Frame Interlace Designation for Access Terminal Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption due to the need for access terminals to monitor all frame interlaces, wasting power as they wait for information on unused frames.

Innovation Solution

The system allows access terminals and access points to negotiate and designate a specific set of frame interlaces for communication, enabling the terminal to only monitor and power-save on the designated frames, with the access point adjusting the number of interlaces based on available power and other considerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If access terminals monitor all frame interlaces to ensure complete information reception, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complete set of frame interlaces into multiple subsets, each assigned to different access terminals. This segmentation allows terminals to monitor only their assigned subset rather than all interlaces, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable communication within each segment. The access point distributes different interlace subsets to different terminals based on their power capabilities and service requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial monitoring where access terminals monitor only a portion (specific subset) of the total frame interlaces rather than all interlaces. This partial action approach reduces the monitoring burden and power consumption for terminals while the access point ensures complete coverage by assigning different subsets to different terminals, collectively maintaining full system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If access terminals monitor fewer frame interlaces to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but information reception completeness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinformation reception completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The access point serves multiple functions: it acts as a central coordinator that distributes interlace subsets, manages the assignment of different subsets to different terminals, and ensures that collectively all terminals cover the complete set of frame interlaces. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve complete information reception through distributed partial monitoring rather than requiring each terminal to monitor all interlaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the access point receives information about terminal capabilities, current interlace assignments, and system load conditions. Based on this feedback, the access point dynamically adjusts and redistributes interlace subsets to optimize both power consumption and information reception completeness, ensuring that the collective monitoring coverage remains complete while minimizing overall terminal power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8611263B2Methods and apparatus for saving power by designating frame interlaces in communication systems

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

The disclosed embodiments provide for methods and systems for designating at least one frame interlace out of a set of frame interlaces, by identifying a number of frame interlaces, wherein information may be communicated on the identified frame interlaces, and designating the identified frame interlaces to at least one access terminal, such that the access terminal may save power by monitoring only the designated frame interlaces.