Dual Modem Power Management via Network Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular modems in wireless communication devices consume excessive power due to constant scanning and management of multiple radio access technologies, leading to high battery drain and increased data costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-modem system where one modem (typically cellular) is placed in a sleep state when connected to a second network (like WiFi) via a communication service that forwards incoming communications, allowing the device to awaken only when necessary to receive signals, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cellular modem continuously scans and manages multiple radio access technologies, then the device maintains reliable communication connectivity, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the modem's operational state changeable between active and sleep modes. The system dynamically adjusts the cellular modem's activity level based on whether WiFi is available and whether incoming communications are expected, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption profile to current operational needs while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having the cellular modem wake up at scheduled intervals to perform registration with the network and check for incoming communications. Instead of continuous monitoring, the modem enters sleep mode between periodic wake-ups, significantly reducing power consumption while still maintaining the ability to receive calls and messages through the periodic network registration process.
2Reliability
If the cellular modem remains in active state to receive incoming communications, then communication reliability is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the system determine in advance whether the cellular modem needs to be active. Before allowing the modem to wake from sleep mode, the system checks whether incoming communications are expected or if WiFi can handle the communication needs. This preliminary assessment prevents unnecessary wake-ups and extends battery life while ensuring the modem is active only when truly needed for reliable communication reception.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device manages multiple radio access technologies independently, then network compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the management of multiple radio access technologies under a unified control framework. Instead of independently managing cellular and WiFi modems with separate scanning and registration processes, the system integrates their management through a single determination logic that decides which modem should be active based on network availability and communication requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-network compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that reduces power consumption in a wireless communication device having a first and a second modem. The method includes detecting access to a communication network via the second modem, and in response to that detection: establishing a communication channel between the second modem and a communication service over a communication network; and triggering the first modem to enter a sleep state. The communication service is configured to respond to receipt at the communication service of an incoming communication to be routed to the first modem via a first communication network by: (i) automatically transmitting a notification via the communication channel to the second modem and (ii) forwarding the incoming communication via the first communication network to the first modem. The method then includes, in response to receipt of the notification at the device: awakening the first modem to an active state to enable receipt of the incoming communication.