RRC Status Control for MTC UE Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face inefficiencies in changing the RRC connection status of UEs, particularly when they are in power saving mode, leading to increased data load and ambiguity in connection status configuration between base stations and core networks, especially for MTC communications.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a base station and MME share information to control the RRC status of UEs by receiving specific RRC status instruction information, allowing for the determination of a specific RRC status different from RRC connection and idle statuses, thereby suppressing redundant configurations and conflicts during power saving mode operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a UE changes RRC connection status to transmit small amount of data periodically, then data transmission capability is improved, but data load in the communication system increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddata load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the traditional binary RRC status system into three distinct statuses: RRC idle, RRC connected, and a new intermediate status (RRC inactive or light connection). This segmentation allows UEs to operate in an intermediate state that requires minimal signaling overhead while maintaining basic data transmission capability, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission capability and data load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing a light connection status that provides only the necessary minimal functionality for periodic small data transmissions, rather than full RRC connected functionality. This partial status reduces signaling overhead and data load while still enabling the essential data transmission capability needed for MTC applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a new specific RRC status is configured for UEs, then connection status control is improved, but ambiguity in connection status between base station and core network increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection status controlVSAvoidconnection status ambiguity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the MME as an intermediary that maintains authoritative information about UE connection status. The MME receives status information from the base station and makes final determination decisions, ensuring that both the base station and core network have consistent understanding of the UE status. This intermediary role resolves the ambiguity by centralizing the truth about connection status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station reports UE connection status to the MME, and the MME provides feedback instructions back to the base station. This closed-loop feedback ensures that both entities maintain consistent information about the UE status, preventing ambiguity while enabling flexible connection status control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If UE operates in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but confliction with new RRC status configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidstatus configuration confliction

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power saving mode operation with the new intermediate RRC status by allowing UEs to enter the light connection status from power saving mode without requiring full RRC connection establishment. This integration eliminates the conflict between power saving mode and new status configuration, as the UE can transition directly to an energy-efficient intermediate state that maintains basic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE indicate its power saving mode status to the network before transitioning to the intermediate RRC status. This advance notification allows the base station and MME to prepare appropriate configuration instructions, preventing conflicts and ensuring smooth status transitions while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10440691B2Method for controlling connection status of UE and apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 KT CORP

AI summary

Provided as a method and an apparatus for controlling a connection status of a UE. The method includes receiving specific RRC status instruction information for a UE from a mobility management entity (MME) and determining a RRC status for the UE based on the specific RRC status instruction information when the RRC status for the UE is changed, in which the specific RRC status is different from a RRC connection status and a RRC idle status.