DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
MOBILE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, NETWORK DEVICE,
NETWORK SYSTEM AND METHOD
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a mobile radio communications device arranged to
employ a power saving mode and a mobile radio communications network device arranged to
communicate with the mobile radio communications device in relation to the power saving
mode, and to related network systems and methods of operation.
Background Art
[0002]
Power consumption is an important feature for mobile terminals using a battery power
supply and also for mobile terminals using external power supply. Its importance increases
with the continued growth of device populations such as for example the proliferation of
Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices and also the deployment of devices in ever more
demanding situations and environments. For example, for Machine To Machine (M2M) use
cases, such as remote sensors that run on battery-power, there are significant cost implications
for on-site exchange (or re-charge) of the batteries for a large device population and the battery
lifetime may even determine the device's lifetime if it is not foreseen to re-charge or replace the
battery.
[0003]
Discussion within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for mobile
communications have resulted in numerous study and work items related to such problems.
3GPP Services and Systems Aspects (SA2) (architecture) group has discussed UE power
consumption optimisation for energy saving and battery power consumption optimisation
(UEPCOP) within the MTC work item. The main objective study is identified as:
[0004]
• Lower UE Power Consumption as per the service requirements defined clause in clause
7.1.1 of Technical Specification TS 22.368.
In particular, 3GPP SA2 has already identified several proposals for UE power consumption
optimization in Technical Report TR 23.887.
[0005]
One proposal outlined in TR23.887, at section 7.1.3.3, relates to employment of a Power
Saving Mode/State (PSM) to be deployed by a mobile terminal for reducing its power
consumption. That mode described is similar to a power-off mode, but the mobile terminal
remains registered with the network and so there is no need to re-attach or re-establish Packet
Data Network (PDN) connections. A mobile terminal in PSM is not immediately reachable for
Mobile Terminating (MT) services. However, such a terminal in PSM can be made available
for MT services but only for the period of an Active Time after a Mobile Originated (MO) event
such as data transfer or signalling, e.g. after a periodic Tracking Area Update/Routing Area
Update (TAU/RAU) procedure.
[0006]
When the mobile terminal is use the PSM, a request is made for an Active Time value,
and a request for a Periodic TAU/RAU Timer value, during Attach and TAU procedures. The
mobile terminal and a network device such as a Mobile Management Entity/Serving GPRS
Support Node MME/SGSN start the Active timer with the Active Time value that is allocated by
the network when mobile terminal is transiting from a Connected mode to an Idle mode. When
the Active timer expires, the mobile terminal deactivates its Access Stratum functions and enters
PSM. In PSM, due to deactivation of the Access Stratum functions, the mobile terminal stops
all idle mode procedures, but continues to run the periodic TAU/RAU timer. The mobile
terminal will be arranged to resume Access Stratum functions and idle mode procedures before
the periodic TAU/RAU timer expires for performing the periodic TAU/RAU procedure as
applicable. Further, the mobile terminal may resume idle mode procedures and Access Stratum
functions any time during PSM, for example e.g. for MO communications.
[0007]
When the Active Timer value expires, the MME/SGSN can determine that the mobile
terminal has entered PSM and so is not available for paging.
[0008]
In PSM the mobile terminal is in Idle mode and the MME/SGSN will treat the mobile
terminal as if registered, but not reachable. The Access Stratum functions of the mobile
terminal are considered as deactivated during PSM.
[0009]
An alternative Power Saving scenario is discussed at section 7.1.3.4 of TR23.887 and
based on Attach/Detach procedures.
[0010]
This proposal is based on the functionality that the mobile terminal attaches to the
network to communicate and, after the communication session, the mobile terminal detaches
from the network and switches off its 3GPP modem (MT) during a period to save mobile
terminal power. However, the mobile terminal will periodically perform the Attach and Detach
procedures.
[0011]
Two particular examples are discussed and the first comprises Network Assisted Power
Saving (NAPS) and is outlined at section 7.1.3.4.3.2 of TR23.887.
