Power Management Override for Wireless Sensor Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management in wireless communication systems, such as WiFi-Dock systems, experiences latency and battery life issues due to the need for constant data transfer and calibration of sensor data, disrupting AP/GO and station communication, which affects the reliability and efficiency of sensor data processing in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an override power-manager in the AP/GO that allows the WiFi-Dock to control mobile devices to operate in constant awake mode (CAM-ONLY) or power saving mode (PSM) based on sensor activity, using listen requests and releases to minimize latency and optimize power usage, enabling efficient processing of raw sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the Host operates in power saving mode (SLEEP) to extend battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but data transfer latency increases and the datapath is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddata transfer latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The Host dynamically switches between power saving mode and constant awake mode based on the operational state of the sensor platform. When sensor activity is detected, the Host transitions to constant awake mode to minimize latency; when no activity is present, it returns to power saving mode to conserve battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor platform manager monitors sensor activity and sends listen requests or releases to the Host accordingly. This feedback loop enables the Host to adjust its power state in response to actual sensor data needs, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the Host operates in constant awake mode (CAM) to minimize data transfer latency, then data processing speed improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining constant awake mode continuously, the Host periodically transitions between power saving mode and constant awake mode based on sensor activity detection. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve fast data transfer when needed while consuming less power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The Host's power state is made dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt between power saving mode and constant awake mode according to the operational requirements of the sensor platform, thus balancing speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If sensor data is cached when the Host is OFF to enable future transfer, then data loss is prevented, but processing latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor platform continues to collect and cache sensor data in advance when the Host is in power saving mode or OFF. This preliminary action ensures data is ready for immediate transfer when the Host becomes active, preventing data loss while minimizing the latency experienced during actual data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor platform maintains continuous operation and data collection regardless of the Host's power state. This continuity ensures that sensor data is always being captured and stored, eliminating gaps in data collection and reducing overall processing latency when the Host is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Loss of information

If the WiFi-Dock continuously transfers sensor data to the Host to ensure real-time processing, then data freshness improves, but battery life of the mobile device decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata freshnessVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Data transfer occurs periodically when the Host is in constant awake mode rather than continuously. This periodic transfer maintains data freshness during active periods while allowing the Host to return to power saving mode during idle periods, thus balancing data freshness with battery life conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The data transfer mechanism is made dynamic, switching between continuous transfer (when in constant awake mode) and periodic/batched transfer (when in power saving mode). This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain data freshness when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3198950B1Power management in device to device communications

Publication Date: 2020.02.19 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus for remotely controlling the power management of a mobile device are provided. The system, method, and apparatus may include a mobile terminal wirelessly connected to a sensor platform. The sensor platform may send a constant awake message to the mobile terminal that prevents the mobile terminal from entering a sleep mode until the sensor platform sends a release signal to the mobile terminal.