U.S. patent application number 10/314292 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-14 for using location information to control transmission signal levels of wireless devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Broadcom Corporation. Invention is credited to Karaoguz, Jeyhan.
Application Number | 20040203989 10/314292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31891018 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040203989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz, Jeyhan |
October 14, 2004 |
Using location information to control transmission signal levels of
wireless devices
Abstract
A power control device for adjusting power output levels can
include a transmitter configured to transmit at least one first
signal, and a receiver configured to receive at least one second
signal. In addition, the power control device can have a processing
unit configured to determine at least one location information
based on the first signal and the second signal, and a power
adjusting unit configured to adjust a power output level
corresponding to the at least one location information.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz, Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY L.L.P.
14TH FLOOR
8000 TOWERS CRESCENT
TYSONS CORNER
VA
22182
US
|
Assignee: |
Broadcom Corporation
|
Family ID: |
31891018 |
Appl. No.: |
10/314292 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60409938 |
Sep 12, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/522 ;
342/357.46; 455/456.1; 455/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02D 70/144 20180101;
H04W 52/283 20130101; Y02D 70/22 20180101; H04W 52/0209 20130101;
Y02D 30/70 20200801; Y02D 70/142 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/522 ;
455/069; 342/357.1; 455/456.1 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/20; H04B
001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of adjusting power output of a device in a wireless
network, said method comprising the steps of: activating a power
control device; transmitting a first signal from the power control
device; receiving a second signal at the power control device;
determining a location information on at least one wireless device
based on the first signal and the second signal; and adjusting a
power output level corresponding to the location information.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
transmitting a third signal from the power control device at the
adjusted power output level.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of transmitting a first
signal comprises the step of: transmitting the first in pulses at a
predetermined power level.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of: adjusting
the power output level when a predetermined period of time has
lapsed.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of: adjusting
the power output level when the second signal contains an amount of
errors equals to or exceeds a predetermined threshold.
6. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of: adjusting
the power output level when the second signal contains a power
saturated signal.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the
location information comprises the steps of: determining at least
one distance range information; and determining at least one
geographic position information.
8. A power control device for adjusting power output levels of a
device in wireless network, said power control device comprising: a
transmitter configured to transmit a first signal; a receiver
configured to receive a second signal; a processing unit configured
to determine a location information on at least one wireless device
based on the first signal and the second signal; and a power
adjusting unit configured to adjust a power output level
corresponding to the location information.
9. The power control device of claim 8, wherein the transmitter is
configured to transmit a third signal from the power control device
at the adjusted power output level.
10. The power control device of claim 9, wherein the transmitter is
configured to transmit the first signal in pulses at a
predetermined power level.
11. The power control device of claim 10, wherein the power
adjusting unit is configured to adjust the power output level when
a predetermined period of time has lapsed.
12. The power control device of claim 10, wherein the power
adjusting unit is configured to adjust the power output level when
the second signal contains an amount of errors equals to or exceeds
a predetermined threshold.
13. The power control device of claim 12, wherein the power
adjusting unit is configured to adjust the power output level when
the second signal contains a power saturated signal.
14. The power control device of claim 7, wherein the processing
unit is configured to determine at least one distance range based
on the first signal and the second signal; and wherein the
processing unit is configured to determine at least one geographic
position based on the first signal and the second signal.
15. A system for adjusting power output of a wireless device in a
wireless network, said system comprising: an activating means for
activating a power control device; a transmitting means for
transmitting a first signal from the power control device; a
receiving means for receiving a second signal at the power control
device; a determining means for determining a location information
on at least one wireless device based on the first signal and the
second signal; and an adjusting means for adjusting a power output
level corresponding to the location information.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the transmitting means
transmits a third signal at the adjusted power output level.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the transmitting means
transmits the first signal in pulses at a predetermined power
level.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the
power output level when a predetermined period of time has
lapsed.
19 The system of claim 17, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the
power output level when the second signal contains an amount of
errors equals to or exceeds a predetermined threshold.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the
power output level when the second signal contains a power
saturated signal.
