Secondary Cell Group Suspension for Power Reduction in Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dual connectivity communication scenarios, the high power consumption and signaling overheads associated with frequent fluctuations in data rate, particularly when transitioning between high and low data rate states, are inefficient and wasteful.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that involves suspending the secondary cell group (SCG) configuration when the data rate is low, and restoring it when the data rate is high, while optimizing the configuration parameters of the master cell group (MCG) to improve transmission efficiency during SCG suspension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the terminal device maintains DC working mode with SCG configuration during low data rate state, then data transmission capability is preserved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary SCG link activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of SCG configuration based on data rate conditions. When data rate is low, the SCG configuration is suspended rather than completely released, allowing quick restoration. When data rate is high, the SCG configuration is restored. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction by adapting the system configuration to current transmission needs, avoiding unnecessary power consumption during low activity while maintaining rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration state parameter of the SCG from 'active' to 'suspended' during low data rate periods. This parameter change allows the terminal to stop SCG-related transmissions and monitoring, reducing power consumption while preserving the configuration for quick restoration when needed, thus resolving the energy vs. capability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal device releases SCG configuration during low data rate state, then power consumption is reduced, but additional signaling overheads and delay are caused during SN addition/release processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignaling overhead and delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary suspension of SCG configuration rather than complete release. The configuration is suspended in advance with minimal signaling, preserving the ability to quickly restore without going through full SN addition procedures. This preliminary action reduces both power consumption and the time/overhead associated with complete configuration release and re-addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely releasing the SCG configuration (excessive action), the patent applies partial action by suspending it. This partial suspension maintains the configuration data in the terminal without requiring full SN addition procedures for restoration, thereby reducing signaling overhead and delay while still achieving power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal device suspends SCG configuration during low data rate state, then power consumption is reduced, but available configurations are reduced leading to reduced data transmission rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically transitions the SCG configuration between 'suspended' and 'restored' states based on data rate conditions. During low data rate periods, suspension reduces power consumption. When high data rate is needed, the configuration is quickly restored to full capability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by temporarily reducing configurations only when necessary for power savings while maintaining full transmission capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12245169B2Methods, apparatuses, and processor-readable media for cell group configuration parameter changing

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A communication method and a communication apparatus, the method including receiving first information from a network device, where the first information indicates, to a terminal device, to suspend a secondary cell group (SCG), suspending the SCG based on the first information, and changing a configuration parameter of a master cell group (MCG), where the configuration parameter comprises at least one of an available uplink transmission time period, a maximum transmit power, or a control channel blind detection parameter.