Vehicle Telematics PLMN Scan Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle telematics units face inefficiencies in controlling public land mobile network (PLMN) scan rates, leading to increased power consumption and roaming charges due to inconsistent scanning behaviors across different power modes and networks.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to dynamically adjust the PLMN scan rate based on the telematics unit's power condition and network type, setting distinct scan rates for powered, unpowered, and discontinuous reception modes, and distinguishing between home and visitor networks to optimize power usage and minimize roaming fees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the telematics unit uses a consistent fast scan rate for PLMN scanning, then reconnection to home networks is faster, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scan rate adjustment by transitioning between multiple scan rates based on operational conditions. The system uses a first scan rate (faster) when roaming on visitor networks and a second scan rate (slower) when on home networks or in powered-off modes, optimizing the balance between reconnection speed and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scan rate parameter based on power mode and network type. Specifically, it adjusts the PLMN scan rate from a first value (faster) to a second value (slower) depending on whether the unit is in powered-on mode with visitor network, powered-off mode, or on home network, thereby optimizing performance across different operating conditions
2Reliability
If the telematics unit scans visitor networks frequently, then roaming connectivity is maintained, but roaming charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scan rate qualities to different network contexts. When detecting that the current PLMN is a visitor network (not the home network), the system applies a faster scan rate to quickly detect home network availability, while maintaining slower scanning when already on home network, thus reducing unnecessary roaming scanning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network type (home vs. visitor) and adjusts scan behavior accordingly. By detecting whether the current PLMN matches the home network identifier, the system provides feedback control that prevents excessive scanning on visitor networks, thereby reducing roaming charges while maintaining connectivity
3Use of energy by moving object
If the telematics unit uses a slow scan rate to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but reconnection speed to home networks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts scan rate based on operational context rather than using a fixed rate. In powered-off mode or when on home network, it uses a slower scan rate to conserve power, but switches to a faster scan rate when roaming on visitor networks, thereby reducing reconnection time only when necessary
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system of controlling a public land mobile network (PLMN) scan rate (PCR) in a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: (a) determining a power condition that includes a powered mode, an unpowered mode, and a discontinuous reception (DRx) mode; (b) determining whether the telematics unit is scanning one or more home networks or one or more visitor networks; and (c) setting the PCR based on the determined power condition and the determined network, including: (c1) when in the powered mode and scanning a visitor network, the PCR is set to a first scan rate; (c2) when in the powered mode and scanning a home network, the PCR is set to a second scan rate that is slower than the first rate; and (c3) when in the DRx mode, the PCR is set to a third scan rate that is slower than the second rate.