WLAN Scan Control Device for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face high power consumption due to frequent scanning for access networks, which is unnecessary and inefficient, leading to reduced stand-by time and potential delays in data transmission, especially for applications with real-time requirements.
Innovation Solution
A scan control device and method that perform network detection independently of scan information requests, allowing for a centralized control of scan operations and delayed scan results, reducing the number of scans and power consumption by synchronizing scan intervals based on maximum latency values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each application performs separate scan operations to ensure current scan results, then scan result availability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate scan operations into a single centralized scan operation. The scan controller receives scan requests from multiple applications and coordinates them to perform one unified scan, sharing the scan results among all requesting applications. This eliminates redundant scanning while ensuring all applications have access to current scan results, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scan controller is designed as a universal component that serves multiple applications simultaneously. Instead of each application having its own scan functionality, the universal scan controller handles scan requests from any application, making the scan operation multi-functional and applicable to all network scanning needs across different applications.
2Loss of information
If scan operations are performed frequently to maintain current network information, then network information freshness is improved, but stand-by time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scan operations instead of continuous or frequent scanning. The scan controller schedules scans at optimized intervals, performing scans only when necessary to maintain fresh network information. This periodic approach balances information freshness with extended stand-by time by avoiding unnecessary scan operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs scan operations in advance before network information becomes stale. By proactively scanning at scheduled intervals and caching results, the system ensures network information is fresh when needed while avoiding last-minute rushed scans that would reduce stand-by time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications trigger scan requests independently, then individual application needs are met, but system scanning frequency becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The scan controller acts as an intermediary between multiple applications and the scan execution mechanism. Applications submit their scan requests to the controller, which mediates by coordinating these requests into efficient scan operations. The controller understands each application's specific needs while optimizing the overall scan schedule, preventing excessively high scanning frequency while maintaining application-specific capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scan request handling into two distinct functions: request acceptance and scan execution. Applications can independently submit requests (maintaining adaptability), but the actual scan operations are segmented and coordinated by the controller to avoid redundant execution (improving productivity). This segmentation allows independent application needs while preventing system-wide scanning overload.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a scan control device, wherein in the scan operation a network detection is performed, the device comprising a request receiving means (41) for receiving at least one request for providing scan information, and a scan control means (42) for performing a scan operation independently from receiving the scan information requests. The invention also proposes a corresponding method and a computer program product.