Wireless Device Power Scheduling via Hybrid Link Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in supporting high data rate applications like audio or video streaming, as existing protocols like Bluetooth are limited by low data rates and IEEE 802.11 protocols consume more power due to sophisticated connection setups.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that establishes a wireless link between devices using Bluetooth for initial connection and IEEE 802.11 for data transport, with a communication schedule specifying time periods for data transfer to enable low power modes during non-transfer periods, using pre-existing messages like activity reports to manage power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If IEEE 802.11 protocol is used for high data rate applications, then data rate is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication schedules with alternating active and sleep periods. Devices transmit data in periodic bursts according to scheduled time slots, then enter low-power sleep modes during inactive periods. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve high data rates during transmission while minimizing power consumption during reception and processing intervals.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth protocol is used for wireless communication, then power consumption is reduced, but data rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 protocols into a hybrid communication system. Bluetooth is used for low-power control signaling, link establishment, and scheduling, while IEEE 802.11 is activated only during scheduled high-data-rate transmission periods. This merging allows the system to leverage the power efficiency of Bluetooth and the high bandwidth of IEEE 802.11 without continuously operating both protocols.
3Reliability
If continuous data transmission is performed, then uninterrupted audio or video streaming is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering of audio or video data in memory before scheduled transmission periods. Data is pre-processed and staged during low-power intervals, then transmitted in synchronized bursts that maintain continuous playback. This preliminary action ensures that uninterrupted streaming is achieved during active periods while allowing the device to enter sleep modes between bursts.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for reducing power consumption in wireless devices. The method comprises establishing a wireless link between a local device and a remote device and sending a message to the remote device across the wireless link. The message may specify a communication schedule. Communications between the local device and the remote device are performed according to said communication schedule. The communication schedule specifies time periods in which data is not transferred between the local device and the remote device, and during such time periods at least one of the local device or the remote device enters a low power mode.