CA2109170C - Method of saving power consumption in a battery-operated pager receiver - Google Patents
Method of saving power consumption in a battery-operated pager receiver Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2109170C CA2109170C CA002109170A CA2109170A CA2109170C CA 2109170 C CA2109170 C CA 2109170C CA 002109170 A CA002109170 A CA 002109170A CA 2109170 A CA2109170 A CA 2109170A CA 2109170 C CA2109170 C CA 2109170C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pulse width
- pager
- preambles
- pulses
- battery
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B3/00—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems
- G08B3/10—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
- G08B3/1008—Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems
- G08B3/1016—Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems using wireless transmission
- G08B3/1025—Paging receivers with audible signalling details
- G08B3/1066—Paging receivers with audible signalling details with other provisions not elsewhere provided for, e.g. turn-off protection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W52/00—Power management, e.g. TPC [Transmission Power Control], power saving or power classes
- H04W52/02—Power saving arrangements
- H04W52/0209—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices
- H04W52/0225—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal
- H04W52/0229—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal where the received signal is a wanted signal
- H04W52/0232—Power saving arrangements in terminal devices using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal where the received signal is a wanted signal according to average transmission signal activity
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/02—Terminal devices
- H04W88/022—Selective call receivers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
- Y02D30/00—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks
- Y02D30/70—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks in wireless communication networks
Abstract
In orders to effectively reduce power consumption of a radio pager, an originally-determined pulse width at which power is supplied to high-power drain circuitry is narrowed in the case where the interval between two adjacent code signals transmitted from a calling station becomes less than a predetermined time duration. Conversely, if the above-mentioned interval exceeds the predetermined time duration, the narrowed pulse width is changed to the original one.
Description
2109170r A METFIOD OF SAVING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A
BATTERY-OPERATED PAGER RECEIVER
The present invention relates generally to a method of effe<aively reducing power consumption of a battery-operate=d radio pager, and more specifically to such a method wherein a time duration for which high-power drain circuitr;~ is energized is controlled depending on a traffic densit;~ of code signals which are transmitted from a calling station.
Radio paging systems have proven very popular and many efforia have been made to reduce their size, weight, and power consumption through the use of integrated cir<:uit techniques.
In connection with power conservation, a battery saving method :is utilized to minimize power consumption by periodically supplying power to high-power drain circuitry in short burst: instead of continuously.
A prcasently-known battery saving method used in a radio pager, periodically supplies power to a front end (viz., a high-~Erequency receiver section) in order to intermittently enable the search for the presence of a preamble code. If the preamble is detected, the front end is further energized for identifying a subscriber's identification (ID). In the case where the subscriber's ID is ascertained, the subsequently-transmitted information is acquired.
The ~3bove-mentioned prior art will further be explained with reference to Figure 1.
Figuoe 1 shows, at Section A thereof, a plurality of code signals (each denoted by TX) transmitted from a calling station (not shown). Figure 1 further shows, at Section B thereof, a standard code format of the code signal TX.. This code format is proposed by POCSAG
(British Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group).
Although the p~~esent invention is not limited to such a code format, ii. is believed that a brief description thereof will f<~cilitate an understanding of the instant invention.
Acco~__~ding to the POCSAG specification, a transmission consists of a preamble followed by batches 1, 2, ..., N, each batch beginning with a synchronization codeword (SC) as shown in Section B of Figure 1.
The i:ransmission ceases when there are no further calls. Each transmission starts with a preamble to permit the recipient pager to attain bit synchronization and to prepare to acquire word synchronization. The preamble is a pattern of reversals, 101010...., repeated for a period of at least 576 bits. A
bit rate per se=cond is 512 (for example) in the case of which the time duration of the preamble (denoted by Tp) is about 1.125 sec=onds. As shown in Section B of Figure 1, message codewords are transmitted in batches each of which comprises an Sc~ (32 bits) followed by eight (8) frames (each 64 bits).. Accordingly, one batch amounts to 544 (=32+(8x64) ) b=its.