[0012]
To summarise, many mobile terminals (e.g. MTC devices for vendor machines,
electricity metering, weather sensors, etc) exhibit expected/scheduled communication patterns in
which the device and Application server communicate at regular intervals only (e.g. once a day
or once a week etc). There is therefore a possibility to save energy if the mobile terminal
detaches in between these occasions, and in addition to the reduction in the usage of network
resources. As a service, the operator may offer the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) service
provider the possibility of to simplifying such regular communication. Based on agreement as
to how often the communication needs to occur, the operator can pre-configure information in
the network, and optionally the mobile terminal, for assisting regular attach/detach of the mobile
terminal. The NAPS proposal provides a mechanism to enhance the existing Network Initiated
Detach procedure for such scenarios. Also, this function allows the mobile terminal to propose
a time for remaining attached (identified as User Equipment (UE) power saving active timer) and
this allows the network to provide the mobile terminal with a new timer (UE power saving
wakeup timer). The mobile terminal can then re-attach to the network when the timer has
expired. As the mobile terminal detachment and re-attachment is performed by way of
network-control, it is possible for mobile terminal to look to achieve both batter-power saving,
and network signalling optimization, while retaining network control of when the mobile
terminal should look to perform re-attachment.
[0013]
The second example, referred to at section 7.1.3.4.3.3 of TR23.887 as Implicit Detach,
is based on the coordinated (i.e. synchronized) transition from an attached state to a detached
state in both the network and the mobile terminal but without explicit signalling. The Implicit
Detach is performed soon after communication is completed in order to avoid long idle state
periods as commonly arising, for example the periodic TAU RAU period at UE, the reachable
timer + detach timer at the network, which can be in order of hours.
[0014]
Generally, to ensure the coordinated implicit transition to a detached state, the
configuration of two main parameters in the network and in the mobile terminal is required first
a certain "implicit detach time" is identified and secondly an "event/point" when this implicit
detach timer starts. The term "implicit detach time" refers to the time duration from a certain
event (start point) until the mobile terminal and network implicitly transfer to detached state.
[0015]
For implicit detach coordination with the network, and when a mobile terminal is
configured for Implicit Detach, either the mobile terminal needs to indicate its Implicit Detach
capability configuration to the network (in NAS signalling for example); or the MME can get the
mobile terminal's Implicit Detach capability configuration from its subscription information (e.g.
provisioned by the M2M service capability layer from the Service Capability Server (SCS).
[0016]
In such configuration, the implicit detach time is either exchanged between the network
and the mobile terminal, takes the value of the "grant time interval" or the "communication
window" if time-controlled communication, or takes the value of the Periodic TAUtimer.
[0017]
In the latter case the network allocates the Periodic TAUtimer by taking into account
the subscription information or configuration.
[0018]
Thus various solutions for mobile terminal power saving and optimization are proposed
in TR23.887 and each solution has its specific characteristics and suits specific operating
scenarios.
[0019]
For example, the Power Saving Mode/State of section 7.1.3.3 permits long battery
lifetime for stationary and moving UEs with infrequent communications needs. Although the
UE is kept attached, the UE is not reachable after active timer expiry until the next periodic
TA/RAupdate. However, the UE can still be reached via SMS messages, which can be
delivered when the UE wakes up as it remains active for the active time after contacting the
network.
[0020]
However, the Power Saving Mode/State can add signalling load due to the polling of the
network with the periodic updates even when there is no uplink or downlink data to exchange.
This makes the Power Save State/Mode not suitable for scenarios where the mobile terminal
needs to transmit very rarely, such as for example, once a day or even more infrequently (i.e.
utility meters, some e-health devises etc).
[0021]
The Attach/Detach solutions of section 7.1.3.4 involve detachment of the mobile
terminal detached and so does not generate signaling load onto the system (e.g. RAU/TAU).
