WiFi Modem Power Management Through Cellular Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices face increased power consumption due to unnecessary scanning of WiFi frequencies, even when outside the WiFi network coverage, leading to reduced battery life and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
Offloading WiFi frequency scanning to the cellular modem, allowing the WiFi modem to operate in a low power mode while the cellular modem scans for WiFi signals, reducing unnecessary power consumption by periodically transitioning to an operational mode only when a WiFi signal is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WiFi modem continuously scans for WiFi frequencies, then the WiFi network can be detected and connected to, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the WiFi scanning function with the cellular modem's existing frequency scanning capability. The cellular modem, which already scans cellular frequencies, is instructed to also scan WiFi frequencies during its operational cycles. This merging eliminates the need for a separate continuous WiFi scanning process, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular modem is given multi-functionality by having it perform both cellular communication and WiFi frequency scanning. The controller directs the cellular modem to scan for WiFi signals during its normal operational cycles, making the cellular modem a universal scanning component that serves multiple purposes and reduces overall system power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the WiFi modem operates in low power mode, then battery life is extended, but WiFi signal detection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular modem acts as an intermediary scanning component. Instead of the WiFi modem needing to be fully operational to detect WiFi signals, the cellular modem performs the scanning function during its operational cycles and reports findings to the controller. This intermediary approach allows the WiFi modem to remain in low power mode while still maintaining reliable WiFi signal detection capability.
3Reliability
If the cellular modem scans WiFi frequencies continuously, then WiFi networks are reliably detected, but the cellular modem's operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller instructs the cellular modem to perform WiFi frequency scanning during its existing periodic operational cycles. Rather than requiring continuous scanning, the cellular modem scans at intervals when it is already operational for cellular communication. This periodic action integrates WiFi scanning into the cellular modem's natural operational rhythm, avoiding additional complexity while maintaining reliable detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless station may include one or more processors. The wireless station may receive a no wireless fidelity (WiFi) signal indicating a parameter. The wireless station may also provide a scan signal comprising a scan list indicating a WiFi frequency band that a cellular modem is to scan for a WiFi signal based on the parameter. In addition, the wireless station may provide a mode signal based on the no WiFi signal. The mode signal may indicate that a WiFi modem is to enter a low power mode. Further, the wireless station may receive a detect signal indicating that the cellular modem detected the WiFi signal within the WiFi frequency band. The wireless station may provide a wake-up signal configured to cause the WiFi modem to enter an operational mode, the wake-up signal indicating a frequency of the detected WiFi signal.