Wireless Network Power Mode Switching via Beacon Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless network power management methods are inefficient, leading to unnecessary power consumption and reduced communication efficiency, especially in devices powered by batteries, as they do not effectively manage power modes during data transmission and reception.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing power in wireless networks by switching between normal and power save modes based on beacon signals, allowing devices to enter an awake state only when necessary for data transmission and reception, thereby reducing power consumption and improving communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If devices maintain normal communication mode continuously, then data transmission and reception can be performed without interruption, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power mode switching between normal mode and power save mode based on communication activity. Devices automatically transition to power save mode during idle periods and wake up for beacon intervals, creating a dynamic adaptation to communication needs rather than maintaining a static normal mode continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic beacon intervals where devices wake up at regular intervals to check for communication opportunities. This periodic activation pattern allows devices to remain in low-power sleep states between beacons while still being able to detect and respond to communication requests, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If devices enter power save mode frequently, then power consumption is reduced, but communication response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having devices wake up in advance of expected communication activities. Devices activate before beacon intervals and remain in awake state long enough to receive and process communication requests, ensuring they are ready to communicate when needed while still benefiting from power save mode during extended idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where devices monitor communication activity patterns and adjust their power mode transitions accordingly. When communication activity is detected, devices remain in or transition to normal mode; when idle, they transition to power save mode, creating a feedback-driven adaptation that balances power consumption with communication responsiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If devices switch power modes rapidly, then power consumption is optimized, but system stability and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes fixed beacon intervals as periodic anchors for power mode transitions. Devices wake up at predictable, regular intervals rather than switching modes arbitrarily, which provides system stability through predictable timing while still achieving power savings during idle periods between beacons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates cushioning by maintaining devices in an awake state for sufficient duration around beacon intervals to ensure reliable communication setup and teardown. This temporal cushioning prevents rushed or interrupted communication sessions that could occur with overly aggressive power mode switching, ensuring reliable data transmission while still enabling power save mode during extended idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8559338B2Method for managing the power in the wireless network

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A wireless network system includes a coordinator, a first device, and a second device. The coordinator transmits a first response to the first device to approve a first request message received from the first device; broadcast a first beacon, indicating that the first device is in a power saving mode, after transmitting the first response; transmit a second response to the second device to approve a second request message received from the second device; broadcast a second beacon, indicating that the first device needs to change a power management mode from the power saving mode to a normal mode, after transmitting the second response; transmit a third response to the first device to approve a third request message received from the first device; and broadcast a third beacon, indicating that the first device is in the normal mode, after transmitting the third response.