WO2008082769A1

WO2008082769A1 - Application management based on battery life

Info

Publication number: WO2008082769A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/083113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Radhakrishna Channegowda; Dragan M. Boscovic; Kadathur S. Natarajan
Original assignee: Motorola, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-12-28
Filing date: 2007-10-31
Publication date: 2008-07-10

Abstract

Nodes will monitor a current battery reserve along with the network's available services and RF conditions for each available network. Each available service and the RF conditions are translated into an amount of battery life available. This information is then provided to a user so that they can choose the best application, and network combination to maximize battery life.

Description

APPLICATION MANAGEMENT BASED ON BATTERY LIFE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to communication systems and in particular, to application and network management based on battery life within such communication systems.

Background of the Invention

Low power consumption, and thus long battery life, is critical to the success of next-generation wireless devices. Different services/applications within communication systems have different power requirements. Additionally, differing radio frequency (RF) conditions also play a role in battery consumption. Oftentimes nodes will have many available networks for communication, each capable of providing many different applications. For example, there may be both a low-power 802.11 network available to a node as well as a high-power 802.16 network available to the node, each capable of providing both low-speed and high-speed data transmissions.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the choice of a network/application combination plays an important role in power consumption (and hence battery life) for a node. For a particular requirement (e.g., the need to place a call), it would be beneficial for a node to choose the lowest-power transmission/reception scheme. Additionally, it might be beneficial for a node to scale back on a quality of service (QoS) and change applications when their battery reserve is low, if such scaling back allows for lower power consumption. Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for application management that takes a nodes battery life into consideration, and chooses the best network for utilization.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates an overlay and underlay communication system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a display showing battery life for various user applications. FIG. 3 illustrates a display showing battery life for various network applications.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a node.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing operation of the node of FIG. 4 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing operation of the node of FIG. 4 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

In order to address the above-mentioned need, nodes will monitor a current battery reserve along with the network's available services and RF conditions for each available network. Each available service and the RF conditions are translated into an amount of battery life available. This information is then provided to a user so that they can choose the best application, and network combination to maximize battery life.

Because a user may now choose the best application and network combination to maximize battery life, users can now scale back on a quality of service and change applications when their battery reserve is low, if such scaling back allows for lower power consumption.

The present invention encompasses a method for providing information on battery life to a user. The method comprises the steps of determining available networks, determining information on available services from each network, determining information on RF conditions for each network, and determining a battery reserve. The battery reserve and RF conditions are translated into an amount of battery life for each available service, and provided to a user.

The present invention additionally encompasses a method for choosing a service and network for a requested service. The method comprises the steps of receiving a requested service, determining available networks, determining information on available services from each network, determining information on RF conditions for each network, and determining a battery reserve. The battery reserve and RF conditions are translated into an amount of battery life for the requested service and a particular service and network are chosen based on the battery life for the particular service and network.

The present invention additionally encompasses an apparatus comprising a user input receiving a requested service and logic circuitry obtaining information on available networks, obtaining information on available services from each network, obtaining information on RF conditions for each network, obtaining a battery reserve, translating the battery reserve and RF conditions into an amount of battery life for the requested service, and choosing a particular service and network based on the battery life for the particular service and network.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numerals designate like components, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating nodes capable of communication with multiple communication systems using multiple applications. For this particular illustration, an 802.11 underlay communication system comprising a plurality of nodes 103 exists with an overlay cellular communication system. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the underlay communication system may comprise any underlay network, such as, but not limited to a WLAN network, such as a Bluetooth network, or a network employing 802.15 (WPAN) or other short-range wireless communication protocols. The overlay communication system comprises a cellular communication system. The overlay communication system includes a plurality of base stations 101, with base stations 101 being adapted to communicate with nodes 103 that are within communication range. As shown, each base station 101 has an associated coverage area 102. The overlay communication system preferably utilizes a next generation CDMA architecture e.g., (WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPAor cdma2000 including Rev.A, Rev. B and evolutions thereof), however, in alternate embodiments the communication system may utilize other analog or digital cellular communication system protocols such as, but not limited to, the next generation Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) protocol, including EDGE and its evolutions, or the IEEE 802.16 communication system protocol.

