Wireless Data Retrieval Mode Switching for Sleep-Mode Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data obtaining methods for wireless terminals in sleep mode face compatibility issues with power save-poll frames, leading to increased delay and power consumption, while active null frames, though more compatible, consume higher power.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically switch between power save-poll and active null frames based on the ratio of abnormal packet-obtaining scenes to valid beacon frames, using a MAC layer to monitor and adjust the data obtaining mode to minimize power consumption and delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the STA uses PS-Poll frame to obtain buffer data from AP, then power consumption is reduced, but compatibility problems occur causing increased data obtaining delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata obtaining delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between PS-Poll frame mode and active null frame mode based on real-time detection of AP compatibility. The terminal device monitors whether the AP can correctly parse PS-Poll frames and automatically switches to the appropriate data obtaining mode, making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use the low-power PS-Poll mode when compatible (reducing delay) while falling back to active null frame mode when incompatibility is detected (maintaining power efficiency).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (data obtaining mode) based on detected conditions. By monitoring the compatibility parameter (whether AP can parse PS-Poll) and switching between two distinct operational states (PS-Poll mode and active null frame mode), the system optimizes both power consumption and data obtaining delay according to actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the STA uses active null frame to obtain buffer data from AP, then compatibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between PS-Poll frame mode and active null frame mode based on AP compatibility detection. When the AP is detected to be incompatible with PS-Poll frames, the system switches to active null frame mode to ensure compatibility. When compatibility is confirmed, it switches back to PS-Poll mode to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between compatibility and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent treats the active null frame mode as a fallback solution to be used only when necessary (when PS-Poll compatibility is detected as poor). The system prefers the more energy-efficient PS-Poll mode but is willing to temporarily use the higher-power active null frame mode as a disposable fallback to ensure data obtaining functionality, thereby balancing compatibility requirements with power consumption concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the STA monitors beacon frames to detect compatibility, then data obtaining reliability is improved, but additional power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata obtaining reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary compatibility detection by monitoring beacon frames during the initial connection phase or idle periods. By detecting whether the AP can correctly parse PS-Poll frames in advance (before actual data transmission needs arise), the system can pre-select the appropriate data obtaining mode. This preliminary action improves reliability by ensuring the correct mode is chosen while minimizing additional power consumption by performing detection during periods when the terminal would otherwise be in sleep state or performing routine beacon monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from beacon frame monitoring to adjust the data obtaining mode selection. By continuously monitoring whether beacon frames indicate successful PS-Poll parsing (through TIM element analysis), the system receives feedback on AP compatibility and dynamically adjusts its data obtaining strategy. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by ensuring the system adapts to actual AP behavior while using existing beacon monitoring infrastructure to minimize additional power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12574844B2Method for data obtaining and communication device

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SPREADTRUM SEMICON(CHENGDU) CO LTD

AI summary

A method for data obtaining and a communication device are provided. The method includes: setting a data obtaining mode to a first data obtaining mode; receiving at least one beacon frame and at least one null frame from a wireless access device; determining a first quantity and a first ratio according to the at least one beacon frame and the at least one null frame received; and switching the data obtaining mode from the first data obtaining mode to a second data obtaining mode, in response to determining according to the first quantity and the first ratio that a switching condition is satisfied.