Uplink Time Alignment Timer Limiting Periodic CQI/SRS Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In E-UTRAN wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) experiences excessive power consumption due to continuous transmission of periodic CQI/SRS reports when the uplink time alignment timer (TAT) is set to infinite or very long, leading to inefficient power usage and increased signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cqi_timer_limit timer to limit the duration of periodic CQI/SRS transmissions and using MAC commands to prematurely terminate UL resources while maintaining synchronization, allowing the UE to conserve power and reduce signaling burden without transitioning to Idle mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the uplink time alignment timer (TAT) is set to infinite or very long, then uplink time alignment is maintained, but UE power consumption increases due to continuous periodic CQI/SRS transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TAT functionality by introducing a separate cqi_timer_limit timer that independently controls the duration of periodic CQI/SRS transmissions. This segmentation allows the TAT to remain infinite for maintaining time alignment while the cqi_timer_limit independently limits power-consuming transmissions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power consumption issue from the TAT mechanism by separating the time alignment function (handled by TAT) from the periodic transmission function (handled by cqi_timer_limit). This extraction allows each timer to optimize its behavior independently, with TAT ensuring reliability and cqi_timer limit addressing energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If periodic CQI/SRS transmissions continue indefinitely, then channel quality information is continuously updated, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using the cqi_timer Limit to enable periodic CQI/SRS transmissions only for a limited duration. The timer creates a periodic transmission pattern that automatically stops after a predetermined time, reducing signaling overhead while still providing sufficient channel quality updates during the active period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control by making the transmission duration adjustable through the cqi_timer Limit parameter. The system can dynamically adapt the transmission period based on channel conditions and network requirements, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and signaling overhead reduction.
3Use of energy by moving object
If UE transitions to Idle mode to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases, but state transition frequency increases and bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting the cqi_timer Limit in advance to a predetermined value that limits periodic transmissions before excessive power consumption occurs. This preventive measure allows the UE to remain in Connected mode with controlled transmissions, avoiding the need for frequent state transitions to Idle mode and reducing associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cqi_timer Limit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the UE's power management needs and the network's connectivity requirements. It mediates by enabling controlled periodic transmissions that satisfy both power conservation and communication needs, eliminating the need for aggressive state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is at least a method, apparatus which may include operations that result from operation of computer program code, and a plurality of coupled logic circuit elements constructed to carry out the associated functions for, in response to signaling received from a network access node, prematurely terminating operation of a timer running on a user equipment, the timer being used to control how long the user equipment is considered uplink time aligned, and performing operations defined to be executed upon the timer expiring. Further, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is signaling a user equipment to prematurely terminate operation of a timer running on the user equipment, the timer being used to control how long the user equipment is considered uplink time aligned, and reserving an uplink resource for the user equipment.