Wearable Radio Communication System Energy Management via Server Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless wearable devices face challenges in conserving energy for device-to-device information exchange due to high energy consumption, especially when operating within a 10 to 20 m range, where the energy needed to scan and receive data is almost equal to or higher than that required for transmission, leading to rapid battery drain.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a radio communication system where a wearable device periodically transmits signals and leverages a smartphone's higher battery power for scanning and processing, reducing the wearable's energy expenditure by relegating it to only transmit functions, and using a server to manage sensitive information securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless wearable devices perform device-to-device scanning and data reception, then information exchange capability is improved, but energy consumption increases rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives indications from beacon receiving devices and manages data distribution. The wearable device communicates with the server rather than directly with other wearables, reducing the need for continuous peer-to-peer scanning and energy-intensive direct communications. The server acts as a central coordinator that handles data routing and management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the communication function into separate components: the wearable device handles only signal transmission and basic reception, while the server handles data processing, storage, and distribution. This segmentation allows the wearable to operate with minimal energy expenditure for communication functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If wearable devices perform both transmission and scanning/reception functions, then communication versatility is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The server serves as an intermediary that handles the complex data processing and distribution tasks. The wearable device only needs to transmit signals and receive indications from beacon receiving devices, while all heavy lifting is done by the server, thereby extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the wearable device performing both transmission and reception functions directly, the system inverts the approach by having the wearable transmit signals that are received by beacon receiving devices, which then send indications to the server. The server manages data distribution back to wearables, reversing the traditional direct peer-to-peer model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If wearable devices continuously scan for data exchanges, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device transmits signals periodically rather than continuously scanning for communications. This periodic transmission approach maintains data exchange capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as a central intermediary that coordinates data exchange operations. Instead of wearables continuously scanning for each other, the server manages the exchange process by receiving indications from beacon receiving devices and distributing data appropriately, reducing the need for continuous active scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9881312B2Radio communication systems and radio communication methods

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC

AI summary

According to various embodiments, a radio communication system may be provided. The radio communication system may include: a portable device; a beacon receiving device; and a server. The portable device may include: a transmitter configured to repeatedly transmit signals; and a receiver configured to receive data from the server. The beacon receiving device may include: a receiver configured to receive signals from the portable device; and a transmitter configured to transmit an indication to the server based on the received signal. The server may include: a receiver configured to receive the indication from the beacon receiving device; and a transmitter configured to transmit data to the portable device based on the indication.