Secondary Cell Group Dormancy Signaling for Energy-Efficient Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in supporting the dormancy state of Secondary Cell Groups (SCGs) in wireless communication networks, where cells are inactive but perform Radio Resource Management and beam management, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and network transitions.

Innovation Solution

A status transition method and apparatus that includes receiving and sending indication and confirmation information between master and secondary nodes to trigger SCGs into dormancy or non-dormancy states based on data availability, using timers and notification messages to optimize network efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the SCG is kept in an active state to ensure quick data transmission, then the data transmission speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic state transitions for the SCG, allowing it to switch between active and dormant states based on data transmission needs. The master node controls the SCG to enter dormant state when no data needs to be transmitted and activates it when data transmission is required, making the system adaptable to varying traffic conditions while optimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the SCG by transitioning between different states (active and dormant). When in dormant state, the SCG stops monitoring PDCCH and suspends data transmission, effectively changing its operational parameters to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the capability to quickly resume active state when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the SCG transitions to a dormant state to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the time to establish active state increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidstate transition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the SCG in a dormant state where it performs RRM/CSI measurement and beam management in advance. This preliminary activity ensures that when the SCG needs to transition to active state, the measurements and configurations are already prepared, enabling quick establishment of data transmission without significant delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dormant SCG performs self-service by autonomously conducting RRM/CSI measurements and beam management activities while in dormant state. This self-maintenance of measurement and configuration data reduces the time required for full activation, as the SCG doesn't need to perform these functions from scratch when transitioning to active state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the terminal monitors PDCCH continuously to detect downlink data, then the data reception responsiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reception responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the terminal monitor PDCCH only when the SCG is in active state, and suspending monitoring when in dormant state. The master node controls transitions between these states based on data transmission requirements, creating a periodic monitoring pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining responsiveness when data transmission is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4057703B1Status conversion method and apparatus, and communication device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4057703B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4057703B1 patent drawingFigure 4~3-3
  • EP4057703B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a status conversion method and apparatus, and a communication device. The method comprises: a primary node receiving first indication information sent by a secondary node, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating that a service of a secondary node side is inactive; and if the primary node determines that no downlink data is forwarded to the secondary node, and/or no uplink data is sent from the secondary node, the primary node sending first confirmation information to the secondary node, wherein the first confirmation information is used for triggering an SCG to enter a dormancy status.