Battery Saving Based On Received Signal Patents (Class 455/343.2)
  • Patent number: 8204555
    Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out a power saving procedure in a wireless subscriber terminal which is operative to receive at least two different services, each of which is characterized by one or more characteristics related to traffic demands associated with that service. The method comprises the following steps: classifying each of the at least two different services based on their traffic demand related characteristics into corresponding power saving classes, where there are at least two different power saving classes associated with the at least two different services; for each of the power saving classes, determining required listening windows and required sleep windows; exchanging messages between the base station and the subscriber's device for synchronizing parameters for carrying out the power saving procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Alvarion Ltd.
    Inventor: Vladimir Yanover
  • Patent number: 8204439
    Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Twitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8200182
    Abstract: A wireless receiver of a directional signal such as a 60 GHz signal can have a low power standby mode in which the linear oscillator (radio) portion of the receiver is deenergized. A DC detect circuit can detect the DC portion of an incoming signal, at which time the DC detect circuit energizes the remaining portions of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 8199686
    Abstract: A client station that communicates with an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (LAN) includes a media access control (MAC) device that controls transitions between an active mode and a low power mode. A radio frequency (RF) transceiver communicates with the MAC device. After the MAC device transitions the client station to the active mode, the RF transceiver transmits data to the AP when at least one of the AP finishes transmitting directed data to the RF transceiver and the AP transmits a null data frame to the RF transceiver. The MAC device transitions the client station to the low power mode when the RF transceiver finishes transmitting data to the AP. The AP uses at least one of a random order and a rotating order to access the client station. The client station and the AP are implemented in a console gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8200173
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in devices that are enabled to receive control channel information over a link having a plurality of interlaced slots. The methods and apparatuses may be implemented to selectively disable/enable one or more circuits within a receiver path at selected times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Alexander Howard, Babak Aryan, Charles Wheeler Sweet, III, Xiaoyin He
  • Patent number: 8195247
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of a cable sense mode for intelligent power saving in the absence of a link pulse may include detecting an energy level of an Ethernet link. The Ethernet link may couple a network adapter chip to a network. The power supplied to the network adapter chip may be adjusted based on the detected energy level. Power may be supplied to the network adapter chip if the detected energy level of the Ethernet link is greater than or equal to a particular energy level. Power may be reduced to the network adapter chip if the detected energy level of the Ethernet link is less than a particular energy level. An output signal and/or an interrupt signal may be generated that indicates a change in the detected energy level of the Ethernet link. Power may be provided to the circuitry that generates the output signal and the interrupt signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Lee, Gregory Youngblood, David (Wei) Wang
  • Patent number: 8195250
    Abstract: A multi-mode communication device (100) uses a first wireless modem (118) and a second wireless modem (120) which operates independently to facilitate communication over different air interfaces. Both modems are powered by a common battery (105). When the first wireless modem engages in a communication activity, the second wireless modem's maximum operating power level is reduced. When the first wireless modem ceases communication activity, the second wireless modems full operating power range is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Geroncio O. Tan, Anuj Atri, Mauricio J. Flores, Basavanna Vamadevappa Gowda, David R. Heeschen, Gustavo D. Leizerovich, Prabhu V. Patil
  • Patent number: 8184567
    Abstract: A communications device is capable of adjusting power consumed thereby and includes a receiver and a control circuit. The receiver includes an analog-to-digital converter and a decoding circuit. The analog-to-digital converter receives receive-data from another communications device, converts the receive-data into a digital signal, and provides the digital signal to the decoding circuit for decoding. Based on the digital signal, the control circuit obtains a signaling index that indicates a communications quality of the receiver. The control circuit determines an operating state of the analog-to-digital converter and the decoding circuit in accordance with the signaling index and a receiving index. When the signaling index conforms with a reference range, the control circuit reduces a reference signal so as to reduce linearity of the analog-to-digital converter in accordance with the receiving index, and reduces a decoding capability of the decoding circuit in accordance with the receiving index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Liang-wei Huang, Chun-Wen Yeh, Chien-Sheng Lee, Tsung-Cheng Lee
  • Patent number: 8185138
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a paging schedule that may allow a WiMAX mobile device to return to a low power state prior to the end of a listening interval, thereby reducing power consumption. For certain embodiments, the paging schedule may be controlled by a base station using standardized paging messages, with paging messages targeting particular MSs in a group presented in an organized manner within a listening interval. An MS aware of this schedule may, thus, promptly return to a low power state prior to the end of a listening interval if it does not detect a paging message at its expected time within the listening interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Tom Chin, Kuo-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 8185072
