Multi-mode Mobile Station Network Acquisition via Topology

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-mode mobile stations face high power consumption during standby modes due to the need for periodic registration with multiple network services, such as 3G and WiMAX, which hinders quick restoration of network services and battery life.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing network topology information from one radio access technology (RAT) to assist in acquiring another RAT network, such as WiMAX based on 3G network topology, allowing for quick restoration of network services without the need for periodic scanning and registration, thereby reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-mode mobile stations maintain registration with multiple network services simultaneously, then network connectivity and service availability are improved, but power consumption increases due to periodic scanning and registration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing network topology information and base station parameters in advance. When a network service is interrupted or deactivated, the mobile station can quickly restore connectivity by retrieving pre-stored information about alternative base stations and networks, avoiding the need for extensive periodic scanning and registration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (concurrent service acquisition database) that stores topology information from one radio access technology to assist in acquiring another RAT network. This intermediary allows the mobile station to efficiently find and connect to alternative networks without direct periodic scanning of all possible networks, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If periodic scanning and registration are performed to maintain network service, then network service restoration is ensured, but time is lost due to the periodic nature of these operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service restorationVSAvoidservice interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Network topology information and base station parameters are stored in advance in a concurrent service acquisition database. When service interruption occurs, the mobile station can immediately retrieve pre-configured information about alternative base stations and networks, enabling rapid service restoration without waiting for periodic scanning cycles to complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile station monitors network service status and, upon detecting interruption, quickly queries the stored topology information to identify and connect to alternative base stations. This feedback-driven approach enables rapid response to service interruptions, minimizing restoration time compared to passive periodic scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2351427B1Quick system selection and acquisition for multi-mode mobile devices
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2351427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2351427B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2351427B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for using network topology and coverage information from one radio access technology (RAT) network to assist acquisition of another different RAT network for a multi-mode mobile station (MS), such as acquiring a WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network based on topology and coverage information about a 3G (Third Generation) network and vice versa, are provided. Base station (BS) acquisition assisted in this manner may provide for quick restoration of a previously interrupted or deactivated network service, while decreasing the power consumption of the multi-mode MS during a power savings state because periodic scanning and registration need not occur.