Terminal Power Saving via Low-Power RRC States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies, particularly in 4G and 5G systems, fail to significantly reduce power consumption in idle or inactive states due to the need for periodic transceiver activation and signal processing, limiting power savings.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a new state, such as a sleep, zero power, near-zero power, low power, or ultra-low power state where the terminal reduces or disables RF module operation, modem functions, synchronization, and RRM measurements, enabling real power-down capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the terminal enters idle or inactive state to save power, then power consumption is reduced compared to connected state, but the terminal still needs to periodically activate transceiver and modem modules to receive synchronization information, paging information, and perform RRM measurements, preventing complete power shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terminal's operational states into multiple distinct RRC states (connected, inactive, idle, and new low-power states), allowing progressive reduction of terminal activities. Each state has specific requirements for module activation, enabling the terminal to choose the appropriate level of power consumption based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new RRC states with different parameter configurations that allow the terminal to change its operational parameters. Specifically, in the new low-power states, the terminal can disable reception of synchronization information, paging information, and RRM measurements, thereby changing the power consumption parameters to near-zero levels while maintaining basic network registration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the terminal disables RF and modem modules completely to achieve zero power consumption, then power saving is maximized, but the terminal cannot receive any communication signals or perform necessary network functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic state transition system where the terminal can move between different RRC states based on communication needs. The new low-power states allow the terminal to dynamically adjust its functionality - disabling most modules for near-zero power consumption, while maintaining the ability to transition back to connected or inactive states when communication is required, thus balancing power saving with reliability.
3Speed
If the terminal remains in connected state to maintain full communication capability, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases significantly compared to idle or inactive states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic state transitions where the terminal can operate in low-power states (inactive or idle) during periods without communication, and quickly transition to connected state when communication is needed. The new low-power states extend this periodic action by allowing even deeper power savings with maintained network registration, reducing the frequency and duration of full connected state activations.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a power saving method and apparatus, a device, and a readable storage medium. The method includes: performing a first behavior when a terminal is in a first state, where the first behavior is different from a behavior of the terminal in a connected state, an idle state, or an inactive state; and the first state includes one of the following: a sleep state, a zero power state, a near-zero power state, a low power state, or an ultra-low power state.