Power Saving Timer Adjustment for NTN Wireless Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless terminals face challenges in managing power consumption effectively when operating in non-terrestrial network (NTN) environments, particularly due to discontinuous coverage which leads to unnecessary power usage when trying to reestablish communication with non-existent networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless terminal with a power saving timer that adjusts its operational modes based on non-terrestrial network coverage information, allowing the terminal to transition to power saving mode during NTN gaps and optimizing timer settings to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the wireless terminal uses fixed timer values for power saving modes, then the timer configuration is simple, but power consumption increases during NTN gap periods when the terminal attempts to reestablish communication with non-existent networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtimer configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making timer values adjustable rather than fixed. The network can dynamically modify power saving timer values based on NTN coverage conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling power consumption optimization without requiring complex terminal-side calculations, as the network centrally manages timer adjustments based on its knowledge of NTN gap periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors NTN coverage conditions and adjusts timer values accordingly. The network provides feedback to the terminal about appropriate timer settings based on observed coverage patterns, allowing the system to learn and adapt to NTN conditions over time. This enables power optimization while keeping terminal complexity low, as the terminal follows network-directed timer configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of moving object

If the wireless terminal enters power saving mode during NTN gaps, then battery life is extended, but communication responsiveness may be reduced when coverage becomes available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidcommunication responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal enter power saving mode in advance of NTN gap periods. The network identifies upcoming gap periods and configures timers to transition the terminal to power saving mode before coverage is lost, ensuring battery conservation without missing actual communication opportunities. This proactive timing resolves the contradiction by preparing the system in advance rather than reacting after coverage is restored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting timer values based on NTN coverage patterns. The network modifies power saving timer durations to balance battery life extension with communication responsiveness, changing operational parameters dynamically rather than using fixed settings. This allows optimization of both battery life and responsiveness by tuning timer parameters to match actual NTN conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the wireless terminal monitors for network coverage continuously, then communication availability is maximized, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles and extended DRX (eDRX) cycles. Instead of continuous monitoring, the terminal periodically wakes up to check for network coverage and then returns to power saving mode. The network configures these periodic monitoring intervals to match NTN coverage patterns, ensuring communication availability is maintained at acceptable levels while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by moving object

If the power saving timer values are set to extend through NTN gap periods, then power consumption is reduced, but the terminal may miss network messages during the gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork message loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having the terminal monitor for messages during specific windows within the power saving period. Instead of continuous monitoring, the terminal checks for messages at strategically timed intervals that align with expected network transmission windows. This partial monitoring approach reduces power consumption while minimizing message loss, as the terminal is awake long enough to catch important communications without maintaining continuous connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250142493A1Power saving timers adjustment in non-terrestrial network and cellular devices system

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 SHARP KK

AI summary

Various apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling operation of a wireless terminal in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Nodes for controlling such wireless terminals are disclosed, as well the wireless terminals. Corresponding methods are disclosed for the various embodiments of nodes and wireless terminals.