Motion Sensor Control of Base Station Search for Mobile Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and improving performance while providing accurate motion and position information, especially when stationary or moving at varying speeds, which affects signal acquisition and processing in wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating motion sensors and processing units in mobile devices to determine stationarity and velocity, adjusting the frequency of satellite searches, and modifying parameters for automatic gain control, equalizer receivers, and pilot filters based on movement data to optimize power usage and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the mobile device continuously searches for SPS satellites at high frequency, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the satellite search frequency adaptive rather than fixed. The processing unit dynamically adjusts the search frequency based on motion state detection: when the device is stationary, search frequency is reduced to conserve power; when moving, search frequency increases to maintain positioning accuracy. This resolves the contradiction by making the system behavior contingent on actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of search frequency based on detected motion state. By monitoring acceleration or velocity parameters and adjusting the search frequency accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between positioning accuracy and power consumption. The search frequency parameter is modified from a constant high value to a variable value that adapts to device motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the mobile device monitors radio channels frequently, then network connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the radio channel monitoring frequency dynamic by linking it to device motion state. When the device is stationary, monitoring frequency is reduced; when moving, monitoring frequency increases. This dynamic adjustment maintains network connection reliability during critical moments while reducing unnecessary power consumption during stable periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion sensors (accelerometer or velocity data) to control the radio channel monitoring frequency. The processing unit receives feedback about device motion and adjusts monitoring parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes the balance between connection reliability and power consumption based on actual operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the mobile device uses high responsiveness for signal processing, then signal acquisition speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal acquisition speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making signal processing responsiveness adaptive to device motion. The processing unit adjusts processing speed and aggressiveness based on motion state: high responsiveness when moving to maintain signal quality, lower responsiveness when stationary to conserve power. This resolves the contradiction between speed and energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3518586B1Sensor uses in communication systems
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3518586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3518586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3518586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are directed to mobile devices utilizing motion and/or position sensors for improving operating performance and/or power efficiency. In one example, a method for reducing power consumption in a mobile device includes receiving movement information, establishing movement data based on the movement information, determining if the mobile device is stationary using the movement data; and reducing the frequency of searching for a base station when the mobile device is stationary. In another example, a mobile device which reduces power consumption based upon movement data includes an RF front end, a receiver coupled to the RF front end, a data demodulator coupled to the receiver, a searcher, coupled to the RF front end and the receiver, which searches for base stations, and a processing unit coupled to the searcher, wherein the processing unit controls the searcher based upon the stationarity of the mobile device.