System recovery with energy budget

Abstract

Furnishings, comprehensive: a processing element configured to cause a wireless device to do the following: Determining one or more energy budgets for a mobile service restoration; Determine that a mobile service outage is currently occurring; and Attempting to restore a cellular service, wherein a cellular service recovery scan time for attempting to restore the cellular service is determined at least partially based on one or more cellular service recovery energy budgets, and wherein the processing element for attempting to restore the cellular service is further configured to cause the wireless device to: Performing an initial mobile service recovery scan; and If mobile service is not restored during the first mobile service recovery scan: Determining an interval until a second mobile service recovery scan, at least partially based on a proposed interval until the second mobile service recovery scan according to each of the one or more mobile service recovery energy budgets; and Performing the second mobile service recovery scan after the specified interval until the second mobile service recovery scan.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present application relates to wireless communication, including techniques for a wireless device to perform system recovery in accordance with one or more energy budgets. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The use of wireless communication systems is increasing rapidly. Furthermore, wireless communication technology has evolved beyond purely voice communication and now also includes the transmission of data, such as internet and multimedia content.

[0003] Mobile electronic devices can take the form of smartphones or tablets, which a user typically carries with them. Body-worn devices (also called accessory devices) are a newer form of mobile electronic device; smartwatches are one example. Body-worn devices typically have relatively limited wireless communication capabilities and usually have smaller batteries than larger portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. Generally, reducing the power consumption of communication devices would be desirable, and therefore improvements in this area are sought.

[0004] Document US 2014 / 0194086A1 discloses a method for operating a wireless user device, the method comprising: detecting an out-of-service state; at a first time point: determining that a user activity level of the user device is above a first threshold; and performing a search for a cellular service in a first manner based on the determination that the user activity level of the user device is above the first threshold; and at a second time point: determining that the user activity level of the user device is below the first threshold; and performing a search for a cellular service in a second manner based on the determination that the user activity level of the user device is below the first threshold. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention is described in independent claims 1, 7 and 15. Advantageous embodiments are specified in dependent claims 2 to 6 and 8 to 14.

[0006] Embodiments of systems, facilities and methods for a wireless device for performing system recovery in accordance with one or more energy budgets are presented herein.

[0007] The wireless device may be a device with a limited power transfer balance, such as an accessory device with a relatively limited communication range, for example, due to device design limitations. Because of the wireless device's relatively limited communication range, the cellular communication service coverage for the wireless device may not be as extensive as for many other wireless devices, which in turn may cause the wireless device to experience cellular service loss more frequently than a wireless device with a greater communication range.

[0008] Restoring cellular service after a loss of service is typically a power-intensive process, but battery power is also usually a limited resource for wireless devices in general (and especially for devices with a limited power transfer balance), so managing the power consumption resulting from cellular service restoration operations can be desirable. Techniques for managing cellular service restoration operations within one or more power budgets can help support the desired balance between maintaining service availability and preserving battery power / lifespan.Such techniques can be of particular benefit to a wireless device that is expected to have a cellular communications service coverage area with more frequent gaps in coverage than other wireless devices, since such a wireless device may experience more frequent radio link failures and out-of-service states.

[0009] Accordingly, this document describes techniques for managing mobile service restoration operations within one or more energy budgets. The energy budgets can include a periodic (e.g., hourly) energy budget, an energy budget per search / scan, and / or any of several other budgets. Mobile service restoration operations, such as searching for available cells within the communication area, can be performed at intervals selected based on available energy within the adhered energy budget(s) and based on the energy consumption expected for the given mobile service restoration operations. If desired, the scope (e.g.,The number of scanned frequencies / bands, the time spent scanning, and the mobile service restoration operations performed at a given time can also be selected, at least partially or alternatively, based on the energy budget(s) adhered to. Alternatively, the energy budget(s) adhered to can be selected, at least partially, based on the scope of planned mobile service restoration operations.

[0010] The techniques described herein can be implemented and / or used in a variety of different types of devices, including mobile phones, tablet computers, accessories and / or body-worn computing devices, portable media players, mobile base stations and other mobile infrastructure equipment, servers and any other computing devices.

[0011] This summary is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the items described in this document. Accordingly, it should be noted that the features described above are merely examples and should not be considered in any way limiting the scope or spirit of the item described herein. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the item described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, figures, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A better understanding of the present subject matter can be achieved by considering the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system, including an accessory device, according to some embodiments; Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary system wherein an accessory device can selectively either communicate directly with a mobile communication base station or utilize the mobile communication capabilities of an intermediate or proxy device, such as a smartphone, according to some embodiments; Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless device according to some embodiments; Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary base station according to some embodiments; Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a possible exemplary coverage scenario for smartphones and smartwatches according to some embodiments; Fig. Figures 6-7 are flowcharts illustrating exemplary procedures for a wireless device to perform a power-budget system recovery according to some embodiments; Fig. Figures 8-9 are diagrams illustrating possible energy budgets that can be used in conjunction with energy-budgeted system recovery techniques according to some embodiments; Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a possible technique for determining a time to perform the next system recovery scan in accordance with a set of energy budgets according to some embodiments; Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a possible technique for determining an energy budget set that can be used in conjunction with energy budget system recovery techniques according to some embodiments; and Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating how various parameters of a possible energy-budgeted system recovery algorithm may evolve over time in an example scenario, according to some embodiments.

[0013] While the features described herein are open to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to be limited to the specific disclosed form, but rather that the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the attached claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Terminology

