Wireless Device Power-Aware Radio Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks, particularly for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, face performance degradation due to suboptimal radio resource allocation, especially in scenarios where network nodes have limited knowledge of user equipment conditions, leading to increased power consumption and interference.

Innovation Solution

A method where wireless communication devices obtain information on power consumption and performance metrics such as path loss and interference, and send indication parameters to network nodes to influence radio resource configuration, opting for single-tone transmission over multi-tone when load and interference are higher, thereby improving resource allocation and device performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If network nodes allocate radio resources based on limited knowledge of device conditions, then resource allocation can be simplified, but device performance deteriorates and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork node complexityVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having wireless communication devices measure their own performance metrics (power consumption, path loss, interference, signal quality) and report these measurements to the network node. This enables the network node to make informed resource allocation decisions based on actual device conditions rather than limited knowledge, thereby improving device performance while maintaining relatively simple network node architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to autonomously measure their own performance parameters and generate capability indicators without requiring complex network node analysis. The device performs self-assessment of its radio resource usage efficiency and communicates this information to the network, allowing the system to optimize resource allocation based on device-generated data rather than network-side monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If devices use multi-tone transmission to improve data rate, then productivity increases, but interference and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission mode (single-tone vs. multi-tone) adaptive rather than fixed. The device dynamically selects the transmission mode based on real-time channel conditions, interference levels, and performance requirements. The network node allocates different types of radio resources (single-tone or multi-tone) based on the capability indicators reported by devices, allowing the system to optimize between data rate and interference on a per-device, per-time basis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If devices report detailed capability information to network nodes, then resource allocation accuracy improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by having devices report only the most relevant capability indicators needed for resource allocation decisions, rather than transmitting complete device state information. The device extracts and reports key metrics such as power consumption levels, path loss measurements, interference observations, and signal quality indicators. This selective reporting provides the network node with sufficient information for accurate resource allocation while minimizing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If devices operate with higher power consumption to improve signal quality, then reliability improves, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by having the network node adjust radio resource parameters (such as modulation scheme, code rate, resource block allocation, and transmission mode) based on capability indicators reported by devices. When devices report poor signal quality or high interference, the network node can allocate more robust resources or increase transmission power. When conditions are good, the network node can allocate more efficient resources, thereby dynamically optimizing the balance between signal quality and power consumption rather than using fixed high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3636019B1Communication device and method for indicating a preference based on the device power consumption or on performance of carriers
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3636019B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3636019B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3636019B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communication device and method therein for improving its performance are disclosed. The wireless communication device obtains information on power consumption requirement and/or performance of certain carriers regarding at least one of path loss, load and interference. The wireless communication device determines an indication parameter associated with preferences of the wireless communication device based on the obtained information. The wireless communication device then sends the indication parameter to the network node and receives signals from the network node with allocated radio resources configured by the network node based on the indication parameter.