21. The system of claim 15, wherein the determining means
determines at least one distance range information, and wherein the
determining means determines at least one geographic position
information.
22. A method of controlling transmission signal levels of a device
in a wireless network, said method comprising the steps of:
determining a location information of a device; and transmitting a
signal for controlling transmission signal levels of the device,
wherein the transmission signal levels do not cause transmission
interference.
23. A transmission signal level controlling device for controlling
the transmission signal levels of a device in wireless network,
said device comprising: a determination unit configured to
determine a location information of a device; and a transmitting
unit configured to transmit a signal to adjust transmission signal
levels of the device, wherein the transmission signal levels do not
cause transmission interference.
24. A system for controlling transmission signal levels of a
wireless device in a wireless network, said system comprising: a
determining means for determining a location information of a
device; and a transmission means for transmitting a signal for
controlling transmission signal levels of the device, wherein the
transmission signal levels do not cause transmission interference.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/409,938, entitled Using Location
Information to Control Power Output in Master Device, with the
Power being Controlled Based on Determined Location, filed Sep. 12,
2002. The contents of the provisional application are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method of and an
apparatus for using signal-generated location information to
control transmission levels of a device in a wireless communication
network environment such as IEEE 802.11, BLUETOOTH.TM.,
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or any other wireless environment. In
particular, the present invention relates to a method of and a
system of optimizing power usage based on the distance range
location information of mobile wireless device. The present
invention can be implemented in a wireless network device, which
may include discrete devices or which may be implemented on a
semiconductor substrate such as a silicon chip.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Currently, cables and wires are predominately used as the
communication medium for transferring information such as voice,
video, data, etc. from one source to another. For example, cables
or wires are commonly used to set up networking infrastructures in
business offices, and are also used for personal home computing,
and for connecting to the Internet. Generally, the wired devices
connected to a wired network can derive its power source from an
electrical outlet. Accordingly, wired devices can generally be
provided with a steady flow of power so long as the wired device is
physically connected through cables or wires to the electrical
outlet. Thus, regulating or controlling power output or power
consumption may not be a concern for wired devices.
[0006] As wireless technology continues to advance and grow, and as
wireless services become increasingly convenient, the usage and the
popularity of wireless devices will also increase especially in
public areas. In contrast to wired devices, wireless devices
generally derive its power from power sources such as batteries or
battery packs housed within the wireless devices. And because each
power source housed within the wireless devices can store only a
limited amount of power, it is important to optimize the usage of
such power source by minimizing power consumption where possible.
Accordingly, one way to help optimize the usage of the power source
stored within the wireless device is to control power output of
device based on signal-generated location information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One example of the present invention can include a method of
adjusting power output of a device in a wireless network. The
method can include the steps of activating a power control device,
transmitting a first signal from the power control device, and
receiving a second signal at the power control device. In addition,
the method can include the steps of determining a location
information on at least one wireless device based on the first
signal and the second signal, and adjusting a power output level
corresponding to the location information.
[0008] In another example, the present invention can relate to a
power control device for adjusting power output level of a device
in a wireless network. The power control device can have a
transmitter configured to transmit a first signal, and a receiver
configured to receive a second signal. Furthermore, the power
control device can have a processing unit configured to determine a
location information on at least one wireless device based on the
first signal and the second signal, and a power adjusting unit
configured to adjust a power output level corresponding to the a
location information.
[0009] Additionally, another example of the present invention can
provide a system for adjusting power output of a wireless device in
a wireless network. The system of adjusting power output can
include an activating means for activating a power control device,
a transmitting means for transmitting a first signal from the power
control device, and a receiving means for receiving a second signal
at the power control device. Also, the system can include a
determining means for determining a location information on at
least one wireless device based on the first signal and the second
signal, and an adjusting means for adjusting a power output level
corresponding to the location information.
