Radio Resource Allocation for Power Saving in Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in radio communication systems is the increased power consumption due to delayed release of radio resources during data transfers, which can lead to inefficient use of system resources and higher energy consumption, especially in scenarios like dual-carrier operations where both frequencies are continuously monitored.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically reduce the use of radio resources during periods of delayed data flow by reducing the number of transmission timeslots monitored, and resuming full allocation when data transfer resumes, using power saving logic within mobile stations and base stations to manage radio resource reduction and resumption efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio resources are continuously allocated during data transfers, then service quality is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the radio resource allocation flexible and adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the allocation of transmission timeslots based on real-time data flow conditions, switching between full allocation during active data transfer and reduced allocation during gaps, thereby optimizing both service quality and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of radio resource allocation by introducing a reduction factor that determines the number of transmission timeslots to be monitored. This parameter is adjusted based on data flow activity - set to maintain full service quality during active transfer and reduced during gaps, directly addressing the contradiction between service quality and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If radio resources are reduced during data gaps, then power consumption decreases, but data transfer resumption may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transfer resumption time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the radio resource allocation in a reduced state during data gaps, preparing the system for efficient resumption. The power saving logic continuously monitors for data flow resumption, and upon detection, immediately restores full resource allocation, thus minimizing the time loss while still achieving power savings during the gap period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the power saving logic continuously monitors data flow conditions and adjusts radio resource allocation accordingly. When data transfer resumes, the monitoring detects this change and triggers the restoration of full resource allocation, ensuring quick resumption while maintaining power efficiency during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If full radio resource allocation is maintained, then data transfer speed is maximized, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by alternating between two states of radio resource allocation: full allocation during active data transfer periods and reduced allocation during data gaps. This periodic switching optimizes energy efficiency during idle periods while ensuring full productivity when data transfer is needed, directly addressing the contradiction between data transfer speed and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by allocating only the necessary portion of radio resources during data gaps rather than maintaining full allocation. The reduction factor determines the partial allocation level, which is sufficient to maintain basic connectivity while significantly reducing energy consumption, and full allocation is restored when complete data transfer capability is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2397004B1Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption during data transfer
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2397004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2397004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2397004B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An approach for reducing power consumption during data transfer is provided. A period of delayed release of one or more radio resources associated with a data flow is detected. In response to the detection, radio resource reduction information is generated for a data transfer during the period, wherein the radio resource reduction information specifies a reduced allocation of one or more radio resources. Control information is generated for transmission to a mobile station, wherein the control information specifies the radio resource reduction information.