Variable Ranging Frequency for Mobile Device Battery Conservation

The patent implements dynamic ranging frequency adjustment based on device state. The mobile device transitions between different ranging rates (e.g., 10 Hz when close and active, lower rates when far or inactive) based on real-time conditions including distance to electronic device, device state (awake/asleep), and application context. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing ranging frequency to match actual operational needs rather than using a fixed high rate continuously.

The patent changes the parameter of ranging frequency based on multiple conditional factors. When the mobile device is within a threshold distance and in an active state with relevant applications running, the ranging frequency is increased to maintain accuracy. When the device moves beyond threshold distance or enters low-power states, the frequency is reduced. This parameter adjustment strategy maintains measurement precision when needed while conserving energy during periods when high precision is not required.

The patent applies partial ranging action by performing ranging at reduced frequency when full precision is not required. Instead of continuously executing ranging at maximum frequency (10 Hz), the system performs ranging only when necessary based on threshold distance checks and device state evaluation. This partial action maintains sufficient positioning reliability for handoff operations while avoiding excessive power consumption during periods when the device is far from the electronic device or in low-power modes.

The patent implements periodic ranging with variable intervals. Rather than uniform continuous ranging, the system uses periodic checks at different frequencies depending on operational context. When the mobile device is close to the electronic device and active, ranging occurs more frequently; when distant or inactive, ranging occurs less frequently. This periodic approach with adaptive intervals maintains positioning reliability when needed while reducing overall power consumption.

The patent makes the response behavior dynamic rather than static. The mobile device evaluates multiple conditions including current distance to electronic device, device state (awake/asleep), application context, and motion status before deciding whether to respond to each ranging request. This dynamic decision-making process maintains high ranging fidelity when the device is close and active, while skipping responses when far or inactive, thus preserving battery life without significantly compromising user experience.

The patent segments the ranging response behavior into different modes based on operational conditions. Instead of a uniform response strategy, the system divides response behavior into high-fidelity mode (when close and active) and energy-saving mode (when far or inactive). This segmentation allows the device to maintain measurement precision when it matters most while conserving energy during periods when high fidelity is less critical, effectively resolving the contradiction between fidelity and battery life.