Wireless Interface Control via Location and Idle Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices experience frequent connection and disconnection to wireless access points as they move, leading to potential interruptions in data communication links, which can degrade user experience and communication continuity.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines if a known wireless access point is available by comparing the device's location with geographical information and disables the wireless communication interface if the time since the last data communication activity is less than an idle time threshold, preventing unnecessary connections and maintaining existing data links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device automatically connects to available wireless access points, then connectivity availability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to frequent connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The device determines the location of wireless access points in advance and stores this geographical information. When moving, the device can predict which access points will be available and prepare connection strategies beforehand, avoiding frequent disconnections and reconnections by maintaining connection stability policies based on predicted availability
Solution Approach 2:
The device monitors its own movement status and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust connection behavior. When movement is detected, the device applies different connection policies (such as disabling automatic connection to prevent frequent disconnections), creating a closed-loop control system that balances connectivity availability with connection stability
2Reliability
If the wireless communication interface is disabled to prevent unwanted connections, then connection stability is improved, but connectivity availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection policy is made dynamic rather than static. The device continuously monitors movement status and automatically adjusts the wireless interface behavior - disabling automatic connection when movement is detected, and enabling it when stationary. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for stability during movement while maintaining availability when appropriate
3Measurement precision
If the device monitors location and data communication activity continuously, then connection control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its existing location determination capabilities (already present for other functions) and existing data communication activity monitoring (already present for network management) to automatically control wireless connections. The system serves itself by using existing sensors and data to make connection decisions, avoiding the need for additional complex monitoring hardware or mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling wireless connection of a device having a wireless communication interface to a wireless access point. The method includes: determining, by the device, if a known wireless access point is available by comparing a determined location of the device with geographical information associated with a set of known wireless access points; if the known wireless access point is available, determining, by the device, a time elapsed since a most recent data communication activity of the device; and disabling the wireless communication interface of the device if the time elapsed is less than an idle time threshold value so as to prevent wireless connection of the device to the known wireless access point.