Synchronized Bluetooth Scan Coordination for Multi-Device Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bluetooth devices face a tradeoff between connection speed and battery life during scanning, and when multiple devices in a group scan independently, it leads to inefficiencies in finding remote devices and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a synchronized short-range communication protocol scan mechanism across multiple devices, where a central device coordinates scan parameters such as scan offsets, intervals, and windows among devices to optimize connection time and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the listening device scans the channels more often to connect faster, then the connection speed is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning task among multiple devices in a group. Each device performs scanning at different time intervals or on different channels, segmenting the overall discovery process. This allows the system to achieve fast connection speeds through coordinated multi-device scanning while each individual device consumes less battery than if it were scanning continuously alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of scanning activities across multiple devices before the actual connection process. Devices exchange scanning parameters and coordinate their scanning schedules in advance, enabling them to efficiently cover all necessary channels without redundant scanning, thus reducing overall battery consumption while maintaining fast connection speeds.
2Ease of operation
If multiple devices scan independently, then each device can operate autonomously, but the scanning efficiency and power utilization deteriorate due to overlapping scan windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic coordination mechanisms that allow devices to adjust their scanning parameters based on the state and capabilities of other devices in the group. The system maintains operational autonomy while dynamically optimizing scan schedules to eliminate overlaps and improve scanning efficiency, resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and scanning productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices scan independently, then each device maintains operational independence, but the power budget utilization worsens due to redundant scanning activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices share information about their scanning status, battery level, and channel detection results. This feedback enables the group to coordinate scanning activities more effectively, reducing redundant power consumption while preserving the operational independence of each device. Devices can adapt their scanning behavior based on feedback from others in the group.
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of this disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing a synchronized short range communication protocol scan mechanism across multiple devices. Some aspects relate to an electronic device including a transceiver configured to communicate based on a short range communication protocol and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor receives one or more parameters from a peripheral electronic device and determines, based at least on the one or more parameters, one or more synchronization parameters. The processor further transmits the one or more synchronization parameters to the peripheral electronic device. The one or more synchronization parameters can include at least a scan offset associated with the peripheral electronic device.