Network-Based Transcoding for Wireless Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices (WCDs) face battery conservation challenges during communication sessions, as existing radio access networks (RANs) lack efficient mechanisms to adapt encoding rates based on battery charge levels without degrading audio quality, especially when quality of service (QOS) requirements are high.
Innovation Solution
The RAN selectively switches between two codecs, enabling a higher data rate for high-quality audio when battery charge is sufficient and a lower data rate to conserve battery life when charge is low, with an override indicator allowing users or applications to maintain high-quality audio despite low battery, and communicates network indicators to ensure proper decoding by the WCD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RAN uses the first codec with higher data rate for high-quality audio communication, then audio quality is improved, but battery power is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first and second codecs based on real-time battery charge levels. When battery charge is sufficient, the first codec with higher data rate is used for high-quality audio. When battery charge drops below a threshold, the system transitions to the second codec with lower data rate to conserve power, creating a dynamic adaptation to changing energy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the encoding parameters (codec selection, data rate) based on battery charge status. By monitoring battery level and adjusting the codec parameters accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between audio quality and power consumption, using high-quality encoding when energy is abundant and low-quality encoding when energy is scarce.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the RAN switches to the second codec with lower data rate to conserve battery charge, then battery life is extended, but audio quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts codec selection based on battery charge thresholds. It transitions from the first codec (high quality, high power) to the second codec (lower quality, lower power) when battery charge falls below a predetermined threshold, and can switch back when charge is replenished, creating a dynamic response to energy availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by switching to the lower-power second codec before the battery is completely depleted. By proactively reducing power consumption when the battery charge approaches the threshold, the system prevents complete battery exhaustion and extends operational duration, accepting temporary quality reduction as a preventive measure.
3Reliability
If the RAN forces high-quality audio encoding despite low battery charge, then audio quality is maintained, but battery power is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring battery charge levels and using this information to control codec selection. The WCD sends battery status indicators to the RAN, which then adjusts the encoding mode accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that high-quality audio is only maintained when battery charge is sufficient to support it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically adjusting encoding parameters based on its own battery status without requiring external intervention. The WCD and RAN autonomously monitor and respond to charge levels, selecting appropriate codecs to match available energy resources, eliminating the need for manual user configuration.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the RAN monitors and responds to battery charge levels dynamically, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication operation into distinct modes based on battery charge levels: a first mode using the first codec when charge is sufficient, and a second mode using the second codec when charge is low. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by creating discrete, well-defined operating states rather than requiring continuous complex optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention manages complexity by changing a single critical parameter (codec selection) based on battery charge thresholds, rather than optimizing multiple parameters simultaneously. This single-parameter approach to adaptation reduces the computational burden and system complexity while still achieving significant power efficiency improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for conserving battery charge of a wireless communication device (WCD). A radio access network (RAN) and a WCD communicate with data encoded based on one of two codecs. By default, the RAN and the WCD communicate based on a first codec of the two codecs. Communication based on the first codec provides a high-quality audio signal between the RAN and WCD but uses more battery charge. When the battery charge decreases, the WCD can communicate a low-battery indicator to the RAN. Upon receiving the low-battery indicator, the RAN enables a transcoder configured to convert the data encoded based on the first codec into data encoded based on the second codec. After transcoding, RAN and the WCD communicate with based on the second codec. Communication based on the second codec provides a lower-quality audio signal between the RAN and WCD but uses less battery charge.