Synchronizing Secondary Receiver Duty Cycle With Primary DRX
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices with multiple receivers experience reduced battery life due to independent operation of primary and secondary transceivers, leading to increased power consumption and frequent wake-up cycles, even when access points are not available.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize information from the primary transceiver to control the secondary transceiver, synchronizing its duty cycle with the primary transceiver's Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle and only waking up the secondary receiver when access points are available, thereby reducing unnecessary power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers are included in the communication device to support independent services and networks, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation control of multiple receivers by synchronizing the secondary receiver's duty cycle with the primary receiver's DRX cycle. This coordination allows the device to maintain multiple network capabilities while reducing overall power consumption through unified timing management, resolving the contradiction between functionality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary receiver's DRX cycle serves a dual purpose: it manages the primary receiver's own operation and simultaneously controls the secondary receiver's duty cycle. This multi-functional use of the DRX mechanism allows the system to support multiple networks and services while maintaining efficient power management, addressing both versatility and energy consumption concerns.
2Speed
If the secondary receiver operates independently with its own duty cycle, then it can access its network without delay, but it causes increased power consumption and reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by aligning the secondary receiver's duty cycle with the primary receiver's DRX cycle. Both receivers operate in synchronized periodic intervals, allowing the secondary receiver to access the network at regular intervals without continuous operation. This periodic synchronization maintains network accessibility while significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the secondary receiver is kept in sleep mode most of the time to conserve battery, then power consumption is reduced, but access latency increases when an access point becomes available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the secondary receiver wake up at predetermined intervals synchronized with the primary receiver's DRX cycle. This advance scheduling ensures the receiver is ready to access the network promptly when access points are available, reducing access latency while maintaining low power consumption during sleep periods. The receiver doesn't need to stay continuously active, yet remains ready to connect quickly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (300) of extending battery life in a communication device having a plurality of receivers includes receiving information with a primary receiver that is configured to operate on a first network (303) and controlling a secondary receiver that is configured to operate on a second network that is independent from the first network in accordance with the information obtained with the primary receiver. A corresponding communication device (201) includes: a primary receiver (221) configured to operate on a first network (203); a secondary receiver (227, 233) configured and arranged to operate as a short range receiver with an access point (205, 207) that is independent of the first network; and a controller (225, 231, 237) that is configured to control the secondary receiver in accordance with information obtained from the primary receiver.