Hubless Video Device Power Management via Wi-Fi Packet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security monitoring systems require hubs to maintain wireless connections, which reduce battery life, increase costs, and limit flexibility in device placement, especially in large areas or outdoor locations.
Innovation Solution
A hubless, battery-powered security monitoring system that switches between high and low power operating modes, with the Wi-Fi module handling packet processing in low power mode and the processor handling it in high power mode, allowing continuous wireless connection and extended battery life without the need for a hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hub is used to maintain wireless connections in security monitoring systems, then connection stability is improved, but battery life is reduced and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hub component from the system architecture entirely. The security monitoring device establishes direct peer-to-peer wireless connections with remote devices, eliminating the need for a central hub that would consume additional power and increase system cost while maintaining connection stability through direct communication pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The security monitoring device autonomously manages its own wireless connections without requiring a hub to maintain connectivity. The device handles packet processing, sequence numbering, and connection management independently, allowing it to enter low-power states while maintaining reliable communication capabilities when needed.
2Device complexity
If a hub is used to maintain wireless connections, then system architecture is simplified, but device placement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the hub from the system, the patent enables devices to be placed anywhere within wireless range of each other without being constrained by hub location. Each device independently manages its own connections, providing complete placement flexibility across large or outdoor areas while maintaining straightforward peer-to-peer architecture.
3Reliability
If the processor handles packet processing continuously, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processor state management where the processor transitions between active and low-power states based on communication needs. The Wi-Fi module independently handles packet processing, sequence numbering, and connection maintenance during low-power periods, allowing the processor to remain in low-power state while maintaining communication reliability. The processor activates only when actual data processing is required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a first device having a processor and a Wi-Fi module, and a remote processing system coupled to the first device via a wireless connection across a network. The first device is configured to switch, during operation, between: a first operating mode in which the processor performs packet processing (including, e.g., sequence numbering for communications over the wireless connection) on behalf of the first device, and a second operating mode in which the processor is in a reduced power state and the Wi-Fi module, and not the processor, performs packet processing (including, e.g., sequence numbering for communications over the wireless connection) for the wireless connection on behalf of the first device.