Multi-SIM RF Unit Power Management via PLMN Cell Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-SIM mobile devices experience excessive battery drain due to both RF transceivers remaining active, even when not in use, as they constantly camp on different Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) cells, leading to unnecessary power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that identifies a common suitable PLMN cell for both RF units and forces one of them to camp on this cell, disabling the other to avoid duplication of broadcast and paging information, thereby optimizing power usage through the Stack Coordinator module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If both RF transceivers remain active to maintain network coverage and call reception capabilities, then communication reliability is improved, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic RF unit management where the system transitions between different operational states: both RF units active when needed for communication, and one RF unit disabled when not in use. The controller dynamically adjusts the operational state of RF units based on call status, network conditions, and user activity, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption profile while maintaining communication reliability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and disables one RF unit from active operation when it is not needed for current communication tasks. By selectively taking out the inactive RF unit from the operational system and placing it in a low-power state, the device reduces overall power consumption while maintaining necessary communication capabilities through the remaining active RF unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If both RF transceivers are camped on different PLMN cells to support multiple network operators, then network versatility is improved, but power consumption increases due to constant activity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork versatilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically manages RF unit camping states based on operational needs. When both RF units are camped on different PLMN cells, the system monitors their activity status and disables one RF unit when neither is actively in use, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to quickly re-enable and switch networks when versatility is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a unified controller that manages multiple RF units and SIM cards, allowing a single control architecture to handle diverse network scenarios. The controller can direct either RF unit to serve different network operators as needed, providing universal network access capability while optimizing power consumption by consolidating active RF units rather than maintaining separate continuous operations for each SIM.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If both RF units remain active in idle mode to maintain readiness for incoming calls, then call reception reliability is improved, but battery drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall reception reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic idle mode management where RF units are disabled when not actively in use, even for incoming call monitoring. The controller assesses whether an RF unit needs to remain active based on current call status, network conditions, and user activity, transitioning RF units between active and disabled states to extend battery life while maintaining adequate call reception capability through the remaining active RF unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a strategy where one RF unit is discarded from active operation during idle periods when not needed for current communication tasks. The disabled RF unit remains in a low-power state but can be quickly recovered and re-enabled when incoming calls or network switching requirements arise, thus extending battery life during idle periods while preserving call reception reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS9462543B2Method and system for operating multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) mobile device in wireless communication networks
Publication Date: 2016.10.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9462543B2 patent drawing
  • US9462543B2 patent drawing
  • US9462543B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The various embodiments herein provide a method and system for operating a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) mobile device. The method includes identifying a common suitable public land mobile network (PLMN) cell between a first radio frequency (RF) unit and a second RF unit of the mobile device. The first RF unit and the second RF unit of the mobile device are currently camped on different PLMN cells. Further, the method includes enforcing at least one of the first RF unit and the second RF unit to camp on said common suitable PLMN cell and disabling one of the first RF unit and the second RF unit when at least one of the first RF unit and the second RF unit camps on the common suitable PLMN cell.