Dynamic Dormancy Module for Wireless Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices experience unexpected and rapid battery drain due to persistent internet communication with application servers, especially in wireless networks, leading to inefficient energy consumption and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic dormancy module that measures the round trip time (RTT) of data connections and transitions to a low power state based on a predetermined threshold, rather than relying on network-defined inactivity timers, to minimize power consumption and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transceiver stays in active state for the full network inactivity timer duration, then reliable communication is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions the transceiver between active and idle states based on real-time network conditions and data traffic patterns. The mobile device monitors network state and adjusts transceiver operation mode, staying active only when data transfer is occurring or imminent, and transitioning to idle state when no data traffic is detected for a threshold period, thus optimizing energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
2Reliability
If the inactivity timer is set to worst case RTT value, then communication reliability under adverse conditions is ensured, but transceiver stays active longer than necessary under normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always maintaining the transceiver in active state for the full worst-case timer duration, the system applies partial action by transitioning to idle state after a shorter threshold period when normal communication conditions are detected. The full active duration is reserved only for adverse conditions where it is actually needed, eliminating energy waste during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (inactivity threshold) dynamically based on network conditions. Under normal conditions, a shorter threshold is applied to enable earlier transition to idle state. Under adverse conditions, the full worst-case timer duration is used to ensure reliability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
3Loss of information
If persistent IP session is maintained, then data traffic overhead is minimized, but power drain increases due to continuous network communication
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous active network connection, the system uses periodic action by transitioning to idle state during periods of no data traffic while keeping the persistent IP session logically maintained. The transceiver periodically monitors for data traffic and transitions back to active state when needed, achieving energy savings through periodic idle periods while maintaining session continuity to avoid reopening overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (200) and device (300) for saving energy in a wireless communication device configured to maintain a persistent communication session over a wireless network with an application server are disclosed. The method (200) can include: opening (210) a persistent communication session with an application server via a cellular network; measuring (220) a round trip time from sending a message to the application server to receiving an acknowledgement message from the application server; and automatically transitioning (230) the device from a first operating state to a second operating state after an amount of time in the absence of subsequent data traffic exceeding a predetermined threshold, wherein power consumption associated with the second operating state is less than power consumption associated with the first operating state, and the predetermined threshold is a function of the measured round trip time.