Telematics DRX Schedule Adjustment for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telematics systems in vehicles follow predetermined standby and discontinuous reception (DRx) schedules that do not account for variability in user behavior and specific user needs, leading to inefficient power usage and potential battery drain.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for user customization and context-based adjustment of DRx schedules, where telematics units receive user input or determine contextual parameters to execute tailored standby and DRx cycles, optimizing power consumption based on user preferences and vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a predetermined DRx schedule is used, then power consumption is reduced through automated cycling, but user accessibility and service availability cannot be adapted to individual needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts DRx cycle parameters (on-duration, off-duration, cycle frequency) based on real-time contextual parameters such as user presence, vehicle state, and service requirements. This allows the NAD to transition between different operational modes (standby, DRx cycling, fully on) to optimize both power consumption and user accessibility according to current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the NAD based on contextual conditions. When users are likely to need access (e.g., nearby, during active hours), the NAD remains on longer or cycles less frequently. When power conservation is prioritized (e.g., vehicle parked overnight), the NAD enters deeper standby or longer off-periods in DRx cycles, thus adapting power consumption and accessibility parameters to situational needs.
2Reliability
If the NAD remains active during standby to receive commands, then service availability is maintained, but battery power is drained
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic DRx cycles where the NAD alternates between active listening states and sleep states. During off-periods, the NAD consumes minimal power; during on-periods, it is available to receive commands. The cycle timing is configured to balance battery conservation with maintaining service availability for urgent or scheduled communications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of keeping the NAD fully active or completely off, the system employs partial action through DRx cycles where the NAD is intermittently active. This partial operation mode provides sufficient service availability for most use cases while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation, achieving an optimal compromise between reliability and energy loss.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If DRx cycles are used to minimize power drain, then battery life is extended, but the vehicle becomes unavailable for communication during off periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from contextual parameters (user location, time of day, vehicle status, service requests) to dynamically adjust DRx cycle timing and duration. When communication availability is prioritized (e.g., user nearby, scheduled service), the system reduces off-periods or increases on-duration. When battery life is prioritized (e.g., vehicle parked, no imminent service needed), the system extends off-periods, thus using feedback to balance battery life and communication availability.
4Device complexity
If a fixed standby schedule is implemented, then system complexity is minimized, but it cannot account for variability in user behavior and needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines contextual parameters and selects appropriate DRx schedules without requiring manual user configuration. The NAD monitors its own operational state, user presence, and service requirements to autonomously adjust cycling behavior. This self-service approach maintains simple user interaction while achieving high adaptability to varying user needs and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple DRx schedule templates and contextual parameter evaluations to handle diverse user scenarios. A single NAD implementation supports various operating modes (different cycle durations, on/off ratios, trigger conditions) to accommodate different user behaviors and service requirements, making the system universally applicable across multiple use cases without increasing fundamental device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for user customization and context-based adjustment of a discontinuous reception (DRx) schedule for a telematics-equipped vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a telematics unit of the vehicle, user input of DRx schedule information; determining, by the telematics unit, that ignition of the vehicle has been switched off; determining, by the telematics unit, an applicable DRx schedule from a plurality of DRx schedules, wherein the plurality of DRx schedules are based on the user input DRx schedule information; and executing, by the telematics unit, the applicable DRx schedule. The method further includes adjustment of the applicable DRx schedule based on a contextual parameter.