[0014] The following are definitions of terms used in this revelation: Storage medium – any of the various types of non-volatile memory devices or storage devices. The term “storage medium” is intended to include installation media, e.g., a CD-ROM, floppy disk, or tape drive; computer system memory or random access memory, such as DRAM, DDR-RAM, SRAM, EDO-RAM, Rambus-RAM, etc.; non-volatile memory, such as flash memory; magnetic media, e.g., a hard disk drive or optical data storage; register memory or other similar types of memory elements, etc. Storage medium may also include other types of non-transient memory or combinations thereof.Furthermore, the storage medium can be located in a first computer system where the programs are executed, or it can be located in a second, different computer system connected to the first computer system via a network, such as the internet. In the latter case, the second computer system can provide the first computer with program instructions for execution. The term "storage medium" can include two or more storage media, which may be located in different places, for example, in different computer systems connected via a network. Program instructions (e.g., in the form of computer programs) can be stored on the storage medium and executed by one or more processors. Carrier medium - a storage medium as described above, as well as a physical transmission medium, such as a bus, a network and / or another physical transmission medium, that transmits signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic or digital signals. Programmable hardware element – ​​encompasses various hardware devices comprising multiple programmable functional blocks connected via a programmable interconnect. Examples include FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPOAs (Field Programmable Object Arrays), and CPLDs (Complex PLDs). The programmable functional blocks can range from fine-grained (combinatorial logic or lookup tables) to coarse-grained (arithmetic logic units or processor cores). A programmable hardware element can also be referred to as "reconfigurable logic." Computer system – any of various types of computing or processing systems, including a personal computer system (PC), mainframe system, workstation, network device, internet device, personal digital assistant (PDA), television system, grid computing system, or any other device or combination of devices. In general, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined to include any device (or combination of devices) with at least one processor that executes instructions from a storage medium. User equipment (or “UE device” or user device) – any of various types of computer system devices that are mobile or portable and capable of wireless communication. Examples of UE devices include mobile phones or smartphones (e.g., iPhone™, Android™-based phones), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS™, PlayStation Portable™, Gameboy Advance™, iPhone™), laptops, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smartglasses), PDAs, portable internet devices, music players, data storage devices, or other handheld devices, etc. In general, the term “user equipment” or “UE device” can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic, computing, and / or telecommunications device (or combination of devices) that can be easily transported by a user and is capable of wireless communication. Wireless device – any of the various computer system devices that perform wireless communications. A wireless device can be portable (or mobile) or stationary or fixed in a particular location. A UE (Universal Equipment) is an example of a wireless device. Communication device – any of various types of computer systems or devices that perform communications, where the communications may be wired or wireless. A communication device may be portable (or mobile) or stationary or fixed in a particular location. A wireless device is an example of a communication device. A UE (Universal Equipment) is another example of a communication device. Base station - The term "base station" (also called "eNB") has the full breadth of its usual meaning and includes at least one wireless communication station that is installed in a fixed location and is used for communication as part of a wireless mobile communication system. Limited power balance – encompasses the full breadth of its usual meaning and includes at least one characteristic of a wireless device (DD) that has limited communication capabilities or limited performance compared to a device without a limited power balance or compared to devices for which a Radio Access Technology (RAT) standard has been developed. A DD with a limited power balance may have relatively limited receive and / or transmit capabilities, which may be due to one or more factors such as device design, device size, battery size, antenna size or design, transmit power, receive power, current transmission medium conditions, and / or other factors.Such devices may herein be referred to as "limited power transfer balance" (or "restricted power transfer balance") devices. A device may inherently have a limited power transfer balance due to its size, battery power, and / or transmit / receive power. For example, a smartwatch communicating with a base station over LTE or LTE-A may inherently have a limited power transfer balance due to its reduced transmit / receive power and / or reduced antenna. Body-worn devices, such as smartwatches, are generally limited power transfer balance devices. Alternatively, a device may not inherently have a limited power transfer balance, e.g.,It may have sufficient size, battery power, and / or transmit / receive power for normal communications over LTE or LTE-A, but may have a temporarily limited power balance due to current communication conditions, e.g., a smartphone located at the edge of a cell, etc. It should be noted that the term "limited power balance" includes or encompasses power limits, and thus a power-limited device can be considered a device with a limited power balance. Processing element (or processor) – refers to various elements or combinations of elements. Processing elements include, for example, circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), sections or circuits of individual processor cores, complete processor cores, individual processors, programmable hardware devices such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or larger sections of systems that include multiple processors. Automatic – refers to an action or operation (e.g., software executed by the computer system) performed by a computer system or device (e.g., switching logic, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.) without user input that directly specifies the action or operation. Thus, the term "automatic" contrasts with an operation performed or specified manually by the user, where the user provides input to directly execute the operation. An automatic procedure may be initiated by user input, but the subsequent actions performed "automatically" are not specified by the user; that is, they are not performed "manually" with the user specifying each action to be carried out.For example, a user who completes an electronic form by selecting each field and providing input that specifies information (e.g., by typing information, selecting checkboxes, choosing a radio button, etc.) is manually filling out the form, even though the computer system needs to update the form in response to the user's actions. The form can be automatically filled out by the computer system, where the computer system (e.g., software running on the computer system) analyzes the form's fields and completes the form entirely without any user input specifying the answers to the fields. As mentioned above, the user can request automatic form completion but is not involved in the actual process of filling out the form (e.g., the user does not manually specify answers for fields; these are filled in automatically).The following description provides various examples of operations that are performed automatically in response to actions taken by the user. Configured to – Various components may be described as “configured to” perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad term that generally means “possessing a structure that” performs the task or tasks during operation. Thus, the component may be configured to perform the task even if the component is not currently performing that task (e.g., a set of electrical conductors may be configured to electrically connect one module to another, even if the two modules are not connected). In some contexts, “configured to” may be a broad term referring to a structure that generally means “possessing switching logic that” performs the task or tasks during operation.Therefore, the component can be configured to perform the task even if it is not currently switched on. Generally, the switching logic that forms the structure accordingly "configured to" can include hardware circuits.

[0015] For convenience, various components may be described as performing a task or tasks. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase "configured to." The citation of a component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly not intended to imply an interpretation under 35 USC § 112, paragraph six, for that component. Figures 1-2 - Wireless communication system

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless mobile communication system. It should be noted that Fig. 1 represents one possibility among many, and that functions of the present disclosure can be implemented in any of the various systems as desired. For example, embodiments described herein can be implemented in any type of wireless device. The wireless embodiment described below is one example.

[0017] As shown, the exemplary wireless communication system includes a cellular base station 102, which communicates via a transmission medium with one or more wireless devices 106A, 106B, etc., and an accessory device 107. The wireless devices 106A, 106B, and 107 can be user devices, referred to herein as "user equipment" or UE devices.

[0018] Base Station 102 can be a base transceiver station (BTS) or a radio cell and may include hardware that enables wireless communication with UE devices 106A, 106B, and 107. Base Station 102 may also be equipped to communicate with a Network 100 (e.g., among many other possibilities, with a mobile network operator's core network, a telecommunications network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and / or the Internet). Thus, Base Station 102 can enable communication between UE devices 106 and 107 and / or between UE devices 106 / 107 and Network 100. In other embodiments, Base Station 102 may be configured to provide communication over one or more other wireless technologies, such as an access point that supports one or more WLAN protocols, such as 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ad and / or ax, or LTE in an unlicensed band (LAA).

[0019] The communication area (or coverage area) of the base station 102 can be referred to as a "cell". The base station 102 and the UEs 106 / 107 can be configured to communicate over the transmission medium using various radio access technologies (RATs) or wireless communication technologies, such as GSM, UMTS (WCDMA, TD-CDMA), LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc.

[0020] Base station 102 and other similar base stations (not shown) operating according to one or more cellular communication technologies can thus be provided as a network of cells capable of providing a continuous or almost continuous overlapping service to UE devices 106A-N and 107 and similar devices over a geographical area using one or more cellular communication technologies.

[0021] Note that in at least some cases, a UE 106 / 107 device may be capable of communicating using one of several wireless communication technologies. For example, a UE 106 / 107 device may be configured to communicate using one or more of GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, WiMAX, LTE, LTE-A, NR, WLAN, Bluetooth, one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H), etc. Other combinations of wireless communication technologies (including more than two wireless communication technologies) are also possible. Likewise, in some cases, the UE 106 / 107 device may be designed to communicate using only a single wireless communication technology.

[0022] The UEs 106A and 106B can include handheld devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and / or any of the various types of devices with cellular communication capabilities. For example, one or more of the UEs 106A and 106B can be a wireless device intended for stationary or mobile use, such as an instrument, measuring device, control device, etc. The UE 106B can be configured to communicate with the UE device 107, which can be referred to as an accessory device 107. The accessory device 107 can be any of the various types of wireless devices, typically a body-worn device, which has a smaller form factor and may have limited battery capacity, output power, and / or communication capabilities compared to the UEs 106.As a common example, the user equipment 106B could be a smartphone worn by a user, and the accessory device 107 could be a smartwatch worn by the same user. The UE 106B and the accessory device 107 can communicate using any of several short-range communication protocols, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0023] The UE 106B can also be configured to communicate with the UE 106A. For example, the UE 106A and UE 106B can be capable of direct device-to-device (D2D) communication. D2D communication can be supported by the BS 102 cellular base station (e.g., the BS 102 can facilitate discovery in various possible ways) or it can be conducted in a manner not supported by the BS 102. For example, the UE 106A and UE 106B can organize and conduct D2D communication (e.g., including D2D discovery communication) even when they are outside the coverage area of ​​the BS 102 and other cellular base stations.

