RF Sensing Controller with Scheduled Active-Sleep Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-based sensing arrangements face inefficiencies in power resource utilization and battery life due to continuous active radio operation, limiting the placement and functionality of sensors.
Innovation Solution
A controller is introduced to manage a radiofrequency-based sensing arrangement by determining a preferred transmission power and alternating active and sleep modes, optimizing power usage and extending battery life through a signal provision schedule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmitter node operates continuously in active mode to maintain reliable communication links, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter node alternates between active mode and sleep mode in periodic cycles. During active mode, the node transmits wireless communication signals at determined preferred transmission power levels to maintain communication reliability. During sleep mode, the node reduces power consumption by not transmitting signals. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable communication only when needed while minimizing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission power level to a preferred power amount that is sufficient for reliable communication but not excessive. The controller determines and controls the transmitter node to operate at this optimized power level during active cycles, making the power consumption adaptable to actual communication needs rather than operating at maximum power continuously.
2Reliability
If the transmitter node operates continuously in active mode, then communication reliability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter node operates in periodic cycles alternating between active mode and sleep mode. During active mode, communication reliability is maintained through signal transmission. During sleep mode, the node conserves battery power by not transmitting. This periodic operation extends battery life while ensuring communication reliability is maintained during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by determining and applying preferred transmission power levels that are sufficient for reliable communication but optimized to reduce overall power consumption. This parameter optimization, combined with periodic operation, extends battery life while maintaining communication reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the transmitter node reduces transmission power to save energy, then power efficiency is improved, but communication link reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines and controls the transmitter node to operate at preferred transmission power levels that are optimized for efficiency. These power levels are carefully selected to be sufficient for maintaining reliable communication links while minimizing power consumption, thus improving power efficiency without sacrificing communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal quality measurements to determine preferred transmission power levels. By monitoring communication link quality and adjusting power levels accordingly, the system maintains reliable communication while optimizing power efficiency, avoiding both excessive power consumption and insufficient signal strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a controller (100) for controlling a radiofrequency-based sensing arrangement (150) that comprises at least a transmitter node (152) configured to provide wireless communication signals (S) and a receiver node (152) configured to receive the provided wireless communication signals, wherein at least the transmitter node is operable in an active mode (AM) and in a sleep mode (SM). The controller is configured to determine a preferred transmission power amount (Pmin) and to control operation of at least the transmitter node in accordance with a signal provision schedule (SP) that alternates active cycles where the transmitter node is operated in the active mode and sleep cycles are the transmitter node is operated in the sleep mode. In the active mode, the wireless communication signals are provided with the determined preferred transmission power amount, thus enabling an efficient use of the power resources.