Terminal Device Mode Transition for Low-Power IoT Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current third and fourth generation mobile telecommunication networks are not optimally suited for low-power, simple, and inexpensive terminal devices like smart meters, which have low mobility, high delay tolerance, and infrequent data transmissions, as they are designed for high data rate and low latency applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow terminal devices and base stations to transition between communication modes based on data traffic patterns, optimizing power consumption by defining a time period for mode transitions, thereby reducing unnecessary communication and extending battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If terminal devices operate in continuous communication mode to ensure data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transitioning the terminal device between active communication mode and inactive mode at expiration of a time period. This allows the device to remain available for data transmission while reducing power consumption during periods when no data traffic is present, resolving the contradiction between maintaining transmission reliability and reducing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If terminal devices transition to inactive mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the time period duration adjustable based on data traffic patterns. The network can dynamically configure the time period parameter to balance power savings and latency requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different traffic conditions and device requirements rather than using a fixed transition schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If terminal devices frequently transition between communication modes, then power consumption is optimized, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the network pre-configure the time period parameter before the terminal device transitions to inactive mode. The network sends a configuration message with the time period value in advance, so the device can autonomously transition modes without requiring continuous signaling, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining power optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10645649B2Terminal device, base station, wireless telecommunications system and methods for transitioning between two modes of operation

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A method of operating a terminal device in a wireless telecommunications system which, during a mode transition state, supports a first mode of operation in which the terminal device does not communicate with the wireless telecommunications system and a second mode of operation in which the terminal device does communicate with the wireless telecommunications system, the method including: transitioning from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation at the expiration of a time period whereby the time period is defined by the data traffic pattern to the terminal device.