Radio Access Technology Selection for Interference and Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless user devices face issues with radio frequency interference and thermal management due to the proliferation of radio technologies and bands, with existing solutions limited in effectiveness by operating primarily at lower layers and neglecting internal interference and thermal conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically route traffic from applications to optimal radio access technologies based on actual or projected radio interference and thermal conditions, using a traffic flow routing algorithm that considers the characteristics of each application and the UE device's internal environment, allowing for event-triggered re-routing and network-controlled adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio technologies and bands are supported in a wireless device, then the device's adaptability and functionality are improved, but radio frequency interference between radios increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple radio technologies and bandsVSAvoidradio frequency interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic radio resource allocation where the system continuously monitors interference conditions and adaptively adjusts traffic routing between different radio access technologies. The traffic flow routing algorithm dynamically selects optimal RATs based on real-time interference measurements, allowing the device to respond to changing RF conditions while maintaining support for multiple radio technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) as an intermediary layer that sits between the application layer and the radio access network. This intermediary monitors interference conditions, evaluates multiple radio technologies, and makes intelligent routing decisions to direct traffic flows through appropriate RATs, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of multi-RAT support and interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple radios operate simultaneously in a wireless device, then the device's productivity and service capability are improved, but thermal load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice capabilityVSAvoidthermal load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts radio operation based on thermal conditions by continuously monitoring temperature and adapting traffic routing decisions. When thermal thresholds are approached, the algorithm dynamically shifts traffic to alternative radio access technologies or adjusts transmission parameters to reduce power consumption and heat generation, maintaining service capability while managing thermal load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters of the radios based on thermal conditions, including adjusting transmit power levels, modifying traffic flow routing, and altering connection priorities. These parameter changes allow the system to maintain productivity by keeping services operational while reducing thermal impact through optimized radio resource utilization and power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If traffic is routed through multiple radio access technologies, then the device's adaptability is improved, but the complexity of managing radio resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic routing flexibilityVSAvoidradio resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal traffic flow routing algorithm that handles multiple radio access technologies through a single, unified management framework. This multi-functional system can route traffic across different RATs (LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, etc.) using the same decision-making logic and monitoring mechanisms, reducing complexity by providing a universal approach rather than separate management systems for each radio technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the traffic flow routing algorithm autonomously monitors radio conditions, evaluates available access technologies, and makes routing decisions without requiring complex external coordination. The ANDSF automatically discovers available networks, assesses their suitability, and manages traffic allocation, enabling the system to self-manage radio resources while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If lower layer techniques are used for interference management, then the implementation is simpler, but the effectiveness in mitigating internal interference is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidinterference mitigation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves interference management from the traditional lower layer (physical/MAC layer) to the network layer by implementing traffic flow routing based on interference conditions. This dimensional shift allows the system to manage interference through intelligent routing decisions rather than relying solely on lower layer techniques like frequency hopping or power control, thereby improving effectiveness while maintaining practical implementation through standardized protocol extensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The ANDSF acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple lower layer techniques and effective interference mitigation. It receives information about radio conditions and interference levels, then makes informed routing decisions that achieve effective interference management. This intermediary approach combines the simplicity of standardized protocols with the effectiveness of intelligent, condition-based decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2822338B1Mitigation of radio interference and thermal issues using radio access technology selection
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2822338B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2822338B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2822338B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A wireless UE device uses a method of radio technology and channel selection for transferring device traffic that includes detecting, at a wireless user equipment device, a condition related to at least one of temperature and radio interference and responsive to the detecting, determining to associate a data application on the wireless UE device with a radio access technology (RAT).