[0024] The accessory device 107 has cellular communication capabilities and is therefore able to communicate directly with the cellular base station 102. However, because the accessory device 107 may be limited in one or more of its communication capabilities, output power, and / or battery capacity, in some cases the accessory device 107 can selectively use the user equipment 106B as a proxy for communication purposes with the base station 102 and thus the network 100. In other words, the accessory device 107 can selectively use the cellular communication capabilities of its companion device (e.g., UE 106B) to carry out its cellular communications.The limitation of the communication capabilities of the accessory device 107 may be permanent, for example due to the limitation of the output power or the supported radio access technologies (RATs), or temporary, for example due to conditions such as current battery status, inability to access a network or poor reception.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example accessory device 107 communicating with the base station 102. The accessory device 107 can be a wearable device, such as a smartwatch. The accessory device 107 can include cellular communication capabilities and be able to communicate directly with the base station 102, as shown. When the accessory device 107 is configured to communicate directly with the base station, the accessory device can be described as being in an “autonomous mode”.

[0026] The accessory device 107 may also be capable of communicating with another device (e.g., UE 106), referred to as a proxy device, intermediary device, or companion device, using a short-range communication protocol; for example, according to some embodiments, the accessory device 107 may be "paired" with the UE 106. In some circumstances, the accessory device 107 may use the cellular functionality of this proxy device to communicate cellular voice / data with the base station 102. In other words, the accessory device 107 may transmit voice or data packets intended for the base station 102 to the user equipment 106 via the short-range link, and the user equipment 106 may use its cellular communication functionality to send (or relay) this voice or data to the base station on behalf of the accessory device 107.Similarly, the voice or data packets transmitted by the base station and intended for the accessory device 107 can be received by the cellular communication functionality of the user equipment 106 and then relayed to the accessory device via the short-range link. As mentioned above, the user equipment 106 can be a mobile phone, a tablet or any other type of handheld device, a media playback device, a computer, a laptop, or virtually any type of wireless device. When the accessory device 107 is configured to communicate indirectly with the base station using the cellular communication functionality of an intermediary or proxy device, the accessory device can be described as being in a "pass-through mode."

[0027] UE 106 and / or 107 may include a device or integrated circuit for supporting cellular communication, referred to as a cellular modem. The cellular modem may include one or more processors (processor elements) and various hardware components as described herein. UE 106 and / or 107 may perform any of the method implementations described herein by executing instructions on one or more programmable processors. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be one or more programmable hardware elements, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other circuitry configured to perform one of the method implementations described herein, or a portion thereof.The cellular modem described herein can be used in a consumer electronics device, a wireless device, or a communications device as defined herein. The cellular modem described herein can also be used in a base station or other similar network-side device.

[0028] The UE 106 and / or 107 may include one or more antennas for communication using two or more wireless communication protocols or radio access technologies. In some embodiments, the UE 106 / 107 may be configured to communicate using a single shared radio device. The shared radio device may couple to a single antenna or may couple to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) to perform wireless communications. Alternatively, the UE 106 / 107 may include two or more radio devices. Other configurations are also possible.

[0029] The accessory device 107 can be any of several different types of devices, which in some embodiments have a smaller form factor compared to a conventional smartphone, and may have one or more of the following limitations: limited communication capabilities, limited output power, or limited battery life compared to a conventional smartphone. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the accessory device 107 is a smartwatch or another type of wearable device. As another example, the accessory device 107 can be a tablet device, such as an iPad, with Wi-Fi capabilities (and possibly limited cellular communication capabilities) that is not currently near a Wi-Fi hotspot and therefore is not currently able to communicate with the internet via Wi-Fi.Thus, the term "accessory device," as defined above, refers to any of the various types of devices that, in some cases, have limited or reduced communication capabilities and can therefore selectively and opportunistically use the UE 106 as a proxy for communication purposes for one or more applications and / or RATs. As noted previously, the UE 106 can be described as an accompanying device to the accessory device 107 if the UE 106 can be used as a proxy by the accessory device 107. Figure 3 - exemplary block diagram of a UE device

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a possible block diagram of a UE device, such as the UE device 106 or 107. As shown, the UE device 106 / 107 can include a system-on-chip (SOC) 300, which can contain sections for various purposes. As shown, the SOC 300 can, for example, include one or more processors 302, which can execute program instructions for the UE device 106 / 107, and a display circuit 304, which can perform graphics processing and provide display signals to the display 360. The SOC 300 can also include a motion detection circuit 370, which can detect movement of the UE 106, for example, using a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and / or any of various other motion detection components. The one or more processors 302 can also be equipped with a

[0031] The memory management unit (MMU) 340 may be coupled to the one or more processors 302 and may be configured to receive addresses from them and translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read-only memory (ROM) 350, flash memory 310). The MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or setup. In some embodiments, the MMU 340 may be enclosed as a section of the one or more processors 302.

[0032] As shown, the SOC 300 can be coupled with various other circuits of the UE 106 / 107. For example, the UE 106 / 107 can include various types of memory (e.g., including a NAND flash memory 310), a connector interface 320 (e.g., for coupling with a computer system, a dock, a charging station, etc.), the display 360, and a wireless communication circuit 330 (e.g., for LTE, LTE-A, NR, CDMA2000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, etc.).

[0033] The UE device 106 / 107 can include at least one antenna and, in some embodiments, several antennas 335a and 335b for performing wireless communication with base stations and / or other devices. For example, the UE device 106 / 107 can use antennas 335a and 335b to perform wireless communications. As stated above, in some embodiments, the UE device 106 / 107 can be configured to communicate wirelessly using several wireless communication standards or radio access technologies (RATs).

[0034] The wireless communication circuit 330 can include a Wi-Fi logic 332, a cellular modem 334, and a Bluetooth logic 336. The Wi-Fi logic 332 enables the UE device 106 / 107 to perform Wi-Fi communications on an 802.11 network. The Bluetooth logic 336 enables the UE device 106 / 107 to perform Bluetooth communications. The cellular modem 334 can be a low-power cellular modem capable of performing cellular communication according to one or more cellular communication technologies.

[0035] As described herein, UE 106 / 107 may include hardware and software components for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. For example, one or more components of the wireless communication circuit 330 (e.g., the Wi-Fi logic 332, the cellular modem 334, the BT logic 336) of UE device 106 / 107 may be configured to implement some or all of the methods described herein, e.g., by means of a processor that executes program instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium), a processor configured as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and / or by means of dedicated hardware components, which may include an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Figure 4 - Block diagram of a base station

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a base station 102 according to some embodiments. It is noted that the base station is Fig. Figure 4 represents only one specific example of a possible base station. As shown, the base station 102 can include one or more processors 404 that can execute program instructions for the base station 102. The one or more processors 404 can also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440, which can be configured to receive addresses from the one or more processors 404 and translate these addresses into locations in a memory (e.g., in a memory 460 and a read-only memory (ROM) 450), or to other circuits or devices.

[0037] The base station 102 can include at least one network port 470. The network port 470 can be configured to establish a connection to a telephone network and to provide access to the telephone network to multiple devices, such as the UE devices 106 / 107, as described above in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0038] Network port 470 (or an additional network port) can be configured additionally or alternatively to establish a connection to a mobile network, such as a mobile network operator's core network. The core network can provide mobility-related services and / or other services to a variety of devices, such as the UE devices 106 / 107. In some cases, network port 470 can establish a connection to the telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network can provide a telephone network (e.g., between other UE devices served by the mobile network operator).

[0039] The base station 102 can include at least one antenna 434 and possibly several antennas. The antenna(s) 434 can be configured to function as a wireless transceiver and can also be configured to communicate with the UE devices 106 / 107 via the radio device 430. The antenna(s) 434 communicate with the radio device 430 via a communication chain 432. The communication chain 432 can be a receive chain, a transmit chain, or both. The radio device 430 can be configured to communicate using various wireless communication standards, including LTE, LTE-A, NR, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0040] The Base Station 102 can be configured to communicate wirelessly using multiple wireless communication standards. In some cases, the Base Station 102 may include multiple radio devices, enabling it to communicate using several wireless communication technologies. For example, the Base Station 102 may include an LTE radio device for LTE communication, as well as a Wi-Fi radio device for Wi-Fi communication. In such a case, the Base Station 102 can operate as both an LTE base station and a Wi-Fi access point. Alternatively, the Base Station 102 may include a multi-mode radio device capable of communicating using one of several wireless communication technologies (e.g., LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.).