It should be noted that for illustration purposes, only two communication systems are shown existing in FIG. 1, namely the 802.11 system and the cellular system. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many underlay and overlay communication systems may exist simultaneously, each providing their own unique services (applications) to nodes 103. Such services include, but are not limited to voice, web-browsing / data transfer, instant messaging (including Short Message Service / Multimedia Message Service), video/music/multimedia streaming, mobile TV broadcasting, and Push-to-Talk, and other applications. Additionally, each communication system may provide multiple services with varying Quality of Service (QoS). For example, the underlay communication system may be capable of transmitting multimedia using both high-speed and low-speed data transmission. As is evident, any node 103 may have multiple options for obtaining multimedia content. As discussed above, it would be beneficial for the node to choose the lowest- power transmission/reception scheme for a particular application. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a user a graphical representation of the power consumption for a particular application, so that they can choose whether or not to use that application. For example, mobile TV content can be delivered either as video streaming or broadcast. Both options might be available to a given user. Based on battery power, computational resources engaged, and personal preferences an informed decision can be made which transmission modality to use to deliver Mobile TV content. In order to address these issues, nodes 103 will monitor the current battery reserve along with the network's available services and RF conditions for each available network. Each available service and the RF conditions are translated into an amount of battery life available. This information is then provided to a user so that they can choose the best application, and network combination to maximize battery life.

The information will be provided to the user in the form of an amount time remaining for each of services that user/terminal can access at that time in a given area. The presentation to the user can be very similar to the information available in modern automobile dashboards that provide information on range (how long you can travel without) refueling. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate a display showing battery life for various network applications.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user is provided information on three available networks and services that are supported by these networks. As is evident voice is supported by all three networks and the longest battery range is estimated for Net#3 due, for example, to its proximity of the Access Point (base station), its wide area coverage and its VoIP nature (lower transmission rates and flexible buffering). As is evident, Net#l has lower estimated battery range as signal strength is weaker and doesn't support packetized voice, and Net#2 provides the shortest battery range for voice service as it delivers high toll quality, uses adaptive antenna with extensive signaling and associated data processing being done on handset side. For mobile TV, the longest battery range is on Net#2 as it is delivered by broadcast technology (DVB- H) as opposed to video streaming used by Net#l .

As shown in FIG. 3, voice service on Net#3 is selected. Battery range for this particular session is displayed in terms of call minutes possible for the current battery level and network conditions. There is a possibility to simultaneously calculate and display battery range levels for other services and networks so that user might decide to terminate the ongoing session and preserve battery life for another session/service on different network that has more favorable energy conserving conditions.

As an example, assume that a particular node 103 is low on battery life and that the particular node has to obtain a large file. While one network may be able to provide the file to the user in 15 seconds, it might require much remaining battery life to do so. The user may choose to obtain the file via another network over 60 seconds in order to reserve battery life.

As another example, assume that a particular node 103 of FIG. 2 is low on battery life and that the particular node wishes to place a call. The user may choose to place a voice call on Net#3 as opposed to a voice or video call on Net#2 or a voice call on Net#l.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of node. As shown, node 400 comprises logic circuitry/microprocessor 401, display 409, transmitter 403, receiver 405, and battery 413. Logic circuitry 401 preferably comprises a microprocessor controller such as, but not limited to a Freescale PowerPC microprocessor. Logic circuitry 401 serves as means for controlling node 400, and as means for analyzing RF conditions for available networks along with the QoS available from each network. RF conditions may include, for example, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a frame error rate, a fading characteristic of the communication link, or a measure of throughput. Based on this information logic circuitry 401 translates each available application and the RF conditions into an amount of battery life. This information is then provided to a display 409 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

Transmitter 403 and receiver 405 are common dual-mode circuitry known in the art for communication utilizing well known communication protocols, and serve as means for transmitting and receiving data. For example, transmitter 403 and receiver 405 are well known transmitters that can utilize both an 802.11 communication system protocol along with an 802.16 communication system protocol. Other possible transmitters and receivers include, but are not limited to transceivers utilizing Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, or HyperLAN protocols. Finally, user input 411 is provided to accept input from the user of device 400.

User input 411 comprises a standard smart-phone interface, such as a key pad, however, user input 411 may comprise other forms of circuitry designed to obtain user input. For example, user input 411 may comprise voice-recognition circuitry designed to obtain user input. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing operation of the node of FIG. 4 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment of the present invention, battery-life information is provided to a user, and the user is allowed to make a decision on what application/network combination they wish to utilize. The logic flow begins at step 501 where logic circuitry 401 determines all networks available to node 400. At step 503 a determination is made by logic circuitry 401 as to the available services/applications for each network. The logic flow continues to step 505 where logic circuitry 401 determines RF conditions for each network. This is accomplished by logic circuitry 401 accessing receiver 405 and determining such things as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a frame error rate, a fading characteristic of the communication link, or a measure of throughput.

