Multi-mode Device Interface Control via Location-Based Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-mode devices with multiple wireless interfaces waste battery power by constantly polling networks for availability, especially in areas where certain radio technologies have no coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a central authority to determine the probability of network availability based on location data, enabling or disabling wireless interfaces accordingly, allowing the device to switch between interfaces like cellular and WiFi to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device periodically polls each network to determine availability, then the device can maintain network connectivity, but battery power is wasted especially in areas with no coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the probability of network availability based on location data before the device actually attempts to poll or connect to networks. The central authority predicts which interfaces are likely to be available based on historical and real-time location information, enabling the device to proactively enable or disable interfaces rather than reactively polling and then disabling them after waste has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
A central authority acts as an intermediary between the device's multiple wireless interfaces and the various networks. This central authority receives location data, determines network availability probabilities, and sends control information to the device to enable or disable specific interfaces. This intermediary layer centralizes the decision-making process and provides a coordinated approach to interface management that reduces unnecessary polling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device has multiple wireless interfaces enabled, then network connectivity options are increased, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of wireless interfaces based on real-time location data and network availability probabilities. Rather than statically enabling or disabling interfaces, the system continuously monitors location information and adjusts interface states accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the device to adapt to changing environmental conditions while optimizing power consumption at each moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of wireless interfaces by enabling or disabling them based on location-based probability assessments. The central authority sends control information that modifies the state parameters of the interfaces, switching them between active and inactive states. This parameter change approach allows the device to maintain connectivity options when needed while conserving power when certain interfaces are unlikely to be available.
3Ease of operation
If the device attempts to connect to networks with no coverage, then connectivity is attempted, but time and energy are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the central authority receives location data from the device, processes this information to determine network availability probabilities, and sends control information back to the device. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously adjust interface states based on current location information, preventing the device from attempting connections to networks that are unlikely to be available. The feedback ensures that control decisions are based on the most recent location data.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a technique for automatically controlling radio interfaces of a multi-mode device. Wireless interfaces are enabled or disabled based on the probability of network availability of the interfaces at a current geographical location.