[0041] As further described below, the BS 102 may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting the implementation of features described herein. The BS 102 processor 404 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the procedures described herein, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (such as a non-volatile, machine-readable storage medium). Alternatively, the BS 102 processor may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), an ASIC (custom integrated circuit), or a combination thereof.Alternatively (or additionally), the BS 102 processor 404 can be configured, in conjunction with one or more of the other components 430, 432, 434, 440, 450, 460, 470, to implement or support the implementation of some or all of the features described herein. Figures 5-6 - exemplary coverage scenario and flowchart

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a possible example of a coverage scenario for smartphones and smartwatches according to some embodiments. As shown, a base station 502 can provide a cell for a variety of wireless devices, including various smartphones 506 and various smartwatches 507. Such different types of devices may have different characteristics, resulting in different effective communication ranges. Thus, the effective watch cell range 510, as shown, may be smaller than the effective smartphone cell range 520.Therefore, while all of the depicted smartphones (506A, 506B, 506C, 506D, 506E) may be within the communication range of base station 502 and thus able to receive the cellular communication service from the cell, only one of the depicted smartwatches (507A) may be within the communication range of base station 502, and the remaining illustrated smartwatches (507B, 507C, 507D) may be outside the communication range of base station 502. If one or more other cells are not within the range of these smartwatches 507B-D, they may not be able to receive a cellular communication service and may consequently experience a loss of cellular service.

[0043] Since mobile base station deployment is organized, at least in some cases, to provide efficient mobile communication coverage for smartphones and other devices with similar mobile communication ranges, coverage scenarios such as those described in Fig. 5, which may lead to more frequent radio link failures and out-of-service events for smartwatches and / or other devices with smaller than average cellular communication ranges (e.g., devices with limited power transfer balance).

[0044] When a wireless device experiences a service outage (e.g., goes out of service or is only able to receive limited service), it can generally attempt a system recovery to regain cellular service. One way this might involve a telescopic scan pattern with statically configured rest intervals. In some cases, the choice of a particular interscan rest interval might also be based on the device's motion state at that time. For example, larger rest intervals might be used for slower motion states (e.g., a stationary motion state) compared to faster motion states (e.g., a walking or driving motion state).

[0045] However, attempts to regain cellular communication service when a service outage occurs can be potentially very power-intensive. If battery consumption during a service recovery scan is not tracked, there may be no upper limit to the energy allocated to scans and no way to reliably allocate a specific energy budget to scans. As previously noted, many devices with a limited power transfer balance may, in many cases, be relatively power-constrained in addition to having a potentially relatively limited cellular communication range. For example, many body-worn devices may have relatively small battery reserve capacities, due to their body-worn form factor and / or other design considerations.Therefore, guaranteeing a certain battery lifespan, regardless of the possible range of RF coverage conditions and possible system recovery scenarios that a wireless device may experience, can be challenging, but may still be considered important under at least some circumstances.

[0046] Techniques that treat battery power as a limited resource when attempting system recovery can therefore, at least in some cases, have a particularly significant benefit for devices with a limited power transfer balance. Accordingly, Fig. 6 A flowchart illustrating a procedure for a wireless device (e.g., an accessory device) to perform energy-budgeted system recovery according to some embodiments. Note that while such use of one or more energy budgets to potentially limit the power consumption of cellular service recovery operations may be particularly useful for connecting devices with a limited power transfer balance, note that such techniques are also applicable to devices without a limited power transfer balance (e.g., including wireless devices with larger cellular communication ranges, such as those described in Fig. 5 smartphones shown) can be advantageous. Accordingly, it should be noted that, if desired, any or all aspects of the procedure can be modified by Fig. 6 can also be used in conjunction with such devices.

[0047] Aspects of the procedure of Fig. 6 can therefore be achieved by a wireless device, such as one in the Fig. 1-3 illustrated and described UE 106 or 107, or more generally, in conjunction with any of the computer systems or devices shown in the preceding figures, alongside other devices, as desired, may be implemented.

[0048] In various embodiments, some of the elements of the illustrated process can be performed simultaneously or in a different order than shown, replaced by other process elements, or omitted. Furthermore, additional process elements can be performed as desired. As shown, the process can operate as follows.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the wireless device can be an accessory device, such as a smartwatch, paired with a smartphone as a companion device. The wireless device can be paired with the companion device using one or more short-range wireless communication technologies. Pairing the accessory device with the companion device can establish a connection between the devices, enabling them to communicate wirelessly when within range of each other. According to some embodiments, a paired relationship between devices can optionally include or enable one or more additional features, such as any or all settings, user profiles, and / or accounts shared by one or more devices, data synchronization between the devices, and so on.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the wireless device and the companion device may be able to communicate with each other using any or all of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC), and / or any of various other possible short-range communication protocols. Additionally, according to some embodiments, both the wireless device and the companion device may be able to perform cellular communication.

[0051] Although both the wireless device and the companion device may be capable of communicating according to several wireless communication technologies, the wireless device may, at least according to some embodiments, have different characteristics than the companion device that may affect their respective preferred patterns of use and relationships. For example, as mentioned above, one possibility is that the wireless device may be a smartwatch (or other wearable device), while the companion device may be a smartphone, and the wireless device may have a more limited battery capacity and degraded antenna performance compared to the companion device.

[0052] Alternatively, if desired, the wireless device can be an independent device (or at least operate in an independent mode), e.g., such that the wireless device is not currently paired with a companion device.

[0053] In section 602, the wireless device can determine one or more energy budgets for system recovery. Determining one or more energy budgets can also be referred to as selecting an energy budget set. Selecting the energy budget set can include choosing which of several possible energy budgets to use when performing a system recovery and / or selecting parameters for each selected energy budget.

[0054] The energy budget rate can be selected based on any of several possible considerations. For example, the wireless device may use a variety of different possible scan ranges at different times, and the current scan range scenario or state of the wireless device may influence the energy budget rate used (e.g., because different scan ranges typically have different energy consumption profiles). In some cases, the scan range for the wireless device may again depend on the degree to which the wireless device is aware of its location. For example, depending on whether the wireless device knows a recently used cell or does not know a recently used cell but does know a country (e.g.,Depending on the mobile country code (MCC) in which the wireless device is currently located, or if it does not know its location at all, a different scan range (and potentially a different power budget) may be selected. Another possible consideration is that the wireless device may select the power budget to use at any given time, at least partially based on the current battery level / reserves of the wireless device. For example, different power budgets may be selected for different battery level ranges. Other considerations are also possible.

[0055] Each energy budget can have various parameters, each of which can vary over time or remain constant. One aspect of each energy budget can include the condition or time at which the energy budget is initiated. For example, an energy budget to manage average energy consumption can be initiated each time a mobile service restoration scenario occurs, so a condition with T=0 can trigger the use of the energy budget upon entering a mobile service restoration scenario. As another example, an energy budget to manage the total energy consumption by mobile service restoration activities can be initiated over periodic time windows (e.g.,(where each window potentially includes multiple cellular service recovery scenarios), such that a condition with T=0, which initiates the use of the power budget, can occur when the wireless device is powered on and potentially at each subsequent periodic interval, according to the size of the periodic time window targeted by the power budget, e.g., until the wireless device is powered off. Alternatively, if desired, a power budget can also be used to manage a total number of cellular service recovery scans performed over a given period.