At step 507 logic circuitry 401 accesses battery 413 and determines a battery reserve. The battery reserve basically comprises a measure of how energy remains within the battery.

Based on the battery reserve, the RF conditions for each network, and the service available, logic circuitry 401 translates each available service into an amount of battery life (step 509). The battery life basically comprises providing an amount of time remaining for a particular service until the battery discharges. One technique for translating each available service into an amount of battery life comprises identifying the most energy demanding process for a particular service, determining its energy consumption rate and correlating it with the remaining battery reserve to determine for how long (or how much data) this service can be consumed under the assumptions made.

Logic circuitry 401 then accesses display 409 and provides the information to the user via display 409 (step 511). As discussed above, display 409 preferably comprises a visual display as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

A user input is then received at step 513, selecting the network and service, and at step 515 logic circuitry accesses and utilizes the appropriate network and service.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing operation of the node of FIG. 3 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment of the present invention a particular network/service is chosen automatically by logic circuitry 401 in order to maximize battery life. The logic flow begins at step 601 where a user input is received by logic circuitry 401 requesting a particular service (e.g., Mobile TV). At step 603 logic circuitry 401 determines all networks available to node 400. At step 605 a determination is made by logic circuitry 401 as to the available services/applications for each network. The logic flow continues to step 607 where logic circuitry 401 determines RF conditions for each network. This is accomplished by logic circuitry 401 accessing receiver 405 and determining such things as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a frame error rate, a fading characteristic of the communication link, or a measure of throughput.

At step 609 logic circuitry 401 accesses battery 413 and determines a battery reserve. As discussed above, the battery reserve basically comprises a measure of how much energy remains within the battery.

Based on the battery reserve, the RF conditions for each network, and the service available, logic circuitry 401 translates the user-requested service into an amount of battery life (step 611). As discussed above, one technique for translating each user-requested service into an amount of battery life comprises identifying a most energy demanding process for a particular service, determining the service's energy consumption rate and correlating the energy consumption rate with the remaining battery reserve to determine for how long (or how much data) the service can be consumed under the assumptions made.

At step 613, logic circuitry 401 selects the network and service best suited for the user. Decision making process is likely to be governed by predetermined policy, or a set of nested policies. For instance user might prefer a particular operator or put a strong emphasis on the cost of services. He/she will also need to decide under which circumstances energy considerations are more important than the cost of service. Network policies will need to kick in when it comes to optimizing the overall network performance rather than maximizing individual user energy consumption. It is easy to envisage situation by which particular user might be forced to select less energy effective connection/network because the most effective access network is already congested, or have not been configured to supporting mobility needs (e.g. speed, session) of particular user. Vendor policies are also important as they would determine utilization of processing/computational resources on the platform/device itself and as such will have direct impact on estimated power reserves.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a particular embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that such changes come within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing information on battery life to a user, the method comprising the steps of: determining available networks; determining information on available services from each network; determining information on RF conditions for each network; determining a battery reserve; translating the battery reserve and RF conditions into an amount of battery life for each available service; and providing battery life information to a user.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: receiving a user input as to what service and network to utilize; and utilizing the service and network.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the available services comprise services taken from the group consisting of voice, web-browsing, data transfer, instant messaging, video/music/multimedia streaming, mobile TV broadcasting, and Push-to-Talk.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein RF conditions comprise RF conditions taken from the group consisting of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a frame error rate, a fading characteristic of the communication link, and a measure of throughput.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the battery reserve comprises a measure of how energy remains within the battery.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of translating the battery reserve and RF conditions into an amount of battery life comprises the step of identifying a most energy demanding process for a particular service, determining the service's energy consumption rate and correlating the energy consumption rate with the remaining battery reserve to determine for how long (or how much data) the service can be consumed.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing battery life information to a user comprises the step of providing an amount of time remaining for a particular service until the battery discharges.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of providing the battery life information comprises the step of providing the battery life information on a visual display.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing the battery life information comprises the step of providing the battery life information on a visual display.

10. An apparatus comprising: a user input receiving a requested service; logic circuitry obtaining information on available networks, obtaining information on available services from each network, obtaining information on RF conditions for each network, obtaining a battery reserve, translating the battery reserve and RF conditions into an amount of battery life for the requested service, and choosing a particular service and network based on the battery life for the particular service and network.