5G Core Network Selection of Energy-Aware Background Data Transfer Policies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G communication systems lack the ability to select background data transfer policies that consider energy consumption and efficiency requirements, leading to inefficient data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A network function within the core network receives energy requirements from an external application and acquires a background data transfer policy that satisfies these requirements by utilizing analytics information from a network data analytics function, selecting from stored policies in a unified data repository.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If background data transfer is performed without considering energy requirements, then data transfer can be executed simply, but energy consumption increases and efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpolicy selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network function retrieves multiple pre-stored BDT policies from the unified data repository before execution. Energy requirement information is obtained in advance from the network data analytics function, allowing the system to pre-select appropriate policies that satisfy energy constraints before actual data transfer begins, thus avoiding complex real-time decisions during data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates energy requirement information provided by the network data analytics function as feedback to guide policy selection. The network function uses this feedback to filter and select BDT policies that satisfy the energy constraints, creating a closed-loop system where energy performance is monitored and used to adjust future policy selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple BDT policies are stored and evaluated to meet energy requirements, then energy efficiency improves, but the complexity of policy management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidpolicy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified data repository serves multiple functions: it stores BDT policies, provides energy requirement information from the network data analytics function, and enables policy selection based on energy constraints. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex management systems into a single unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high data transfer efficiency.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If BDT policies are selected based only on basic parameters, then policy selection is simple, but energy consumption and environmental sustainability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy constraint adaptabilityVSAvoidpolicy selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends basic policy selection parameters by incorporating energy requirement information as an additional selection criterion. Instead of selecting policies based solely on basic parameters like data volume or timing, the network function now evaluates policies against energy constraints, dynamically adjusting selection based on varying energy requirements while maintaining a structured approach through the unified data repository.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4604478A1Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4604478A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4604478A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4604478A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing method comprises a first network function (NF) (2) within a core network executing: receiving, from a second NF (1), a provision request for a BDT policy to be utilized when background data transfer is performed, and an energy requirement that is a requirement regarding energy related to communication; and acquiring a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement.