{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854516","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854516","title":"Slot skipping techniques for reduced power consumption in time slotted channel hopping MAC protocol","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-26T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A device may be coupled to a time slot based communication system and receive a timing beacon packet that is broadcast in a time slot of the communication system at a periodic rate, in which the network uses a time slotted channel hopping protocol of sequential frames each having a plurality of time slots. The device may synchronize its time base to the timing beacon. The device may calculate a sleep time corresponding to a number of time slots until a next time slot that is scheduled for use by the device and then place the device in a sleep mode. The device may be awakened after the sleep time and operate during the next time slot. The device may repeat the process of calculating a sleep time, going into sleep mode, and waking for operation after the sleep time in order to reduce power consumption."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Slot Skipping Techniques for Reduced Power Consumption in Time Slotted Channel Hopping Mac Protocol patent introduces a novel method for minimizing energy consumption in time-slotted communication systems. The core innovation lies in enabling devices to intelligently skip time slots when not actively transmitting or receiving data. This addresses the problem of excessive power drain in traditional time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) protocols, where devices remain active even during inactive periods. The key technical approach involves synchronizing device time bases with a timing beacon, calculating sleep times based on scheduled activity, and entering a low-power sleep mode during inactive slots. This strategic slot skipping conserves energy without disrupting network communication. The business value is substantial, offering longer battery life for IoT devices, reduced maintenance costs, and increased scalability for IoT networks. Market opportunities span various industries, including smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, all benefiting from extended device lifespan and reduced power consumption, making the technology essential for sustainable and efficient IoT deployments.","layman_explanation":"1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\nThe Slot Skipping Techniques for Reduced Power Consumption in Time Slotted Channel Hopping Mac Protocol patent addresses the issue of high energy consumption in wireless communication systems, specifically those using time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH). In TSCH, devices are assigned specific time slots for communication, but they often remain active even when not actively transmitting or receiving data, leading to wasted energy and reduced battery life. Existing solutions fall short because they don't effectively address the problem of idle listening and unnecessary activity during inactive time slots.\n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words)\nImagine a group of people taking turns talking in a meeting. In a traditional meeting, everyone has to pay attention all the time, even when they're not speaking. The Slot Skipping Techniques for Reduced Power Consumption in Time Slotted Channel Hopping Mac Protocol is like allowing people to take short naps when it's not their turn to talk. The device synchronizes its clock with the network, figures out when it needs to be active, and then goes into a low-power sleep mode during the inactive periods. This way, it saves energy without missing important communication.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\nThis technology has a significant impact on the Internet of Things (IoT) market, where battery life is a critical concern. By extending battery life, this patent reduces maintenance costs, improves device reliability, and enables new applications in remote or hard-to-reach locations. The competitive advantage lies in the ability to offer longer-lasting and more efficient IoT devices. Potential ROI includes reduced battery replacement costs, increased device uptime, and a stronger market position. This technology enables new business models, such as subscription-based sensor services with extended battery life.\n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words)\nFuture applications include integration with energy harvesting technologies and adaptive scheduling algorithms. Market adoption is expected to increase as the demand for long-lasting IoT devices grows. Investment implications include opportunities for venture capital funding and strategic partnerships with device manufacturers and network operators. The technology paves the way for more sustainable and cost-effective IoT deployments.","technical_analysis":"The Slot Skipping Techniques for Reduced Power Consumption in Time Slotted Channel Hopping Mac Protocol patent presents a system for optimizing power usage in time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) networks. The architecture revolves around a central timing beacon that synchronizes all devices within the network. Each device incorporates a sleep time calculator that determines the duration for which the device can enter a low-power state based on its scheduled communication activities. The implementation details involve precise time synchronization algorithms to ensure accurate sleep time calculations. The system integrates seamlessly with existing TSCH protocols, requiring minimal modifications to the underlying communication stack. Performance characteristics show a significant reduction in power consumption, particularly in networks with sparse communication patterns. Code-level implications involve implementing efficient sleep/wake-up mechanisms and optimizing the sleep time calculation algorithm. Integration patterns include leveraging standard APIs for power management and time synchronization. The patent details efficient algorithms for determining optimal sleep schedules, balancing power savings with network latency requirements. This approach minimizes the active listening time of devices, leading to substantial energy savings, especially in applications with infrequent data transmission. The techniques can be implemented using standard microcontroller architectures and low-power radio transceivers, making it accessible for a wide range of IoT devices.","business_analysis":"The Slot Skipping Techniques for Reduced Power Consumption in Time Slotted Channel Hopping Mac Protocol patent addresses a critical need in the rapidly expanding IoT market: energy efficiency. The market opportunity size is substantial, given the billions of connected devices deployed across various industries. Competitive advantages stem from the patented technology's ability to significantly extend battery life, reducing maintenance costs and improving device reliability. Revenue potential can be realized through licensing the technology to device manufacturers and network operators. Business models include direct licensing, subscription-based services, and integration into existing IoT platforms. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries where long battery life is paramount, such as environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and industrial automation. ROI projections indicate significant cost savings for businesses deploying IoT devices, as well as increased revenue opportunities for technology providers. The patent enables the development of more sustainable and cost-effective IoT solutions, driving market adoption and creating new business opportunities. The technology aligns with the growing trend towards green and sustainable technologies, enhancing the company's brand image and attracting environmentally conscious customers. The innovation creates barriers to entry for competitors, providing a long-term competitive advantage.","faqs":null,"topics":["IoT power saving","TSCH","low power wireless","energy efficiency","slot skipping"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Slot Skipping for Low Power IoT - Patent US-9854516","description":"Discover Slot Skipping Techniques for Reduced Power Consumption in Time Slotted Channel Hopping Mac Protocol, extending IoT battery life. Full patent analysis & applications.","keywords":["IoT power saving","TSCH","low power wireless","energy efficiency","slot skipping","patent US-9854516"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854516","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854516","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Slot skipping techniques for reduced power consumption in time slotted channel hopping MAC protocol\" (US-9854516). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854516","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854516","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854516","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T06:08:37.953Z"}