Mobile Modem Power Management via Predictive Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management in mobile communication devices, especially in LTE networks, is inefficient due to continuous monitoring of control channels, leading to high power consumption even during inactive periods, which shortens battery life.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a prediction engine using machine learning techniques to anticipate scheduling signals from the base station, allowing the modem to enter low-power states during inactive periods and optimize power consumption based on predicted network grants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the modem continuously monitors the PDCCH to check for grants, then the reliability of detecting scheduling signals is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliability of scheduling signalsVSAvoidpower consumption of modem

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the prediction engine analyze historical scheduling patterns and predict future grants before the actual monitoring period arrives. This allows the modem to proactively determine when monitoring can be skipped, rather than continuously monitoring and then deciding to sleep. The prediction engine processes past PDCCH information to forecast upcoming scheduling decisions, enabling advance power management decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by using the mobile device's own historical scheduling data to generate predictions about future grants. The prediction engine leverages the device's previously observed PDCCH patterns from the serving cell to autonomously determine when the modem can enter low-power states without external assistance or continuous network signaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If the modem enters low-power states between scheduled transmissions, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect grants quickly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption of modemVSAvoidresponse speed to scheduling signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by predicting grant timing in advance, allowing the modem to wake up exactly when needed rather than continuously monitoring. The prediction engine analyzes historical patterns to determine the most likely time frames for upcoming grants, so the modem can enter low-power state confidently knowing when to reactivate for monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the monitoring behavior adaptive rather than static. Instead of fixed continuous monitoring or fixed sleep schedules, the modem dynamically adjusts its monitoring activity based on real-time predictions from the prediction engine. The monitoring pattern flexes according to predicted scheduling behavior, optimizing the balance between power saving and detection speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If static power management policies are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the power management efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management system complexityVSAvoidpower consumption of modem

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary prediction engine that sits between the historical scheduling data and the modem power management. This prediction engine processes complex pattern recognition and statistical analysis, transforming raw historical PDCCH information into simple predictive outcomes that guide modem power states. The intermediary handles the complexity, keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple while achieving sophisticated power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically adapting power management policies based on observed scheduling patterns without requiring manual configuration or complex external control systems. The prediction engine learns from historical data and autonomously generates optimal monitoring schedules, eliminating the need for static pre-configured policies while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10849066B2Mobile device management based on predicted base station behavior

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 APPLE INC

AI summary

A mobile radio communication device may operate in a wireless communication network including at least one base station configured to transmit control information and content to the mobile radio communication device. The mobile radio communication device may receive a number of communications transmitted by a base station in a number of time frames. The communication device may analyze whether the communications from the base station include control information addressed to the communication device. Based on the analysis, the mobile radio communication device may automatically predict whether an communication transmitted by the base station in an time frame will include control information addressed to the communication device. Based on the prediction, the mobile radio communication device may manage the power consumption of at least one of its components during the time frame.