Communication Device RF Path Switch Timing for eMBMS Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ongoing eMBMS receptions in communication devices are frequently interrupted by incoming transmissions, such as phone calls, due to the need to switch from the RX/TX MAIN RF path to the RX AUX path, resulting in significant disruptions that can last up to 2.5 seconds.

Innovation Solution

The solution minimizes interruptions by allowing eMBMS reception to continue until the next scheduled MCCH subframe, enabling a controlled RF path switch and reconfiguration, thereby reducing the interruption period to less than 30 milliseconds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the eMBMS reception is switched to the RX AUX RF path to allow incoming transmission, then the incoming transmission can be received, but the eMBMS reception is interrupted for up to 2.5 seconds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to receive incoming transmissionVSAvoidinterruption time of eMBMS reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by identifying the timing of the next MCCH subframe before the RF path switch is triggered. This allows the system to plan and execute the path switch at an optimal moment, ensuring minimal disruption to eMBMS reception while still allowing the incoming transmission to be received.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing of the RF path switch based on the scheduled MCCH subframe timing. Instead of using a fixed switch timing, the system adapts the switch moment to coincide with the next MCCH subframe, thereby minimizing interruption duration while maintaining compatibility with both eMBMS and incoming transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the RF path switch is performed immediately upon incoming transmission, then the incoming transmission is prioritized, but the eMBMS data flow is significantly disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepriority handling of incoming transmissionVSAvoidcontinuity of eMBMS data flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of the next MCCH subframe timing before executing the RF path switch. This preliminary action allows the system to coordinate the path switch with the eMBMS scheduling structure, ensuring that the switch occurs at a point that minimizes data flow disruption while still prioritizing the incoming transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the MCCH subframe scheduling information to determine the optimal timing for the RF path switch. By monitoring the scheduled MCCH subframe timing, the system can adjust the path switch moment to maintain eMBMS data flow continuity while still allowing incoming transmission to be prioritized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the eMBMS reception continues without switching paths, then the eMBMS data flow remains uninterrupted, but the incoming transmission cannot be received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of eMBMS data flowVSAvoidability to receive incoming transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the RF path switch timing based on the scheduled MCCH subframe rather than using a fixed or immediate switch approach. This dynamic timing adjustment allows the system to maintain eMBMS data flow continuity by switching at an optimal moment while still enabling the incoming transmission to be received on the MAIN path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of the RF path switch to coincide with the next MCCH subframe. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between maintaining eMBMS data flow continuity and enabling incoming transmission reception, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3351052B1Communication device and a method for operating a communication device
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 APPLE INC
  • EP3351052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3351052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3351052B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and device for reducing the interruption in a first download, i.e. ongoing reception, caused by the start of a second download, i.e. incoming transmission, by identifying the next due timing of a control channel frame of the first download, and then triggering a sequence of deactivation of the first download, requesting a frequency path switch, performing the frequency path switch, reconfiguring and reactivating the control channel, wherein the sequence takes place at a specified time before the identified control channel frame, and then reactivating the first download.