Sect=ion C of Figure 1 shows a plurality of preamble search pulses PS each having a time period (viz., pulse width) T:L which represents the time duration for which power is supplied to high power drain circuitry such as the front end of the pager. During this time period T1, the pager :is rendered operative and is permitted to search for the preambles. The time period T1 is followed by a battery saving time period Tbs for which power is not supplied to thca high power drain circuitry but to low power drain ci~~cuits. The period of the pulses PS is denoted by Ta (=T1+Tbs).
When the pager detects a preamble, it further searches for the synchronization codeword SC. If the pager ascertains the codeword SC and is synchronized thereby, an address included in the first batch 1 (for example) is compared with a subscriber's unique code (UC) :, x ,' which is previously stored in the pager. If the address coincides with the subscriber's unique code, then the subsequent mesaages are acquired. The above-mentioned address and me:~sages are included in a predetermined frame of each of the batches and acquired by a plurality of information se<~rch pulses IS. The information of the frames which a~__~e assigned to the subscriber's pager has previously been stored in a ROM (Random Access Memory) in the pager.
The period Ta of the preamble search pulses PS
is chosen to bcs shorter than the time duration Tp of the preamble so that each of the repetitive pulses PS must occur within the duration Tp.
Further, in order to specify the presence of a preamble without failure, the pulse width T1 is set to a relatively large value (80 ms for example). Therefore, in the case where the interval between the adjacent code signals transmitted from the calling station is rendered considerably long during night (for example), the battery saving efficiency is undesirably lowered due to the above-mentioned long time duration T1.
The <~bove-mentioned prior art has not addressed such a problem.. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to narrow the pul:~e width T1 to a value which may not adversely affects the definition of each of the preambles in the case of low traffic density.
It i:~ an object of the present invention to provide a method of effectively reducing power consumption of a radio pagcsr by narrowing a pulse width of each of the preamble search pulses when the interval between the transmitted code signals is larger than a predetermined time duration.
In brief, the above object is achieved by a method wherein in order to effectively reduce power consumption of a radio pager, an originally determined time period for which power is supplied to high power 2109170 v~
BATTERY-OPERATED PAGER RECEIVER
The present invention relates generally to a method of effe<aively reducing power consumption of a battery-operate=d radio pager, and more specifically to such a method wherein a time duration for which high-power drain circuitr;~ is energized is controlled depending on a traffic densit;~ of code signals which are transmitted from a calling station.
Radio paging systems have proven very popular and many efforia have been made to reduce their size, weight, and power consumption through the use of integrated cir<:uit techniques.
In connection with power conservation, a battery saving method :is utilized to minimize power consumption by periodically supplying power to high-power drain circuitry in short burst: instead of continuously.
A prcasently-known battery saving method used in a radio pager, periodically supplies power to a front end (viz., a high-~Erequency receiver section) in order to intermittently enable the search for the presence of a preamble code. If the preamble is detected, the front end is further energized for identifying a subscriber's identification (ID). In the case where the subscriber's ID is ascertained, the subsequently-transmitted information is acquired.
The ~3bove-mentioned prior art will further be explained with reference to Figure 1.
Figuoe 1 shows, at Section A thereof, a plurality of code signals (each denoted by TX) transmitted from a calling station (not shown). Figure 1 further shows, at Section B thereof, a standard code format of the code signal TX.. This code format is proposed by POCSAG
(British Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group).
Although the p~~esent invention is not limited to such a code format, ii. is believed that a brief description thereof will f<~cilitate an understanding of the instant invention.
Acco~__~ding to the POCSAG specification, a transmission consists of a preamble followed by batches 1, 2, ..., N, each batch beginning with a synchronization codeword (SC) as shown in Section B of Figure 1.
The i:ransmission ceases when there are no further calls. Each transmission starts with a preamble to permit the recipient pager to attain bit synchronization and to prepare to acquire word synchronization. The preamble is a pattern of reversals, 101010...., repeated for a period of at least 576 bits. A
bit rate per se=cond is 512 (for example) in the case of which the time duration of the preamble (denoted by Tp) is about 1.125 sec=onds. As shown in Section B of Figure 1, message codewords are transmitted in batches each of which comprises an Sc~ (32 bits) followed by eight (8) frames (each 64 bits).. Accordingly, one batch amounts to 544 (=32+(8x64) ) b=its.
