NR Dual-Connectivity Management for Low-Activity Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems with NR technology experience excessive power consumption due to unnecessary SCG additions and frequent NR measurements during minimal or no data activity, Wi-Fi connections, or mobile data being turned off, leading to inefficient power management in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
Implement a network management system within the electronic device to monitor conditions such as no/minimal data activity, Wi-Fi connection, or mobile data being off, and automatically release or restrict NR capabilities and measurements when these conditions are met, thereby preventing unnecessary SCG additions and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NR measurements are performed frequently and SCG is added based on measurement reports, then NR connectivity and service quality are improved, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the NR measurement and SCG addition process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts measurement behavior based on real-time conditions: when data activity is detected, NR measurements are performed and SCG is added; when no data activity or Wi-Fi connection is detected, measurements are restricted or stopped. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing NR connectivity only when needed, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of measurement activity from a fixed state to a variable state based on device conditions. By monitoring parameters such as data activity level and Wi-Fi connection status, the system adjusts the measurement parameter accordingly - performing frequent measurements when data activity is high, and restricting or stopping measurements when data activity is minimal or Wi-Fi is connected. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain NR connectivity reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-activity periods.
2Reliability
If SCG is added during no/minimal data activity or when Wi-Fi is connected, then NR service availability is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing unnecessary SCG addition before it occurs. The system monitors device conditions in advance and, upon detecting no data activity or Wi-Fi connection, restricts or stops NR measurements and prevents SCG addition. This preemptive measure counteracts the potential waste of energy before it happens, resolving the contradiction by ensuring NR service availability is maintained only when actually needed, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption during idle or alternative-connected states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring device conditions such as data activity levels and Wi-Fi connection status, and using this feedback to adjust NR measurement and SCG addition behavior. When feedback indicates no data activity or Wi-Fi connection, the system responds by restricting measurements and preventing SCG addition. This closed-loop feedback approach ensures that NR service availability is optimized based on actual needs while avoiding unnecessary energy loss during periods when NR services are not required.
3Reliability
If NR capability is maintained during all conditions, then communication reliability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making NR capability maintenance conditional rather than absolute. The system dynamically adjusts NR capability based on real-time device conditions: NR capability is maintained and measurements are performed when data activity is detected, ensuring communication reliability. Conversely, when no data activity or Wi-Fi connection is detected, the system restricts or stops NR measurements and may release SCG, thereby improving power efficiency. This dynamic capability management resolves the contradiction between communication reliability and power efficiency by adapting NR functionality to actual usage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of NR capability from a fixed state to a variable state based on operational conditions. By monitoring parameters such as data activity and Wi-Fi connection status, the system adjusts the NR capability parameter accordingly - maintaining full NR functionality when data activity is high, and reducing or suspending NR functionality when data activity is minimal or Wi-Fi is connected. This parameter change strategy optimizes the balance between communication reliability and power efficiency by aligning NR capability with actual communication needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including wireless communication circuitry capable of supporting dual connectivity for a first cellular communication network and a second cellular communication network, at least one processor operatively connected with the wireless communication circuitry, and memory operatively connected to the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to establish a connection with the second cellular communication network as a secondary cell group (SCG), monitor a condition of the electronic device corresponding to no mobile data activity or mobile data activity below a predetermined activity threshold performed by the wireless communication circuitry, and release, if the condition is satisfied, the second cellular communication network.