Also, the SGSN/MME does not need to retain the mobile terminal's context and this can serve to
free-up many network-side resources. Also, with the implicit detach approach a further saving
in the signaling can be achieved as there is no need for explicit detach signaling. The mobile
terminal and the network can then perform a coordinated implicit detach.
[0022]
It is clear that the attach/detach approach would suit MTC scenarios where the mobile
terminal communicates very infrequently and it is tolerant to paging (such as for example utility
meters etc.). Indeed, this is recognized in Technical Specification TS22.368, at section 7.1.1
where it is noted that "MTC Devices may or may not be kept attached to the network when not
communicating, depending on operatorpolicies and MTC Application requirements."
Citation List
Non Patent Literature
[0023]
NPL 1: 3rd Generation Partnership Project Technical Specification TS 22.368
NPL 2: 3rd Generation Partnership Project Services and Systems Aspects Technical Report
TR 23.887
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0024]
Power saving procedures therefor offer various advantages, and exhibit various
characteristics but which themselves cause potential problems and operational limitations. The
invention seeks to provide for mobile and network terminal devices and related network systems
and methods of operation having advantages over known devices, systems and methods.
Solution to Problem
[0025]
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile radio
communications device for operation within a mobile radio communications network and
arranged to employ one of a plurality of possible power saving modes, and arranged to send
non-access stratum or access stratum signalling to the network including an indication of at least
one of the said plurality of possible power saving modes, and responsive to which indication the
network is arranged to return confirmation of the power saving mode to be employed by the
mobile radio communications device, the mobile radio communications device further being
arranged to receive the said confirmation and to initiate operation of the confirmed power-saving
mode.
[0026]
Known mobile terminal power saving solutions such as those outlined above are
beneficial and they are more or less applicable for specific use cases. However, in order to
allow the mobile terminal to take full advantage of such power-saving solutions the invention
advantageously allows for mobile terminal power-saving mode control advantageously based on
the mobile terminal preference and the network considerations (i.e. subscription, resources,
capability).
[0027]
The invention proves advantageous insofar as the mobile radio communications device
can be arranged to employ a power-saving mode best suited to its own characteristics and/or new
network considerations.
[0028]
In particular, the invention is arranged such that the said indication comprises an
indication of preferred power saving mode.
[0029]
Advantageously, non-access stratum signalling is employed and comprises any one or
more of an Attach Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a Routing Area Update request.
[0030]
Advantageously, the non-access stratum signalling can also include the Periodic Update
Timer and/or an Active Timer value.
[0031]
Further, the mobile radio communications device can be arranged to receive the said
confirmation by way of non-access stratum signalling.
[0032]
Again, the said non-access stratum signalling as received by the mobile radio
communications device can comprise any one or more of an Attach Accept message, a Routing
Area Update accept message or a Tracking Area Update accept message.
[0033]
Again, confirmation of the Periodic Update Timer and/or Active Timer values can also
be included within the non-access stratum signalling received from the network and containing
confirmed power-save mode.
[0034]
Preferably, and after receipt of the confirmed power-saving mode from the network, the
mobile radio communications device can be arranged to enter idle mode.
[0035]
Preferably, the mobile radio communications device can be arranged to initiate an active
timer value confirming active time prior to entry into a power saving state.
[0036]
Further, this mobile radio communications device can be arranged to activate a Periodic
Update Timer value serving to determine when the mobile radio communications network is to
exit a power-saving state.
[0037]
Preferably, and subsequent to the mobile radio communications device leaving the
power saving state, the mobile radio communications device can be arranged to issue a Routing
Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request.
[0038]
Also, the further Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request can
include an indication of at least one of the plurality of possible power-saving modes for later
selection by the network.
[0039]
According to another arrangement, the said at least one of a plurality of possible power
saving modes comprises a detach procedure and, preferably, an implicit detach procedure.
[0040]
Advantageously, the mobile radio communications device can be arranged to initiate an
active timer period prior to the implicit detach from the network.
[0041]
As a further option, the detach procedure can comprise an explicit detach procedure in
which the mobile radio communications device is arranged to initiate an active timer period prior
to sending a detach request to the network.
