Dynamic Uplink Power Control via Duty Cycle and Proximity Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation wireless networks, such as 5G, face challenges in managing uplink transmission power to ensure compliance with maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits, particularly when users are nearby, as existing methods struggle to dynamically adjust power based on duty cycle and proximity data.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where user equipment devices utilize proximity sensors and duty cycle data to adjust uplink transmission power, applying power backoffs proportional to the duty cycle and proximity of objects, ensuring that the maximum permissible exposure to radiofrequency energy is not exceeded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If uplink transmission power is increased to meet data demand, then network performance is improved, but maximum permissible exposure limits may be exceeded when users are nearby

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidradiofrequency energy exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission power adjustment by continuously monitoring proximity sensor data and duty cycle information. The system adapts the uplink transmission power in real-time based on the detected proximity of objects (users) to the device, rather than using a fixed power level. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize network performance when users are absent while preventing harmful exposure when users are nearby.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by utilizing proximity sensor outputs to inform transmission power decisions. The proximity sensor continuously provides feedback about object proximity, which is then processed to determine appropriate power backoff levels. This closed-loop feedback ensures that transmission power is constantly adjusted based on actual environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high performance and preventing harmful exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transmission power is reduced to ensure user safety, then radiofrequency energy exposure is controlled, but network performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiofrequency energy exposureVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than applying a constant power reduction, the system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on real-time proximity conditions. When no objects are detected nearby, the system can transmit at higher powers to maintain optimal network performance. Power reduction is applied selectively only when and where needed, thus controlling exposure without unnecessarily degrading overall network performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing spatially differentiated transmission power levels. The system adjusts power based on the local proximity environment detected by sensors, allowing high power transmission in safe zones (when users are absent) and low power transmission in protected zones (when users are nearby). This localized approach ensures safety where needed while preserving performance where safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed power backoff is applied to prevent exceeding MPE limits, then user safety is ensured, but power utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiofrequency energy exposureVSAvoidpower utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces fixed power backoff with dynamic power adjustment based on actual proximity conditions. By monitoring proximity sensors and duty cycle information in real-time, the system applies power backoff only when objects are detected within hazardous proximity. This eliminates unnecessary power reductions during periods when no users are nearby, thereby improving power utilization efficiency while maintaining user safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-assessment of its transmission environment using onboard proximity sensors and duty cycle data. The system autonomously determines whether power backoff is needed based on its own sensor readings, eliminating the need for conservative fixed backoff levels. This self-service capability allows the system to optimize power usage by making informed, context-aware decisions about when to reduce power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11082951B2Dynamically controlled UE output as a function of duty cycle and proximity sensor information

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Adjusting the power of an uplink transmission based on duty cycle and proximity sensor information is disclosed. The duty cycle represents the ratio of uplink transmission time slots to downlink transmission time slots in a defined period of time. Thus, if during a time period the percentage of uplink transmission is low, then not as much of a power reduction is implemented. If the percentage of uplink transmission is high, then an increased power reduction can be implemented to ensure that the MPE is not exceeded. This duty cycle information can be paired with proximity sensor data to determine whether a person is present. If no person is present, then no power reductions need to be implemented, and if a person is present, then various levels of power reduction can be implemented based on the duty cycle.