USIM Power Optimization via Synchronized Access Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular networks, especially with new extensions like NB-IoT and Cat-M, existing methods for remote management of subscriber identification modules are limited due to requirements for long sleep modes and short response times, leading to power consumption issues and network congestion when polling is used, and SMS support is not mandatory or available.

Innovation Solution

A method where the subscriber identification module receives a suspend time range from the communication equipment and a target access time from the remote server, determining a suspension time period to minimize power consumption and reduce network congestion by synchronizing suspension and access times, and sending polling messages only when the accumulated duration exceeds the target access time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication equipment polls for remote management requests each time it wakes up, then it can receive updates, but it causes network congestion and increases power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management update receptionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the remote server send a target access time to the USIM in advance, before the USIM needs to poll for updates. This allows the USIM to synchronize its wake-up and polling times with the server's expected access window, avoiding unnecessary polling attempts and reducing both power consumption and network congestion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic action by establishing regular, synchronized polling intervals based on the target access time provided by the remote server. Instead of polling at arbitrary wake-up times, the USIM polls periodically at predetermined times that align with server availability, reducing unnecessary network traffic while ensuring updates are received.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the communication equipment polls for remote management requests each time it wakes up, then it can receive updates, but it causes additional signaling and may risk network stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management update receptionVSAvoidnetwork congestion and signaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The remote server performs preliminary action by calculating and providing the target access time to the USIM before the polling occurs. This advance notification allows the USIM to synchronize its polling attempts with periods when the server is available, preventing unnecessary signaling and avoiding network congestion caused by simultaneous polling attempts from multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the USIM sends polling messages frequently, then it ensures it receives remote management requests, but it increases power consumption and network load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management request receptionVSAvoidnetwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic action by establishing regular, synchronized polling intervals based on the target access time provided by the remote server. Instead of frequent or continuous polling, the USIM polls at predetermined periodic intervals that align with server availability, reducing network load while ensuring updates are received reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback by having the remote server provide the target access time to the USIM, creating a feedback loop that synchronizes polling behavior. The USIM uses this feedback information to adjust its polling timing, ensuring it polls when the server is available while minimizing unnecessary network traffic and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11968746B2Method and system to optimize power consumption of IoT devices for USIM remote management

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

AI summary

Provided is a method to operate a subscriber identification module connected to a communication equipment configured to operate in a cellular network and communicatively coupled with a remote server. The method includes receiving from the communication equipment an information element indicating a time range relating to a suspend time of the communication equipment, receiving from the remote server a target access time information element indicating an expected time for an access request from the subscriber identification module to the remote server, and determining a suspension time period considering the suspend time range. The method includes providing to the communication equipment the suspension time period, and in case after resuming from the suspension instructed by the communication equipment the accumulated duration of at least one successive time period derived from the suspension time period exceeds the target access time, sending a polling message.