Wearable Device NB-IoT Mode Switching for Voice Paging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices in low-power NB-IoT mode cannot perform voice communication, leading to missed calls and messages, and frequent charging is required due to high power consumption, which is inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that allows a wearable device in NB-IoT mode to obtain and filter communication notification messages from a server, switching to cellular mobile network mode upon user reply, ensuring low-power voice paging and extended usage time while maintaining real-time connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wearable device keeps connected to the operator in real time to receive incoming calls and messages, then the communication reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases and usage time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device periodically wakes up from low-power mode to check for communication notifications at predetermined time intervals, then returns to low-power mode. This periodic checking mechanism maintains communication reliability by ensuring the device periodically connects to the network while minimizing power consumption by keeping the device in low-power mode between checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the wearable device switches to low-power NB-IoT mode to reduce power consumption, then the usage time is prolonged, but the voice communication capability is lost and calls may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage timeVSAvoidvoice communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device performs preliminary actions by periodically checking for communication notifications before the user needs to communicate. By proactively waking up to check for calls and messages, the device ensures that communication opportunities are not missed while still maintaining low-power operation for the majority of the time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device dynamically switches between low-power NB-IoT mode and full cellular communication mode based on the presence of communication notifications. When notifications are detected, the device transitions to full communication capability; when none are present, it remains in low-power mode, optimizing both usage time and communication reliability adaptively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the wearable device frequently charges to maintain real-time connectivity, then the communication reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to charging inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device uses periodic notification checking instead of continuous connectivity, dramatically reducing power consumption and extending usage time between charges. This allows the device to maintain communication reliability through periodic network contact while eliminating the need for frequent charging, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by moving object

If the wearable device uses NB-IoT technology for low-power operation, then the power consumption is reduced and usage time is prolonged, but the device cannot perform voice communication data service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoice communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device implements multi-functionality by combining NB-IoT technology for low-power notification checking with the ability to switch to full cellular mode for voice communication. The device universally handles both data notification reception in low-power mode and voice communication when needed, making the system adaptable to different communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3634037B1Communication method, wearable device, server and system
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3634037B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3634037B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3634037B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a communication method, a wearable device, a server, and a system. The method includes: obtaining, by a wearable device that is in a cellular-based Narrowband Internet of Things mode, an unreceived communication notification message from a server based on a preset period or a preset time point; and when a user needs to reply to the communication notification message, switching, by the wearable device, from the cellular-based Narrowband Internet of Things mode to a cellular mobile network mode to reply. According to the embodiments of this application, low-power voice paging of the wearable device can be implemented, and a usage time of the wearable device can be prolonged.