Wireless Transceiver Automatic Scan Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Positioning tags face challenges when transported by air, as active scanning for WLAN networks is prohibited, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and attachment speed, especially when using passive scanning methods.

Innovation Solution

A wireless signal transceiver with a microprocessor and memory that enables automatic mode switching between active and passive scanning based on predefined network identifiers and environmental conditions, ensuring compliance with transmission restrictions and optimizing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If active scanning is used to find WLAN networks, then attachment speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and transmission may be prohibited during flight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scanning mode selection that automatically switches between active and passive scanning based on environmental conditions (flight detection). The system transitions from active scanning (fast but high energy) to passive scanning (slower but low energy) when flight is detected, optimizing both energy consumption and attachment speed according to operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the scanning mechanism by switching between two distinct modes: active scanning (transmitting probe requests) and passive scanning (listening for beacons). This parameter change allows the system to adapt energy consumption and speed characteristics based on whether transmission is prohibited during flight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If passive scanning is used to comply with transmission restrictions during flight, then energy consumption is reduced, but attachment speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidattachment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts scanning behavior based on flight detection. When flight is detected and transmission is prohibited, the system uses passive scanning to conserve energy. When flight is not detected, the system switches to active scanning for faster attachment, thus dynamically optimizing the speed-energy tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary detection of flight conditions before attempting network attachment. By detecting environmental conditions (acceleration, barometric pressure) in advance, the system pre-determines whether to use passive scanning, preventing the energy waste and potential transmission violations that would occur with active scanning during flight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Speed

If active scanning is used, then rapid network detection is achieved, but transmission prohibition during flight is violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork detection speedVSAvoidcompliance with transmission restrictions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary environmental detection (acceleration sensors, barometric pressure sensors) to identify flight conditions before network scanning begins. This preliminary action prevents active scanning from being initiated during flight, ensuring compliance with transmission restrictions while maintaining rapid detection capability when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects scanning modes based on real-time environmental conditions. When flight conditions are detected, the system switches to passive scanning that complies with transmission restrictions. When not in flight, the system uses active scanning for rapid network detection, thus maintaining both speed and reliability according to operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2499864B1Wireless signal transceiver with automatic mode change, and method
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 AIRISTA INT OY
  • EP2499864B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2499864B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP2499864B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A wireless signal transceiver (STR), comprising: means for receiving and storing predefined wireless network identifiers(234); and a scan mode program (232) for enabling either an active or passive scan mode. In the active scan mode the transceiver repeatedly transmits probe request messages until it receives a probe response message from the network (successful active scan), or until a predetermined criterion terminates the active scan (failed active scan). In the passive scan mode the transceiver does not send anything but waits for a received network identifier from one or more wireless networks. The transceiver (STR) enables the active scan mode in response to a successful active scan or to a reception of a wireless network identifier that matches at least one of the predefined identifiers (234) stored in its memory. The transceiver enables the passive scan mode in response to a failed active scan.