M2M Semi-Persistent Scheduling for Sparse Meter Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP wireless communication systems using semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) are inadequate for machine-to-machine (M2M) regular meter reporting, particularly for devices with high battery life requirements and sparse reporting periodicity, as they can only handle small periodicities and are not suited for stationary or low-mobility M2M devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where user equipment (UE) receives a control signal to apply an SPS configuration that enables low-power modes between adjacent SPS occasions, such as idle mode, power-saving mode, extended discontinuous reception mode, and DRX mode, allowing for longer inactive periods and reducing power consumption and signaling overhead, while supporting periodicities up to several hours and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) is used in current 3GPP systems, then periodic data transmission can be handled, but it can only support small periodicities and cannot be used for M2M regular meter reporting with sparse reporting periodicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SPS configuration where the network can flexibly adjust SPS parameters including periodicity, resource allocation, and active duration based on M2M device requirements. This allows the system to adapt to various reporting periodicities from frequent to very sparse (up to several hours) without requiring fundamental system changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key SPS parameters such as periodicity values, resource block allocations, and active duration settings to match different M2M application requirements. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system can support both frequent reporting scenarios and sparse meter reporting scenarios within the same framework, expanding the adaptable periodicity range without increasing overall system complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If SPS is used for M2M devices with high battery life requirements, then power consumption can be reduced, but the system cannot support very sparse reporting periodicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic SPS activation where M2M devices transmit data at scheduled intervals and enter low-power states between transmissions. The periodicity can be configured to match actual meter reporting requirements, allowing devices to remain in power-saving modes for extended periods while still meeting sparse reporting needs, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary SPS configuration where the network pre-allocates resources and schedules transmission opportunities in advance based on expected reporting patterns. This allows M2M devices to know exactly when to wake up and transmit, optimizing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary wake-ups while maintaining the ability to support very sparse reporting periodicities when needed
3Duration of action of moving object
If SPS configuration is applied to enable low-power modes between SPS occasions, then battery life increases, but signaling overhead must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the SPS configuration signaling from continuous signaling streams, using dedicated RRC signaling only when SPS parameters need to be established or modified. Once configured, devices operate autonomously based on pre-configured parameters without requiring continuous network signaling, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining extended battery life through low-power operation between SPS occasions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables M2M devices to self-manage their SPS operations using pre-configured parameters stored locally. Devices autonomously determine when to wake up, transmit data, and return to low-power modes based on their internal clocks and configured periodicity, eliminating the need for continuous network signaling and reducing overall signaling overhead while preserving battery life
4Reliability
If current SPS implementation is used, then connected mode handling is possible, but it cannot handle sparse reporting periodicity without significant novel modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SPS mechanism universal by designing it to handle multiple scenarios within a single framework: frequent reporting, sparse meter reporting, stationary devices, and mobile devices. The same SPS configuration mechanism and low-power mode transitions work across all these scenarios, providing reliable connected mode handling without requiring significant novel modifications for different application types
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples and schemes pertaining machine-to-machine (M2M) semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) in wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) receives a control signal from a network node of a wireless network. The UE applies, based on the control signal, an SPS configuration such that the UE enters one of one or more low-power modes between two adjacent SPS occasions.