Mobile-Originated-Only Mode for MTC Battery Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In machine-type communication (MTC) scenarios, especially for devices that only initiate communications (e.g., metering systems), there is a need to conserve battery life and optimize network operations by reducing unnecessary location updates and idle mode procedures.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a 'mobile-originated-only mode' that allows WTRUs to operate in a state where they only perform necessary functions for initiating communications, reducing battery consumption and optimizing network resources by minimizing idle mode procedures and location updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a device operates in traditional idle mode supporting both mobile-originated and mobile-terminated communications, then the device can receive calls and maintain network connectivity, but the device consumes more battery power due to frequent location updates and idle mode procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidcommunication functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the traditional idle mode into two distinct modes: mobile-originated-only mode and mobile-terminated mode. This segmentation allows devices to select the appropriate mode based on their communication requirements, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining required functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic mode switching capability that allows devices to transition between mobile-originated-only mode and mobile-terminated mode based on their current communication needs. This dynamic adaptation enables optimal energy consumption while maintaining communication versatility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If a device performs frequent location updates and idle mode procedures to maintain network connectivity, then the device can be reached for incoming calls, but the device experiences reduced operational duration without manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mobile-terminated communication functionality from the mobile-originated-only mode. By separating these functionalities, devices that only need to initiate calls can operate in the energy-efficient mobile-originated-only mode without performing unnecessary location updates and idle mode procedures, thereby extending operational duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a new idle mode configuration that modifies location update behavior and network interaction patterns. This parameter change reduces energy consumption for devices in mobile-originated-only mode while maintaining their core functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a device supports mobile-terminated communications in idle mode, then the network can locate and reach the device, but the device performs unnecessary operations when only mobile-originated communications are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoididle mode procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the idle mode operations into device-specific configurations. Devices in mobile-originated-only mode perform a simplified set of procedures, while devices supporting mobile-terminated communications perform the full set of procedures. This segmentation improves communication efficiency by eliminating unnecessary operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables devices to self-determine their communication mode requirements and automatically select the appropriate idle mode behavior. This self-service approach allows devices to optimize their operation without complex network control, reducing unnecessary procedures while maintaining required functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2925077B1Method and apparatus for supporting machine-type communications
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP2925077B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2925077B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2925077B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method and apparatus for supporting machine-type communications (MTC) are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may configure itself to operate in a mobile-originated-only mode. The WTRU may perform no, or a subset of, radio resource control (RRC) idle and/or non-access stratum (NAS) idle/standby state procedures in the mobile-originated-only mode. For example, the WTRU may perform cell reselection but not paging monitoring in the mobile-originated-only mode. Alternatively, the WTRU may perform paging monitoring but not cell reselection and location update. The operation in the mobile-originated-only mode may be triggered explicitly or implicitly. For example, the WTRU may operate in the mobile-originated-only mode if an inactivity timer expires. The WTRU may switch the mode in accordance with a pre-configured schedule. After transition of the operation mode, the WTRU may send a message to the network indicating such mode switch.