Portable Terminal AP Scanning Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for short-range wireless communication in portable terminals face a trade-off between rapid AP access and battery consumption, where reducing scan cycles for quicker access increases power consumption, and increasing scan cycles for reduced consumption delays AP access.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for immediate AP scanning upon user request, independent of predetermined scan cycles, enabling rapid AP access while minimizing power consumption by activating the portable terminal's short-range communication module and controller to scan APs only when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the portable terminal continuously scans APs, then rapid AP access is achieved, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP access speedVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scan cycle adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the scan cycle based on operational conditions: using a first (shorter) scan cycle when the terminal is active and a second (longer) scan cycle when in standby mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between rapid AP access and battery conservation depending on the current state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of scan cycle duration based on the terminal's operational state. When the terminal transitions between active and standby modes, the scan cycle parameter is adjusted accordingly. This parameter change enables the system to achieve rapid AP access when needed while minimizing battery consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the scan cycle is increased to reduce battery consumption, then power saving is achieved, but AP access is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidAP access delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the scan cycle based on whether the terminal is in active or standby mode. During active mode, a shorter scan cycle is used to enable rapid AP access. During standby mode, a longer scan cycle is applied to conserve battery. This dynamic behavior prevents the fixed trade-off between power saving and access speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic scanning with different periods depending on the operational mode. Instead of continuous scanning, the system uses periodic scans at different intervals - more frequent scans when active and less frequent scans when in standby. This periodic action with variable periods resolves the contradiction by adapting the scanning frequency to current needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11246091B2Method and apparatus for scanning access points in a portable terminal

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for scanning an Access Point (AP) in a portable terminal includes determining whether a request to activate the portable terminal is detected; and upon detecting the request, immediately and additionally scanning an AP independently of a predetermined scan cycle.