Vehicle Wireless Transceiver Control for Location-Aware Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with multiple wireless communication transceivers, unnecessary power consumption occurs due to the continuous operation of communication devices across various networks, which can restrict mobility, especially in electric vehicles where energy is limited.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor and control the power consumption of wireless communication transceivers by adjusting their operation based on the vehicle's location and available power, using a power consumption management module to prioritize and shut down or adjust amplifiers in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee receivers to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication transceivers are operated continuously to provide various services, then service versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of wireless communication transceivers based on real-time power availability and location service requirements. The controller monitors power consumption levels and selectively activates or deactivates specific transceivers (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee) to match current operational needs, transforming the static continuous operation mode into a dynamic adaptive mode that balances service versatility with power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of transceivers by adjusting their activation states based on power consumption thresholds and location accuracy requirements. When power levels are sufficient, multiple transceivers operate simultaneously for high versatility; when power is limited, the system reduces the number of active transceivers, thereby changing the operational parameters to resolve the contradiction between service versatility and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If all communication networks are operated to ensure accurate location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary subset of communication transceivers required to achieve sufficient location determination accuracy, rather than operating all transceivers at full capacity. The controller evaluates whether full utilization of all communication networks is excessive for the current location precision requirements and adjusts activation accordingly, maintaining adequate measurement precision while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors both location determination accuracy and power consumption levels. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the activation state of transceivers - when location accuracy meets requirements with fewer transceivers, power consumption is reduced; when higher accuracy is needed, additional transceivers are activated. This closed-loop feedback resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing precision and power usage.
3Loss of energy
If transceivers are selectively controlled to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse tasks: monitoring power consumption levels, determining location service requirements, evaluating transceiver signal strengths, and making activation decisions. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single universal control unit, the system achieves energy efficiency through selective transceiver control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the controller performs multiple roles that would otherwise require separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a wireless communication device used in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes (1) monitoring strength of signals received via a plurality of receivers and power consumption of signal amplifiers included in the plurality of receivers, (2) determining a level of a localization service based on a location of the vehicle. The method further comprises (3) adjusting operation of at least one of the plurality of receivers according to the level of the localization service and a level of available power in the vehicle.