[0042]
In particular, the said indication of possible power save mode can comprise an
indication of a plurality of power save modes and also a preference indicator to identify at least
one preferred power-save mode.
[0043]
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile radio
communications network device for communicating with a mobile radio communications device
within a mobile radio communication network environment, and arranged to determine which of
the plurality of possible power saving modes is employed by the mobile radio communications
device, the mobile radio communications network device being arranged to receive non-access
stratum or access stratum signalling from the mobile radio communications device and including
an indication of at least one of the said plurality of possible power saving modes and, responsive
to the said indication, the mobile radio communications network device being arranged to return
confirmation of the power saving mode to be employed by the mobile radio communications
device.
[0044]
The invention proves advantageous insofar as the mobile radio communications
network device can be arranged to control use of a power-saving mode best suited to
characteristics of the mobile radio communications device and/or new network considerations.
[0045]
In particular, the invention is arranged for the provision of the said indication in the
form of an indication of preferred power saving mode.
[0046]
Advantageously the said non-access stratum signalling from the mobile radio
communications device can comprise any one or more of an Attach Request, a Tracking Area
Update request or a Routing Area Update request.
[0047]
Advantageously, the non-access stratum signalling can also include a Periodic Update
Timer and/or an Active Timer value.
[0048]
Further, the said confirmation returned by the mobile radio communications network
device can comprise non-access stratum signalling.
[0049]
Again, the said non-access stratum signalling comprising the said confirmation can
comprise any one or more of an Attach Accept message, a Routing Area Update accept message
or a Tracking Area Update accept message.
[0050]
Again, confirmation of the Periodic Update Timer and/or Active Timer values can also
be included within the non-access stratum signalling received at, and sent from, the mobile radio
communications network device.
[0051]
Preferably, and subsequent to the mobile radio communications device leaving the
power saving state, the mobile radio communications network device is arranged to issue a
Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request.
[0052]
Preferably, the further Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request
can include an indication of at least one of the plurality of possible power saving modes for later
selection by the network.
[0053]
According to another arrangement, the said at least one of a plurality of possible power
saving modes can comprise a detach procedure and, preferably, an implicit detach procedure.
[0054]
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile radio
communications system employing a mobile radio communications device and mobile radio
communications network device as outlined above.
[0055]
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of
controlling a mobile radio communication device for operation within a mobile radio
communications network environment and arranged to employ one of a plurality of possible
power saving modes, including the step of sending a non-access stratum signal or access stratum
signal to the network including an indication of at least one of the said plurality of possible
power saving modes and, responsive to which indication, the network returns confirmation of the
power-saving mode to be employed by the mobile radio communications device, and further
including the step of receiving the said confirmation from the network and initiating the
confirmed power-saving mode in the mobile radio communications device.
[0056]
As above, the invention can prove advantageous insofar as the mobile radio
communications device can be arranged to employ a power saving mode best suited to its own
characteristics and/or new network considerations.
In particular, the method of the invention is arranged such that the said indication
comprises an indication of preferred power saving mode.
[0057]
Advantageously, the method can employ non-access stratum signalling which can
include any one or more of an Attach Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a Routing Area
Update Request.
[0058]
Advantageously, a Periodic Update Timer and/or an Active Timer value can be included
in the non-access stratum signalling.
[0059]
Further, the method can include the step of mobile radio communications device
receiving the said confirmation by way of non-access stratum signalling.
[0060]
Again, the said non-access stratum signalling can comprise any one or more of an
Attach Accept message, a Routing Area Update accept message or a Tracking Area Update
accept message.
[0061]
The method can include confirmation of the Periodic Update Timer and/or Active Timer
values within the non-access stratum signalling received from the network and containing the
confirmed power-save mode.
[0062]
After receipt of the confirmed power saving mode from the network, the method can
include the mobile radio communications device entering idle mode.
[0063]
The method can include the step of the mobile radio communications device initiating
an Active Timer value confirming active time prior to entry into a power-saving state.