    Abstract: A power reduction proposal for a receiver circuit that adheres to a plurality of defined states and masking logic to mask the output of the squelch receiver. Furthermore, the proposal utilizes and counters to count the various timeout conditions. Consequently, the squelch receiver consumes less power and can be either powered down or periodically enabled to allow for polling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Mikal Hunsaker, Karthi R. Vadivelu
  • Patent number: 8180408
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for reducing power consumption of a receiver in a mobile communication network comprising a sender transmitting packet data on a downlink channel to one or more receivers over a radio interface. Inactive time instants and listening time instants are defined according to provided rules. The receiver is arranged to listen for information from the sender during the listening time instants and to sleep during the inactive time instants. Thus, less power will be consumed during the inactive time instants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Pål Frenger, Per Magnusson, Stefan Parkvall, Niclas Wiberg
  • Patent number: 8179827
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method for transmitting data in a data processing apparatus are provided. A data processing apparatus provided has a data input for receiving data, a processor for processing the data with an input, a data supply suppression unit which is connected between the data input and the input and suppresses or permits supply of the data from the data input to the input, and a control unit coupled to the data supply suppression unit for producing a control signal. The control signal represents at least one operating condition or a quiescent condition for the processor. The data supply suppression unit is suitable for suppressing or permitting supply of the data from the data input to the input. It is set up such that it suppresses supply of the data from the data input to the input when the control signal represents a quiescent condition for the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Filip Netrval
  • Patent number: 8180291
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selectively powering an electronic device based on signals from a power-scavenging receiver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jeremy Burr
  • Patent number: 8180407
    Abstract: A method and system for conserving battery power in a portable communication device. When a user puts the device into a media player mode such as by invoking a media player application on the device, the device will automatically reduce the extent to which it engages in background wireless transmissions, such as radio link control messaging, presence update messaging, and so forth, to help conserve battery power. In turn, when the device exits the media player mode, the device may then automatically revert to its normal extent of background wireless transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Kindred, Geoffrey S. Martin
  • Patent number: 8175662
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for detecting activation of a communication device via passive means. For the system and method, the device comprises a casing for housing a display and a keyboard; a microprocessor controlling aspects of the keyboard and display; a passive usage sensor; and a power application operating on the microprocessor. The power application monitors the usage sensor for a signal indicating movement of the device from a resting location when the device is in a low power mode and upon detection of the signal for provides power to at least one additional element in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventor: Steven Fyke
  • Patent number: 8175568
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show an apparatus, system and method of extending and improving battery life that includes identifying one or more parameters that affect linearity of a receiver, assigning the one or more parameters to one or more modes, and adjusting the linearity of the receiver based on the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert A. Ponce
  • Patent number: 8175567
    Abstract: Techniques to search for signals while in an out-of-service state are described. In an aspect, a network entity may collect information for wireless devices within a designated area, determine at least one search parameter (e.g., a scan rate) based on the collected information, and provide the search parameter(s) to wireless devices within the designated area. The wireless devices may perform searches for signals in accordance with the search parameter(s) when they are out of service. In another aspect, a wireless device may collect information related to out-of-service events encountered by the wireless device, send the collected information to the network entity, receive the search parameter(s) from the network entity, and perform searches in accordance with the search parameter(s) when out of service. In yet another aspect, the wireless device may determine the search parameter(s) based on the collected information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Guilherme Luiz Karnas Hoefel, Parag Mohan Kanade
  • Patent number: 8170622
    Abstract: The mobile communication network system having a plurality of mobile communication systems each including a base station performing wireless communications with a mobile station, comprises a storage unit storing location information of the mobile station, an acquisition unit acquiring, when receiving a location registering request from the mobile station, a communication-enabled mobile communication system in the mobile station as a sender of the location registering request, a specifying unit specifying a base station existing within the acquired communication-enabled mobile communication system and existing in the periphery of the base station receiving the location registering request, and a control unit storing the storage unit with information of the base station receiving the location registering request and information of the specified base station as location information about the sender mobile station of the location registering request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tajima, Hideto Furukawa, Kazuo Kawabata, Yoshihiro Kawasaki, Kazuhisa Obuchi
