Wi-Fi Aware Standby Switching With BLE NAN for Lower Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses consume excessive power during standby mode due to enabling Wi-Fi Aware coupling, necessitating a technique to reduce power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a controller that switches between Wi-Fi Aware and Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) functions based on power consumption states, enabling the Wi-Fi Aware function only when requested and using NAN for reduced power consumption when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the Wi-Fi Aware function is enabled during standby for coupling, then coupling capability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the Wi-Fi Aware function state changeable - it can be enabled or disabled based on operational needs. The controller dynamically switches the Wi-Fi Aware function on when coupling is required and off when not needed, transforming a static always-on configuration into a dynamic on-demand configuration that adapts to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the Wi-Fi Aware function in advance before coupling operations are needed. The controller proactively activates the Wi-Fi Aware function when coupling capability is anticipated or required, ensuring the system is ready for coupling operations before they actually commence, rather than waiting until the last moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the Wi-Fi Aware function is kept enabled for service discovery, then discovery capability is improved, but power is consumed during standby

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice discovery capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption during standby
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by enabling the Wi-Fi Aware function only during specific periods when service discovery is needed, rather than continuously. The controller periodically activates the Wi-Fi Aware function to perform service discovery operations, then deactivates it during standby periods, creating an on-demand operational pattern that balances discovery capability with power conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the Wi-Fi Aware function in advance of actual service discovery needs. The controller proactively activates the function when discovery operations are anticipated, ensuring the system is prepared for discovery before it actually begins, then deactivates it afterward to conserve power during non-discovery periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260067959A1Electronic apparatus, communication method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US20260067959A1 patent drawing
  • US20260067959A1 patent drawing
  • US20260067959A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A first electronic apparatus includes a controller and a first communication section that executes Wi-Fi Aware communication when Wi-Fi Aware coupling by a Wi-Fi Aware function is established between the first electronic apparatus and a second electronic apparatus. When the first electronic apparatus is in a first state related to power consumption, the controller stands by for coupling in a state where the Wi-Fi Aware function is enabled. When the first electronic apparatus is in a second state predetermined as a state where power consumption is to be reduced more than in the first state, the controller stands by for coupling in a state where a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function is enabled. When the first electronic apparatus acquires a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function, the controller stands by for coupling in a state where the Wi-Fi Aware function is enabled.