Single Transceiver Multi-Network Communication via Tuning Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) with multiple subscriptions can only communicate in a single network at a time, requiring termination of active calls to receive signals from other networks, which leads to inefficiencies and interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus allowing a UE to use a single transceiver to autonomously tune to another network during brief gaps in an active call to receive idle-mode signals without terminating the active call, using predefined gaps based on configured parameters to minimize interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the UE uses a single transceiver to communicate with multiple networks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the UE can only communicate in a single network at a time, requiring termination of active calls to receive signals from other networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransceiver configurationVSAvoidnetwork communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by scheduling specific time gaps during which the transceiver tunes away from the active network to monitor idle-mode signals on other networks. This periodic tuning allows the UE to maintain multiple network subscriptions without requiring continuous communication on all networks, resolving the contradiction between single transceiver limitation and multi-network capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the transceiver frequency可调 during operation. The transceiver dynamically switches between different network frequencies based on scheduled gaps, allowing the UE to adaptively monitor multiple networks while maintaining an active call on one network. This dynamic frequency switching enables versatility without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE terminates the active call to communicate with another network, then the UE can receive signals from multiple networks, but the call continuity is interrupted and requires reestablishment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-network signal receptionVSAvoidcall continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by creating scheduled gaps in the active call communication at predetermined intervals. During these brief gaps, the transceiver tunes to other networks to monitor idle-mode signals. The call is temporarily suspended during gaps but automatically resumed afterward, maintaining overall call continuity while enabling multi-network monitoring without permanent termination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-scheduling the timing and duration of gaps before they occur. The UE and network agree in advance on when communication interruptions will happen, allowing the network to prepare for temporary discontinuity and the UE to plan its transceiver tuning schedule. This preliminary arrangement ensures smooth call resumption after gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UE tunes the transceiver away from the active network to monitor other networks, then the UE can receive idle-mode signals from multiple networks, but data transmission during the active call is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidle-mode signal monitoringVSAvoiddata loss during call
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by scheduling monitoring gaps at intervals that balance the need for idle-mode signal detection with the need to maintain continuous data transmission. The gaps are periodic and predictable, allowing the system to minimize data loss by resuming transmission immediately after each gap. This periodic approach ensures that idle-mode monitoring occurs without causing excessive or random data interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by limiting the duration and frequency of gaps to only what is necessary for monitoring idle-mode signals. Rather than continuously monitoring all networks, the UE performs partial monitoring during scheduled gaps, reducing the impact on active call data transmission while still achieving the goal of multi-network signal reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2813097B1Apparatus and method of communicating over multiple subscriptions
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2813097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2813097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2813097B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The described aspects include a user equipment (UE) apparatus and corresponding method of communicating with multiple networks using multiple subscriptions. The UE can establish a call in a first network related to a first subscription over a transceiver. During the call, the UE autonomously tunes the transceiver to a frequency of a second network related to a second subscription within a defined gap during the call. The UE can monitor one or more channels in the second network during the defined gap for one or more idle-mode signals.