Sect=ion C of Figure 1 shows a plurality of preamble search pulses PS each having a time period (viz., pulse width) T:L which represents the time duration for which power is supplied to high power drain circuitry such as the front end of the pager. During this time period T1, the pager :is rendered operative and is permitted to search for the preambles. The time period T1 is followed by a battery saving time period Tbs for which power is not supplied to thca high power drain circuitry but to low power drain ci~~cuits. The period of the pulses PS is denoted by Ta (=T1+Tbs).
When the pager detects a preamble, it further searches for the synchronization codeword SC. If the pager ascertains the codeword SC and is synchronized thereby, an address included in the first batch 1 (for example) is compared with a subscriber's unique code (UC) :, x ,' which is previously stored in the pager. If the address coincides with the subscriber's unique code, then the subsequent mesaages are acquired. The above-mentioned address and me:~sages are included in a predetermined frame of each of the batches and acquired by a plurality of information se<~rch pulses IS. The information of the frames which a~__~e assigned to the subscriber's pager has previously been stored in a ROM (Random Access Memory) in the pager.
The period Ta of the preamble search pulses PS
is chosen to bcs shorter than the time duration Tp of the preamble so that each of the repetitive pulses PS must occur within the duration Tp.
Further, in order to specify the presence of a preamble without failure, the pulse width T1 is set to a relatively large value (80 ms for example). Therefore, in the case where the interval between the adjacent code signals transmitted from the calling station is rendered considerably long during night (for example), the battery saving efficiency is undesirably lowered due to the above-mentioned long time duration T1.
The <~bove-mentioned prior art has not addressed such a problem.. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to narrow the pul:~e width T1 to a value which may not adversely affects the definition of each of the preambles in the case of low traffic density.
It i:~ an object of the present invention to provide a method of effectively reducing power consumption of a radio pagcsr by narrowing a pulse width of each of the preamble search pulses when the interval between the transmitted code signals is larger than a predetermined time duration.
In brief, the above object is achieved by a method wherein in order to effectively reduce power consumption of a radio pager, an originally determined time period for which power is supplied to high power 2109170 v~
drain circuitr~~, is narrowed if the interval between two adjacent code aignals transmitted falls below a predetermined itime duration. Contrarily, if the above-mentioned inte~__~val exceeds the predetermined time duration, the narrowed time period is changed to the original one.
An a:~pect of the present invention resides in a method of reducing power consumption of a battery operated radio pager, comprising the steps of: (a) periodically generating a p:Lurality of pulses each having a first pulse width for which power is supplied to high-power drain circuitry of the pager in order to permit the pager to be rendered operai~ive for searching for preambles which are transmitted from a calling station; (b) measuring a time interval betweesn adjacent preambles; (c) searching for preambles by periodically generating the pulses each having the fir:~t pulse width if the time interval is less than a predetermined time duration; and (d) changing the first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than the first pulse width by a predetermined amount if the time interval exceeds the predetermined time duration, and searching i'or preambles by generating a plurality of the pulses each having the second pulse width.
The method of the invention may further comprise the step of ch<~nging the second pulse width to the first pulse width if the time interval falls below the predeter-mined time duration.
Another aspect of the invention resides in an apparatus for reducing power consumption of a battery-operated radio pager. The apparatus comprises a circuit, means for periodically generating a plurality of pulses each having a i=first pulse width for which power is sup-plied to the c:Lrcuit of the pager in order to permit the pager to be rendered operative for searching for preambles which are tran:amitted from a calling station, and means for measuring ~~ time interval between adjacent preambles.
An a:~pect of the present invention resides in a method of reducing power consumption of a battery operated radio pager, comprising the steps of: (a) periodically generating a p:Lurality of pulses each having a first pulse width for which power is supplied to high-power drain circuitry of the pager in order to permit the pager to be rendered operai~ive for searching for preambles which are transmitted from a calling station; (b) measuring a time interval betweesn adjacent preambles; (c) searching for preambles by periodically generating the pulses each having the fir:~t pulse width if the time interval is less than a predetermined time duration; and (d) changing the first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than the first pulse width by a predetermined amount if the time interval exceeds the predetermined time duration, and searching i'or preambles by generating a plurality of the pulses each having the second pulse width.
The method of the invention may further comprise the step of ch<~nging the second pulse width to the first pulse width if the time interval falls below the predeter-mined time duration.