  • Patent number: 8160536
    Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a method of processing data are disclosed. The broadcast receiver includes a signal receiving unit, a known sequence detector, and a channel equalizer. The signal receiving unit repeats, when an operating mode of the broadcast receiver has been switched to a Discontinuous Receive (DRx) mode, preset wake-up and sleep sections, and receives a broadcast signal containing main broadcast service and mobile broadcast service data in the wake-up section. The known sequence detector detects known data included in the received broadcast signal. The channel equalizer uses the detected known data, thereby channel-equalizing the received mobile broadcast service data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Il Soo Cho, Hyeon Cheol Cho, Jong Sun Park, In Hwan Choi, Hyoung Gon Lee, Won Gyu Song, Seung Man Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim
  • Patent number: 8160535
    Abstract: An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry couples to the two wire process control loop and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Kielb, Robert J. Karschnia, Brian L. Westfield, Kelly M. Orth, David A. Broden
  • Patent number: 8160725
    Abstract: A control for a field device comprises a monitoring unit that is separate from a control unit for controlling the field device which monitoring unit, when the control unit is in a sleep mode, waits for an activation signal in order to switch the control unit to the operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Volker Allgaier, Andreas Isenmann
  • Patent number: 8150424
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for implementing two-way communication between at least first and second devices comprises steps of: (a1) during finite time periods following transmission of respective first messages from the first device to the second device, using the first device to listen for second messages transmitted from the second device to first device; and (a2) after each of the finite time periods following the transmission of the respective first messages from the first device to the second device, ceasing to use the first device to listen for second messages transmitted from the second device to the first device until after the first device transmits another first message to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: FitSense Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Ohlenbusch, Joseph Wronski, Paul J. Gaudet, Thomas P. Blackadar, Steven R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8140046
    Abstract: While main power in an automobile is off, a telematics station in the automobile intermittently runs to execute a process. The station has a first CPU in a wireless section for a wireless signal waiting process and a second CPU, having active and sleep modes, in a control section for resetting the first CPU. At resetting timing, if the first CPU is executing the process, it outputs a signal indicating that it is executing the process for the second CPU not to reset it. When the main power turns on, the second CPU determines that the signal is not outputted in order to reset the first CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Kouchiyama, Teruhiko Karashima
  • Publication number: 20120064853
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power consumption in a device include toggling an ON-OFF setting of apparatus, which controls a carrier detector. The toggling is carried out according to a first duty cycle having a fixed OFF-time duration and a first dwell time having a first dwell time duration during which the carrier detector performs radio frequency carrier detection function. The device receives at least one input that affects the radio frequency carrier detection function, and the first duty cycle is changed to a second duty cycle. The toggling is carried out according to the second duty cycle, which has the same fixed OFF-time duration of the first duty cycle and a second dwell time having a second dwell time duration that is longer than the first dwell time duration, during which the radio frequency carrier detection function is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: YADUNANDANA N. RAO, SCOTT M. ALAZRAKI, APOORV CHAUDHRI
  • Patent number: 8135553
    Abstract: A method for clock calibration is provided. The method comprises receiving discontinuous reception period (DRX period) information from a base station, computing a calibration duration according to the discontinuous reception period and a clock error tolerance of a first clock, and when receiving paging information that informs of possible sent transmissions, calibrating the first clock with a second clock for a period of the calibration duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Ganning Yang, Ming-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8135427
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a system and method to provide alignment of hibernation and active cycles is provided. When one device receives a beacon from one of its neighbors it can be implemented to check for the neighboring device's global cycle start countdown value and to compare it's global cycle start countdown value with its own. If the beacon from the neighboring device contains a global cycle start countdown value that is different from the device's own global cycle start countdown, the device can be implemented to check a predefined condition. For example, if a device's global cycle start time falls into the first half of a neighbor's global cycle, then the device changes its own global cycle start time to the global cycle start time of that neighbor. In another embodiment, if a device's global cycle start time falls into the first 256/K superframes of a neighbor's global cycle, then the device changes its own global cycle start time to the global cycle start time of that neighbor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Alaa Muqattash, Ghobad Heidari-Bateni
  • Patent number: 8135445