[0056] In Section 604, the wireless device can determine that a cellular service recovery scenario is occurring. The cellular service recovery scenario can include, among various possible scenarios, a scenario in which the cellular service fails and the wireless device attempts to obtain service (e.g., limited or normal), or a scenario in which limited cellular service is available (e.g., from a carrier that supports emergency calls but from which other services are not available, for example, due to cellular service subscription characteristics of the wireless device) and the wireless device attempts to obtain normal cellular service (e.g., from a carrier that provides voice, data, and / or other services according to a cellular service subscription of the wireless device).

[0057] In some embodiments (e.g., in an out-of-service (OOS) scenario), determining that a cellular service restoration scenario is occurring may include determining that the wireless device has lost cellular communication service. For example, the signal strength of a cell to which the wireless device was connected (e.g., a serving cell) may have decreased (e.g., due to the wireless device moving away from the cell, increased interference, etc.), such that the wireless device is no longer able to communicate with the cell-serving base station, and the cell may not be aware of any suitable neighboring cells. Such a cellular communication service outage occurring in standby mode can result in the wireless device being OOS.A cellular service outage occurring in connected mode can trigger a Radio Link Failure (RLF), after which certain RLF recovery procedures can be attempted. If successful, this can lead to a restoration of cellular service (e.g., to the same serving cell from which the cellular service failed or to a different serving cell), whereas if unsuccessful, it can lead to disconnection and out-of-service (OOS).

[0058] In section 606, the wireless device may attempt to restore / recover the cellular communication service according to the specified energy budget(s). Based on the cellular service recovery scenario that occurs, the attempt to restore the cellular service (which may also be referred to as an attempt at system recovery) may involve performing one or more scans for a cellular service. The timing of the one or more scans for a cellular service may be determined, at least in part, based on the specified energy budget(s).

[0059] For example, a suggested next scan time can be determined for each energy budget within the selected energy budget set, ensuring that the parameters of that specific energy budget are not violated. The suggested next scan time for each energy budget can be determined in any of several possible ways. For instance, once initiated, each energy budget can include energy allocation over time and can include a minimum energy allocation credit balance to enable a service restoration scan. One or both of these can vary over time, if desired. Based on the energy allocation, an energy allocation credit can accumulate for the energy budget over time.The earliest time at which the energy allocation credit would reach the minimum energy allocation credit balance to enable a service restoration scan can be selected as the proposed next scan time for the energy budget.

[0060] It should be noted that under such an arrangement, when a mobile service restoration scan is performed, any estimated energy consumption associated with the mobile service restoration scan may be deducted from the energy budget allocation credit, which may affect when the next proposed energy budget scan time is. Additionally, in at least some cases, any estimated energy consumption associated with a sleep / reduced power state preceding the mobile service restoration scan (e.g., because the energy budget allocation credit was previously calculated) may be deducted from the energy budget allocation credit. The energy consumption associated with a mobile service restoration scan and / or the sleep state may be estimated in any number of different ways, as desired.One possibility is that the wireless device may have integrated hardware and / or software configured to measure the power consumption of the wireless device (or specific sections of the wireless device), from which the wireless device can directly estimate the power consumption caused by the cellular service recovery scan and / or sleep mode based on measurements taken by the wireless device. Another possibility is that the wireless device may store one or more models of the power consumption caused by various cellular service recovery activities / parameters (e.g.,Sleep mode between scans), and can estimate the power consumption caused by the cellular service recovery scan and / or sleep state using power consumption values ​​provided by the power consumption model(s) for the cellular service recovery activities / parameters / duration (e.g., the time spent scanning and in sleep mode before a scan, the type / number of scans, whether they are focused frequency scans or blind scans across the entire bandwidth, the RF environment of the wireless device, etc.) included in the cellular service recovery scan. In such a case, the power consumption model(s) can be generated by the wireless device provider or another desired party, e.g.,Based on external measurements, characterization, and modeling of the energy consumption of the wireless device (or a comparable wireless device) in a variety of system recovery scenarios or in any of several other possible ways. Other energy consumption estimation techniques are also possible.

[0061] To satisfy all energy budgets within the energy budget set, the latest suggested next scan time may be selected to perform the next scan for a cellular service in the current cellular service recovery scenario. In some cases, a minimum interval between scans for a cellular service (e.g., to ensure a minimum amount of time diversity between scans) and / or a maximum interval between scans for a cellular service (e.g., to avoid excessive periods without cellular service, potentially at the expense of remaining within all energy budgets in the selected energy budget set) may provide an additional constraint on the selection of the next scan for a cellular service in the current cellular service recovery scenario.For example, in some embodiments, it can be determined that the next scan for a cellular service in the current cellular service recovery scenario will be performed at a time that meets a configured minimum interval between scans, if this time is later than any of the proposed times to perform the next scan according to the energy budget set. Similarly, in some embodiments, it can be determined that the next scan for a cellular service in the current cellular service recovery scenario will be performed at a time that meets a configured maximum interval between scans, if this time is earlier than at least one of the proposed times to perform the next scan according to the energy budget set.In such embodiments, a latest time among the proposed times for performing the next scan according to the energy budget set can be selected as the time for performing the next scan on a cellular service in the current cellular service recovery scenario if that time results in an interval greater than or equal to the configured minimum interval between scans since a previous scan on a cellular service, and if that time results in an interval less than or equal to the configured maximum interval between scans since the previous scan on a cellular service.

[0062] Once the time for the next scan for a cellular service has been determined according to the current cellular service recovery scenario, the wireless device can perform the next scan for a cellular service at that specified time. The scan can have any of several possible scan scopes, depending, for example, on the conditions under which the wireless device is operating. As noted previously, according to some embodiments, the scope for out-of-service (OOS) scans and / or scans for limited service can be selected, at least in part, based on historical service and / or location information, to the extent that such information is available.For example, according to some embodiments, a collection database used to select the cells to be searched for cellular service can be enhanced to include neighbor information for configured neighbors for the cell from which cellular service has failed, so that the configured neighbors for the cell from which cellular service has failed are included among the cells searched. Additionally (or alternatively, e.g., if such information is unavailable or considered outdated), the parameters and / or scope of an attempt to restore cellular service can include consideration of the current location (e.g., latitude / longitude coordinates from a module of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) of the wireless device, mobile country code of a recently occupied cell, etc.) of the wireless device.

[0063] Note that the motion state of the wireless device can also be considered when determining the scan scope (and / or the energy budget(s) for system recovery), if desired. For example, if the wireless device is moving rapidly, the expected recovery time between the loss and restoration of cellular service can be reduced, such as when the wireless device moves from the coverage area provided by the cell from which the cellular service loss occurred to a cell from which cellular service can be restored. If the wireless device is stationary or moving slowly, the expected service recovery time may be longer. Thus, according to some embodiments, the wireless device can determine a motion state, such as...Using a motion detection circuit, such as one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, vibration sensors, and / or other motion detection components capable of capturing the magnitude and / or type of motion for various movement types, the system can select cellular service recovery attempt characteristics, at least partially, based on the specific motion state. For example, one possibility is to select the parameters of one or more energy budgets to allow more frequent scans for faster motion states than for slower or stationary motion states.

[0064] Based on the initial cellular service recovery scan in a given cellular service recovery scenario, the wireless device may successfully obtain cellular service (e.g., the scan may result in cellular service recovery) or it may fail (e.g., the scan may not result in cellular service recovery). If the initial scan results in cellular service recovery, the wireless device may exit the cellular service recovery scenario (which may, for example, result in the termination of one or more power budgets, such as per-recovery-scenario power budgets) and begin or continue using the normal (or limited) cellular service it has obtained.