Another aspect of the invention resides in an apparatus for reducing power consumption of a battery-operated radio pager. The apparatus comprises a circuit, means for periodically generating a plurality of pulses each having a i=first pulse width for which power is sup-plied to the c:Lrcuit of the pager in order to permit the pager to be rendered operative for searching for preambles which are tran:amitted from a calling station, and means for measuring ~~ time interval between adjacent preambles.
The apparatus further comprises means for searching for preambles by periodically generating the pulses each having the first pulse width if the time interval is less than a predetermined time duration. It still further comprises means for changing the first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than the first pulse width by a predetermined amount if the time interval exceeds the predetermined time duration, and for searching for preambles by generating a plurality of the pulses each having the second pulse width. Additionally the apparatus comprises mean:a for changing the second pulse width to the first pulse width if the time interval falls below the predetermined i:ime duration.
The j=eatures and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly appreciated from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram which illustrates ths: preamble search according to a known method, referred to in the opening paragraphs of the instant disclo:~ure;
Figuz-e 2 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a radio pager to which the present invention is applicable;
Figure 3 is a diagram which shows two kinds of preamble search pulses according to the present invention;
and, Figure 4 is a flow chart which shows the steps which characterize the operation of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows schematically an arrangement of a pager 30 to which the present invention is applicable.
As shown, a front end 32 is provided for amplifying and demodulating a code-modulated carrier wave received by an antenna 34. The front end 32 is a conventional circuit arrangement comprised of a high frequency amplifier, a frequency converter, an IF
The j=eatures and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly appreciated from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram which illustrates ths: preamble search according to a known method, referred to in the opening paragraphs of the instant disclo:~ure;
Figuz-e 2 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a radio pager to which the present invention is applicable;
Figure 3 is a diagram which shows two kinds of preamble search pulses according to the present invention;
and, Figure 4 is a flow chart which shows the steps which characterize the operation of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows schematically an arrangement of a pager 30 to which the present invention is applicable.
As shown, a front end 32 is provided for amplifying and demodulating a code-modulated carrier wave received by an antenna 34. The front end 32 is a conventional circuit arrangement comprised of a high frequency amplifier, a frequency converter, an IF
(Intermediate Frequency) amplifier, and a discriminator.
The front end 32 is periodically energized by a plurality of preamble search pulses which are applied from a battery-saving controller 36 forming part of a pager control section 38. The controller 36 controls the battery-saving using a timer 37 as mentioned later.
It is assumed that the front end 32 acquires one of the preambles sequentially transmitted from a calling station (not s;hown). The output of the front end 32 is applied to a decoder 40 after being wave-shaped at a wave shaper 42. Th~~ decoder 40 searches for a preamble and a synchronization codeword SC preceded thereby. If the codeword SC is detected, the decoder 40 searches for an identifying address code by comparing the same with a subscriber's unique code prestored in a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) within the decoder 40 (not shown in Figure 2).
In the event that the identifying address code coincides with the subscriber's unique code, the decoder 4o activates the pager control section 38, and then applies messagE~ data included in the following batches to the pager control section 38. When the pager control section 38 acquires the message data, a CPU (Central Processing Unii:) 42 enables a LED (Light-Emitting Diode) driver 44, a speaker driver 46, and a display driver 48.
Thus, both a lp~ght source (viz., LED) 50 and a speaker 52 are energized i:or alerting the subscriber. Further, the message directead to the subscriber is demonstrated on a display 54.
A ROM 56 is provided for storing a program which controls the overall operations of the pager 30, while a RAM (Random Access Memory) 58 is used to define a work space needed for pager operations. Further, the pager control section 38 is operatively coupled to an oscillator 60, a pager power switch 62, and a battery 64.
Figure 3 shows two kinds of preamble search pulses PS and PSn illustrated at upper and lower portions of the drawing, respectively. The pulses PS are identical to those shown in Figure 1 and applied to the front end 32 from the battery-saving controller 36 (Figure 2) during a first mode. On the other hand, the other preamble search pulses PSn are applied to the front end 32 while the battery-saving operation enters into a second mode.
