Wi-Fi Module Request Buffering for Suspend-Mode AP Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to seamlessly communicate with other devices over a wireless network when in a suspend mode, particularly when data transmission load is high or throughput is low, as they cannot process access point transition requests.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes a Wi-Fi module that stores access point transition requests in its internal memory and generates a wakeup signal to awaken the processor, allowing it to process the request and transition to a more suitable access point even when in suspend mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic device enters suspend mode to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot process access point transition requests and maintain seamless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into two functional parts: the processor that enters suspend mode to save energy, and the Wi-Fi module that remains active to handle communication tasks. This segmentation allows the device to maintain communication reliability while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The Wi-Fi module acts as an intermediary between the suspend mode processor and the access point. It receives transition requests, stores them in memory, and wakes the processor when needed, enabling seamless communication without keeping the processor continuously active.
2Reliability
If the electronic device remains in active mode to process access point transition requests, then communication quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the processor periodically wakes up to check for and process Wi-Fi transition requests, then returns to suspend mode. This periodic action maintains communication quality while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The Wi-Fi module autonomously monitors for transition requests and manages the wake-up process without requiring the processor to remain active. The module serves itself by storing requests in memory and generating wake-up signals only when necessary.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic device uses a simple suspend mode without wake-up capability, then power saving is maximized, but access point transition cannot be performed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The Wi-Fi module performs preliminary actions by monitoring for transition requests and storing them in memory before the processor needs to wake up. This allows the processor to remain in suspend mode longer while ensuring transition capability is preserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the wake-up signal mechanism. When the Wi-Fi module detects a transition request, it provides feedback by generating a wake-up signal to the processor, ensuring the device adapts to communication needs while maintaining power efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes: a Wi-Fi module including an internal memory; and a processor configured to execute at least one instruction. The Wi-Fi module is configured to store a first request for access point transition in the internal memory and generate a wakeup signal when the first request is received from a first access point while the processor is in a suspend mode, and transmit the first request stored in the internal memory to the processor after the processor wakes up based on the wakeup signal.