[0010] In another example, the present invention can provide a
method of controlling transmission signal levels of a device in a
wireless network. The method can include the steps of determining a
location information of a device, and transmitting a signal for
controlling transmission signal levels of the device. The
transmission signal levels can cause no transmission
interference.
[0011] In yet another example, the present invention can relate to
a transmission signal level controlling device for controlling the
transmission signal levels of a device in wireless network. The
device can have a determination unit configured to determine a
location information of a device, and a transmitting unit
configured to transmit a signal to adjust transmission signal
levels of the device, wherein the transmission signal levels do not
cause transmission interference.
[0012] Additionally, another example of the present invention can
provide a system for controlling transmission signal levels of a
wireless device in a wireless network. The system can have a
determining means for determining a location information of a
device, and a transmission means for transmitting a signal for
controlling transmission signal levels of the device, wherein the
transmission signal levels do not cause transmission
interference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should
be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network
configuration;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a wireless network
configuration;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart illustrating one example of
a method of controlling power output based on signal-generated
location information;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a hardware configuration
for controlling power output based on signal-generated location
information according to the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a display configuration
for displaying information related power output according to the
present invention.
DETAILED OF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network. The
wireless network of FIG. 1 can be an ad hoc network 100 having two
or more wireless nodes, stations or devices 101a, 101b, 101c, . . .
101n therein (hereinafter, any reference to device(s) shall also
include node(s) and/or station(s)). The ad hoc network 100 can be
formed on a temporary basis whereby two or more wireless devices
can recognize each other and can establish communications with each
other. The wireless devices can be any wireless communication
device configured to communicate with the Internet and having
multimedia capabilities. For example, devices 101a, 101b, 101c, . .
. 101n can be a smart phone, PDA, a mobile laptop computer, a
web-pad, a digital video camera, an automobile equipped with a
wireless communication device, or any mobile electronic device.
Within the ad hoc wireless network 100, each device can communicate
with each other on a peer-to-peer level.
[0020] Another example of a wireless network is shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 provides a wireless infrastructure network 210 containing an
Access Point 215 connected with a LAN 205, such as an Ethernet LAN.
In addition, the wireless infrastructure network 210 can contain
devices 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, . . . 220n. The Access Point 215 is
connected to the LAN 205 by wires or cables and can be formed as
part of the wired network infrastructure 205, having at least one
service provider 200. One function of the Access Point 215 can be a
bridge or a connection between the wireless network 210 and the
wired network 205. Accordingly, all communications between the
devices 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, . . . 220n or between the devices
and the wired network 205 can go through Access Point 215.
[0021] The examples of wireless networks as illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 can use wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11,
BLUETOOTH.TM., UWB, etc.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a method of controlling
power output based on location information of a wireless device in
accordance with the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3
illustrates one example of a method of using location information,
such as distance range location information and/or geographic
position location information to control power output. The method
of the present example can be implemented in hardware, or software,
or a combination of both hardware and software.
[0023] As mentioned above, a wireless network configuration can
contain two or more wireless devices therein. The wireless devices
within a wireless network can derive their power from a power
source such as a battery housed within the wireless devices.
Accordingly, in any wireless device and/or wireless network,
regulating power consumption is important since power consumption
is directly related to the output power. For instance, when a
wireless device does not regulate or control its power output, the
device can transmit signals or messages at the same power level
whether the receiving device is one meter away or ten meters away.
In addition, when there are two wireless devices communicating with
each other and the two devices are close enough to each other, this
can cause the two devices to unnecessarily blast power to one
another. Accordingly, the power consumption of the two devices can
be unnecessarily consumed and wasted. Thus, FIG. 3 of the present
example illustrates one example of using signal-generated location
information to control and regulate power consumption or power
output.
[0024] A user having a wireless device can enter a geographic area
and can activate a power output control device locator within the
wireless device to detect, identify and provide a listing of
available devices within that geographic area. The power output
control device can be integrated with any wireless device and can
be, for example, a feature within the wireless device. The module
can be switched on or off. By activating the power output control
device, the operations of determining location information of
available devices can be switched to active mode.
