Wake-Up Receiver Range Detection and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wake-up receivers in mobile communications systems have limited transmission range compared to main transceivers, leading to reduced coverage area and inefficient energy usage, as they are designed with lower sensitivity to minimize power consumption, resulting in uncertainty for both stations and access points about the receiver's range regarding wake-up signals.
Innovation Solution
Implement a mechanism for stations to determine and communicate their range regarding wake-up signals, using periodic signal assessments and quality measurements by both wake-up and main receivers to adjust operations, allowing access points to switch to legacy signals when wake-up receivers are out of range, ensuring data transmission reliability and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wake-up receiver sensitivity is reduced to minimize power consumption, then energy consumption is decreased, but transmission range and coverage area are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic range assessment where the wake-up receiver periodically evaluates signal quality and determines whether it is within range of wake-up signals. The receiver adjusts its operation based on these assessments, transitioning between wake-up mode and legacy reception mode depending on the assessed range conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the wake-up receiver communicates its range status back to the access point. The receiver performs quality measurements of received wake-up signals and uses this feedback information to determine operational mode, enabling the access point to adapt its transmission strategy accordingly.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wake-up receiver sensitivity is reduced to minimize power consumption, then energy consumption is decreased, but data transmission reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching where the system transitions between using the wake-up receiver and using the legacy main receiver based on assessed range conditions. When the wake-up receiver determines it is out of range through periodic assessments, the system dynamically switches to legacy reception mode to ensure reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs beforehand range assessments to determine whether the wake-up receiver is within range before attempting data transmission. This proactive measurement prevents transmission attempts that would fail due to out-of-range conditions, thereby cushioning against potential transmission failures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wake-up receivers are used instead of main transceivers, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system universal by enabling it to operate in multiple modes: wake-up receiver mode for power-saving operations within range, and legacy main receiver mode for extended range operations. The system can adaptively select the appropriate reception mechanism based on assessed conditions, making it suitable for both proximity and distance scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up receiver serves as an intermediary component that first assesses range conditions and then determines whether to activate the main receiver. This intermediary assessment layer allows the system to use the low-power wake-up receiver when sufficient and the full-capability main receiver when necessary, optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and range.
4Reliability
If periodic signal assessments are implemented to determine receiver range, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic range assessments where the wake-up receiver evaluates signal quality at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation allows the receiver to maintain awareness of its range status while minimizing the energy expenditure associated with constant monitoring and assessment activities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device (201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 303, 501) that comprises a main receiver (507) and a wake-up receiver (509) is operated by periodically attempting to receive (401) a first signal (S2, S4) that is configured for receipt by the wake-up receiver (509). For each attempt (i), a detection result is generated (403) that indicates whether the first signal was received with a signal quality that satisfies a predetermined minimum quality criterion. One or more of the detection results are used (405) as a basis for deciding whether or not the wake-up receiver (509) is within range of an access point (211, 301, 801). An operation of the mobile device (201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 303, 501) is adjusted (413) in response to (407) a decision that the wake-up receiver (509) is not within range of the access point (211, 301, 801).