Network Server Schedule Controller for Low Duty Cycle Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile positioning centers and network servers lack the ability to effectively communicate with low duty cycle devices, which are essential for extending battery life in wireless devices used for location-based services by maintaining them in a hibernation mode to conserve power.

Innovation Solution

A network server with an information or schedule controller that includes a processor and network interface to manage communication with low duty cycle wireless devices, scheduling their awake times and transmitting messages during these periods to ensure efficient data exchange and synchronization with the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the wireless device operates in extended hibernation mode to conserve battery power, then battery life is extended, but the device cannot transmit or receive signals during hibernation periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidsignal transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device operates in periodic cycles alternating between hibernation mode (low power consumption) and awake mode (full functionality). The schedule controller coordinates with the network server to ensure the device wakes up at predetermined intervals to transmit and receive signals, then returns to hibernation mode. This periodic operation extends battery life while maintaining necessary communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If the network server uses conventional communication protocols to communicate with wireless devices, then communication is straightforward, but it cannot effectively communicate with low duty cycle devices in extended hibernation mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with low duty cycle devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The schedule controller acts as an intermediary between the network server and the low duty cycle wireless device. It maintains a schedule of when the device will be awake and coordinates message transmission timing with these wake periods. This intermediary layer enables conventional network servers to effectively communicate with hibernating devices without requiring complex protocol modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the device wakes up frequently to check for messages, then it can receive communications promptly, but battery power is consumed more rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage reception delayVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The schedule controller pre-establishes a wake schedule for the wireless device, determining in advance when the device should wake up to check for messages. This preliminary scheduling allows the device to wake up at optimal intervals rather than continuously monitoring for communications, thereby reducing battery power consumption while ensuring timely message reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2975887B1Network server having an information and scheduling controller to support one or more low duty cycle wireless devices
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2975887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2975887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2975887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network server, such as, for example, a mobile positioning center, having an information or schedule controller or having access to an information or schedule controller is provided. The information or schedule controller is provided with a schedule for a low duty cycle wireless device to provide the network server with the ability to store messages for transmission to the low duty cycle wireless device when the low duty cycle wireless device is in a low power mode of operation and transmit the messages during scheduled awake times.