Multi-band Device Scanning Optimization for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-band mobile devices experience significant battery drain due to constant scanning for Wi-Fi access points in environments with numerous APs or when moving in and out of range, as the Wi-Fi transceiver remains active to maintain connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band communications device optimizes scanning by receiving a list of preferred access points associated with wireless carrier base stations, using one transceiver to scan for base station signals and switching the second transceiver (like a Wi-Fi transceiver) on or off based on proximity to these points, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Wi-Fi transceiver is kept on to scan for access points, then connectivity is maintained, but battery consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a favorites list containing base station identifiers and their associated access point information before scanning is needed. This preliminary preparation allows the device to quickly determine whether to activate the Wi-Fi transceiver without performing extensive real-time scanning, thereby maintaining connectivity while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces base station scanning as an intermediary mechanism between the cellular network and Wi-Fi network. By first scanning for base stations using the first transceiver and then using that information to conditionally activate the second transceiver for Wi-Fi scanning, the system creates a staged approach that avoids continuous Wi-Fi scanning and reduces battery consumption while maintaining connectivity options.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the Wi-Fi transceiver is turned off to save battery, then energy consumption decreases, but access to Wi-Fi channels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the Wi-Fi transceiver based on real-time conditions. Instead of keeping the transceiver continuously on or completely off, the system activates it only when base station scanning indicates that associated access points are likely available, creating a dynamic adaptation that balances energy savings with channel accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from base station scanning results to control Wi-Fi transceiver operation. The first transceiver scans for base stations and provides information about their locations and identifiers, which feeds into the decision-making process for activating the second transceiver. This feedback loop ensures that the Wi-Fi transceiver is activated only when connectivity opportunities are likely, maintaining adaptability while conserving energy.
3Productivity
If continuous scanning for access points is performed, then connectivity opportunities are maximized, but scanning time and energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning process is segmented into two distinct phases: first, scanning for base stations using the cellular transceiver to determine geographic location; second, conditionally scanning for Wi-Fi access points only when base station results indicate proximity to associated APs. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary continuous Wi-Fi scanning while preserving connectivity opportunities, reducing both scanning time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary base station scanning and location determination before initiating Wi-Fi access point scanning. By establishing the device's location through base station identifiers first, the system can pre-determine whether Wi-Fi scanning is worthwhile, avoiding wasted scanning time in areas where no associated access points are available and maximizing connectivity opportunities efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for optimizing scanning from a multi-band communications device. A multi-band communications device scans for identifiers from one or more base stations. The multi-band communications device determines whether the received base station identifiers are associated with an access point (AP) on a list of APs. The multi-band communications device connects to the AP when the received base station identifiers are associated with the AP. The terms “base station” and “access point” encompass transmit and receive sites that provide communications using various technologies that may include Wi-Fi and cellular.