User equipment power savings for machine type communications

• US 9,407,391 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2012
• Issued: 08/02/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Jain, Puneet, Bangolae, Sangeetha L., Martinez Tarradell, Marta, Fong, Mo-Han
• Primary Examiner(s): Oveissi, David
• Application Number:
  US13/718,334
• Publication Number:
  US 20130301499A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,323 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/56 with provision for simultaneous communication in two directions
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 15/00 Suppression or limitation of noise or interference by means associated with receiver H04B1/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/024 Co-operative use of antennas of several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0473 taking constraints in layer or codeword to antenna mapping into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0486 taking channel rank into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0626 Channel coefficients, e.g. channel state information [CSI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/063 Parameters other than those covered in groups H04B7/0623 - H04B7/0634, e.g. channel matrix rank or transmit mode selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0632 Channel quality parameters, e.g. channel quality indicator [CQI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0639 Using selective indices, e.g. of a codebook, e.g. pre-distortion matrix index [PMI] or for beam selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0647 Variable feedback rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/065 Variable contents, e.g. long-term or short-short
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/26 at least one of which is mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1694 Allocation of channels in TDM/TDMA networks, e.g. distributed multiplexers Passive Optical Networks H04Q11/0062
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/26 in which the information and the address are simultaneously transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0026 Transmission of channel quality indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1803 Stop-and-wait protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1822 involving configuration of automatic repeat request [ARQ] with parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2627 : Modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0007 : the frequencies being orthogonal, e.g. OFDM(A), DMT
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/001 : the frequencies being arranged in component carriers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 : Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 : Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0073 : Allocation arrangements that take into account other cell interferences for intercell interference mitigation or co-ordination in orthogonal multiplex systems H04J11/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 : Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 : using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM] H04L51/04; selective video distribution H04N21/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 : in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 : Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/00 : Hand-off or reselection arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0055 : Transmission or use of information for re-establishing the radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0061 : of neighbour cell information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0088 : Scheduling hand-off measurements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0094 : Definition of hand-off measurement parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 : Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/16 : Performing reselection for specific purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/18 : for allowing seamless reselection, e.g. soft reselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/30 : by measured or perceived connection quality data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/32 : by location or mobility data, e.g. speed data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 : using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 : Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 : in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 : using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0225 : using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 : where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0235 : where the received signal is a power saving command
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 : Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/044 : based on the type of the allocated resource
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1215 : for collaboration of different radio technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/27 : between access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/30 : Resource management for broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/51 : based on terminal or device properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/54 : based on quality criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 : using the level of interference
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/542 : using measured or perceived quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/56 : based on priority criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/18 : Management of setup rejection or failure
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Embodiments of user equipment (UE) and base stations (eNodeB) and method for reducing power consumption in UE in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, characteristics of UE including mobility, communication data load, and communication type are used by base stations, MME or other controlling entities to configure power saving features of the UE. Power saving features can include a new Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer state where circuitry is powered off for extended periods of time, extended Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, reduced workloads in existing RRC, EPC Connection Management (ECM) and/or EPS Mobility Management (EMM) states or combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A method to save power in user equipment (UE) comprising:

receiving by a controlling entity, UE characteristic information describing mobility characteristics of a UE as one of either normal mobility associated with movable UE or nomadic mobility associated with UE that move occasionally or not at all;

deciding by the controlling entity, based upon the UE characteristic information, on a power saving configuration comprising power saving parameters defining operation of the UE while in a RRC Deep Idle state, the power savings parameters controlling at least;

power state of processing circuitry;

mobility measurements performed by the UE; and

handling of download data sent to the UE while in the RRC deep idle state; and

sending the power saving configuration to the UE.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the controlling entity is an enhanced Node B (eNB) and the configuration information is sent in a paging message.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the controlling entity is an enhanced Node B (eNB) and the configuration information is sent in a new message.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the controlling entity is a network operator and power saving configuration is performed as p art of Op en Mobile Alliance Device Management (OMA-DM) procedure or as part of subscriber identity module, over-the-air (SIM -OTA) procedure.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the power saving configuration further controlling a discontinuous reception cycle (DRX).

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the UE characteristic information further comprises either normal data characteristics associated with non-Machine Type Communications (non-MTC) or limited data characteristics associated with Machine Type Communications (MTC).

