Wireless Interface Control for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multiple wireless interfaces in mobile devices consume excessive power when operating concurrently, reducing battery life.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that control the activation of a second wireless interface from a powered-off state to an on state based on a predefined RF stimulus or location proximity, with the first wireless interface remaining active to detect the stimulus and enable activation of the second interface, which can be a wider network interface such as cellular or GPS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless interfaces operate concurrently to provide comprehensive communication coverage, then network connectivity and versatility are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of wireless interface activation based on real-time operating conditions. The interface control continuously monitors the operating state of the first wireless interface and dynamically activates or deactivates the second wireless interface accordingly, transitioning between static power states to optimize both connectivity and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (activation state) of the second wireless interface based on detected RF stimuli and location information. By adjusting the activation parameter from always-on to conditionally-on, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining network connectivity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second wireless interface is activated to provide bidirectional communication over a local wireless network, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The first wireless interface performs preliminary detection of RF stimuli and location information before activating the second wireless interface. This preliminary action ensures that the second interface is activated only when communication capability is actually needed, avoiding unnecessary energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface control system automatically monitors operating conditions and self-determines when to activate or deactivate the second wireless interface based on detected stimuli and location data, eliminating the need for manual user control and optimizing power consumption autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If wireless interfaces are kept deactivated to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but response time and connectivity availability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first wireless interface continuously monitors for RF stimuli and location information in advance, so that when activation conditions are met, the second wireless interface can be activated immediately without delay. This preliminary monitoring eliminates response time penalties while maintaining power savings during inactive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the first wireless interface continuously reports operating state and location information to the interface control, which then determines activation of the second interface. This closed-loop feedback ensures rapid response to changing conditions while maintaining energy efficiency during stable states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8547887B2Wireless interface control to reduce power consumption

Publication Date: 2013.10.01 MITEL NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A wireless mobile unit includes a first wireless interface configured to at least receive communication over a first wireless network. A second wireless interface is configured to provide for bidirectional communication over a second wireless network. An interface control is operative to control activation of the second wireless interface from an off state to an on state in response to a predefined radio frequency (RF) stimulus, the first wireless interface remaining in an on state regardless of the state of the second wireless interface.