Mobile Device Scan Rate Control for Calendar-Driven Network Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices often experience service denials during poor or no RF coverage, leading to missed or late scheduled calls, as users are not promptly notified of coverage issues and scanning operations are not synchronized with calendar appointments requiring wireless service.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of user interface methods and apparatus that display call denial indications and reminders, adjust scanning rates based on upcoming appointments, and provide warnings for out-of-coverage conditions, ensuring users are alerted to relocate for better service and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device performs scanning operations at a fast scan rate to identify available wireless networks, then the reliability of detecting networks is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scan rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the scan rate based on whether calendar appointments requiring wireless service are detected. When appointments are present, a first (faster) scan rate is used to ensure reliable network detection. When no appointments are present, a second (slower) scan rate is used to conserve power. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of scan rate based on the presence of calendar appointments. By monitoring calendar data and adjusting the scanning parameter accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between network detection reliability and power consumption. The scan rate parameter is modified from a constant value to a conditional variable that adapts to user needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the mobile device reduces scan rate to slow scan rate to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the reliability of detecting networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the scan rate based on the presence of calendar appointments. When no appointments requiring wireless service are detected, the system transitions to a slower scan rate to conserve power. This dynamic behavior ensures that power consumption is reduced only when it does not impact the user's ability to participate in scheduled communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checking of calendar appointments before adjusting scan rate. By proactively identifying whether calendar events requiring wireless service are scheduled, the system can pre-adjust the scan rate appropriately, ensuring that power savings do not compromise the reliability of network detection when needed.
3Reliability
If the mobile device performs frequent scanning operations to ensure network availability for scheduled calls, then the reliability of service availability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the scanning parameter (scan rate) based on calendar appointment data. When appointments requiring wireless service are detected, the system maintains a higher scan rate to ensure service availability. When no such appointments are present, the scan rate is reduced to conserve power. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between service availability and power consumption.
4Reliability
If the mobile device uses fast scan rate continuously to ensure network detection, then the network detection reliability is improved, but the battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts scan rate based on calendar appointment presence, extending battery life by using slower scan rates during periods when fast scanning is not needed for scheduled communications. This dynamic adaptation maintains network detection reliability when necessary while conserving battery power during other times.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for use in a mobile device for controlling scanning operations are described. A calendar application is stored in memory of the mobile device. The calendar application is configured to store calendar appointment data associated one or more appointments. In response to identifying an imminent appointment for a communication session when the mobile device is out-of-coverage, the mobile device performs a scanning operation for identifying a wireless network for communications.