Communication Subsystem Power Management via Dynamic Traffic Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in balancing power consumption and performance, particularly in power saving modes which offer reduced bandwidth and increased latency compared to active modes, necessitating improved methods for dynamic power management.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dynamic traffic thresholds that automatically switch the communication subsystem between active and power saving modes based on traffic levels, adjusting radio configurations to optimize power usage versus performance, such as switching from Power Saving Mode to Active Mode when communication traffic exceeds certain thresholds and vice versa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the communication subsystem operates in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but bandwidth decreases and latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between active and power saving modes based on real-time traffic conditions. The system continuously monitors communication traffic and automatically transitions between operational modes, making the power consumption and performance characteristics dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate in power saving mode during low-traffic periods (reducing power consumption) while switching to active mode during high-traffic periods (maintaining bandwidth).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (mode of operation) based on traffic conditions. By monitoring traffic levels and adjusting the communication subsystem's operational state accordingly, the system optimizes the trade-off between power consumption and bandwidth. This parameter change approach allows flexible adaptation to different traffic scenarios, resolving the fixed contradiction between power saving and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the communication subsystem operates in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time traffic monitoring. During periods of low or no traffic, the system transitions to power saving mode to reduce power consumption. When traffic activity is detected or increases, the system switches to active mode to minimize latency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making both power consumption and latency variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of traffic conditions and proactively switches modes before performance degradation occurs. By detecting traffic patterns and anticipating needs, the system can transition from power saving mode to active mode in advance of actual data transmission requirements, thereby minimizing latency while still benefiting from power saving during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If dynamic mode switching is implemented, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic mode switching based on traffic conditions. The communication subsystem monitors its own traffic levels and autonomously determines when to switch between active and power saving modes without requiring complex external control mechanisms. This self-service approach optimizes power consumption while minimizing the added complexity, as the system manages its own power states based on inherent traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from traffic monitoring to automatically adjust its operational mode. By continuously monitoring communication traffic and using this feedback to trigger mode transitions, the system achieves optimized power consumption through a relatively simple control loop. The feedback mechanism provides intelligent control without requiring complex algorithms or multiple control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3745782B1Methods and apparatus for controlling power consumption in a electronic device with a communication subsystem
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3745782B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745782B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745782B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling a communication subsystem in an electronic device between a power saving mode and an active mode, the method comprising: detecting an activity event related to an activation or deactivation of an application or component of the electronic device; determining a state of the electronic device based on the detected activity event; and determining a setting for at least one of a first threshold and a second threshold of communication traffic defined for switching from the power saving mode to the active mode and from the active mode to the power saving mode, respectively, from a lookup table based on the determined state. At least some settings stored in the lookup table are calculated based on an anticipated communication traffic for one or more active applications associated in the lookup table with corresponding states of the electronic device.