Cell Search Procedure Control for Mobile Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile user equipment consumes excessive energy during idle mode due to continuous cell search procedures, even when no new cells are found, leading to unnecessary RF usage and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to determine the change in position and signal quality using RSCP and CPICH Ec/Io values to stop the cell search procedure if the change is minimal and signal quality remains stable, thereby reducing energy consumption by minimizing the execution of power-intensive functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cell search procedure is performed continuously in idle mode, then the user equipment can detect new cells and maintain connection quality, but the energy consumption increases due to unnecessary RF usage
Solution Approach 1:
The cell search procedure is made dynamic by adjusting its execution based on detected movement. The system transitions between active cell search and inactive states according to movement detection results, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cell search procedure based on movement detection. When movement is detected, the search procedure is activated; when stationary, it is deactivated, thereby adapting energy consumption to actual operational needs
2Use of energy by moving object
If the cell search procedure is stopped to save energy, then the RF part usage is minimized, but the detection of new cells may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary movement detection before deciding whether to execute the cell search procedure. This preliminary check allows the system to avoid unnecessary searches when stationary, saving energy while being ready to detect cells promptly when movement occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from movement detection (RSCP value changes) to control the cell search procedure. The feedback mechanism ensures the search is activated only when movement is detected, balancing energy savings with timely cell detection
3Reliability
If the cell search is performed every 5.12 seconds as per WCDMA specification, then the network maintains proper cell selection, but the energy consumption increases when the user equipment is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The cell search frequency is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the search frequency based on movement detection, performing searches at 5.12 seconds intervals only when movement is detected, and reducing or stopping searches when stationary, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining selection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for controlling cell search procedure, including a user equipment determining a change of position in relation to a serving cell; determining the quality of signal received from the serving cell; and stopping the cell search procedure if the change of position is smaller than a first value and the loss of signal quality is lower than a second value.