Communication Device Scanning Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication devices face inefficiencies in resource consumption due to repetitive scanning for signals across various frequency bands, especially when connection via higher priority bands is not feasible, leading to unnecessary power consumption and network traffic.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where communication devices are instructed to pause scanning specific carriers after a threshold number of failed scans, with a timer-based mechanism to resume scanning based on mobility detection, thereby reducing wasteful resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication devices perform repetitive scanning across multiple frequency bands to identify available networks, then the device can maintain connectivity options and adapt to network availability, but power consumption increases and network resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scanning behavior by adjusting scanning frequency and intensity based on device mobility state. When mobility is detected, scanning is resumed or intensified; when stationary, scanning is reduced or paused. This dynamic adaptation maintains connectivity reliability while optimizing power consumption based on actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes scanning parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) based on detected conditions. Scanning behavior is modified according to mobility detection results, network availability, and signal strength measurements, allowing the device to adapt scanning resource usage to actual connectivity needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If communication devices continuously scan for higher priority frequency bands, then the device can achieve optimal network performance, but unnecessary network traffic and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidnetwork resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial scanning action by performing scans only when necessary based on mobility detection and signal conditions. Instead of continuous scanning, the device performs scans partially - only when mobility is detected or when current signal quality degrades - thereby achieving sufficient network performance while avoiding excessive network resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from mobility detection, signal strength measurements, and scan results to adjust scanning behavior. This feedback mechanism allows the device to optimize scanning frequency and intensity, maintaining network performance while reducing unnecessary scans that would waste network resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If communication devices perform frequent scanning to detect signal changes, then the device can maintain optimal connection quality, but processing resources and battery life are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scanning intervals based on mobility detection. When the device is stationary, scanning intervals are extended or scans are paused, reducing processing overhead. When mobility is detected, scanning frequency increases to maintain signal detection accuracy. This dynamic approach balances measurement precision with processing resource conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If communication devices attempt connection to unavailable frequency bands, then the device can ensure comprehensive network coverage, but overhead signaling and traffic increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary scanning and signal strength assessment before attempting connection to frequency bands. By detecting signal presence and strength in advance, the device可以避免 attempting connections to unavailable bands, thereby maintaining network coverage adaptability while reducing unnecessary overhead signaling and traffic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250142545A1Apparatuses and methods for selectively scanning resources of a communication network and system

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, transmitting a first value for a first parameter to a first user equipment, wherein the first parameter pertains to a first number of scans to be performed by the first user equipment to detect a first signal having a first frequency within a first frequency band as part of a first scanning procedure, and transmitting a second value for a second parameter to the first user equipment, wherein the second parameter pertains to a first amount of time that the first user equipment is to wait between the first scanning procedure and a second scanning procedure, the second scanning procedure pertaining to detection of the first signal having the first frequency within the first frequency band. Other embodiments are disclosed.