Frequency Hopping Receiver Power Conservation via Sub-Timeslot Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In frequency hopping wireless networks, devices face significant power consumption issues when in receive mode, particularly during power outages where limited backup power sources are used, leading to rapid energy drainage and potential communication disruptions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power reduction mode where devices sample frequency hopping sequences only during specified sub-timeslots and turn off receivers if no transmission energy is detected, allowing for dynamic transition between power-saving and latency-minimizing modes with minimal overhead, enabling communication between devices with varying power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If devices continuously sample frequency hopping sequences in receive mode, then communication latency is minimized, but power consumption increases rapidly draining backup power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication latencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver operates in periodic intervals by sampling frequency hopping sequences only during specified sub-timeslots rather than continuously. The device transitions between active sampling periods and sleep periods, enabling power conservation while maintaining periodic communication opportunities. This periodic operation allows backup power sources to last through extended outage periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between two operational modes: a power reduction mode where the receiver samples only during specific sub-timeslots and turns off during others, and a latency minimizing mode where the receiver operates continuously. This dynamic mode switching adapts to current power availability and communication requirements, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If devices operate in power reduction mode sampling only specified sub-timeslots, then power consumption is reduced extending operational lifespan, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifespanVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices transition between power reduction and latency minimizing modes, then adaptability to varying power requirements is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to power requirementsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each timeslot is segmented into multiple sub-timeslots, with specific sub-timeslots designated for sampling in power reduction mode. This segmentation allows the receiver to know exactly when to activate and when to sleep, simplifying the transition logic compared to continuous operation. The structured subdivision provides clear temporal boundaries for mode operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic mode transitions based on timeslot boundaries and predetermined sub-timeslot patterns. By establishing regular periodic cycles for sampling and sleeping, the complexity of dynamic mode switching is reduced to simple timer-based transitions rather than complex real-time decisions, making the adaptability mechanism more manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9450642B2Power conservation and latency minimization in frequency hopping communication networks

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a communication device samples a particular frequency hopping sequence during only a particular specified sub-timeslot of a timeslot. If a transmission energy is not detected during the specified sub-timeslot, the device turns off its receiver for a remainder of the timeslot. Otherwise, it continues to sample the particular frequency hopping sequence for at least one or more additional sub-timeslots of the remainder of the timeslot. In another embodiment, a communication device determines whether a neighboring communication device is operating in a first mode or a second mode. If in the second mode, it transmits a transmission to the neighboring communication device starting at any sub-timeslot of the plurality of sub-timeslots. If in the first mode, it transmits the transmission to the neighboring communication device while ensuring that the transmission is actively energized during a particular specified sub-timeslot.