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the UE characteristic information comprises nomadic mobility associated with UE that move only occasionally or not at all and limited data characteristics associated with Machine Type Communications and the power saving configuration comprises a time interval during which the UE will remain in the RRC Deep Idle state.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the power savings parameters configure the UE to:

take no or minimal mobility measurements;

not monitor any paging messages; and

not monitor any sy stem information broadcasts.

9. A method to save power in user equipment (UE) comprising:

receiving by a UE, power saving configuration comprising;

power saving parameters modifying a task normally performed by the UE while in a RRC Idle state such that the task that would otherwise be performed in an unmodified fashion while in the RRC Idle state has been changed; and

power saving parameters modifying behavior of the UE while in a RRC Deep Idle state, the power saving parameters modifying the behavior of the UE while in a RRC Deep Idle state to at least;

reduce the frequency of mobility measurements over the frequency of mobility measurements performed in the RRC Idle state;

no monitoring of paging messages; and

no monitoring of system information broadcasts; and

configuring by the UE, processing circuitry so the behavior of the UE while in the RRC Idle state and the RRC Deep Idle state conform to the power saving configuration.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the p ower saving parameters modifying the task reduce the frequency that the task is performed by the UE.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein while the parameters modifying the behavior of the UE while in the RRC Deep Idle state comprise a length of time for the Deep Idle state.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the UE performs no Radio Resource Control (RRC) tasks while in the Deep Idle state.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising sending to the controlling entity, UE characteristic information comprising:

nomadic mobility;

or

infrequent transmission of small amounts of data;

or

both nomadic mobility and infrequent transmission of small amounts of data.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the controlling entity is an eNB and the UE characteristic information is transmitted to the eNB as an establishment clause value in an RRC Connection Request.

15. User equipment (UE) comprising:

processing circuitry to;

receive, from a controlling entity, configuration information for a RRC Deep Idle state, the configuration information comprising power saving parameters defining operation of the UE while in the RRC Deep idle state, the power savings parameters controlling at least;

power state of processing circuitry;

mobility measurements performed by the UE; and

handling of download data sent to the UE while in the RRC Deep idle state;

Configure the UE according to the received power saving parameters;

select Radio Resource Control (RRC) states comprising;

a RRC Connected state allowing active transmission of data;

a RRC Idle state allowing monitoring of Paging messages; and

the RRC Deep Idle state; and

a timer to measure a length of time, the expiration of which causes a state transition from the RRC Deep Idle state to the RRC Idle state.

16. The UE of claim 15 wherein the length of time is configured by an eNB.

17. The UE of claim 16 wherein the UE is configured to receive a Paging message from the eNB containing the length of time and the UE transitions from the RRC Idle state to the RRC Deep Idle state until expiration of the length of time.

18. The UE of claim 16 wherein the UE is configured to receive a RRC Connection release message from the eNB containing the length of time and the UE transitions from the RRC Connected state to the RRC Deep Idle state until the expiration of the length of time.

19. The UE of claim 15 wherein the length of time is configured by a manufacturer at the time of UE manufacture.

20. The UE of claim 15 wherein the processing circuitry transitions from the RRC Deep Idle state to the RRC Connected state up on determining that transmission of data should not be delayed until the expiration of the length of time.

21. The UE of claim 15 wherein the UE has nomadic mobility.

22. The UE of claim 15 wherein the UE is specifically adapted to Machine Type Communications.

23. User equipment (UE) comprising:

memory;

a processor coup led to the memory; and

instructions, stored in the memory, which, when executed cause the UE to;

receive, from a controlling entity, configuration information comprising;

RRC idle state power saving parameters that modify a task normally performed by the UE in a RRC idle state such that the task that would otherwise be performed in an unmodified fashion while in the RRC idle state has been changed; and

Deep idle state power saving parameters that modify the behavior of the UE while in a RRC Deep Idle state to at least;

Reduce the frequency of mobility measurements over the frequency of mobility measurements performed in the RRC Idle state;

No monitoring of paging messages; and

No monitoring of system information broadcasts;

select among Radio Resource Control (RRC) states comprising;

a RRC Connected state allowing active transmission of data;

the RRC Idle state configured according to the received RRC Idle state power saving parameters; and

the RRC Deep Idle state configured according to the received Deep Idle state power saving parameters.

24. The UE of claim 23 wherein the configuration information causes the UE to place DL data into a buffer to process when the UE transitions out of the RRC Deep Idle state.

25. The UE of claim 23 wherein the configuration information causes the UE to discard the DL data.