Groupcast Feedback Scheduling for Energy-Harvesting UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently managing uplink and downlink scheduling for energy harvesting user equipment (UE), due to intermittent energy availability and varying energy harvesting rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where the UE measures characteristics of its energy harvesting operation, such as energy harvesting rate and battery energy level, and transmits this information to a network entity. Based on this information, the network entity allocates resources for uplink or downlink transmissions, allowing the UE to adjust its operation and maintain energy levels by scheduling a maximum number of slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE schedules transmissions based on maximum throughput requirements, then communication productivity is improved, but energy depletion occurs when energy availability is intermittent
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduling approach transitions from static maximum throughput scheduling to dynamic scheduling that adapts to real-time energy harvesting rates. The network entity receives energy harvesting rate information from the UE and adjusts resource allocation dynamically, allowing the system to optimize between throughput and energy consumption based on current energy availability conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports energy harvesting rate information to the network entity. This feedback loop enables the network to make informed scheduling decisions that account for the UE's energy status, preventing energy depletion while maintaining optimal communication productivity
2Device complexity
If the network allocates resources without considering energy harvesting characteristics, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates due to energy unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the UE measure and report energy harvesting rate information before resource allocation decisions are made. The network entity uses this advance information to proactively adjust scheduling decisions, ensuring that resource allocations are made only when energy availability supports reliable communication
Solution Approach 2:
Energy harvesting rate information acts as an intermediary parameter that bridges the gap between simple scheduling mechanisms and reliable communication. By incorporating this intermediate information layer, the system can enhance reliability without requiring complete redesign of the scheduling architecture
3Ease of operation
If the UE operates continuously without energy awareness, then ease of operation is maintained, but energy sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs self-service by autonomously measuring its own energy harvesting rate and reporting this information to the network. This self-monitoring capability enables the device to manage its own energy sustainability without requiring complex external control mechanisms, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring energy awareness
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus may be a network node configured to measure at least one characteristic of an energy harvesting (EH) operation at the network node. The apparatus may further be configured to transmit information related to the at least one characteristic of the EH operation. The apparatus may also be configured to receive an allocation of resources for one of an UL transmission or a DL transmission scheduled based on the information related to the at least one characteristic of the EH operation. The apparatus may be a network entity configured to obtain information related to the at least one characteristic of an EH operation at a UE. The apparatus may further be configured to output an allocation of resources for one of an UL transmission or a DL transmission for the UE based on the information related to the at least one characteristic of the EH operation at the UE.