    Abstract: A method of performing a ranging process between a base station and a mobile station in sleep mode in a wireless access system, wherein the base station provides the mobile station with an initial notification of a periodic ranging time that occurs during a sleep time interval and during which the mobile station is to perform the ranging process, the initial notification included in a first message, the first message indicating whether the mobile station should terminate sleep mode to receive downlink data, and wherein the base station provides the mobile station with subsequent notifications of periodic ranging times that occur during the sleep time interval, the subsequent notifications indicated in a second message, the second message transmitted to the mobile station as part of the ranging process such that the mobile station performs a plurality of ranging processes within the sleep time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Jae Lee, Ki-Seon Ryu, Beum-Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8125935
    Abstract: Whether to process a control channel corresponding to a data channel carrying transmitted data based on a re-transmission indicator and a threshold value is determined at the receiver. The re-transmission indicator indicates a number of times the transmitted data has been transmitted. Control information received on the control channel is then selectively processed based on the determining step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Francis Dominique, Shirish Nagaraj, Hongwei Kong, Walid Elias Nabhane
  • Patent number: 8125936
    Abstract: To save power, a controller formats data packets for transmission to a remote device and then enters a low power mode. A direct memory access unit reads the formatted data packets and presents them to a communication interface for transmission to the remote device. A hardware logic unit matches acknowledgement and no-acknowledgement responses from the remote device for directing further packet transmission. When the hardware logic unit cannot match a response from the remote device it signals the controller to wake up for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Ofer Bar-Shalom
  • Patent number: 8121655
    Abstract: A method (150) and device (200) for conserving energy in a power storage device of a mobile station (102, 110), including: selecting (155) an alert mode associated with a mobile station, the alert mode including at least one of: silent alert, vibrate and manual answer; detecting (160) the alert mode of the mobile station; and increasing (165) a length of a paging cycle in order to conserve power of an energy storage device associated with the mobile station (102, 110), in response to the detected alert mode. The method provides a useful compromise for energy conservation of a power storage device on one hand, while also accommodating a user's demand for a short paging interval when desired, on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: John M Harris, Van E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8116245
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the power consumption of a wireless LAN device that operates in a wireless network are disclosed. The method for reducing the power consumption includes receiving a high throughput (HT) frame; judging whether the received HT frame is decodable; and if the received HT frame is not decodable, switching the wireless LAN device into a standby mode, and maintaining the device in the standby mode for a duration of the HT frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-yeul Kwon, Chil-youl Yang, Joong-suk Park
  • Patent number: 8116248
    Abstract: A multiple-antenna transceiver in the present invention includes a frame controller and circuitry for transmitting and receiving. The transmitting component includes a sequence selection circuit, a MIMO modulation and coding circuit, and numerous TX RFE and AFE circuits. The receiving component includes a MIMO demodulation and decoding circuit, a sequence separation circuit, and numerous RX RFE and AFE circuits. The frame controller can enable and disable the TX and RX RFE and AFE circuits individually so as to reduce power consumption of the whole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Der-Zheng Liu, Chung-Yao Chang, Kuang-Yu Yen
  • Patent number: 8108013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing electrical power consumption in a mobile phone or other portable communications device having a battery and a display. A series of views forming a flow are retrieved from a memory or other digital storage device for presentation on the display. For each of the views in the flow, performance information relating to the portable communications device is determined while the view is displayed, and this information is stored in the digital storage medium. Upon subsequent retrieval of each view from the digital storage medium, configuring the operation of the portable communications device in response to the stored performance information to thereby manage the electrical power consumption of the portable communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Thompson, Howard D. Owens
  • Patent number: 8103238
    Abstract: A method for wireless communication between a base station and a number of devices is provided, with the devices in each case having a limited energy supply. To establish a connection, the base station sends a sequence of synchronization signals on at least one of its communication channels. The devices in each case listen on their parameterized or unparameterized communication channel within a listening period, which is repeated with a repetition frequency that can be set. Outside the listening period, the device in question is set to an energy-saving mode. The length of the listening period, the repetition frequency and the energy consumption in the energy saving mode are synchronized with each other in such a way that the energy consumption up to the connection setup averaged over time does not exceed the energy consumption during normal operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Husak, Frank Lahner, Peter Thamm
  • Patent number: 8095106
    Abstract: A method for power savings in a wireless communications network including selecting one or more connections with common performance characteristics to create a plurality of power savings classes, attributing a power savings window size to each power savings class, and aligning power savings classes with the same start time to generate an aligned power savings class. In addition, the method includes communicating the plurality of power savings classes and each associated power savings window size to a base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Mamadou Kone, Hung-Jie Yen, Yu-Min Chiu
