Terminal Device State Determination Based on Data Volume

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, terminal devices face high signaling overhead and power consumption due to unnecessary state switching during data transmission, affecting system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the state of a terminal device based on the amount of data to be sent, allowing it to remain in a connected state without switching between access network devices when sufficient resources are available, and switching when resources are insufficient, thereby optimizing data transmission and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the terminal device switches between idle mode and connection mode for data transmission, then data transmission can be performed, but signaling overhead and power consumption increase due to unnecessary state switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new operational state (inactive state) that dynamically adjusts the terminal device's connection status based on data transmission needs. The device can transition between idle, inactive, and connected states, allowing flexible adaptation to different data transmission scenarios without unnecessary state switching, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing an inactive state with specific characteristics (RRC connection released but data radio bearer maintained, context information saved at network side). This parameter change allows the device to operate in a low-power state while still supporting data transmission through uplink data indication mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between power saving and data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the terminal device remains in connection mode to avoid state switching, then power consumption is reduced, but system resources are wasted due to maintained connections when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inactive state provides a dynamic intermediate condition where the RRC connection can be released to save device power while the network side retains context information and data radio bearers. This allows the system to allocate resources efficiently - the device consumes minimal power while the network maintains the capability to quickly resume data transmission when needed, avoiding both unnecessary state switching and resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the terminal device switches between access network devices during movement, then mobility is managed properly, but signaling overhead increases due to switching processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility managementVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the network side save context information and establish data radio bearers in advance during the inactive state. When the terminal device moves or needs to transmit data, the pre-saved context and established bearers enable quick resumption without requiring full switching procedures, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining proper mobility management through cell reselection within the access network device set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3462777B1Method and apparatus for determining state of terminal device
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3462777B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3462777B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a method and an apparatus for determining a state of a terminal device. The method includes: the terminal device determines an amount of data to be sent; and the terminal device determines, according to the amount of data to be sent, a state in which the terminal device needs to be. According to the embodiments of the present application, unnecessary state switching can be avoided for the terminal device, signaling overhead can be reduced, and power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, thereby improving system efficiency.