Communication Apparatus Sleep State Control via NFC Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power saving technologies for wireless communication devices, such as those using NFC and wireless LAN, require continuous low-power communication states, which leads to increased power consumption when not actively transmitting data, and do not effectively manage the transition between communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a first communication unit for periodic signal transmission and a second unit using electric or magnetic fields for communication, featuring a determination unit to assess the presence of a partner device within communicable range and a control unit to switch the first unit to a sleep state when present, allowing for reduced power consumption by using NFC for communication when in range and resuming wireless LAN only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless LAN function is placed in sleep state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the communication function cannot be activated reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary detection of the partner apparatus in the communicable range before activating the wireless LAN function. This preliminary action ensures that the communication environment is suitable before full activation, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling power saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors whether the partner apparatus exists in the communicable range and uses this feedback information to control the activation state of the wireless LAN function. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable activation only when needed, resolving the contradiction between power saving and activation reliability.
2Reliability
If the wireless LAN function is kept in communicable state to ensure activation, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous communicable state, the system performs preliminary determination of partner apparatus presence only when needed. This preliminary action allows the system to activate wireless LAN function only when the partner apparatus is detected in the communicable range, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining activation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless LAN function transitions from a static always-active or always-sleep state to a dynamic state that adjusts based on real-time detection of the partner apparatus. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between power consumption and communication reliability according to actual communication needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If NFC communication is used for low power consumption, then power saving is achieved, but data transmission capability for large amounts of data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two functional parts: NFC for low-power control and connection establishment, and wireless LAN for high-capacity data transmission. The determination unit decides which communication method to use based on the communication task, allowing the system to achieve both low power consumption and high data transmission capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both NFC and wireless LAN communication capabilities. The determination unit universally selects the appropriate communication method based on the task requirements, enabling the system to handle both low-power communication needs and high-capacity data transmission needs effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces power consumption by entering a sleep state for wireless LAN when NFC communication is possible, allowing for efficient data transfer and maintaining low power usage across multiple communication methods.
Implementation Method 1
a second communication unit configured to communicate with another apparatus by producing an electric field or magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus having a first communication function of periodically transmitting a predetermined signal and communicating with another apparatus and a second communication function of communicating with another apparatus by producing an electric field or magnetic field determines whether a partner apparatus exists in a communicable range of the second communication function, and controls the first communication function to stop transmission of the predetermined signal in the case where it is determined that the partner apparatus exists in the communicable range.