Multimode Terminal Cellular Scanning Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequent scanning for GSM network handover in multimode communication devices camped on UMA networks increases power consumption and burdens processing resources, leading to potential call drops and reduced battery life due to high frequency GSM selection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiple scan prevention timer that delays GSM scanning requests when UMA link quality deteriorates, reducing unnecessary GSM stack activation and increasing the interval between scans if the selected GSM cell remains unchanged, and stopping scans when UMA link quality improves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent GSM scanning is performed to ensure prompt handover when UMA link quality deteriorates, then handover reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic GSM scanning at optimized intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds or longer) rather than continuous scanning. The scanning is triggered periodically or event-driven (when UMA link quality deteriorates below a threshold), balancing the need for timely handover detection with power conservation during UMA camped state.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning frequency is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts scanning intervals based on current UMA link quality conditions - scanning more frequently when link quality deteriorates and less frequently when stable. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching scanning intensity to actual handover risk.
2Speed
If frequent GSM scanning is performed to ensure prompt handover, then handover responsiveness is improved, but processing resource burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
GSM stack activation and scanning are performed periodically rather than continuously. The system activates the GSM stack only at scheduled intervals or when triggered by UMA link quality events, reducing the cumulative processing burden while maintaining adequate handover responsiveness through strategic timing of scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial scanning action by performing GSM network selection only when necessary (periodically or event-driven) rather than continuously. This partial action is sufficient to detect handover opportunities while avoiding the excessive processing burden of constant full-scale scanning, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and resource burden.
3Measurement precision
If GSM stack is kept active for frequent scanning, then scanning accuracy is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The GSM stack is activated periodically for scanning rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic activation maintains scanning capability and accuracy when needed while dramatically reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life during extended UMA camped periods where handover is not immediately required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the GSM scanning function from continuous operation and performs it only when triggered by specific conditions (periodic intervals or UMA link quality events). This extraction allows the system to maintain scanning accuracy capability while removing the continuous power drain, resolving the contradiction between scanning precision and battery longevity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode wireless communication terminal capable of operating on a cellular communication network and a second communication network, for example, an unlicensed mobile access (UMA) point, wherein the terminal scans (412) for service on the cellular communication network only when the signal quality of the second communication network satisfies a signal quality condition, and the terminal increases a cellular scan time interval (420) when the cellular communication network environment remains unchanged.