Talk Group Server Artificially-Connected State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In push-to-talk communication systems, reducing call setup time for communication devices increases power consumption, posing a challenge in balancing fast call setup with low power usage.
Innovation Solution
A server manages communication devices by placing at least one device in an artificially-connected state within each talk group, maintaining a subset of call setup functions active to expedite future calls while minimizing power consumption through selective device activation based on battery level and affiliation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If communication devices maintain connected state to reduce call setup time, then call setup time decreases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by placing selected communication devices in an artificially-connected state before actual calls are needed. This pre-positioning of devices in a semi-active state allows for faster call setup while avoiding the continuous power consumption of a fully connected state. The server proactively manages device states based on talk group activity patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of communication devices based on real-time conditions. Devices transition between idle, artificially-connected, and fully connected states depending on talk group activity, device battery levels, and communication needs. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual usage requirements.
2Productivity
If all communication devices in a talk group are kept in connected state, then call setup time is minimized, but overall power consumption of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly maintaining all devices in connected state, the system applies local quality by selectively placing only certain devices in artificially-connected state based on specific criteria such as device characteristics, talk group affiliation, and battery status. This localized approach ensures fast call setup for critical devices while conserving energy across the broader system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by maintaining only the minimum necessary number of devices in artificially-connected state rather than all devices. The server evaluates talk group composition and selects sufficient devices to ensure rapid call setup without the excessive power consumption of universal connectivity. This partial maintenance of connected state achieves the necessary productivity while controlling energy loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for controlling a plurality of communication devices. One system includes a server for a communication system in which each of a plurality of communication devices is affiliated with at least one talk group among a plurality of talk groups. The server includes an electronic processor configured to determine whether each communication device of the plurality of communication devices is in a connected state. The electronic processor is further configured to determine that at least one talk group does not include any communication devices affiliated with the at least one talk group that are in the connected state. The electronic processor is further configured to place at least one communication device affiliated with the at least one talk group in an artificially-connected state based on at least one characteristic of the communication devices affiliated with the at least one talk group.