Network-Aided Power Savings for Wireless Communication Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in power management, as user equipment (UE) independently adjusts power levels without timely network feedback, leading to unnecessary high power usage and shortened battery life, and potential mismatches in downlink channel transmissions and receiving rank.

Innovation Solution

Implementing network-aided power savings techniques where a base station transmits capability indicators to UEs, allowing them to adjust power levels and receiving ranks in advance of transmissions based on anticipated downlink throughput, thereby optimizing power usage dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If UE independently adjusts power levels without network feedback, then power savings may be achieved, but delays occur in power adjustments and mismatches in downlink channel transmissions and receiving rank

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodem power consumptionVSAvoiddelay in power and rank adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base station transmits capability indicators to the UE, providing network feedback about downlink channel conditions and anticipated throughput. This feedback enables the UE to adjust its power level and receiving rank in advance of actual transmissions, eliminating delays associated with independent monitoring while maintaining optimal power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The base station sends capability indicators that allow the UE to perform preliminary power and rank adjustments before actual downlink transmissions occur. This preliminary action based on network-provided capability information ensures that power savings are achieved without waiting for independent UE monitoring, resolving the time delay issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If UE operates at high power levels in connected mode, then downlink throughput may be maximized, but battery life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink throughputVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UE dynamically adjusts its power level based on received capability indicators from the base station. Instead of operating at fixed high power levels, the UE modulates its power consumption according to actual downlink channel conditions and anticipated throughput, maintaining productivity when needed while conserving battery life during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The capability indicator transmitted by the base station contains information about downlink channel quality and anticipated throughput. The UE uses this information to change its operating parameters (power level, receiving rank) to match actual network conditions, ensuring optimal throughput is achieved only when channel conditions warrant high power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If UE uses more receive paths, then downlink throughput capacity increases, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink throughput capacityVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base station transmits capability indicators that include information about the maximum scheduled rank (receiving rank). The UE adjusts its receiving rank parameter based on this information, using more receive paths only when the network indicates high downlink throughput capacity is available, thereby matching resource usage to actual network capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3785471B1Network-aided-power-savings techniques for communication systems
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3785471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3785471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3785471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. One method may include an eNB estimating a downlink data volume on a communication channel based on downlink data throughput indicators, generating a capability indicator based on the estimated downlink data volume, and communicating the capability indicator to the UE to trigger a power saving mode. Another method may include a UE receiving a capability indicator and adjusting at least one UE power saving parameter in advance of an expected receive transmission based on the capability indicator. Yet another method may include an eNB receiving an indication of a UE state and modifying a downlink scheduled rank based on the received indication.