Motion-Based Handoff Control for Wireless Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face increased power consumption and reduced battery life due to frequent handoff operations between wireless communication links, particularly 'ping pong' behavior between cellular cells, which is undesirable and consumes more power.
Innovation Solution
A motion determination module assesses the motion characteristic of a device based on received wireless signals, and a handoff controller performs tailored handoff operations to reduce unnecessary handoffs by identifying stationary or low-motion conditions, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent handoff operations are performed between wireless communication links, then network connectivity is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the handoff control strategy adaptive based on detected motion characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts handoff parameters such as measurement intervals and handoff thresholds according to whether the device is stationary or moving, optimizing the balance between connectivity reliability and power consumption for each motion state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters based on motion detection results. When stationary conditions are detected, the system modifies handoff parameters to reduce measurement frequency and adjust thresholds, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate connectivity. This parameter adaptation directly addresses the contradiction between reliable handoffs and energy efficiency
2Ease of operation
If standard handoff operations are performed without motion awareness, then handoff functionality is provided, but unnecessary 'ping pong' behavior occurs between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using motion detection information to control handoff operations. The motion detection module provides feedback about device movement state to the handoff controller, which then adjusts handoff behavior accordingly. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary ping-pong handoffs by reducing handoff aggressiveness when the device is stationary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary motion detection before executing handoff operations. By detecting motion characteristics in advance, the system can pre-adjust handoff parameters to prevent unnecessary handoffs, thereby avoiding the energy waste associated with ping-pong behavior between cells
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 reduces power consumption by minimizing frequent handoffs and 'ping pong' behavior, extending battery life and improving network efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a motion determination module determines a motion characteristic of an apparatus based on information associated with one or more received wireless signals
Data Source
AI summary
Motion-based handoff control techniques are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may include a signal strength determination module, a motion determination module, and a handoff controller. The signal strength determination module generates signal strength information corresponding to the strength of a wireless signal received from a first wireless link. From this information, the motion determination module determines a motion characteristic of the apparatus. Based on the motion characteristic, the handoff controller performs handoff operations for a second wireless link. In this manner, handoff operations may be tailored to the operational characteristics of the apparatus. For instance, certain handoff operations may be halted when the motion characteristic indicates the apparatus having a substantially stationary position. Other embodiments are described and claimed.