[0025] Once the power output control device is activated, the
device can detect location information, such as distance range
information or geographic position information of available
wireless devices. In one example, the power output control device
can start by transmitting signals such as UWB signals within a
maximum or default distance range at a corresponding maximum or
default power output level at step 300. The power output control
device can transmit UWB signals in unidirectional mode or
omni-directional mode. In addition, the power output control device
can transmit signals in short pulses with short duty cycles, and in
device-specific bursts. The power output control device can ensure
to detect and identify a maximum amount of available devices by
initially transmitting signals within a maximum or default distance
range at a corresponding maximum or default power output level
[0026] FIG. 3 further shows the step of receiving signals at step
305. After the transmission of signals either uni-directionally or
omni-directionally, the transmitted signals can come into contact
with one or more devices within the distance range, and thereafter
the signals can reflect back to the power output control device
where the reflected signals can be received by the receiver within
the wireless device.
[0027] Thereafter, the power output control device can monitor and
register the timing of the transmission of the signals as well as
the timing of the propagation of the signals. For examples, the
power output control device can monitor and record the time at
which each signal is transmitted. Once the transmitted signals are
reflected back and received by the receiver, the power output
control device can monitor and record the time at which each signal
is received. Based on this information, the power output control
device can measure the total time duration for a signal to travel
from a transmitter of the power control device to another device,
and be reflected back and received by the receiver.
[0028] Based on this information and other factors, such as
propagation delay, the direction and angle of the signal
transmission, the speed at which the signal travels compared to the
speed at which light travels, etc., the power output control device
can process the information in a range processor to determine the
distance range of one or more available device(s) at step 310, and
can display or list the information on a display.
[0029] In another example, when the power output control device is
activated, the power output control device can start by
transmitting one or more range message signal(s) to one or more
wireless device(s) at step 300. The one or more range message
signal(s) can be sent out from a transmitter within the wireless
device. In addition, the range message signal(s) can be UWB signals
transmitted in short duty cycles at a starting time T, such as T=0.
Similar to the example above, the transmission of the range message
signals can be unidirectional or omni-directional.
[0030] After sending the range message signal(s), one or more
available wireless device(s) can receive the range message
signal(s) at a time T1. T1 for example, can be the sum of time T,
the time of the processing delay .DELTA.P, and the time of the
first propagation delay .DELTA.T.sub.1. Thus, one of the available
wireless devices can receive the range message signal at time T1,
and can be represented as follows:
T1=T+.DELTA.P+.DELTA.T.sub.1
[0031] Once the available wireless device receives the range
message signal(s), the available wireless device can process the
received range message. The available wireless device can determine
whether or not to establish communication with the originating
device locator. In the alternative, the available wireless device
can automatically respond and attempt to establish communication
with the originating device locator. Thereafter, the available
wireless device can send a range message acknowledgement signal to
the originating device locator at step 305. The range message
acknowledgement signal can contain various information about the
available device, such as the type of the device, protocol
information, job queue information, etc. The available wireless
device can send the range message acknowledgement signal at time
T2. T2 for example, can be the sum of time T, the time of the
processing delay .DELTA.P, the time of the first propagation delay
.DELTA.T.sub.1, and the turn-around time .DELTA.TA. The turn-around
time .DELTA.TA can represent the period of time from the time the
available wireless device receives the range message signal to the
time said available wireless device transmits the range message
acknowledgement signal. Accordingly, time T2 can be represented as
the following equation.
T2=T+.DELTA.P+.DELTA.T.sub.1+.DELTA.TA
[0032] At time T2, a range message acknowledgement signal can be
sent from an available wireless device to the originating power
output control device. After the range message acknowledgement
signal reaches the originating power output control device, the
range message acknowledgement signal can be received by the
receiver. Once the range message acknowledgment signal is received,
the originating power output control device can determine a total
time T.sub.Total. The total time T.sub.Total can be the sum of time
T2 and the second propagation time delay .DELTA.T.sub.2.