[0065] If the initial scan does not restore cellular service, the wireless device can determine a time to perform a subsequent (e.g., second) scan for cellular service according to the cellular service restoration scenario. Similar to the initial scan, the time to perform the second scan can be determined, at least in part, based on one or more energy budgets allocated for cellular service restoration. For example, a suggested next scan time can be determined based on each energy budget, and the latest suggested time can be selected as the time to perform the second scan, possibly constrained by configured minimum and / or maximum scan intervals.Note that the estimated energy consumption of the first scan on a cellular service according to the cellular service restoration scenario (and potentially the estimated energy consumption during the preceding sleep state) can influence the selected scan time for the second scan, e.g., because (as mentioned previously) each energy budget can deduct the estimated energy consumption of each scan from the energy allocation credit for that energy budget, which in turn can influence when the minimum energy allocation credit to allow a scan is next reached for that budget, and thus what the next proposed scan time is for that budget.

[0066] Thus, if the first scan does not result in the restoration of cellular service, the wireless device can perform a second scan for cellular service at the specified time, according to the cellular service restoration scenario. Similarly, the wireless device can continue to perform subsequent scans for cellular service, with the time selected at least partially based on the selected power budget(s) in the cellular service restoration scenario, until cellular service is restored, and can determine the scan time during subsequent cellular service restoration scenarios in a similar manner.

[0067] Note that, according to at least some embodiments, the wireless device may operate in a reduced-power state (e.g., a sleep state) between the first and second scans. For example, between scans for a cellular service, at least one section of the wireless device's cellular communication circuitry may be switched off or may operate in a reduced-power state to, for example, reduce the wireless device's energy consumption during these times.

[0068] Note that the energy budget(s) used (and / or the parameters of the selected energy budget(s)) can be dynamically modified by the wireless device at any time. For example, if the conditions experienced by the wireless device change in a way that is configured to affect which energy budget(s) is used and / or the parameters of one or more budgets, the energy budget(s) selected for use by the wireless device can be changed to reflect the updated conditions.This can in turn affect the scan time for subsequent scans to a mobile network service performed by the wireless device.

[0069] Thus, a wireless device employing power-budgeted system recovery techniques can actively manage the energy consumption of its system recovery activities, controlling its scanning activities in such a way as to achieve one or more budget targets simultaneously, even though the cost of a scan is potentially unknown until it is actually completed. Such techniques can facilitate the management of the wireless device's battery power as a potentially limited resource (e.g., when the wireless device is not connected to an external power source) and enable the wireless device to guarantee a certain battery life under any of several possible wireless coverage conditions, at least according to some embodiments, e.g.,by acknowledging that this may be important to users of the wireless device, at least under certain circumstances and / or for certain types of wireless devices. Figures 7-12 - additional information

[0070] The Fig. 7-12 and their description are provided as examples of other possible techniques and details that may be associated with the procedure of Fig. 6 may be used, and are not intended to limit the disclosure as a whole. Numerous alternatives to and variations of the details provided below are possible and should be considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0071] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a possible technique for selecting the next scan time during a system recovery for a selected set of power budgets according to some embodiments. As shown, after a scan "m" 702, the power cost of scan m 704 can be determined (e.g., estimated) and entered into each power budget 706-1...706-N of a power budget set 708. For each power budget 706-1...706-N, a corresponding start time proposal 710-1...710-N for the next scan "m+1" 714 can be determined. In decision 712, the latest proposed start time can be selected as the start time for scan "m+1," provided that the latest proposed start time does not conflict with a configured minimum interval between scans (e.g., to provide at least a minimum degree of time diversity between scans) or a configured maximum interval between scans (e.g., to provide a minimum degree of time diversity between scans).(to avoid excessive intervals between scans). The next scan can be performed at the selected start time m + 1 714.

[0072] The procedure of Fig. Step 7 can be repeated as needed, for example, to determine the scan time on each occasion when a system recovery scan is desired. Such occasions may arise to determine the scan time for multiple scans within a single recovery timeline and / or across multiple recovery timelines as desired.

[0073] The energy budgets used to determine the set of suggested next scan times can be configured in any number of different ways, as desired. Fig. Figures 8-9 are diagrams illustrating two possible energy budgets that can be used, following a possible budgeting algorithm, according to some embodiments.

[0074] According to the budgeting algorithm of Fig. 8-9 Each budget can be designed to include an energy allocation (A(t)) as a line over time. This parameter can either be configured statically (e.g., as in Fig. (shown in Figures 8-9) or can be dynamically scaled according to various considerations, such as the motion state of the wireless device using the energy budget. Furthermore, each budget can be designed to include a minimum allocation credit (A_Credit_Min(t)) that must be built up before the budget can authorize a scan at any given time 't', where the credit built up over an interval Δt is the area under the line A(t) for that interval.

[0075] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary possible energy budget per recovery event, where, for example, T=0 represents the entry into a system recovery timeline. As shown, for this exemplary budget, the energy allocation for an initial segment of the system recovery timeline can be relatively high and then gradually reduced to a minimum level after some time, eventually leveling off for the remainder of the system recovery timeline. In this example, A_Credit_Min(t) can remain constant at 0 for the entire system recovery timeline.

[0076] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates an example of a possible hourly energy budget, where, for example, T=0 represents the device power-on time and every 1 hour thereafter. As shown, for this example budget, the energy allocation can be constant over the system recovery timeline. In contrast, in this example, A_Credit_Min(t) can initially be set to 0, but can decrease over time to a configured minimum level, then increase over time to a configured maximum level, and then decrease again to the initial value. Such a variation in A_Credit_Min(t) can be used to change the rate at which scans are scheduled during the recovery timeline, if desired.

[0077] Note that, although the exemplary possible energy budgets of the Fig. 8-9 represent two possible energy budgets, as desired any number of different energy budgets (e.g. with different initialization conditions and / or energy management goals) and / or different lines for A(t) and / or A_Credit_Min(t) can be used.

[0078] Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating further details of an exemplary possible algorithm for determining the next scan start time during a system recovery timeline according to some embodiments. The illustrated example shows an algorithm for determining the proposed scan start times as required according to an initial power budget of 1030. A similar algorithm (e.g., using different parameters) can be used for each additional power budget employed (e.g., for the power budget of 1032). Fig. 10) On each occasion when a proposed start time for the next system recovery scan is provided by each power budget of the selected power budget set, in 1034 the latest of these proposed start times can be selected, optionally limited by a value “Min_Ts” (e.g., to provide sufficient time diversity in the scan pattern) and / or a value “Max_Ts” (e.g., to ensure a known upper limit for the service recovery time if optimal RF conditions return).

[0079] As shown, during budget initialization 1002, the lines for A(t) and A_Credit_Min(t) can be determined for the budget. In 1004, "t_present" and "Credit_Credit.@t_present" can be set to 0. Credit_Credit.@t_present can generally represent the allocation balance as it was last calculated and recorded, taking into account A(t) and the cost of the last scan, if one has occurred by then. T_present can represent the time at which Credit_Credit.@t_present was last calculated and recorded.

[0080] In 1006, information can be entered into the budget indicating that a scan was completed at "t_Scan_Ende" (usually the time at which the last scan ended, or 0 for the first scan after budget initialization; this is also the time at which the calculation can generally be performed in relation to the proposed time for the next scan) with specified costs (which generally represent the estimated energy costs of the last scan performed, possibly including the estimated energy costs of the standby state before the last scan performed) or 0 for the first scan after budget initialization, because in this case no scan has been performed since the budget initialization).

[0081] In step 1008, it can be determined whether the scan has found a system. For example, if a serving cell capable of providing the intended services is found with sufficient strength to receive a service from it, the wireless device can perform a system discovery for that cell and connect to it. If this occurs, step 1010 can determine whether the budget exit criteria are met. For example, if the budget is an energy budget per recovery timeline, a successful system discovery can be the budget exit criterion, in which case the budget exit criteria may be met. If the budget exit criteria are met, step 1028 can terminate the budget. Note that in this case, the budget can be re-instantiated at a later time, for example, after a budget initialization trigger.However, if the budget exit criteria are not met by the successful system capture (for example, if the budget is an hourly or other periodic energy budget) or if the scan has not resulted in service restoration (e.g., if the budget was just initialized and no scan has actually been performed since the budget initialization), the budget in 1012 may lose its values ​​for Credit_Credit.@t_Scan_End,t_existing and.