[0064]
Further, a Periodic Update Timer value can be activated and serving to determine when
the mobile radio communications network is to leave the power-saving state.
[0065]
Preferably, and subsequent to the mobile radio communications device leaving the
power-saving state, the method can include the step of the mobile radio communications device
issuing a Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request. In particular, the further
routing error update request, or tracking area update request, can include an indication of at least
one of the plurality of possible power-saving modes for later selection by the network.
[0066]
Yet further, the method can include the step of initiating an active timer period prior to
the implicit detach from the network.
[0067]
As a further option, the detach procedure can comprise an explicit detach procedure, and
the method can include the step of the mobile radio communications device initiating an active
timer period prior to sending a detach request to the network.
[0068]
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of
controlling communication with a mobile radio communications device operating within a
mobile communications network environment including a mobile radio communications network
device, the method including the step of determining which of the plurality of possible power
saving modes is to be employed by the mobile radio communications device and including the
step of receiving non-access stratum or access stratum signalling from the mobile radio
communication device including an indication of at least one of the said plurality of possible
power saving modes and, responsive to the said indication, the network confirming to the mobile
radio communications device the power-saving mode to be employed.
[0069]
In particular, the method of the invention is arranged such that the said indication
comprises an indication of preferred power saving mode.
[0070]
In this method, the said non-access stratum signalling can comprise any one or more of
an Attach Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a Routing Area Update request.
[0071]
Advantageously, the non-access stratum signalling can also include a Periodic Update
Timer and/or an Active Timer value.
[0072]
Further, the confirmation returned from the network can comprise non-access stratum
signalling.
[0073]
The said non-access stratum signalling comprising the confirmation can comprise any
one or more of an Attach Accept message, a Routing Area Update accept message or a Tracking
Area Update accept message.
[0074]
Further, the Periodic Update Timer and/or Active Timer values can also be included
within the non-access stratum signalling received at, and sent from, the mobile radio
communications network device.
[0075]
Subsequent to the mobile radio communications device leaving the power saving state,
the method can include the network issuing a Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area
Update request. Preferably, within the method, the further Routing Area Update request or
Tracking Area Update request can include an indication of at least one of the plurality of possible
power saving modes for later selection by the network.
[0076]
The method can further control the employment of a detach procedure and, preferably
an implicit detach procedure.
[0077]
As a further option, the detach procedure controlled can comprise an explicit detach
procedure in which the mobile radio communications device is arranged to initiate an active
timer period prior to sending a detach request for receipt by the network.
[0078]
As will be appreciated, the present invention can also provide for a method of
controlling signalling within a mobile radio communications network and including control of a
mobile radio communications device and mobile radio network device as outline above.
[0079]
As will therefore be appreciated, the invention can provide for a mechanism to control
the power save mode in the mobile terminal so that one of the above-mentioned power-save
modes of TR23.887 can be applied. This advantageously allows for unifying and controlling
the selection of a power-save mode for the mobile terminal and can also allow for selection of a
power-save mode that best suits the circumstances of a specific mobile terminal and that is
acceptable and available by the network.
[0080]
As discussed further, a new parameter can be employed by the mobile terminal during
Attach or RA/TA update procedure. A mobile terminal can then indicate its power save mode
preference in the new parameter 'UE power save mode preference' within the Attach Request
message or RA/TA Update Request message. The use of any other existing or new (designated)
NAS or AS messages to convey the UE power save mode preference is not excluded.