Accordingly, the total time T.sub.Total can be represented by the
following equation.
T.sub.Total=T2+.DELTA.T.sub.2
[0033] Based on the total time T.sub.Total, the information
embedded within the range message acknowledgement signal, and other
factors such as device related delays, the originating power output
control device can thereby determine the distance range of the
available wireless device at step 310, and can display or list the
information on a display.
[0034] In yet another example, when the power output control device
is activated, the device locator can determine the geographic
position of available devices. The power output control device can
start by determining the surrounding environment in relation to the
detecting device. In other words, when the geographic position
locator is activated, the geographic position locator can determine
the geographic area surrounding the power output control device
through a geographic position unit or other positioning systems
such as Global Positioning System.
[0035] Suppose for example a user with a wireless device enters a
coffee shop in a downtown area of Washington, D.C. Upon entering
the coffee shop, the user activates the geographic position locator
and selects the geographic position detection mode. The activation
and selection of the geographic position locator accesses the
geographic position unit wherein the geographic position unit
determines that the surrounding environment of the user's wireless
device is within the geographic vicinity of 17.sup.th Street and L
Street in downtown Washington, D.C. Once the surrounding geographic
area of the detecting wireless device is determined, the geographic
position locator can display a geographic map overlay of the area
surround 17.sup.th Street and L Street.
[0036] Next, the geographic position locator of the present example
can determine it's own position in relation to the immediate
surrounding environment. In other words, and continuing with the
example above, the geographic position locator can detect the
surrounding geographic environment within the coffee shop in
relation to its own position therein. Therefore, the
signal-generated geographic position locator can, for example
transmit initial detecting pulse signals to detect the interior
design or interior layout of the coffee shop. In an alternative
example, the signal-generated geographic position locator can
establish communication with a Master device within the coffee shop
such as an Access Point wherein the Master device can provide the
interior design or interior layout instantly.
[0037] After determining the immediate surrounding geographic area
in relation to its own position, the signal-generated geographic
position locator can determine the distance range of available
wireless devices by way of the examples mentioned above. The steps
of determining the distance range can include the steps
transmitting signals within the surrounding environment, receiving
one or more second signal(s), and measuring the total propagation
time, etc.
[0038] Once the signal-generated geographic position locator has
identify the available wireless devices and has also determined the
distance range of each available wireless devices in relation to
its own position, the geographic position locator can thereafter
determine the coordinates of each available wireless device based
on information such as the distance range information, the
surrounding geographic environment information, the global
geographic positioning information, and etc. The coordinates of
each available wireless device can thereby help to determine the
geographic position of each available device at step 310.
[0039] Having determined all the necessary information with respect
to the geographic position of each available wireless device, the
signal-generated geographic position locator can display the
geographic location of each available device on a display. In other
words, the user can be provided with a display showing a geographic
map overlay of the coffee shop, and indicated on the map overlay
are the geographic positions of the available wireless devices
within the coffee shop in relation to the user's own position
therein.
[0040] Once the power output control device has determined either
the distance range location information and/or the geographic
position location information, the power output control device can
establish communication with one or more of the identified wireless
devices at an adjusted power output level at step 315 of FIG.
3.
[0041] Suppose for example that a power output control device is
located in a wireless network configuration 210 as shown in FIG. 2.
The power output control device can function as an Access Point and
can be connected to a wired LAN such as the LAN 205 of FIG. 2.
Within the wireless network configuration, there can be other
wireless devices. In this example, the power output control device
can function as the master device where all communications between
the wireless devices or and all communications between the wireless
devices and the wired network can go through the power output
control device functioning an Access Point.
