Mobile Device WLAN Scanning via Application-Based Profile Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices experience high power consumption during scanning operations to connect with wireless local area networks (WLANs), as they repeatedly transmit probe requests to multiple networks until a connection is established, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
The device implements a method to efficiently scan for WLANs by categorizing stored network profiles based on application types, such as external network connectivity, appliances, and ad hoc networks, and selectively searching for relevant subsets of profiles, reducing the number of networks to scan and thus minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device performs scanning operations to identify available wireless networks by transmitting probe requests to multiple networks, then the device can establish connection with a wireless network, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network profile storage into multiple data structures (active profiles, inactive profiles, banned profiles) and organizes networks into groups based on connection status. This segmentation allows the device to selectively scan only relevant network groups rather than all stored profiles, reducing the scanning scope and power consumption while maintaining reliable connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by maintaining pre-organized data structures of network profiles (active, inactive, banned) before scanning operations begin. The device prepares grouped network information in advance, so when scanning is needed, it can quickly access and scan only the relevant pre-organized networks without having to process all stored profiles, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring connection reliability.
2Reliability
If the mobile device repeatedly transmits probe requests to multiple wireless networks until connection is established, then the device can connect to a wireless network, but the scanning time and operational duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments networks into distinct groups (active, inactive, banned) with active networks prioritized for scanning. This segmentation enables the device to focus scanning efforts on the most relevant networks first, reducing the time required to establish connections while maintaining reliability by systematically progressing through other groups if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary organization of network profiles into structured data structures before scanning begins. This pre-organization allows for rapid access and scanning of relevant networks during connection attempts, significantly reducing scanning time while ensuring that all necessary networks are systematically considered for connection establishment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile device scans all stored network profiles to ensure connection, then comprehensive network coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network profile data structure into organized groups (active, inactive, banned) with clear hierarchical relationships. This segmentation simplifies the scanning process by providing a structured approach to network selection, reducing processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive adaptability through systematic progression through different network groups based on connection needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device invokes a first application or a second application. When the first application is invoked, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a first subset of WLAN profiles. When the second application is invoked, the mobile device scans to search for one or more WLANs identified in a second subset of WLAN profiles. The first application may be a messaging application, such as a personal information manager (PIM) application, which may utilize WLANs having external network connectivity. The second application may be a streaming media application, which may utilize WLAN appliances having no external network connectivity. Alternatively, the second application may be a conference meeting application or military application which may utilize ad hoc networks having no external network connectivity.