In t:he event that the interval between two adjacent code signals transmitted from the calling station exceeds a predetermined time duration, the battery-saving is changed from the first mode to the second mode.
Contrarily, if the above-mentioned interval becomes less than the predetermined time duration, the battery-saving is switched over to the original mode (viz., first mode).
As mentioned above, the time period T1 of the pulse PS is rendered sufficiently long in order to ensure that the presence of the preamble can be detected without exception. In other words, the time period T1 is determined from the safety point of view and thus is undesirably long. Accordingly, if the pulses PS are generated all <iay long, the battery-saving efficiency is undesirably lowered in the case of low-traffic density during the night.
Acco~°ding to the present invention, the time duration T1 is narrowed to T2 if the interval between the adjacent code :signals transmitted from the calling station is found to be larger than the predetermined time period.
It goes without: saying that the time period T1 should be determined such as to ensure the definition of the preambles. Merely by way of example, the time period T2 is set to about: 50ms.
Figure 4 is a flow chart which shows the steps which characterize the operation of the instant invention.
_$_ The battery-saving operation according to the instant invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
The first step (step 100) of the routine illustrated in Figure 4, comprises the pager 30 being turned on by t:he power switch 64 (Figure 2). It should be noted that even if the power switch 64 remains open, the CPU 42 is continuously energized in order to hold data stored in the :RAM 58 and to keep a clock operative and so on.
When the switch 64 is turned on, the battery-saving controller 36 (or pager 30) enters into the first mode under the control of the CPU 42 (step 102). During the first mode, the controller 36 issues a plurality of pulses PS which are applied to the front end 32. The first mode is :identical to the conventional mode discussed in the opening paragraphs of the instant disclosure.
When the battery-saving enters into the first mode, the time~_~ 37 is reset and immediately thereafter rendered operai~ive (steps 104 and 106). Furthermore, a logic "0" is si:ored in a flag at step 104. Following this, the pager 30 searches for a preamble. If the pager fails to dei:ect the presence of a preamble (step 108), the routine goes to step 110 wherein the elapsed time 25 counted at the timer 37 is checked to see if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time Ts (10 seconds, for example).
In ttie event that the pager 30 detects a given preamble before: the timer 37 counts up the predetermined 30 time Ts, the program goes to step 112 wherein the decoder searches fon the synchronization codeword SC to be preceded by the: preamble. In the case where the pager 30 fails to ascertain the codeword SC (step 112), the flag is checked to see if it contains a logic 1 (step 114). In 35 this instance, the flag stores a logic 0 and hence the routine goes back to step 100. If the answer at step 112 is affirmative, the address transmitted is checked to see if it coincides with the subscriber's unique code UC at step 116. If ithe answer is negative at step 116, the program return; to step 100 by way of step 114. By contrast, if tile address transmitted coincides with the unique code UC at step 116, the pager 30 acquires the message which ~Eollows the address code (step 118). The subscriber is <~lerted, and the message is exhibited on the display 54 (steap 120). Subsequently, the routine returns to step 100 via step 114 in this particular case.
On the other hand, if the elapsed time after the setting of the timer 37 exceeds the predetermined time Ts (step 110), thE: routine goes to step 122 wherein the battery-saving mode (viz., first mode) is changed to the second mode (step 122).
During the second mode, the controller 36 issues a plurality of pulses PSn which are applied to the front end 32 as in tree case of the first mode. Further, the timer 37 is re:~et and immediately thereafter rendered operative (steps 124 and 126). Following this, the pager searches for- a preamble until detecting same (step 128). If a preamble is detected at step 128, the routine proceeds to step 130 wherein the elapsed time at the timer 37 is checked t:o see if it exceeds the predetermined time 25 Ts (step 130).
In tree case where the answer is affirmative at step 130, the flag is set to a logic 1. Subsequently, the program goes to step 112 after which the above-mentioned processes are repeated. However, the flag has been set to 30 a Logic 1 in this instance, and hence the routine goes back to step 1~;2 from step 114.
On the other hand, if the answer is negative at step 130, the X~rogram goes to step 112 while the flag remains holding a logic 0. In this case, the program returns to step 100 via one or more of steps 112, 116, 118 -lo_ 2109170 and 120. Thus, the battery-saving returns to the first mode.
