Network Slice Selection for UE Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for additional power savings arrangements to prolong the battery life of user equipment (UEs) as they become more sophisticated and power consumption increases with new functionalities, despite existing battery saver modes and power monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in UEs to obtain power saving rules based on power consumption metrics related to application usage on network slices, determining when to switch to a power saving slice based on current power state, and establishing or terminating PDU sessions accordingly, allowing user intervention and monitoring of power consumption metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new UE functionalities are added to make devices more sophisticated, then device capability and versatility are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple network slices, each optimized for different power consumption characteristics. The patent segments device applications into different power categories and assigns them to appropriate slices, allowing sophisticated device functionalities to coexist with power conservation by routing power-intensive applications to slices designed for higher power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic slice selection and switching based on real-time power state monitoring. The UE dynamically adjusts which network slice an application uses based on current battery level, charging status, and application power requirements, enabling the system to adapt power consumption to available energy while maintaining sophisticated functionalities when power is available.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery saver mode is activated to conserve power, then power efficiency is improved, but communication functionality is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying uniform restrictions across all communication functions, the patent applies localized power management at the network slice level. Different slices can be configured with different power saving characteristics, allowing the system to conserve power for certain functions while maintaining full functionality for others based on local power availability and slice-specific policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters at the network slice level rather than globally disabling functions. By adjusting slice-specific parameters such as data transmission rates, connection priorities, and power thresholds, the system achieves power efficiency while preserving communication functionality through parameter optimization rather than binary on/off restrictions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power saving slice is selected to extend battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but application performance may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial power saving measures rather than complete restrictions. By selecting appropriate network slices that provide partial power optimization while maintaining acceptable performance levels, the system achieves battery life extension without excessively degrading application performance. The slice selection algorithm considers both power consumption and performance requirements to determine the optimal balance point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor application performance and power consumption. Based on this feedback, the system can dynamically adjust slice selection to maintain performance thresholds while optimizing power usage. The feedback loop allows the network to learn which slices provide the best performance-power tradeoff for specific applications and adjust future selections accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for power savings. In one embodiments, a method implemented at a user equipment. UE, includes obtaining a power saving rule, the power saving rule being based at least in part on power consumption metrics related to use of at least one application on at least one slice by the UE and/or by a device connected to the UE; and determining that a power saving slice should be used for a first application of the at least one application and/or the device connected to the UE based at least in part on (i) the obtained power saving rule and (ii) a current power state at the UE and/or at the device connected to the UE; and establishing a protocol data unit, PDU, session using the power saving slice.