NAN Master Role Determination via Power Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless LAN devices using the Wi-Fi Aware standard face challenges in appropriately executing role determination within Neighbor Awareness Networks (NAN) clusters, particularly in power-saving modes, which affects their operation as Master or Non-Master roles.
Innovation Solution
The information processing apparatus is configured to set specific power-saving modes and settings that influence its role determination within a NAN cluster, allowing it to operate more likely as a Master by controlling power consumption and beacon transmissions based on user-defined settings and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the information processing apparatus operates in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but role determination in NAN cluster becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts its operational state based on role determination needs. When determining to operate as a Master, the apparatus activates the RF unit to remain awake and maintains communication functionality, thereby dynamically switching from power-saving mode to active mode only when necessary for reliable role determination and cluster management.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes operational parameters (power mode, RF unit state) based on the determined role. When role as Master is determined, parameters are adjusted to ensure reliable operation including maintaining higher power states and keeping communication functions active, while in Non-Master roles, the apparatus can return to power-saving modes.
2Ease of operation
If the information processing apparatus operates as a Master in NAN cluster, then network control capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary role determination before committing to Master operation. By evaluating conditions and determining the appropriate role in advance, the apparatus avoids unnecessary Master operations that would consume excessive power, and only becomes Master when truly needed for network control.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus periodically re-evaluates whether to maintain or change its role in the NAN cluster. This periodic assessment allows the apparatus to transition from Master back to power-saving modes when Master functionality is no longer needed, balancing network control capability with power consumption over time.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus capable of executing communication by a Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN), includes at least one memory and at least one processor that are configured to execute predetermined processing that is processing of controlling the information processing apparatus such that the information processing apparatus is more likely to operate as a Master in the NAN cluster in a state in which a second setting for inhibiting the information processing apparatus from operating in a predetermined power saving mode even if a predetermined condition is satisfied is set than a state in which a first setting for operating the information processing apparatus in the predetermined power saving mode based on a fact that the predetermined condition for operating the information processing apparatus in the predetermined power saving mode is satisfied is set.