[0042] Accordingly, the power output control device can determine
the location information such as the distance range location
information and/or the geographic position location of each of the
wireless devices by first transmitting signals such as UWB signals
within the wireless network at a maximum or default range
corresponding to a maximum or default power level, and subsequently
receiving signals from the wireless devices. Once the location
information of each of the wireless devices is determined, any
communication between the power output control device and any one
of the wireless device will be based on an adjusted power level. In
other words, each wireless device within the wireless network will
have initial location information associated therewith. Based on
the location information, the power output control device can
adjust the power output level in relation to each wireless device
when transmitting a signal thereto. Similarly, the wireless device
communicating with the power output control device can also adjust
its power output level based on the communication protocol set by
the communication link. For instance, if a wireless device is 5
meters away from the power output control device, device can
control the power output corresponding to the 5 meters and transmit
signals accordingly.
[0043] After an initial adjustment of the power output level is
made based on an initial determination of the location information
of a device, the transmission of signals between the power output
control device and the wireless device can be set at the adjusted
power output level, whereby the power output control device and the
wireless device can continue to communicate with each other at the
adjusted power output level. However, in order to optimize the
control of power output, the power output control device can
periodically readjust or refresh the power output level at step
325.
[0044] If the location information of a wireless device does not
change during a communication session, then the power output
control device can transmit signals to the wireless device at the
same initial adjusted power level at step 335. However, because a
wireless device can be mobile and that the location information of
the wireless device can often change after the initial
determination of the location information, the power output control
device of the present invention can readjust or refresh the power
output level periodically to update the optimization of the power
consumption.
[0045] In one example, the power output control device can readjust
the power output level when the device receives and records an
amount of errors over a predetermined threshold level within the
signals received at step 330 of FIG. 3. In other words, suppose a
power output control device has initially determined the location
information a particular wireless device. And based on the location
information determined, the power output control device has
readjusted and set its power output level accordingly to optimize
the power usage. The power output control device and the wireless
device establish a communication session where communication
signals are transmitted to and from one device to another at the
initially set power output level. However, during the communication
session, the wireless device moves 15 meters away from the power
output control device. Thereafter, the power output control device
starts to detect and record weak signal transmissions containing
signal errors therein from the wireless device. Once the power
output control device detects errors within the signal
transmission, the power output control device initiates an error
detecting algorithm to determine various information such as the
type of errors, the possible causes of the errors and if the
detected amount of errors equals to or exceeds a predetermined
threshold level. If the result of the algorithm indicates that a
readjustment is required, then the power output control device can
re-determine the location information of the wireless device and
based on the new location information of the wireless device, the
power output control device can readjust and set the power output
level accordingly.
[0046] In another example, the power output control device can also
readjust the power output level when said device receives and
records a strong transmission signal from a wireless device at step
330 of FIG. 3. This can generally occur when the power output level
and the wireless device are transmitting signal to and from one
another with a power output level significantly over and above the
required amount. In other words, suppose a power output control
device has initially determined the location information of a
particular wireless device. And based on the determined location
information, the power output control device has readjusted and set
its power output level accordingly to optimize the power usage. The
power output control device and the wireless device establish a
communication session where communication signals are transmitted
to and from one device to another at the initially set power output
level. During this communication session, however, the wireless
device moves 10 meters closer to the power output control device.
Thereafter, the power output control device starts to detect and
record a significant change in the signal transmissions from the
wireless device. The power output control device is being "blasted"
with strong transmissions signals from the wireless device. Once
the power output control device detects such a condition, the power
output control device can initiate a transmission signal
over-strength algorithm to access the condition and gather
information such as the frequency of the strong signals, the
strength level of the signals, and whether the detected amount of
signal level is over a predetermined threshold level. If the result
of the algorithm indicates that a readjustment is appropriate, then
the power output control device can re-determine the location
information of the wireless device and based on the new location
information of the wireless device, the power output control device
can readjust and set the power output level accordingly.
