Portable Terminal AP Scan Power Reduction via Co-Processor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable terminals experience increased power consumption during Access Point (AP) scans in sleep mode due to the main processor waking up, which is unnecessary and drains battery life.

Innovation Solution

The short range radio communication module performs AP scans on behalf of the main processor, adjusting scan periods based on the terminal's motion and previous AP connections, reducing power consumption by setting shorter scan periods for motionless terminals and longer periods for those moving out of AP coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the main processor wakes up to perform AP scan at the AP scan period in sleep mode, then the AP scan function is ensured, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP scan functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a co-processor as an intermediary to handle AP scanning tasks while the main processor remains in sleep mode. The co-processor wakes up at AP scan periods to perform scanning operations, then returns to sleep state, eliminating the need for the main processor to wake up and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable AP scan functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the scan period is set to be short to ensure frequent AP detection, then the AP detection responsiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP detection responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scan period adjustment where the scanning frequency is adapted based on terminal motion state. When the terminal is stationary, scan periods are extended to reduce power consumption. When motion is detected, scan periods are shortened to maintain responsive AP detection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between detection speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the main processor continuously monitors AP scans to maintain connection reliability, then the connection stability is improved, but the battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function by separating continuous monitoring (handled by the co-processor with low power consumption) from periodic verification (handled by the main processor). The co-processor performs background monitoring and only wakes the main processor when actual connection issues are detected, maintaining connection reliability while extending battery life through this segmented approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9288758B2Portable terminal and method for scanning access points

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A portable terminal and a method for scanning Access Points (APs) to perform the AP scan with low power consumption in a sleep mode are provided. The method includes checking whether a sleep mode entry request is detected in a state that a short range radio communication function is activated, transmitting, when the sleep mode entry request is detected, an access point list and a setup command for handing over an access point scan control from a control unit to a short range radio communication module, adjusting a scan period according to a motion of the portable terminal based on the access point list and the setup command, and scanning, at the short range radio communication module, access points at the adjusted scan period.