[0082] Update Kredit_Guth.@t_vorh., e.g. as follows: Kredit_t_Guth.@t_Scan_Ende=Kredit_Guth.@t_vorh.+{t_Scan_Ende-t_vorh.}-Kosten; t_vorh.=t_Scan_Ende; Kredit_Guth.@t_vorh.=Kredit_Guth.@t_Scan_Ende.

[0083] In 1014, the budget can update its values ​​for t and Kredit_Guth.@t, e.g., as follows: t=t_vorh.; Kredit_Guth.@t=Kredit_Guth.@t_vorh.

[0084] In 1016, it can be determined whether `Credit_Balance.@t` is greater than or equal to `A_Credit_Min(t)`, i.e., whether sufficient credit is available to recommend a scan at time t. If `Credit_Balance.@t` is greater than or equal to `A_Credit_Min(t)`, the budget in 1018 can propose time t as the time to perform the next scans and can wait in 1020 (e.g., in a reduced-power / idle state) until the end of the next scan (which could be, for example, time t proposed by budget 1030, or another time proposed by a different budget in the budget set, or a time selected based on a minimum or maximum scan interval constraint), at which point the procedure can return to 1006. If `Credit_Balance.@t` is not greater than or equal to `A_Credit_Min(t)`, the budget in 1022 can increment t. In 1024 it can be determined whether t has reached the end of the budget timeline (e.g.(if the budget is an hourly or other periodic energy budget and the end of the period has been reached). If t has reached the end of the budget timeline, the budget can be terminated in 1028. Otherwise, if t has not reached the end of the budget timeline, the budget can update its value for Credit_Guth.@t in 1026, for example, as follows: Credit_Asset.@t=Credit_Asset.@t_existing + A(t)*{t−t_existing}.

[0085] The budget can then return to 1016 and continue through the algorithm until the budget exit criteria are met, with the earliest time t being spent such that the forecasted credit balance is able to cover costs with a margin of at least A_Credit_min(t) at time t, whenever it is necessary at t_Scan_End to find out when the next scan should be scheduled at a later time "t".

[0086] As mentioned previously, in at least some cases the budget rate used by a device implementing energy budget system recovery techniques can be dynamically selected. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a possible algorithm for such a device for selecting a budget set according to some embodiments. In the example shown, the current scan scope state 1102 and the battery life state 1104 can be input into a budget set selection function 1108. Any number of other inputs 1106 (e.g., based on other aspects of the current system state) can also be provided to the budget set selection function 1108, either as well or alternatively, as desired. Based on the input conditions, the budget set selection function 1108 can select a budget set from a number of configured budget set options 1110, 1112, 1114, as shown, or it can dynamically generate a budget set. In the example shown, the budget set selection function 1108 can currently select budget set 1112. At different times (e.g.,, if the input parameters for the budget rate selection function 1108 change) the budget rate selection function 1108 can dynamically select a different budget rate.

[0087] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating how various parameters of a possible energy-budgeted system recovery algorithm can evolve over time in an example scenario, according to some embodiments. The diagram shows A(t) (in mW) and A_Credit_Min(t) (in mJ), as well as the resulting credit balance (in J) for one energy budget from a set of energy budgets used in the example scenario. Additionally, the diagram shows the energy consumed by scanning (in mW) and the estimated or measured cumulative energy cost of each scan (in J). At time T=0, 1202, the credit balance for the energy budget shown, as well as for the other energy budgets used, is at least equal to A_Credit_Min(t), so a first scan occurs. The energy consumption of the first scan reduces the credit balance for the energy budget to a negative value (which, for example,The allocation balance is significantly below A_Credit_Min(t)), but over time, after the scan is complete, it rebuilds to eventually reach 0 and meets the threshold to allow a scan at time 1204, which is approximately T=170 s. In the illustrated scenario, time 1204 also meets a threshold to allow a scan for each other budget in the budget set, and thus a second scan takes place.

[0088] The energy consumption of the second scan again reduces the credit balance for the energy budget to a negative value (e.g., significantly below A_Credit_Min(t)), but over time, the allocation credit balance rebuilds after the scan is completed, eventually reaching 0 and meeting the threshold to allow a scan at time 1206, which is approximately T=600 s. Since A(t) is generally lower during this later interval than during the interval between the first and second scans, the later interval is again considerably longer than the interval between the first and second scans. In the scenario presented, time 1206 does not meet the threshold to allow a scan for at least one other budget in the budget set, so no scan occurs at time 1206. Accordingly, the allocation credit balance rebuilds until the end of the period shown. Fig.12 illustrated periods continue.

[0089] Further examples are provided below.

[0090] A set of embodiments may include a device comprising: a processing element configured to cause a wireless device to: determine one or more energy budgets for cellular service recovery; determine that a cellular service outage is currently occurring; and attempt to restore cellular service, with the service recovery scan time for attempting to restore cellular service being determined at least partially based on the one or more energy budgets for cellular service recovery.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the processing element for attempting to restore a cellular service is further configured to cause the wireless device to: perform an initial service recovery scan; and if the cellular service is not restored during the initial service recovery scan: determine a proposed interval until a second service recovery scan according to each of the one or more energy budgets for service recovery; determine an interval until the second service recovery scan at least partially based on the proposed interval until a second service recovery scan according to each of the one or more energy budgets for service recovery; and perform a second service recovery scan after the determined interval until the second service recovery scan.

[0092] According to some embodiments, at least one proposed interval until the second service recovery scan is based at least partially on an estimated energy consumption of the first service recovery scan.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the energy consumption of the first service recovery scan is estimated based on an energy consumption model for a variety of possible service recovery activities and service recovery activity parameters, and a determination of service recovery activities and service recovery activity parameters used in the first service recovery scan.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the energy consumption of the first service recovery scan is estimated using an energy consumption measurement circuit of the wireless device.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the one or more energy budgets for service restoration include an average energy consumption budget for service restoration activities.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the one or more energy budgets for service restoration include a budget for the total energy consumed by service restoration activities over a period of time.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the one or more energy budgets for a service recovery comprise a budgeted total number of service recovery scans over a period of time.

[0098] Another set of embodiments may include a wireless device comprising: an antenna; a radio device coupled to the antenna; and a processing element coupled to the radio device; wherein the wireless device is configured to: determine one or more energy budgets for a cellular service recovery; determine that a cellular service recovery scenario is currently occurring; determine a time to perform the next scan for a cellular service in accordance with the cellular service recovery scenario, at least partially based on the one or more energy budgets for cellular service recovery; and perform the next scan for a cellular service at the determined time.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the wireless device for determining the time to perform the next scan for a cellular service is further configured to: determine a proposed time to perform the next scan according to each of the one or more energy budgets for a cellular service restoration.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the wireless device for determining the time to perform the next scan for a cellular service is further configured to: select a time to perform the next scan for a cellular service according to a configured minimum interval between scans if that time is later than any of the suggested times to perform the next scan according to the one or more energy budgets for a cellular service recovery.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the wireless device for determining the time to perform the next scan for a cellular service is further configured to: select a time to perform the next scan for a cellular service according to a configured maximum interval between scans, if that time is earlier than at least one of the proposed times to perform the next scan according to the one or more energy budgets for a cellular service recovery.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the wireless device for determining the time to perform the next scan for a cellular service is further configured to: select a latest time among the proposed times to perform the next scan according to one or more energy budgets for a cellular service restoration than the time to perform the next scan for a cellular service if this time results in an interval greater than or equal to the configured minimum interval between scans since a previous scan for a cellular service, and if this time results in an interval less than or equal to the configured maximum interval between scans since the previous scan for a cellular service.