[0047] In yet another example, the power output control device can
refresh the power output level when a predetermined amount of time
has lapsed at step 330. In other words, suppose a power output
control device has initially determined the location information a
particular wireless device. And based on the location information
determined, the power output control device readjusted and set its
power output level accordingly to optimize the power usage. The
power output control device and the wireless device establish a
communication session where communication signals are transmitted
to and from one device to another at the initial set power output
level. However, during the communication session, the wireless
device relocates and changes it location information with respect
to the power output control device. However, the relocation of the
wireless device does not cause the power output control device to
receive errors in the transmission signals nor does it cause the
power output control device to receive strong levels of
transmission signals. Thereafter, the power output control device
of this example can automatically refresh its power output level
after the passing of a predetermined amount of time. The power
output control device can re-determine the location information of
the wireless device and based the new location information of the
wireless device, the power output control device can readjust and
set the power output level accordingly.
[0048] It is noted that the power output control device of the
examples above can initially transmit signals at a maximum or
default power output level to determine the initial location
information of and/or establish communication with the wireless
devices. Thereafter, the power output control device can readjust
and lower or raise the power output level to the appropriate level
by fine tuning to adapt to the environment due to interferences and
obstructions such as walls and objects. Also, the power output
control device can be a master device and set the communication
protocol with a slave wireless device, whereby the master device
can control the slave device to also transmit at the adjusted
optimal output level.
[0049] One embodiment illustrating the above examples can be
implemented in an environment such as a business office
environment. The business office environment of this example can be
configured to have a wireless network infrastructure similar to the
wireless network infrastructure as shown in FIG. 2. The wireless
network infrastructure can, for example, be located in a business
office space. The business office's wireless network can contain a
power output control device functioning as a master device and as
an Access Point. The power output control device can be connected
to a wired LAN, such as the Ethernet LAN. In addition, the business
office's wireless network can contain one or more wireless devices
located within the wireless network. The power output control
device can act as a master device since all communications between
the wireless devices, or between the wireless devices and the wired
network can go through the power output control device. In
addition, the power output control device and the wireless device
can contain a power control system therein.
[0050] Suppose for example, the power output control device along
with the wireless devices within the business office's wireless
network are activated. The power output control device thereafter
determines the location information of each wireless device within
the office space. Upon determining the location information of each
wireless device, the power output control device can adjust the
power output level with respect to the location information
determined.
[0051] Further suppose for this example that user X is using
wireless device X, user Y is using wireless device Y and user Z is
using wireless device Z. Based on the initial determination of
their location information, wireless device X is 5 meters away,
wireless device Y is 10 meters away, and wireless device Z is 15
meters away. At some time during the day, users X, Y and Z initiate
communications with the power output control device. Accordingly,
the power output control device establishes a communication session
with each of the wireless devices, and sets the communication
protocol which can include setting the power output level.
Thereafter, communication signals are transmitted to and from each
wireless device X, Y, Z to the power output control device at their
respective adjusted power level. It is noted that the power output
control device can transmit signals in device-specific bursts. In
other words, the power output control device can transmit a burst
of signal at a power output level X for wireless device X, and can
transmit a burst of signal at a power output level Y for wireless
device Y right after.
[0052] Continuing with the example, suppose at some time during the
communication sessions, user X takes wireless device X and moves to
a new work location 8 meters away. Similarly, user Y and wireless
device Y relocates to a work location 3 meters away, and user Z and
wireless device Z moves 3 meters and are 12 meters away from the
master device. After the relocation of the wireless devices X, Y,
and Z, the master device detects frequent and significant amount of
errors within the signals received from wireless device X. Also,
the master device receives signals from wireless device Y having
repeated strong signal level, but does not receive any changes in
the signals received from wireless device Z.
[0053] The master device receives and records such conditions and
thereby initiates the respective algorithms to determine if a
readjusting of power output level is necessary.
[0054] Suppose for this example that the signals received and
recorded from wireless devices X and Y are such that they trigger
the power output control device to readjust the power output level
by determining the new location information of the devices. Upon
transmitting and receiving location information signals, the power
control output device determines the new location information for
wireless device X is 8 meters away rather than 5 meters away, and
that wireless device Y is now 3 meters away rather than 10 meters
away. Based on the new location information of wireless devices X
and Y, the power output control device readjusts the power output
level and sets them at the new level.
