NAN Master Device Signal Transmission Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In proximity networks, devices that transmit signals for cluster discovery often experience high power consumption and are restricted in performing other operations, as they need to continuously transmit signals to allow other devices to join the cluster.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is configured to operate as a master in a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) cluster, controlling the Wi-Fi communication circuitry to transmit discovery signals outside of discovery windows or based on battery state, changing control information to adjust the role of transmitting signals, allowing for post-operation functions without continuous high-power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices continuously transmit discovery signals to enable cluster joining, then cluster discovery capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecluster discovery capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic discovery signal transmission within defined discovery windows rather than continuous transmission. Devices transmit discovery signals only during scheduled discovery windows, allowing other devices to join the cluster during these periodic intervals while consuming less power during non-transmission periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts transmission behavior based on device state. When a device enters sleep mode, it stops transmitting discovery signals but can still join clusters by listening during discovery windows. The master device dynamically manages discovery window scheduling to balance cluster discovery needs with power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If devices transmit discovery signals continuously, then cluster discovery is maintained, but other operations are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecluster discoveryVSAvoidoperation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Discovery signal transmission is confined to periodic discovery windows, freeing devices to perform other operations during intervals between windows. This periodic structure allows devices to alternate between cluster discovery activities and other tasks, improving overall operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments time into discovery windows and non-discovery periods. During discovery windows, devices focus on cluster discovery; during other periods, they can perform post operations or sleep. This temporal segmentation enables multi-functionality without compromising cluster discovery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If master devices transmit discovery signals outside discovery windows, then cluster visibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecluster visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The master device transmits discovery signals outside discovery windows only when necessary to pre-establish cluster visibility for upcoming discovery windows. This preliminary action ensures that devices will be able to join during the next discovery window without requiring continuous transmission, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining cluster visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The master device intelligently determines when to transmit discovery signals outside discovery windows based on cluster needs. It self-regulates transmission to provide cluster visibility only when required, rather than continuous transmission, optimizing the balance between visibility and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11228970B2Method for transmitting and receiving signals in proximity network and electronic device thereof

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided for use in a NAN cluster. The electronic device includes Wi-Fi communication circuitry; a memory that stores instructions; and a processor that executes the instructions to, while the electronic device operates as a master of the NAN cluster based on a first master preference, control the Wi-Fi communication circuitry to transmit discovery signals outside of discovery windows (DWs), based on a determination that a state of the processor is switched from a wake-up state to a sleep state, change control information for the NAN cluster, wherein the changed control information for the NAN cluster includes data regarding a second master preference that is distinct from the first master preference, and provide the changed control information to the Wi-Fi communication circuitry. The Wi-Fi communication circuitry, while the processor is switched to the sleep state, transmits the changed control information for the NAN cluster.