Postponing PLMN Search During Unavailability Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

The periodic Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) search attempts consume excessive power and lead to rapid battery drain when an unavailability period is activated, as existing methods do not optimize these searches during this period.

Innovation Solution

A method where a UE activates an unavailability period and postpones periodic PLMN searches by controlling a periodic attempt timer, either by keeping it running without triggering searches during the unavailability period or by extending the interval between searches, or by using a separate timer to delay the PLMN search until the unavailability period ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic PLMN search attempts are performed during unavailability period, then network availability and connectivity are improved, but power consumption increases and battery drains rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the PLMN search behavior adaptive and conditional. The UE dynamically adjusts its PLMN search attempts based on the unavailability period status - performing searches when available and suspending them during unavailability periods. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize between network availability and power consumption in real-time based on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic action by implementing time-based suspension of PLMN searches during unavailability periods. The system maintains periodic search attempts during normal operation but introduces periodicity in the suspension pattern during unavailability periods, where searches are postponed according to a timer mechanism. This creates a rhythmic pattern of search and suspension that balances connectivity needs with power conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If periodic PLMN search attempts are performed during unavailability period, then connectivity options are maintained, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity optionsVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its PLMN search behavior based on the unavailability period status. During unavailability periods, the UE suspends periodic PLMN searches while maintaining the capability to resume searches when the unavailability period ends. This dynamic adjustment preserves connectivity options when needed while conserving battery life during unavailability periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of PLMN searches based on the unavailability period condition. Specifically, the search frequency and timing parameters are changed - suspending searches during unavailability periods and resuming them when available. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between maintaining connectivity options and preserving battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If PLMN search is postponed during unavailability period, then power consumption is reduced, but search response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsearch response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the periodic attempt timer during unavailability periods without suspending it. The timer continues to count down in the background, so when the unavailability period ends, the PLMN search can be resumed immediately without additional delay. This preliminary continuation of the timer mechanism reduces the search response time penalty that would otherwise result from completely stopping and restarting the search process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic attempt timer serves as an intermediary mechanism between the unavailability period suspension and the PLMN search resumption. The timer acts as a mediator that maintains temporal information during the suspension period, enabling smooth transition back to search operations. This intermediary timer reduces the time loss by preserving timing context during the unavailability period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240324010A1Periodic PLMN search attempts when unavailability period is activated

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 MEDIATEK SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The method may be performed by a UE. In certain configurations, the UE activates, by a processor of the UE, an unavailability period. The UE postpones, by the processor, a periodic Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) search when the unavailability period is activated. The periodic PLMN search is controlled by a periodic attempt timer.