Switched Protocol Wireless Connection for IoT Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated devices using WiFi protocols for IoT applications face challenges with high power consumption and long response times due to the need for frequent re-association with access points, limiting bidirectional communication and external activation capabilities, especially in applications requiring fast response times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that selectively enables high data throughput WiFi protocol on demand and switches to a lower power protocol like BLE during standby mode, allowing bi-directional communication and external activation, while reducing power consumption by sharing RF front end circuitry and using a single integrated circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the device dissociates with the AP to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but response time increases and bidirectional communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol switching that adapts the wireless communication mode based on operational state. The device transitions between WiFi protocol (for high-speed data transfer when active) and BLE protocol (for low-power standby mode), allowing the system to optimize between power consumption and response time dynamically rather than being static in one mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameter based on operational requirements. By switching the protocol type (WiFi vs BLE) and adjusting communication frequency and power levels according to whether the device is in active or standby state, the system resolves the contradiction between power savings and maintaining fast response capability
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device dissociates with the AP to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but bidirectional communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both WiFi and BLE communication protocols in the same device. The WiFi protocol handles high-throughput bidirectional communication when needed, while BLE provides low-power bidirectional communication during standby. This universal approach ensures bidirectional communication capability is maintained across different operational states without continuously consuming high power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses BLE as an intermediary protocol during standby mode. Instead of completely disconnecting from the network (which loses bidirectional capability), the device maintains a low-power BLE connection that allows the AP to trigger and activate the device, preserving bidirectional communication in a power-efficient manner
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device uses WiFi Low power mode with beacon monitoring, then power consumption is reduced compared to active association, but activity level and power consumption remain one order of magnitude higher than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs BLE as a temporary, low-cost communication solution during standby periods. Rather than maintaining the more power-intensive WiFi beacon monitoring, the device uses the simpler, lower-power BLE protocol for brief communication events during standby, then switches back to WiFi only when full functionality is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the communication protocol parameter from WiFi to BLE during standby mode, rather than merely adjusting WiFi power settings. This protocol-level parameter change enables the device to achieve an order of magnitude lower power consumption while maintaining adequate response capability for standby operations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented to selectively enable relatively higher data throughput and higher power WiFi bidirectional wireless protocol capability during times of system wireless activity, and to selectively disable the WiFi bidirectional wireless protocol and enable relatively lower data throughput and lower power wireless protocol capability during the absence of such system wireless activity. The systems and methods may be implemented to enable bi-directional wireless communication and/or external activation of a wireless device both during times of wireless device activity and during times in which wireless device activity is absent and/or a wireless device is inactive and not transmitting.