[0081]
A new parameter can also be employed by the network (MME/SGSN) and sent to a
mobile terminal during the attach procedure or RA/TA procedures. The network (MME/SGSN)
can then decide the power save mode for a given mobile terminal based on the latter 's preference
(UE power save mode preference received from the mobile terminal), on subscription rights
and/or on any other network considerations. Then the network (MME/SGSN) would relay the
confirmed 'power save mode' to the mobile terminal within the Attach Accept or RA TA Update
Accept messages. The use of any other existing or new (designated) NAS or AS messages to
convey the mobile terminal power save mode parameter is not excluded. When Active timer in
the mobile terminal expires, the mobile terminal enters a power save mode defined by this
'power save mode' parameter.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0082]
As above, the invention proves advantageous insofar as the mobile radio
commumcations device can be arranged to employ a power-saving mode best suited to its own
characteristics and/or new network considerations.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0083]
[Fig- 1]
Fig. 1 is a signalling diagram illustrating signalling arising between a mobile radio
communications device and a mobile radio communications network for the control of a power
saving mode and according to one aspect of the present invention.
[Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 is a signalling diagram illustrating signalling arising between a mobile radio
commumcations device and a mobile radio communications network for the control of a power
saving mode and according to another aspect of the present invention.
[Fig- 3]
Fig. 3 is a signalling diagram illustrating signalling arising between a mobile radio
communications device and a mobile radio commumcations network for the control of a power
saving mode and according to yet another aspect of the present invention.
[Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a mobile radio commumcations device arranged to
operate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig- 5]
Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a mobile radio communications network device
arranged to operate in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0084]
The present invention is now described further hereinafter, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0085]
Turning to Figs. 1-3, there are illustrated signalling exchanges between a mobile radio
communications device, i.e. mobile terminal such as a, User Equipment (UE) device 10 and a
network schematically represented in the illustrated embodiments of Figs. 1-3 as a Mobile
Management Entity/Serving GPRS Support Node 12.
[0086]
According to each of the three examples represented by Figs. 1-3, the power saving
features according to the present invention first arise in relation to an Attach/RAU/TAU request
signal 14 sent from the UE 10 to the network device 12 and which, in addition to the inclusion of
Periodic Update Timer and Active timer information, also includes the identification of at least
one of a plurality of possible power saving modes available to the mobile terminal. Such
indication is provided by way of a specific parameter included within the Attach/RAU/TAU
request 14 and which can be characterised as comprising a mobile terminal power saving mode
preference parameter.
[0087]
As part of the ongoing Attach/RAU/TAU procedure, an accept message 16 is returned
from the network device 12 to the UE 10 which, in addition to confirmation of the Periodic
Update Timer and active timer data, also includes confirmation of a power saving mode
identified by the network device 12 for employment by the UE 10.
[0088]
Subsequent to the receipt of the Attach/RAU/TAU accept signal 16, the UE 10 then
enters its idle mode 18.
[0089]
Subsequent to entry into its idle mode, the operation of the UE 10 continues according
to the confirmed power saving mode to be employed and three examples of which are discussed
in further detail with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
[0090]
Turning first to Fig. 1, and as noted above, during an Attach or RAU/TAU procedure,
the UE 10 specifies its preferred Periodic Update Timer value, Active timer value and UE power
save mode preference in the Attach Request or RAU/TAU Request messages 14. The 'UE
power-save mode preference' parameter defines the power save mode that is preferred by the
mobile UE 10 i.e. Power Save State, Implicit Detach, Explicit Detach or any other appropriate
power-save mode.
[0091]
The network device (MME/SGSN) 12 confirms the Periodic Update Timer value,
Active timer value and power-save mode in the Attach Accept message or RAU/TAU accept
message 16. The 'power save mode' parameter contained within message 16 defines the power
save mode to be deployed by both, the UE 10 and the network as represented by the
MME/SGSN 12. The network sets the Active timer value to the mobile reachable timer value.
[0092]
When the UE 10 enters idle mode 18, it can start the Periodic Update Timer 20 and the
Active timer 22 and the network can start the mobile reachability timer 24. At the expiry of the
Active timer 22 period, the UE 10 enters Power Saving State 26 (such as described above and
known from TR23.887. s7.1.3.3). In the Power Saving State 26 the UE 10 deactivates its
Access Stratum functions and can also stop all idle mode procedures, but continues to run the
periodic TAU/RAU timer 20.