  • Patent number: 8090365
    Abstract: A method to remotely control a wireless unit, includes receiving an activation/deactivation request from a user. It is determined if the user is authorized to activate/deactivate the wireless unit. If the user is authorized to activate/deactivate the wireless unit, a signal is sent to the wireless unit causing the wireless unit to power-on/power-off in response to the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bishop, James Carlton Bedingfield, Sr., Hong Thi Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8086213
    Abstract: Circuits, architectures, systems, methods, algorithms, and software and/or firmware for arbitrating media access requests from multiple wireless communication protocol components. Exemplary circuits include a request processing circuit configured to set a positive media access grant output for a first one of the wireless component before entering a power saving mode of operation, determine a waking media access state of the first wireless component while exiting the power saving mode of operation, and process media access requests from the wireless components the waking media access state of the first wireless component. Embodiments of present invention advantageously provide for more reliable arbitration of media access requests from multiple wireless communication protocol components during and after power saving modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Gladys Yuen Yan Wong, Ken Yeung
  • Patent number: 8081590
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for controlling nodes in a communication network, such as a wireless sensor network. In one exemplary embodiment, a node, referred to herein as a “coordinator node,” controls the operation of various nodes, referred to herein as “sensor nodes,” that are configured to monitor various parameters. The coordinator node from time-to-time broadcasts a beacon to the sensor nodes. The beacon can include various information that is used by the sensor nodes for control. In one exemplary embodiment, the beacon includes node-specific information that informs at least some nodes that they are to transition to a sleep state for a certain period of time. Such nodes, based on the beacon, transition to a sleep state, thereby conserving electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Synapse Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade C. Patterson, Rick Martindale
  • Patent number: 8078132
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively skipping one or more listen windows during power saving (i.e., sleep mode) operation in a multi-mode radio handset capable of operating on a plurality of radio access networks (RANs). A multi-mode radio handset signals a base station to which it is currently in communication to request that one or more listen windows be skipped considering the delay and jitter requirements of the most time critical application currently running. The request includes data defining a different listen and sleep window sequence. The multi-mode radio handset receives an acknowledgment from the base station indicating that the request has been granted. The acknowledgement includes a start frame parameter that defines when the different listen and sleep window sequence will begin. Upon completion of the different listen and sleep window sequence, the multi-mode radio handset reverts back to the original alternating sequence of listen and sleep windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Huaiyuan Wang
  • Patent number: 8073421
    Abstract: A radio signal detector includes first and second detector circuits. The first detector circuit has a higher detection sensitivity to detect a radio signal earlier than the second detector circuit. The second detector circuit has a lower detection sensitivity to detect the radio signal accurately. When the second detector circuit detects the radio signal, it starts up a microcomputer. When the first detector circuit detects the radio signal, a time counter starts to count time. After being started up, the microcomputer acquires a time difference between the radio signal detection by the first detector circuit and the start-up. The microcomputer determines time of radio signal transmission by a radio signal transmitter device based on the determined time difference, and outputs control information after an elapse of a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Sanji, Akira Takaoka, Hiromichi Naito
  • Patent number: 8060053
    Abstract: A wireless device (110) is provided for supporting peer to peer communications. A transceiver (132) is configured to receive and transmit data over a wireless link. A network activity sensor (136) is coupled to the transceiver and configured to sense peer to peer activity by the transceiver and generate a network activity sensor signal. A controller (140) is coupled to the network activity sensor (136) and the transceiver (132), and configured to selectively deactivate a portion of the wireless device based at least in part on the network activity sensor signal. Advantages of the invention include the ability to prolong battery life in wireless devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Olaf Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8060041
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed to techniques for combining a high performance receiver and a low power receiver within a wireless communication device (WCD) to reduce power consumption. Upon receiving a signal from a base station, a controller within the WCD detects one or more channel conditions of a radio frequency (RF) environment between the base station and the WCD. The controller selects a high performance receiver to process the received signal when the RF environment is unfavorable and selects a low power receiver to process the received signal when the RF environment is favorable. In this manner, the WCD implements an adaptive receiver that adapts its receiver structure according to RF channel conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary John Ballantyne
  • Patent number: 8059571