[0103] According to some embodiments, each respective energy budget includes an energy allocation over time and a minimum balance of energy allocation credit to enable a service restoration scan according to the respective energy budget.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the wireless device is further configured to: select one or more energy budgets for cellular service restoration based on one or more of the following: a battery reserve level of the wireless device; or a scan scope of the next scan for a cellular service.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the cellular service restoration scenario includes one of the following: an out-of-service scenario in which the next scan for a cellular service includes an attempt to obtain limited or normal service; or a limited service scenario in which the next scan for a cellular service includes an attempt to obtain normal service.

[0106] Yet another set of embodiments may include a method comprising: by means of a wireless device: determining that the wireless device is in a cellular service recovery scenario; determining a time to perform an initial scan for a cellular service in accordance with the cellular service recovery scenario, wherein the time to perform the initial scan for a cellular service is based at least partially on one or more energy budgets for a cellular service recovery; and performing the initial scan for a cellular service in accordance with the cellular service recovery scenario at the determined time.

[0107] According to some embodiments, determining the time to perform the first scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario further includes: determining a proposed time for the first scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario according to each of the one or more energy budgets for service recovery; selecting a latest time among the proposed times for the first scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario, constrained by a configured minimum interval between scans for a cellular service and a configured maximum interval between scans for a cellular service.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining that the first scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario does not result in a cellular service recovery; determining a time to perform a second scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario, wherein the time to perform the second scan for a cellular service is based at least partially on one or more energy budgets for a cellular service recovery and further at least partially on an estimated energy consumption of the first scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario; and performing the second scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario at the determined time to perform the second scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the method further includes: operating in a reduced power state between the first scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario and the second scan for a cellular service according to the cellular service recovery scenario.

[0110] Another embodiment may include a method comprising: by means of a wireless device: implementing any or all parts of the preceding examples.

[0111] Another embodiment may include a wireless device comprising: an antenna; a radio device coupled to the antenna; and an operational processing element coupled to the radio device, the device being configured to implement any or all parts of the preceding examples.

[0112] Yet another embodiment may include a device comprising: a processing element configured to cause a wireless device to implement any or all parts of the preceding examples.

[0113] Another exemplary set of embodiments may include a non-volatile, computer-accessible storage medium comprising program instructions which, when executed on a device, cause the device to implement any or all parts of any of the foregoing examples.

[0114] Yet another exemplary set of embodiments may include a computer program comprising instructions for performing any or all parts of any of the foregoing examples.

[0115] Yet another exemplary set of embodiments may include a device comprising means for performing any or all elements of any of the foregoing examples.

[0116] In addition to the embodiments described above, further embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in any number of different forms. For example, some embodiments can be implemented as a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable storage medium, or a computer system. Other embodiments can be implemented using one or more user-adapted hardware devices, such as ASICs. Still other embodiments can be implemented using one or more programmable hardware elements, such as FPGAs.

[0117] In some embodiments, a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium may be designed to store program instructions and / or data, wherein the program instructions, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform a procedure, e.g., any one of the procedure execution forms described herein, or a combination of the procedure execution forms described herein, or a subset of one of the procedure execution forms described herein, or a combination of such subsets.

[0118] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a UE 106 or 107) can be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores program instructions, the processor is configured to read and execute the program instructions from the storage medium, and the program instructions are executable to implement one of the various method implementations described herein (or any combination of the method implementations described herein, or any subset of any method implementation described herein, or any combination of such subsets). The device can be implemented in one of many forms.

[0119] Although the embodiments have been described above in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications are apparent to the person skilled in the art after a full understanding of the foregoing disclosure. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to include all such variations and modifications.

Claims

[1] Institution, encompassing: a processing element configured to cause a wireless device to do the following: Determining one or more energy budgets for a mobile service restoration; Determine that a mobile service outage is currently occurring; and Attempting to restore a cellular service, wherein a cellular service recovery scan time for attempting to restore the cellular service is determined at least partially based on one or more cellular service recovery energy budgets, and wherein the processing element for attempting to restore the cellular service is further configured to cause the wireless device to: Performing an initial mobile service recovery scan; and If mobile service is not restored during the first mobile service recovery scan: Determining an interval until a second mobile service recovery scan, at least partially based on a proposed interval until the second mobile service recovery scan according to each of the one or more mobile service recovery energy budgets; and Performing the second mobile service recovery scan after the specified interval until the second mobile service recovery scan. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the processing element for attempting to restore the mobile service is further configured to cause the wireless device to: If mobile service is not restored during the first mobile service recovery scan: Determine the proposed interval until the second cellular service recovery scan according to each of the one or more cellular service recovery energy budgets. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein at least one proposed interval until the second mobile service recovery scan is based at least partially on an estimated energy consumption of the first mobile service recovery scan. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the energy consumption of the first mobile service recovery scan is estimated based on an energy consumption model for a plurality of possible mobile service recovery activities and mobile service recovery activity parameters and a determination of mobile service recovery activities and mobile service recovery activity parameters used in the first mobile service recovery scan. [5] Device according to claim 3, wherein the energy consumption of the first mobile service restoration scan is estimated using an energy consumption measurement circuit of the wireless device. [6] Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more energy budgets for mobile service restoration comprise one or more of the following: an average energy consumption budget for mobile service restoration activities; a budget for the total energy consumed by mobile service restoration activities over a period of time; or a budgeted total number of mobile service recovery scans over a period of time. [7] Procedures, comprehensive: through a wireless device: Determining one or more energy budgets for a mobile service restoration; Determine that a mobile service restoration scenario is currently occurring; Performing an initial mobile network service recovery scan within an initial timeframe; Determine that the initial mobile service recovery scan does not result in a restoration of mobile service; Determining a time to perform the next mobile service scan according to the mobile service recovery scenario, at least partially based on one or more mobile service recovery energy budgets; and Performing the next scan for the mobile service at the specified time. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein determining the time to perform the next scan for the mobile service further comprises: Determining a proposed time to perform the next scan according to each of the one or more energy budgets for mobile service restoration. [9] The method of claim 8, wherein determining the time to perform the next scan for the mobile service further comprises: Selecting a time to perform the next cellular service scan in accordance with a configured minimum interval between scans, if that time is later than any of the suggested times to perform the next scan according to the one or more cellular service recovery energy budgets. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein determining the time to perform the next scan for the mobile service further comprises: Selecting a time to perform the next cellular service scan in accordance with a configured maximum interval between scans, if that time is earlier than at least one of the suggested times to perform the next scan according to the one or more cellular service recovery energy budgets. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein determining the time to perform the next scan for the mobile service further comprises: Selecting a latest time from among the suggested times to perform the next scan according to the one or more energy budgets for mobile service recovery as the time to perform the next scan for the mobile service if that time results in an interval greater than or equal to the configured minimum interval between scans since a previous scan for the mobile service, and if that time results in an interval less than or equal to the configured maximum interval between scans since the previous scan for the mobile service. [12] Method according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein each respective energy budget comprises an energy allocation over time and a minimum energy allocation credit balance to enable a mobile service restoration scan according to the respective energy budget. [13] Method according to any one of claims 7-12, wherein the wireless device is further configured as follows: Selecting one or more energy budgets for mobile service restoration, based on one or more of the following: a battery reserve level of the wireless device; or a scan scope of the next scan for the mobile service. [14] Method according to any one of claims 7-13, wherein the mobile service restoration scenario comprises one of the following: an out-of-service scenario in which the next scan for mobile service includes an attempt to obtain limited or normal service; or A limited service scenario in which the next mobile service scan will include an attempt to obtain normal service. [15] Computer program product comprising instructions for carrying out one of the methods according to any one of claims 7-14.

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