WPAN Power Control Module for Seamless Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-range wireless devices, such as Bluetooth-enabled devices, require the receiving device to be turned on to receive data, leading to interruptions in data transfer when the device is in standby mode or off, making seamless mobility across different environments impractical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power control module within the host device that continuously listens for WPAN commands and information, allowing it to automatically power on or off based on the presence of WPAN-enabled devices, enabling seamless data transfer without the need for constant power-on state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the receiving device is turned off or in standby mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but data transfer capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is segmented into two functional parts: a low-power listening module that remains active in standby mode to detect WPAN commands, and the main device body that can be powered off. This segmentation allows the device to maintain minimal radio functionality for receiving connection requests while consuming minimal energy, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and data transfer capability.
2Reliability
If the receiving device remains powered on to maintain data transfer capability, then seamless connectivity is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The listening module operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active listening state and low-power sleep state. During active periods, it monitors for WPAN commands and maintains connectivity capability. During sleep periods, it consumes minimal energy. This periodic operation allows the device to maintain data transfer capability while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device automatically powers on to receive data, then seamless mobility is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The listening module automatically detects WPAN commands and triggers the power-on sequence without user intervention. The system self-manages the transition from standby to active state based on detected commands, eliminating the need for complex user-controlled power management interfaces while enabling seamless mobility.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control device (18), for use with a WPAN host device (10), and a method (30) for supporting seamless mobility in transferring content between a WPAN-enabled device and the host device, such as between a Bluetooth-enabled information source and a Bluetooth-enabled host device. The host device includes a WPAN module (14), an on/off control module (16) and the power control device or module (18). The power control module (18) includes a power source (24) for powering a controller (22) that instructs the on/off control module to turn on the host device if the host device is turned off and if a WPAN information source has a WPAN master/slave relationship with the host device. The controller also can instruct the on/off control module to turn off the host device if the WPAN information source no longer has a WPAN master/slave relationship with the host device.