Multimode Device Scanning for Radio Access Technologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimode communication devices consume unnecessary resources and power by periodically scanning for higher priority radio access technologies (RATs) even when stationary, as they remain connected to a lower priority RAT, which is unlikely to change.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in multimode communication devices to dynamically manage RAT usage by preventing scans for higher priority RATs when stationary and only reactivating scans upon significant changes in the communication link or device location, such as through monitoring signal strength or GPS, to conserve resources and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the multimode communication device periodically scans for higher priority RATs while connected to a lower priority RAT, then the device can detect available higher priority networks, but the device consumes unnecessary operating cycles and battery power when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scanning behavior adaptive rather than static. The device dynamically adjusts its scanning activity based on detected motion states. When motion is detected, the device performs periodic scans for higher priority RATs. When no motion is detected (stationary state), the device suspends or reduces scanning activities. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making energy consumption proportional to actual network change likelihood.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of scanning frequency based on the device's motion state. The scanning interval is adjusted from a fixed periodic value to a variable value that depends on whether the device is detected as moving or stationary. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable network detection when needed while reducing energy consumption during stationary periods.
2Speed
If the multimode communication device performs frequent scans for higher priority RATs, then the device can quickly switch to better networks, but the device wastes resources when located in an environment where higher priority RATs are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning frequency is dynamically adjusted based on motion detection. When the device detects motion, it increases scanning frequency to enable quick network switching. When the device is stationary, it reduces or suspends scanning to avoid wasting energy. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making scanning intensity proportional to the likelihood of network changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion detection as feedback to control scanning behavior. The motion sensor provides continuous feedback about the device's state, which feeds back to the network scanning controller. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust scanning intensity based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy waste.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments include multimode communication devices and methods for managing usage of radio access technologies (RATs). In various embodiments, the multimode communication device may prevent scanning for a signal of higher priority RATs when a communication link is established with a lower priority RAT and the multimode communication device determines that the device is stationary. Signal characteristics of the communication link and/or other resources that can detect when the multimode communication device has moved may be monitored. In response to a change in signal characteristics or another indication that the multimode communication device has moved, scanning of higher priority RATs may be reactivated.