Variable Bandwidth Signal Detector for Wireless Network Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-mode wireless communication devices face challenges in reducing current drain during network access and increasing network detection range while speeding up network discovery, especially when switching between different radio access technologies like cellular and WLAN networks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a variable bandwidth signal detector to adjust the detection bandwidth and offset the center frequency based on predetermined spectral characteristics of the network signal, allowing for efficient detection with reduced power consumption and increased detection range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the detection bandwidth is increased to improve network discovery speed, then the network detection range is extended, but the current drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork discovery speedVSAvoidcurrent drain

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network discovery process into two distinct phases: a fast initial detection phase using wide bandwidth to quickly identify potential networks, and a subsequent verification phase using narrow bandwidth to confirm network presence with minimal power consumption. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast network discovery while maintaining low current drain during the verification stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the detection bandwidth based on the stage of network discovery. Initially, wide bandwidth is used for rapid detection, then the bandwidth is narrowed for power-efficient verification. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing bandwidth usage at different times in the discovery process, achieving both speed and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the detection bandwidth is widened to extend network detection range, then more networks can be detected, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork detection rangeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection range extension task into two stages: initial wide-bandwidth scanning to identify potential networks across a large area, followed by narrow-bandwidth verification to confirm network presence with reduced power consumption. This segmentation enables extensive detection range while controlling overall power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using wide bandwidth only when necessary for initial network identification, rather than maintaining wide bandwidth continuously. The majority of the detection process uses narrow bandwidth, achieving sufficient detection range through selective wide-bandwidth application rather than excessive continuous wide-bandwidth operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If the network discovery process is accelerated, then voice continuation during active calls is improved, but the impact on standby battery life increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork detection speedVSAvoidstandby battery life

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network discovery operation into rapid initial detection followed by brief verification, allowing quick network identification for voice continuation while minimizing the total time power-consuming operations are active, thereby preserving standby battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic network discovery rather than continuous monitoring, with short bursts of wide-bandwidth detection followed by narrow-bandwidth verification and idle periods. This periodic approach accelerates network discovery when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption to preserve battery life during standby.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7899488B2Method and apparatus for extending network discovery range

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for power conservation is provided for a multi-mode wireless communication device (100) capable of operating in a plurality of networks, each of the plurality of networks having a network signal with predetermined spectral characteristics. The wireless communication device (100) includes a variable bandwidth signal detector (140), a threshold detector (145), and a controller (120). The variable bandwidth signal detector (140) receives radio frequency (RF) signals and defines a detection bandwidth for signal detection. The threshold detector (145) is coupled to the variable bandwidth signal detector (140) and detects a network signal within the RF signals in response to determining whether a signal is present within the detection bandwidth having a signal strength greater than a predetermined signal strength. The controller (120) is coupled to the variable bandwidth signal detector (140) and the threshold detector (145) and offsets a center of the detection bandwidth of the variable bandwidth signal detector (140) in response to the predetermined spectral characteristics of the network signal.