Wireless Network Device Automatic Power-On Restart Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network devices, such as Zigbee-based luminaire devices, face issues with power outages leading to undesired default states upon restart, causing inconvenience to users due to frequent power failures, especially in unstable power grid areas like India, and also in regions like the US and Australia.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive restart procedure is implemented using a power-up detector and message detector to differentiate between power outages and regular power cycles by transmitting and receiving wireless power-up messages, allowing network devices to select appropriate restart modes based on the number and source of messages received within a predetermined time, ensuring proper user expectations are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network devices always start up at a predetermined default state (e.g., full brightness), then the legacy wall switch can still be used to control the device, but users experience inconvenience when power failures occur frequently as the devices wake them up at maximum brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the startup behavior based on the detected power event type. Instead of a fixed default state, the device adapts its restart mode (default state vs. previous state restoration) based on whether the power cycle is classified as intentional or unintentional, making the system flexible and context-aware
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless power-up messages from multiple devices as feedback to determine the nature of the power cycle. By monitoring the collective startup behavior of devices on the same power circuit, the system receives indirect feedback about whether a power failure occurred, enabling it to make intelligent decisions about restart behavior
2Adaptability or versatility
If network devices restore previous settings after power cycles, then user preferences are maintained, but additional applications or remote controls are required to activate devices switched on by legacy wall switches
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the startup state dynamic rather than fixed. Devices can transition between two behaviors: restoring previous state when power failures are detected, or using default state when intentional switching is detected. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual intervention while preserving legacy switch functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power-up message system acts as an intermediary that indirectly communicates power failure information between devices. Instead of requiring direct user input or complex communication protocols, the system uses the presence or absence of expected power-up messages from other devices as a mediator to determine the appropriate restart behavior
3Measurement precision
If network devices transmit and process wireless power-up messages to detect power failures, then accurate differentiation between power outages and intentional switching is achieved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing wireless message infrastructure is made multi-functional. The same message exchange mechanism used for normal device communication is also utilized for power failure detection. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection hardware or protocols, achieving accurate detection without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Devices automatically perform power failure detection by monitoring their own startup context and the startup messages from other devices. The system is self-configuring and self-detecting, requiring no external configuration or manual intervention. Devices naturally participate in the detection process by transmitting and receiving power-up messages as part of their normal startup sequence
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatic detection whether a wirelessly connected network device with a non-network role was powered on / power cycled in a normal manner, such as using a legacy (wall) switch, or after recovery of a power failure. Based on the result of the detection, an expected behavior for end users is selected, so that the connected network device can behave accordingly.