It wall be understood that the above disclosure is representative of only one possible embodiment and that various modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the instant invention.
The front end 32 is periodically energized by a plurality of preamble search pulses which are applied from a battery-saving controller 36 forming part of a pager control section 38. The controller 36 controls the battery-saving using a timer 37 as mentioned later.
It is assumed that the front end 32 acquires one of the preambles sequentially transmitted from a calling station (not s;hown). The output of the front end 32 is applied to a decoder 40 after being wave-shaped at a wave shaper 42. Th~~ decoder 40 searches for a preamble and a synchronization codeword SC preceded thereby. If the codeword SC is detected, the decoder 40 searches for an identifying address code by comparing the same with a subscriber's unique code prestored in a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) within the decoder 40 (not shown in Figure 2).
In the event that the identifying address code coincides with the subscriber's unique code, the decoder 4o activates the pager control section 38, and then applies messagE~ data included in the following batches to the pager control section 38. When the pager control section 38 acquires the message data, a CPU (Central Processing Unii:) 42 enables a LED (Light-Emitting Diode) driver 44, a speaker driver 46, and a display driver 48.
Thus, both a lp~ght source (viz., LED) 50 and a speaker 52 are energized i:or alerting the subscriber. Further, the message directead to the subscriber is demonstrated on a display 54.
A ROM 56 is provided for storing a program which controls the overall operations of the pager 30, while a RAM (Random Access Memory) 58 is used to define a work space needed for pager operations. Further, the pager control section 38 is operatively coupled to an oscillator 60, a pager power switch 62, and a battery 64.
Figure 3 shows two kinds of preamble search pulses PS and PSn illustrated at upper and lower portions of the drawing, respectively. The pulses PS are identical to those shown in Figure 1 and applied to the front end 32 from the battery-saving controller 36 (Figure 2) during a first mode. On the other hand, the other preamble search pulses PSn are applied to the front end 32 while the battery-saving operation enters into a second mode.
In t:he event that the interval between two adjacent code signals transmitted from the calling station exceeds a predetermined time duration, the battery-saving is changed from the first mode to the second mode.
Contrarily, if the above-mentioned interval becomes less than the predetermined time duration, the battery-saving is switched over to the original mode (viz., first mode).
As mentioned above, the time period T1 of the pulse PS is rendered sufficiently long in order to ensure that the presence of the preamble can be detected without exception. In other words, the time period T1 is determined from the safety point of view and thus is undesirably long. Accordingly, if the pulses PS are generated all <iay long, the battery-saving efficiency is undesirably lowered in the case of low-traffic density during the night.
Acco~°ding to the present invention, the time duration T1 is narrowed to T2 if the interval between the adjacent code :signals transmitted from the calling station is found to be larger than the predetermined time period.
It goes without: saying that the time period T1 should be determined such as to ensure the definition of the preambles. Merely by way of example, the time period T2 is set to about: 50ms.
Figure 4 is a flow chart which shows the steps which characterize the operation of the instant invention.
_$_ The battery-saving operation according to the instant invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
The first step (step 100) of the routine illustrated in Figure 4, comprises the pager 30 being turned on by t:he power switch 64 (Figure 2). It should be noted that even if the power switch 64 remains open, the CPU 42 is continuously energized in order to hold data stored in the :RAM 58 and to keep a clock operative and so on.
When the switch 64 is turned on, the battery-saving controller 36 (or pager 30) enters into the first mode under the control of the CPU 42 (step 102). During the first mode, the controller 36 issues a plurality of pulses PS which are applied to the front end 32. The first mode is :identical to the conventional mode discussed in the opening paragraphs of the instant disclosure.
When the battery-saving enters into the first mode, the time~_~ 37 is reset and immediately thereafter rendered operai~ive (steps 104 and 106). Furthermore, a logic "0" is si:ored in a flag at step 104. Following this, the pager 30 searches for a preamble. If the pager fails to dei:ect the presence of a preamble (step 108), the routine goes to step 110 wherein the elapsed time 25 counted at the timer 37 is checked to see if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time Ts (10 seconds, for example).
