WPAN Device Mediates Computer Network Access During Hibernation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless personal area networks (WPANs) face challenges in maintaining connectivity and data synchronization with computers in reduced power states, such as hibernation mode, especially when they are not directly connected to a network, as they lack the ability to efficiently switch between different network types like WLAN and WWAN without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system where a WPAN-enabled device, like a cellular phone, can initiate network searches and synchronization requests for a computer in a reduced power state, allowing it to automatically connect to available WLAN or WWAN access points using cached credentials or user prompts, enabling seamless data synchronization even when the computer is closed or not directly powered on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the computer enters a reduced power state (hibernation mode), then power consumption is reduced, but network connectivity and data synchronization capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: the main computer system that enters low-power state, and a separate WPAN-enabled device that remains active and handles network operations. This segmentation allows the computer to save power while network connectivity is maintained through the separate device that can initiate network searches and synchronization requests independently.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the computer is in hibernation mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to automatically connect to network access points is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The WPAN-enabled device is empowered to autonomously perform network operations including searching for access points, initiating connections, and triggering data synchronization without requiring the computer to be awake or the user to manually intervene. The device serves itself by managing network connectivity independently while the computer remains in low-power state.
3Reliability
If the computer remains fully powered on to maintain network connectivity, then network access is continuous, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The WPAN-enabled device acts as an intermediary between the sleeping computer and the network infrastructure. It receives and transmits data, initiates network connections, and coordinates synchronization operations, allowing the computer to remain disconnected from direct network access while maintaining functional network connectivity through the intermediary device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is required to switch between network types (WLAN and WWAN), then network switching is controlled, but user convenience and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The WPAN-enabled device automatically performs network type switching between WLAN and WWAN based on availability and connectivity requirements without requiring user input. The device monitors network conditions and autonomously selects and switches between different network types, maintaining adaptability while eliminating the need for manual user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN) interface, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) interface. A device communicating with the wireless personal area network can command the computer to perform actions using the wireless local area network interface or wireless wide area network interface.