[0055] As for device Z, the power output control device can after
the passing of a predetermined amount of time, refresh the power
output level by determining new location information for wireless
device Z.
[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a hardware configuration
that can determine the location information of wireless devices and
control the power output level with respect to the determined
location information, in accordance with the present invention. In
addition, the hardware configuration of FIG. 4 can be in an
integrated, modular and single chip solution, and therefore can be
embodied on a semiconductor substrate, such as silicon.
Alternatively, the hardware configuration of FIG. 4 can be a
plurality of discrete components on a circuit board. The
configuration can also be implemented as a general purpose device
configured to implement the invention with software.
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a power output control device 400
configured to determine the location information of wireless
devices, and adjusting the power output level with respect to the
determined location information. The power output control device
400 contains a receiver 405 and a transmitter 410. The transmitter
410 can transmit electromagnetic signals as well as various other
signals such as UWB signals. The transmitter 410 can transmit
signals in short pulses in short duty cycles. In the alternative,
the receiver 405 can receive electromagnetic signals as well as
various other signals including UWB signals.
[0058] Furthermore, the power output control device 400 can include
a power unit 415 and a memory 435. The power unit 415 can store and
supply the power source to operated the power output control device
400. In other words, the power unit 415 can be a battery or a power
packet housed in the power output control device 400. Furthermore,
the memory 435 can store information such as geographic maps,
algorithms to determine errors within the received signals, and
algorithms to determine if the received signals is too strong, or
can store default values and look-up table, etc.
[0059] FIG. 4 also shows a processing unit 420, and a
range/geographic processing unit 425 for determining the location
information of the wireless devices. It is noted that the
range/geographic processing unit 425 can be separate processing
units. It is further noted that although the range/geographic
processing unit 425 is shown to be within the processing unit 420,
the range/geographic processing unit 425 can be a separate and
distinct processing unit from the processing unit 420.
[0060] Therefore, the processing unit 420 can be the main
processing unit and can process functions that are outside the
functions of the range/geographic processing unit 425. The
range/geographic position processing unit 425 can therefore perform
all the functions and tasks related to the determining of the
location information of the available wireless devices. For
instance, the range/geographic processing unit 425 can measure or
calculate the period of time period from the time a first signal is
transmitted to the time a second signal is received. Similarly, the
range/geographic position processing unit 425 can perform all the
functions and tasks related to the determining of the geographic
position of the available wireless devices. These processing
functions can include determining the geographic coordinates of the
available wireless devices within the surrounding geographic
environment of the power output control device 400.
[0061] Furthermore, FIG. 4 includes a power adjusting unit 430 and
a display 440. The power adjusting unit 430 can process and
determine information such as the error level of a received signal,
the signal strength of a received signal, what output level
corresponds to a particular location information, etc. The display
440 can be a plasma display, a LCD display or various other types
of display for displaying multimedia information.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an examples of the display format in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an
example of a display format 500 showing the power output level
information along with various other information.
[0063] Main display area 505 of FIG. 5 can represent a main portion
of the display 500 and can be used to display information related
to a separate task running in tandem with the power output control
device locator. For example, the main display area 505 can display
a WWW web page if the user has accessed the Internet. In another
example, the main display area 505 can display multimedia
information from an e-mail received by the user.
[0064] Furthermore, display 500 of FIG. 5 can contain
tools/information display area 510. This display area 510 can
display icons and/or tools for accessing specific applications or
functions. These icons can either be related to the power output
control device or can be separate application modules unrelated to
the device locator. For example, a user can access the e-mail
feature by actuating a mail envelope or a similar icon, or the user
can actuate the house icon to establish a connection with the
Internet and access a home page.
[0065] The tools/information display area 510 can contain
information related to power control such as a power level
indicator 515, and the power output level and the signal strength
indicator 520.
[0066] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand
that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps
in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in
configurations which are different than those which are disclosed.
Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon
these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill
in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative
constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and
bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the
appended claims.
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