NR Cell Transmission State Switching to Reduce Base Station Energy Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

NR base stations face significant energy consumption issues due to high bandwidth and frequency operations, increased antenna units, and the need to transmit common signals even during low traffic periods, leading to inefficient energy use and increased costs for operators.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a scheme where NR cells can dynamically switch between energy-saving states by adjusting transmission and reception of synchronization signals and other downlink signals based on traffic conditions, allowing terminals to remain connected without frequent cell reselection, thereby reducing energy consumption and load on neighboring cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If NR base station operates at high bandwidth and frequency with increased antenna units, then signal transmission capability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the base station's operational state adjustable between different modes (energy-saving state and normal state). The base station can dynamically switch between these states based on traffic conditions, allowing the system to adapt its resource allocation and signal transmission capabilities to match actual demand, thereby reducing energy consumption during low-traffic periods while maintaining service quality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying key operational parameters such as bandwidth, number of antenna units, and transmission power based on traffic conditions. When transitioning to an energy-saving state, the base station reduces these parameters to lower energy consumption. The network can adjust these parameters dynamically, changing the base station's operational characteristics to optimize the balance between transmission capability and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If NR base station transmits common signals continuously, then network coverage and synchronization are maintained, but energy consumption increases during low traffic periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing discontinuous transmission of common signals. Instead of continuous transmission, the base station transmits synchronization signals and other common signals at periodic intervals or during specific time windows. This allows the network to maintain coverage and synchronization capabilities while significantly reducing energy consumption during periods when full continuous transmission is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics to make the transmission of common signals adjustable and adaptive. The base station can dynamically switch between different transmission states based on network conditions and traffic demand. During low-traffic periods, the transmission of common signals is reduced or suspended, while during high-traffic periods, full transmission capability is restored, allowing the system to balance reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If cell deactivation is implemented for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but user experience deteriorates due to frequent cell reselection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible, adjustable energy-saving mode rather than complete cell deactivation. The base station can dynamically adjust its operational parameters and transition between different states based on traffic conditions and user presence. This dynamic approach allows the system to reduce energy consumption while maintaining continuous service availability, preventing the need for users to perform frequent cell reselection and thus preserving user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by maintaining basic operational capabilities and signal transmissions in advance, even during energy-saving states. The base station keeps essential functions active and prepares to quickly transition to full operational mode when traffic increases or users are detected. This preliminary maintenance of capabilities ensures that users experience minimal disruption and do not need to frequently reselect cells, as the base station remains partially active and ready to serve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250227612A1Information processing method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.10 1FINITY INC
  • US20250227612A1 patent drawing
  • US20250227612A1 patent drawing
  • US20250227612A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus, applicable to a terminal equipment, includes: a receiver configured to receive indication information for indicating a first state and a second state of a cell related to downlink transmission; and processor circuitry configured to receive information from the cell according to the indication information, the cell being a cell where the terminal equipment is camped or a cell to which the terminal equipment is connected.