IoT Power Saving Method Using Stored Connection Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power saving methods for IoT devices fail to minimize power consumption and reduce activation delay when transitioning from a power saving mode to an active mode, as they do not effectively disconnect all hardware resources and rely on inefficient reconnection processes.

Innovation Solution

A power saving method that stores current connection information, disconnects power from as many hardware resources as possible, and reconnects only when necessary, using final connection information to guide the device back to the access point, thereby minimizing power consumption and reducing reconnection delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power supply is disconnected from hardware resources to minimize power consumption, then power saving is improved, but reconnection time increases when transitioning from power saving mode to active mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by storing connection information (such as access point identifiers, channel settings, and authentication credentials) in non-volatile memory before disconnecting power from hardware resources. When the device transitions from power saving mode to active mode, the pre-stored connection information is immediately loaded, allowing the hardware to reconnect to the network without performing time-consuming discovery and authentication procedures. This resolves the contradiction by preparing reconnection data in advance, thus enabling both deep power saving and rapid reactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If all hardware resources are disconnected during power saving mode, then power consumption is minimized, but the device cannot receive data or maintain network presence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork connectivity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by maintaining a minimal power-consuming component (such as a low-power radio or wake-up receiver) that remains active during power saving mode while the main hardware resources are disconnected. This intermediary component can detect network activity, receive wake-up signals, or monitor for data arrivals, and trigger full hardware reactivation only when necessary. This resolves the contradiction by using an intermediary element that bridges the gap between complete disconnection and full connectivity, enabling deep power saving while maintaining network presence and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10952140B2Power saving method and device thereof in internet-of-things
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 RENESAS ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC
  • US10952140B2 patent drawing
  • US10952140B2 patent drawing
  • US10952140B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The power saving method includes storing current connection information of an electronic device corresponding to an access point; disconnecting power supply to designated hardware to form a disconnection state after storing the current connection information; determining whether the disconnection state conforms to a release condition; and connecting the power supply to the designated hardware if the disconnection state conforms to the release condition. The connecting of the power supply to the designated hardware includes loading final connection information of the electronic device corresponding to the access point prior to disconnecting the power supply, and utilizing the final connection information to guide the electronic device to connect the access point.