Wireless Terminal Scanning State Control for Discovery Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially in IEEE802.11 and similar protocols, active scanning by slave units (STAs) can lead to delayed data communication initiation due to uncontrolled scanning timing and cycles, resulting in increased power consumption and prolonged discovery times for access points (APs) in mobile terminals like smartphones and cameras.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication terminal with a processor that calculates and switches between two states based on zeroth time information, allowing responsive scanning in one state and non-responsive scanning in another, optimizing power consumption and reducing discovery time by controlling scanning cycles and connection requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active scanning is repeatedly executed by an STA to find an AP, then the STA can discover available access points, but the time required to establish data communication is delayed due to uncontrolled scanning timing and cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The AP performs preliminary actions by transmitting beacon frames at predetermined intervals before the STA needs to discover it. The STA is pre-configured with beacon interval information, allowing it to anticipate when the AP will be available for scanning and connection, thereby eliminating random waiting time during active scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the AP provides scanning-related information (beacon intervals, availability timing) to the STA through beacon frames. This feedback allows the STA to adjust its scanning strategy and predict optimal connection timing, reducing the time to establish communication.
2Loss of time
If the AP operates continuously to respond to scanning requests, then the AP can be discovered quickly by STAs, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AP transitions from continuous operation to periodic action by transmitting beacon frames at predetermined intervals and entering sleep modes between transmissions. This periodic operation maintains the AP's discoverability while significantly reducing power consumption during non-transmission periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing the STA with beacon interval information through beacon frames themselves. The STA uses this information to autonomously determine when to scan and connect, allowing the AP to sleep without compromising its ability to be discovered, thus reducing power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the AP terminates operation after a certain time period without effective communication, then power consumption is reduced, but the STA cannot find the AP if scanning timing does not coincide with AP availability
Solution Approach 1:
The AP performs preliminary action by transmitting beacon frames at predetermined intervals before the STA needs to discover it. The STA is pre-configured with beacon interval information, allowing it to anticipate when the AP will be available for scanning and connection, thereby eliminating random waiting time during active scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic operation where the AP can switch between active and sleep states based on predetermined schedules communicated to the STA. This dynamic behavior allows the AP to reduce power consumption while maintaining reliable discoverability through predictable periodic wake-up and beacon transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless communication terminal includes a first communicator, a second communicator, a first memory, and a processor. When first time information is received by the second communicator, the processor switches a state of the first communicator from first state to a second state at a first switching time calculated on the basis of the first time information. The processor switches the state of the first communicator from the second state to the first state at a second switching time calculated on the basis of the first time information. The first time information is information regarding a next scanning time indicating a time at which scanning is to be next performed by a second wireless communication terminal.