Power Saving Mode Negotiation for Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power saving modes in wireless devices, particularly for Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices, lack efficient mechanisms to manage power consumption and communication latency, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and increased power usage when frequently transmitting mobile-originated data or requesting changes in power saving parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that support Power Saving Mode (PSM) by transmitting specific messages to negotiate active time values with the network, allowing the device to remain registered for uplink data transmission while appearing power-off for downlink data, and dynamically adjusting PSM states through Tracking Area Updates (TAUs) or Routing Area Updates (RAUs).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wireless device frequently transmits mobile-originated data or requests changes in power saving parameters, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of PSM parameters (active time values, timers) based on current communication needs and network conditions. The device can transition between different PSM states and adjust its active time dynamically, allowing it to respond to communication requirements while optimizing power consumption patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including active time values, PSM timers, and notification mechanisms to balance power saving and communication responsiveness. By modifying these parameters based on traffic patterns and network requirements, the system achieves optimal trade-off between power consumption and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the device enters PSM state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-negotiating active time values with the network before entering PSM state, and pre-configuring timers and notification mechanisms. This allows the device to quickly transition back to active state when communication is needed, reducing the effective latency experienced during PSM operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through configured timers (T3312, T3412) that periodically wake the device from PSM state to check for pending data or network notifications. This periodic activation balances power saving with timely communication response, preventing excessive latency by ensuring regular connectivity checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device remains registered for uplink data transmission while appearing power-off for downlink data, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device's communication state into distinct PSM modes where uplink and downlink capabilities are independently controlled. The device can maintain uplink registration while appearing powered-off for downlink, creating separate control paths for different data directions. This segmentation simplifies power management by allowing independent optimization of uplink and downlink power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2991411B1Method for supporting power saving mode and radio device therefor
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2991411B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2991411B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2991411B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A disclosure of the present invention provides a method for supporting a power saving mode (PSM) in a radio device. According to the method, the radio device may transmit a first message including a first activation time value to a network entity when the radio device requires the PSM. Then, the radio device may receive a second message including a second activation time value from the network entity. The radio device may enter a PSM state on the basis of the second activation time value. When it is necessary to stop the PSM or change the second activation time, the radio device may transmit a third message at the very time point.