Communication Apparatus Power Management via NFC and BLE Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable communication devices, there is unnecessary power consumption when wireless communication interfaces like WLAN and Bluetooth remain active during standby states without data transfer, as the timing for initiating data transfer is unclear, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus equipped with NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and WLAN units, where NFC initiates communication and determines whether to use WLAN or BLE for data transfer based on partner apparatus information, switching to BLE for low-power operation after data transfer to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless LAN interface is activated for data communication, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wireless communication interface state changeable between active and inactive modes based on communication needs. The control unit dynamically activates the wireless LAN interface only when data communication is required and deactivates it during standby states, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption and communication speed characteristics to current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the alternating activation and deactivation of the wireless LAN interface. Instead of continuous operation, the interface is activated in periodic bursts when communication is needed and remains inactive otherwise, creating a rhythm of operational states that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining communication capability when required.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication interface remains active during standby state, then communication readiness is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control unit predict or determine in advance when communication will be needed and activate the wireless LAN interface accordingly. Rather than keeping the interface continuously active for immediate readiness, the system prepares the interface only when communication is anticipated or required, reducing energy waste during extended standby periods while maintaining operational readiness when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication units are equipped, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic control over multiple wireless communication units. The control unit selectively activates only the necessary communication interface (wireless LAN or other wireless communication unit) based on current communication requirements, transforming a static multi-interface configuration into a dynamically managed system that adapts its complexity to actual operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus, comprising: first and second communication units; third communication unit for performing a communication of data, wherein the second communication unit performs a predetermined communication for activating the third communication unit and has a communication speed slower than and a power consumption less than the third communication unit, wherein the first communication unit has a communication range shorter than the third and second communication unit; reception unit for, if a communication with a communication partner apparatus is initiated by the first communication unit, receiving information relating to the communication partner apparatus by the first communication unit; and selection unit for, based on the received information, selecting whether to initiate data communication by the third or second communication unit.