Terminal Adapter Coverage Enhancement Information Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Terminal equipment in wireless communication systems lacks visibility into coverage enhancement information used by network devices, hindering intelligent decision-making and device/network management.

Innovation Solution

Transferring coverage enhancement information from a terminal adapter to a terminal equipment using text string extensions in the AT command interface, enabling and disabling reporting, and monitoring for changes to provide unsolicited updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coverage enhancement information is transferred from terminal adapter to terminal equipment, then terminal equipment can make informed decisions and improve management, but device complexity increases due to additional information transfer mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal equipment decision-making capabilityVSAvoidinformation transfer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the existing AT command interface to serve multiple functions: traditional modem control and the new function of transferring coverage enhancement information. By making the interface multi-functional rather than creating a separate communication channel, the patent avoids adding significant complexity while enabling terminal equipment to access coverage enhancement information for informed decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces new parameters (coverage enhancement information) into the existing AT command framework. By changing the information parameters that can be exchanged through the interface rather than changing the interface structure itself, the patent enables enhanced functionality with minimal increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If unsolicited reporting of coverage enhancement information is implemented, then real-time information is provided to terminal equipment, but use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring and reporting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time coverage information availabilityVSAvoidterminal adapter energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic reporting where the terminal adapter monitors coverage enhancement information and sends unsolicited updates at intervals or when changes occur. This periodic action ensures real-time information availability to terminal equipment while allowing the system to enter low-power states between reporting intervals, thereby managing energy consumption more effectively than continuous transmission would require

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the terminal adapter continuously monitors coverage enhancement information from the network and automatically reports changes to the terminal equipment. This feedback loop provides real-time information without requiring constant polling by the terminal equipment, reducing overall system energy consumption while maintaining information availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of repair

If terminal equipment accesses coverage enhancement information, then troubleshooting and management capabilities improve, but device complexity increases due to additional interface extensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetroubleshooting capabilityVSAvoidAT command interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the AT command interface multi-functional by adding coverage enhancement information retrieval and reporting capabilities to the existing interface. This allows the same interface to handle both traditional modem control functions and new diagnostic/management functions, improving troubleshooting capability without requiring separate specialized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal adapter serves as an intermediary that translates network coverage enhancement information into formats suitable for terminal equipment processing. By using the existing terminal adapter as the intermediary rather than creating direct access mechanisms, the patent improves troubleshooting capabilities while minimizing increases in overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11122442B2Transferring coverage enhancement information from terminal adapter to terminal equipment

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

The described technology is generally directed towards transferring coverage enhancement information from a terminal adapter to a terminal equipment. In one aspect, a terminal equipment can send a communication command to a terminal adapter requesting return of coverage enhancement information, and receive the coverage enhancement information from the terminal adapter. The terminal equipment provides access to the coverage enhancement information to a program running on the terminal equipment. In another aspect, a terminal adapter activates coverage enhancement information reporting, and sends coverage enhancement information to a terminal equipment. The terminal adapter monitors for a coverage enhancement state change.