Mobile Device Radio Power Management via Motion Thresholds
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face significant power consumption issues due to continuous operation of power-consuming components, leading to battery exhaustion, especially when attempting to roam wireless networks while in motion, such as within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that activate and deactivate a mobile device's wireless radio based on environmental profiles, including motion, temperature, and other factors, to conserve power by only maintaining connectivity when the device is stationary or in a Wi-Fi-enabled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless radio is continuously activated to maintain network connectivity and enable roaming, then network availability and communication capability are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the radio state changeable between active and inactive based on motion conditions. The system dynamically adjusts radio operation status according to real-time motion detection data, transitioning from a static always-on state to a dynamic conditional state that adapts to user movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own motion sensor to automatically determine when to activate or deactivate the radio without requiring external input or continuous user intervention. The motion detection mechanism serves the dual purpose of both sensing user activity and controlling radio operation, making the system self-regulating based on its own operational context.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless radio is deactivated to conserve power during motion, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but network connectivity and roaming capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches radio operation based on motion state detection. When motion exceeds the threshold for a sustained period, the radio transitions to an inactive state to conserve power. When motion subsides below the threshold, the radio transitions back to active state, creating a dynamic response that balances power savings with connectivity needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the radio from a binary always-on/off state to a conditional state based on motion parameters. By monitoring motion rate thresholds and duration, the system determines the appropriate radio state, effectively using parameter changes in motion detection to control the radio's operational parameters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If motion sensing and environmental profiling are implemented to control radio operation, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor serves multiple functions: it detects user activity for radio control decisions, provides data for environmental profiling, and enables power management features. By making the motion sensing capability multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate sensors or systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving power efficiency goals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces power consumption by deactivating the radio during rapid motion, such as in vehicles, and reactivating it when stationary, thereby extending battery life and optimizing network roaming efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A motion of the mobile device is sensed and a sensor signal is generated
Data Source
AI summary
Energy efficient roaming of a mobile device is described. The mobile device can include a sensor for sensing a motion of the mobile device to generate a sensor signal. A radio is capable of communicating with a wireless network. A processor activates the radio in the mobile device. The processor generates an environmental profile of the mobile device based at least on the sensor signal. A memory is coupled to the processor for storing the environmental profile. The processor deactivates the radio when the environmental profile indicates that the rate of motion of the mobile device is above a predetermined threshold for a first period of time. The processor reactivates the deactivated radio when the environmental profile indicates that the rate of motion of the mobile device is below the predetermined threshold for a second period of time.