Coverage-Aware Access Stratum Switching for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices experience suboptimal power consumption when operating in discontinuous network coverage due to unnecessary attempts to connect to the network during gaps in coverage, leading to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
The device determines path information between itself and the base station, activating the access stratum layer during network coverage and deactivating it during gaps, thereby reducing power consumption by forgoing non-access stratum procedures during the latter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device continuously attempts to connect to the network during coverage gaps, then network connectivity reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the access stratum layer state configurable between active and inactive based on coverage conditions. The device dynamically transitions the access stratum layer between states: active when coverage is available (enabling connectivity) and inactive when coverage is lost (reducing power consumption). This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining connectivity reliability and reducing power consumption during coverage gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the access stratum layer from a fixed state to a variable state that can be switched between active and inactive. By modifying this parameter based on coverage detection, the system achieves both reliable connectivity (when active) and power savings (when inactive), resolving the technical contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If the device maintains access stratum layer active during coverage gaps, then network connection reliability is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the access stratum layer by detecting coverage gaps and automatically deactivating the layer during these periods. This dynamic behavior ensures the layer remains active only when needed for connectivity, eliminating unnecessary power consumption during coverage gaps while maintaining reliability when coverage is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the access stratum layer functionality from continuous operation and selectively activates it only during coverage periods. By taking out the layer from permanent active state and enabling it only when coverage is detected, the system eliminates unnecessary energy loss during coverage gaps while preserving connection reliability when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device deactivates access stratum layer during coverage gaps, then power consumption is reduced, but network connectivity during gaps is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts temporary loss of connectivity during coverage gaps as a necessary trade-off for significant power savings. The access stratum layer is deactivated during gaps to reduce power consumption, and the system is designed to reactivate the layer immediately when coverage returns, thus minimizing both power loss and connectivity interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of the access stratum layer synchronized with coverage availability. The layer is activated during coverage periods for connectivity and deactivated during gaps for power savings, creating a periodic on-off pattern that balances power consumption with connectivity requirements based on environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods that support discontinuous network coverage. In an example, a device can predict whether a network coverage is available thereto based on path information. The path information indicates a relative path between the device and a base station of the network. If the network coverage is available, the device can establish communications with the network (e.g., via NAS signaling). Otherwise, the device can forgo communications with the network (e.g., by disabling its AS layer).