Terrestrial Base Station Power Control via Non-Terrestrial Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

In areas where terrestrial base stations are insufficient, power is wasted at terrestrial base stations when no communication devices are connected, as they continue to operate even though they are not needed.

Innovation Solution

A communication control apparatus that detects communication devices in non-terrestrial communication cells and terrestrial communication cells, and controls the operating state of terrestrial base stations based on these detections, switching them to a communication-disabled state when no devices are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terrestrial base station is provided in an area where a non-terrestrial communication cell is already covering, then communication service availability is improved, but power consumption increases due to idle operation when no communication devices are connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication service availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the terrestrial base station's operational state changeable between active and dormant modes. The base station dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of communication devices in the non-terrestrial cell, transitioning from a static always-on state to a flexible state that adapts to actual service needs, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated detection and control mechanisms. The communication control apparatus automatically detects communication devices in the non-terrestrial cell and autonomously controls the terrestrial base station's operational state without manual intervention. This self-managing system reduces power waste by enabling the base station to serve itself by adjusting its state based on detected communication needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terrestrial base station is kept active to provide communication service, then service coverage is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates when no communication devices are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice coverageVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the terrestrial base station's operational state changeable between active and dormant modes. The base station dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of communication devices in the non-terrestrial cell, transitioning from a static always-on state to a flexible state that adapts to actual service needs, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the terrestrial base station from a fixed active state to a variable state that can switch between active and dormant. By changing the operational parameter based on detected communication device presence, the system optimizes resource utilization while maintaining the capability to provide service coverage when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If non-terrestrial communication cells are deployed in sparsely populated areas, then communication coverage in remote areas is improved, but the need for terrestrial base stations creates additional power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of non-terrestrial and terrestrial communication systems by allowing them to operate in a coordinated manner. The non-terrestrial base station provides primary coverage in remote areas, while the terrestrial base station serves as a supplementary resource that can be activated when needed. This combined approach extends communication coverage to remote areas while minimizing power consumption by avoiding redundant terrestrial infrastructure operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the terrestrial base station's operational state changeable between active and dormant modes. The base station dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of communication devices in the non-terrestrial cell, transitioning from a static always-on state to a flexible state that adapts to actual service needs, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12309693B2Control of operating state of terrestrial base station via non-terrestrial base station

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 RAKUTEN MOBILE INC

AI summary

A communication control apparatus has: a communication device detection unit that detects a communication device in a non-terrestrial communication cell provided on the ground by a flying non-terrestrial base station; a terrestrial communication cell detection unit that detects a terrestrial communication cell that can be provided on the ground by a terrestrial base station installed on the ground; and a terrestrial base station operating state control unit that controls the operating state of the terrestrial base station based on the detection results of the communication device detection unit and the terrestrial communication cell detection unit. The terrestrial communication cell detection unit and the terrestrial base station operating state control unit are installed in a ground station that is installed on the ground and can communicate with the non-terrestrial base station.