    Abstract: Low-power wireless receivers and low-power communication methods and systems are provided. According to some embodiments, a low-power wireless receiver can comprise an input module, a controller, and a feedback loop. The input module can receive a wireless signal from a wireless communication channel. The controller can receive the wireless signal and provide a control signal corresponding to the wireless communication channel. The controller can be operatively configured to dynamically modify the control signal responsive to conditions of the wireless signal and/or the communication channel. The feedback loop can be disposed between the controller and the input module and can dynamically provide the control signal to the input module such that the input module can modify quality conditions of the wireless signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shreyas Sen, Abhijit Chaterjee, Rajarajan Senguttuvan
  • Patent number: 8045494
    Abstract: A system (400), device (500) (401), and method are provided for power saving in a wireless communication network (400), where all devices (401i) regularly transmit a beacon (600) but can enter a hibernation mode in which they do not transmit beacons (600) and operate in a power-saving state. A device (400) announces the start (303) and duration (304) of the hibernation period in its beacon (600) prior to its hibernation period. The neighboring devices (401i) keep information on the presence of the beacon (600) of the hibernating device (401) in their own beacons (600) in order to block the beacon slot (204) for the hibernating device (401) during its sleep time. Devices (401i) furthermore include an information element (604) in their beacons (600) that contains all receiver addresses for which a device (401i) has data pending to be sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Joerg Habetha, Javier Del Prado Pavon
  • Patent number: 8045491
    Abstract: An apparatus having a corresponding method and computer program comprises an input circuit to receive packets of data from a network; a memory to store packet filter criteria for one or more wireless clients; a filter circuit to drop one or more of the packets of data according to the packet filter criteria; and a wireless output circuit to wirelessly transmit, to the one or more wireless clients, only the packets of data that are not dropped by the filter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Nafea Bishara, Paramesh Gopi
  • Patent number: 8024012
    Abstract: A system and methodology for intelligent power management of wirelessly networked devices. The system provides for reliable wireless communication via a wireless power charging method and, a method to maintain power capacity of batteries in a wireless device. The batteries are charged via an RF harvesting unit embedded inside the wireless device. An intelligent wireless power charging system further comprises at least two batteries and at least two RF adaptor devices coupled to an AC power line. The first adaptor is set for data communication while the second adaptor is used to transmit the power. In addition, when a first battery is in use during active mode, the second battery is subjected to wireless charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Clevenger, Timothy Dalton, Louis Hsu, Carl Radens
  • Patent number: 8014832
    Abstract: A property of a wireless signal over time is monitored while a processor is maintained in a first power state that utilizes less power than a second power state. While the processor remains in the first power state, a measure of the property is compared to a first threshold and to a second threshold. The processor can be transitioned from the first power state to the second power state if the measure crosses the first threshold and the second threshold, and otherwise the processor is maintained in the first power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gary Garrabrant, John Brown, Edward Vertatschtisch, Katherine Elliott
  • Patent number: 8014833
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically managing resource usage of a network device based on device location. In an illustrative embodiment, the system includes a first module that is coupled to a network device. The first module provides position information associated with the network device. A controller communicates with the first module; receives the position information; and generates a control signal in response thereto based on predetermined network information. A second module that is coupled to the network device incorporates instructions to adjust the resource usage of the network device upon receipt of the control signal. In a more specific embodiment, the first module includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The predetermined network information includes network coverage area. The resource usage includes power usage. The second module includes instructions for turning off a receiver, which is coupled to the first module, based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anand Narayanan Rao
  • Patent number: 8009602
    Abstract: A system and method allows devices to send and receive packets while using power to do so to the extent needed, thereby conserving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W Hui, David E Culler
  • Patent number: RE42799
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a wireless device configured in a zero intermediate frequency architecture including a DC loop and a gain loop. The method includes processing energy in a wireless medium to generate a corresponding receive signal, monitoring the receive signal via a predetermined measurement window, detecting a changed condition in the channel, holding the gain feedback control loop at a constant gain level, and operating the DC loop in an attempt to search a stable DC value for the receive signal while the gain loop is held constant. A first case is DC saturation, where the gain is held constant until DC is controlled. A second case is clear channel assessment, where a prior stored gain setting is applied to the gain loop after detecting the end of the packet. A third case is preparation for receiving an expected acknowledgement packet after transmitting a packet, where again a prior stored gain setting is applied to the gain loop and DC is searched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures I LLC
    Inventors: Keith R. Baldwin, Mark A. Webster