Interactive toys in a ubiquitous environment using low-power listening MAC protocols

In this paper, a paradigm is introduced where a speaking toy will interact within a ubiquitous environment by embedding wireless ldquobeaconsrdquo into everyday objects. Two novel MAC protocols utilising Low-Power Listening (LPL) were proposed to enable wireless communications between the toy and the ubiquitous environment in an energy-efficient manner. Analytical models were derived to analyse the MAC protocols and evaluations based on these models showed that the power consumed by the radio of the interactive toy can be decreased significantly by shifting a relatively small energy cost to the beacons by using LPL.