DCI-Based Power Saving Mode Indication for Faster BWP Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies face inefficiencies in BandWidth Part (BWP) switching and increased power consumption due to long BWP inactivity timers, leading to prolonged PDCCH-only states with no data scheduling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power saving mode indication using Downlink Control Information (DCI) that is not used for scheduling data, allowing terminals to quickly switch to or activate a target power saving mode, thereby improving switching efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the BWP inactivity timer duration is extended to maintain PDCCH monitoring, then the terminal can detect data scheduling opportunities, but power consumption increases and BWP switching efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the BWP switching behavior adaptive rather than static. The terminal dynamically switches to the default BWP when the inactivity timer expires, rather than continuously monitoring the active BWP. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance between detecting data scheduling opportunities and reducing power consumption based on actual traffic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the BWP inactivity timer mechanism. The terminal periodically evaluates whether to switch BWPs based on timer expiration, creating a rhythmic monitoring pattern rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic approach reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect data scheduling when needed.
2Reliability
If the BWP inactivity timer duration is extended, then data scheduling detection reliability improves, but BWP switching efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes BWP switching dynamic by using the inactivity timer to trigger switches only when necessary. The terminal remains in the active BWP during data transmission for efficient processing, then dynamically switches to the default BWP when activity ceases, optimizing both detection reliability and switching efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from continuous operation and separates it into conditional execution. By taking out the BWP monitoring from continuous operation and only maintaining it when the inactivity timer has not expired, the system improves switching efficiency while preserving data detection capability when needed.
3Reliability
If the terminal remains in PDCCH-only state for extended duration, then data scheduling opportunities can be detected, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using the inactivity timer to create intervals of monitoring activity. The terminal periodically checks for data scheduling opportunities only within the timer duration, then switches to a lower-power state. This periodic monitoring reduces energy loss while maintaining detection capability during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal uses the inactivity timer mechanism to automatically manage its own power consumption. When the timer expires without detecting data scheduling, the terminal self-initiates the switch to default BWP, reducing power consumption without requiring external control. This self-service approach optimizes energy usage based on actual traffic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for indicating a power saving mode, a terminal, and a network side device are provided. The method includes: receiving first Downlink Control Information (DCI), where the first DCI is DCI that is not used for scheduling data, and the first DCI is used to indicate a first cell of the terminal to switch to or activate a target power saving mode.