In ttie event that the pager 30 detects a given preamble before: the timer 37 counts up the predetermined 30 time Ts, the program goes to step 112 wherein the decoder searches fon the synchronization codeword SC to be preceded by the: preamble. In the case where the pager 30 fails to ascertain the codeword SC (step 112), the flag is checked to see if it contains a logic 1 (step 114). In 35 this instance, the flag stores a logic 0 and hence the routine goes back to step 100. If the answer at step 112 is affirmative, the address transmitted is checked to see if it coincides with the subscriber's unique code UC at step 116. If ithe answer is negative at step 116, the program return; to step 100 by way of step 114. By contrast, if tile address transmitted coincides with the unique code UC at step 116, the pager 30 acquires the message which ~Eollows the address code (step 118). The subscriber is <~lerted, and the message is exhibited on the display 54 (steap 120). Subsequently, the routine returns to step 100 via step 114 in this particular case.
On the other hand, if the elapsed time after the setting of the timer 37 exceeds the predetermined time Ts (step 110), thE: routine goes to step 122 wherein the battery-saving mode (viz., first mode) is changed to the second mode (step 122).
During the second mode, the controller 36 issues a plurality of pulses PSn which are applied to the front end 32 as in tree case of the first mode. Further, the timer 37 is re:~et and immediately thereafter rendered operative (steps 124 and 126). Following this, the pager searches for- a preamble until detecting same (step 128). If a preamble is detected at step 128, the routine proceeds to step 130 wherein the elapsed time at the timer 37 is checked t:o see if it exceeds the predetermined time 25 Ts (step 130).
In tree case where the answer is affirmative at step 130, the flag is set to a logic 1. Subsequently, the program goes to step 112 after which the above-mentioned processes are repeated. However, the flag has been set to 30 a Logic 1 in this instance, and hence the routine goes back to step 1~;2 from step 114.
On the other hand, if the answer is negative at step 130, the X~rogram goes to step 112 while the flag remains holding a logic 0. In this case, the program returns to step 100 via one or more of steps 112, 116, 118 -lo_ 2109170 and 120. Thus, the battery-saving returns to the first mode.
It wall be understood that the above disclosure is representative of only one possible embodiment and that various modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the instant invention.
Claims (5)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of reducing power consumption of a battery-operated radio pager, comprising steps of:
periodically generating a plurality of pulses each having a first pulse width for which power is supplied to a circuit of said pager in order to permit said pager to be rendered operative for searching for preambles which are transmitted from a calling station;
measuring a time interval between adjacent preambles;
searching for preambles by periodically generating said pulses each having said first pulse width if said time interval is less than a predetermined time duration; and changing said first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than said first pulse width by a predetermined amount if said time interval exceeds said predetermined time duration, and searching for preambles by generating a plurality of said pulses each having said second pulse width.
periodically generating a plurality of pulses each having a first pulse width for which power is supplied to a circuit of said pager in order to permit said pager to be rendered operative for searching for preambles which are transmitted from a calling station;
measuring a time interval between adjacent preambles;
searching for preambles by periodically generating said pulses each having said first pulse width if said time interval is less than a predetermined time duration; and changing said first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than said first pulse width by a predetermined amount if said time interval exceeds said predetermined time duration, and searching for preambles by generating a plurality of said pulses each having said second pulse width.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of:
changing said second pulse width to said first pulse width if said time interval falls below said predetermined time duration.
changing said second pulse width to said first pulse width if said time interval falls below said predetermined time duration.
3. An apparatus for reducing power consumption of a battery-operated radio pager, comprising:
a circuit;
means for periodically generating a plurality of pulses each having a first pulse width for which power is supplied to said circuit of said pager in order to permit said pager to be rendered operative for searching for preambles which are transmitted from a calling station;
means for measuring a time interval between adjacent preambles;
means for searching for preambles by periodically generating said pulses each having said first pulse width if said time interval is less than a predetermined time duration;
means for changing said first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than said first pulse width by a predetermined amount if said time interval exceeds said predetermined time duration, and searching for preambles by generating a plurality of said pulses each having said second pulse width; and, means for changing said second pulse width to said first pulse width if said time interval falls below said predetermined time duration.
a circuit;
means for periodically generating a plurality of pulses each having a first pulse width for which power is supplied to said circuit of said pager in order to permit said pager to be rendered operative for searching for preambles which are transmitted from a calling station;
means for measuring a time interval between adjacent preambles;
means for searching for preambles by periodically generating said pulses each having said first pulse width if said time interval is less than a predetermined time duration;
means for changing said first pulse width to a second pulse width which is shorter than said first pulse width by a predetermined amount if said time interval exceeds said predetermined time duration, and searching for preambles by generating a plurality of said pulses each having said second pulse width; and, means for changing said second pulse width to said first pulse width if said time interval falls below said predetermined time duration.
