques may include in response to the change recommendation, changing, by the connection manager, the transfer of data from the first communication pathway to the second communication pathway.