Uplink Power Control for MTC Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uplink power control mechanisms in wireless communication networks are inefficient for machine-type communication devices due to their complexity and failure to consider specific device characteristics, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and radio resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Adapting uplink power control procedures based on device attributes such as mobility, energy profile, and traffic patterns to minimize energy consumption, improve resource utilization, and reduce interference, with priorities adjusted according to the device's power supply and network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing uplink power control mechanisms are used for MTC devices, then power control is provided, but energy consumption is not optimized and the mechanism is too complicated for M2M communications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control mechanism complexityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power control mechanism into two distinct parts: a simplified power control method specifically designed for MTC devices with limited power supplies, and the existing complex mechanism for other devices. This segmentation allows MTC devices to use a less complicated, energy-optimized approach while maintaining the original mechanism for devices that don't require optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different power control characteristics to different device types based on their specific needs. MTC devices receive a power control implementation tailored to their limited power supply characteristics, while other devices continue to use the standard mechanism. This localized adaptation optimizes energy consumption where needed without affecting other parts of the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If existing signaling protocols are used for MTC devices, then session setup and termination is supported, but signaling overhead is greater and consumes more radio resources in relative terms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession setup efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary signaling elements from the existing protocols that are not needed for MTC devices. Since MTC devices have limited capabilities and send small amounts of data, the patent eliminates complex signaling procedures designed for high-data-rate human-generated traffic, retaining only the essential signaling needed for MTC session management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptation of signaling protocols based on device type. The network can dynamically select between existing signaling protocols and simplified MTC-specific signaling procedures depending on the device capabilities and traffic characteristics, allowing optimal signaling overhead for each device category

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing uplink power control mechanism is used, then power control is provided, but it does not take into consideration specific characteristics and behaviors of MTC devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control adaptabilityVSAvoidpower control optimality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes key parameters of the power control mechanism when applied to MTC devices. Specifically, it modifies the power control equations and thresholds to account for limited power supplies, different mobility patterns, and intermittent traffic characteristics of MTC devices. These parameter changes enable the power control to be optimized for MTC-specific behaviors while maintaining compatibility with the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2904857B1Uplink power control for machine type communication devices
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2904857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2904857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2904857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An access node (20) is configured to adapt uplink power control procedures based on the device attributes of a wireless device.. The device attributes may, for example be the mobility, energy profile, or characteristic traffic pattern of the wireless device. The adaptive uplink power control procedure may be used to minimize or reduce power consumption, to improve resource utilization efficiency, or to reduce interference level s.