4. A method according to claim 2, wherein said circuit comprises electric-powered circuitry.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said circuit comprises electric-powered circuitry.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04285667A JP3110173B2 (en) | 1992-10-23 | 1992-10-23 | Reception control method of radio selective calling receiver |
| JP4-285667 | 1992-10-23 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2109170A1 CA2109170A1 (en) | 1994-04-24 |
| CA2109170C true CA2109170C (en) | 2000-01-11 |
Family
ID=17694500
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002109170A Expired - Fee Related CA2109170C (en) | 1992-10-23 | 1993-10-25 | Method of saving power consumption in a battery-operated pager receiver |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5566081A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0597308B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3110173B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU669395B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2109170C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69331822T2 (en) |
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| JP2872057B2 (en) * | 1994-11-24 | 1999-03-17 | 日本電気株式会社 | Radio selective call receiver |
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| JP2665204B2 (en) * | 1995-06-20 | 1997-10-22 | 静岡日本電気株式会社 | Radio selective call receiver |
| US5774054A (en) * | 1996-11-04 | 1998-06-30 | E Lead Electronic Co., Ltd. | Synchronous receiving/transmitting departure alarm |
| US6016312A (en) * | 1997-02-28 | 2000-01-18 | Motorola, Inc. | Radiotelephone and method for clock calibration for slotted paging mode in a CDMA radiotelephone system |
| KR100232881B1 (en) * | 1997-10-08 | 1999-12-01 | 윤종용 | Method of controlling power for receiver and pager therefor |
| KR100241780B1 (en) | 1997-12-16 | 2000-02-01 | 윤종용 | Power saving apparatus for radio communication terminal |
| EP0927920A1 (en) * | 1998-01-05 | 1999-07-07 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Voltage sag limiting system and method of operation |
| US6351366B1 (en) | 1998-04-20 | 2002-02-26 | George Alexanian | Battery powered remote switch controller |
| US6335855B1 (en) | 1998-04-20 | 2002-01-01 | George Alexanian | Battery powered programmable remote switch controller |
| US5914847A (en) * | 1998-04-20 | 1999-06-22 | Alexanian; George | Programmable irrigation valve controller providing extended battery life |
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| US6236850B1 (en) | 1999-01-08 | 2001-05-22 | Trw Inc. | Apparatus and method for remote convenience function control with increased effective receiver seek time and reduced power consumption |
| JP2002190761A (en) * | 2000-12-21 | 2002-07-05 | Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc | Waiting reception control system for radio equipment |
| US20040019265A1 (en) * | 2002-07-29 | 2004-01-29 | Mazzocchi Rudy A. | Fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods |
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| CA2649563C (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2015-02-17 | Manfred Ebner | Method for transmitting data in a blood glucose system and corresponding blood glucose system |
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| JP6388227B2 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2018-09-12 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication system |
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-
1992
- 1992-10-23 JP JP04285667A patent/JP3110173B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-10-25 CA CA002109170A patent/CA2109170C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-25 US US08/142,273 patent/US5566081A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-25 EP EP93117273A patent/EP0597308B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-10-25 DE DE69331822T patent/DE69331822T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-25 AU AU50248/93A patent/AU669395B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0597308A2 (en) | 1994-05-18 |
| US5566081A (en) | 1996-10-15 |
| EP0597308A3 (en) | 1996-11-13 |
| EP0597308B1 (en) | 2002-04-17 |
| AU5024893A (en) | 1994-05-05 |
| DE69331822T2 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
| CA2109170A1 (en) | 1994-04-24 |
| AU669395B2 (en) | 1996-06-06 |
| DE69331822D1 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
| JPH06140984A (en) | 1994-05-20 |
| JP3110173B2 (en) | 2000-11-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20021025 |