Wireless Activator and Remote Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power-limited remote devices struggle to maintain continuous communication due to energy constraints, making it challenging for activator devices to reliably transmit and receive data over wireless RF signals.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an activator device that repeatedly transmits activation messages on multiple radio frequencies in a pseudo-random pattern, ensuring at least one complete message is received during the remote device's activation period, and the remote device adjusts its operation to extend activation periods upon message receipt, conserving power by alternating between active and inactive states based on message frequency and schedule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the remote device operates continuously to maintain communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active and inactive states. The device activates only during designated activation periods to receive activation messages, then enters a low-power inactive state. This periodic operation pattern ensures communication reliability during active periods while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The activator device transmits activation messages in advance during the remote device's activation period. The remote device receives these preliminary activation messages before its inactive period begins, allowing it to prepare for and efficiently process communications during its limited active windows, thus maintaining reliability without continuous power consumption.
2Reliability
If the activator device transmits activation messages repeatedly and continuously, then message delivery reliability is improved, but transmission time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The activator device transmits activation messages periodically during the remote device's activation period rather than continuously. The message transmission is synchronized with the remote device's activation cycles, ensuring at least one complete message is transmitted during every activation period. This approach maintains message delivery reliability while reducing total transmission time and energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including message transmission frequency, activation period duration, and de-activation period length based on communication needs and power constraints. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves reliable message delivery within the minimum necessary time frame, balancing reliability with time efficiency.
3Speed
If the remote device extends activation periods upon receiving messages, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote device receives feedback in the form of activation messages during its activation period. Upon receiving these messages, the device extends its activation period to accommodate the extended communication session. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust activation duration based on actual communication needs, improving responsiveness when necessary while limiting power consumption during periods when extended activation is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of wireless communication. An activator comprises a first radio that transmits an activation message; a first microprocessor; a first memory component; and a first timer. A remote device comprises a second radio that periodically enters into an activation period of operation and a de-activation period of operation in order to conserve power; a second microprocessor; a second memory component; and a second timer. The first radio transmits the activation message repeatedly and continuously for a period at least equal to the sum of the activation period of operation and the de-activation period of operation of the second radio. At least one complete activation message is transmitted by the activator during every period of time allotted for activation of the second radio. The second radio increases a frequency of activation of the second radio upon receipt of a designated activation message from the first radio.