[0093]
At the expiry of Mobile reachable timer 24 the network (MME/SGSN) 12 starts the
Implicit detach timer 28 and enters its Power Saving State 30. In the Power Saving State 30 the
network 12 does not page the UE 10.
[0094]
At the expiry of Periodic Update Timer 20 on the UE 10 side, the UE 10 triggers
RAU/TAU Request 32 and exits the Power Saving State 26. Within the RAU/TAU Request 32,
the UE 10 can again express its preference for a power save mode in the UE power save mode
preference parameter, and which can comprise the same power save mode, or a different one.
[0095]
Turning now to Fig. 2, another example is shown and wherein the UE 10 enters idle
mode 18 after the aforementioned Request 14 and Accept 16 signalling and starts the Active
timer 34, and the network 12 starts the mobile reachability timer 36. At the expiry of the Active
timer 34 the UE 10 implicitly transfers to a detached state 38. The UE 10 is thus implicitly
detached and the network (SGSN/MME) 1 also implicitly detaches 40 the UE 10 at expiry of
the mobile reachability timer 36 that has the same duration as the Active timer 34. In this
manner, the UE 10 can be implicitly detached from the network 12 according to an Implicit
Detach power-save mode such as described in TR23.887, s7. .3.4.3.3.
[0096]
Turning now to Fig. 3, a further example is shown and wherein the UE 10 enters idle
mode 18 again after Request 14 and Accept 16 signalling exchanges and starts Active timer 42
and the network 12 starts the mobile reachability timer 43. At the expiry of the Active timer 42
the mobile terminal triggers a request for Explicit Detach 44 for example in accordance with the
mobile terminal initiated Detach procedure disclosed in Technical Specifications TS24.301 and
TS24.008. For example, in such described advantages, the detach procedure can be initiated by
the UE by sending a DETACH REQUEST message and the Detach type IE included in the
message indicates whether the detach is due to a "switch off" or not. The Detach type IE also
indicates whether the detach is for EPS services only, for non-EPS services only, or for both.
[0097]
As noted above, Fig. 4 comprise a schematic diagram of a mobile radio communications
device such as the UE 10 identified in Figs. 1-3 and comprising standard mobile radio
communications device functionality such as an antenna 46 operatively connected to
transmission/reception circuitry 48 operatively connected to control circuitry 50 which is in turn,
connected to memory functionality 52 and a user interface 54. As again illustrated
schematically, the control circuitry 50 includes sleep mode preference functionality 56 sends
sleep mode initiation functionality 58. Such functionality can be arranged to operate in
accordance with any one or more of the irrelevance of Figs. 1-3 wherein the sleep mode
preference functionality 56 operative to identify one of a possible plurality of sleep mode
functions that can be stored in the memory functionality 52 as a preferred sleep mode or, indeed,
indicate a plurality of sleep modes but with a ranking of preference.
[0098]
Such preference, whether it refer to a single sleep mode, or a ranked order of sleep
modes, is then arranged by the control circuitry 50 to be transmitted by way of the
transmission/reception circuitry 48 and antenna 46 from the UE 10, to the network. Signalling
to the UE 10 serving to confirm which of the, ideally preferred, power-save modes proposed in
the signalling from the UE 10 is actually going to be initiated and employed. Such indication is
received by way of the antenna 46 and transmission/reception circuitry 48 then initiated within
sleep mode initiation functionality 58 of the controller 50 so that the UE 10 can then operate in
accordance with an appropriate sleep mode given UE device 10 preferences and also network
consideration.
[0099]
Turning now to Fig. 5, there is provided a similarly schematic illustration but this time
of a mobile radio communications network device, such as the SGSN/MME 1 discussed and
illustrated in relation to embodiments of Figs. 1-3.
[0100]
The network device contains a functionality of an interface 60 preferably connected to a
transmission reception circuitry 62 which, in turn, is operatively connected to a controller 64 in
turn connected to memory functionality 66.
[0101]
As will be appreciated, the controller 64 is arranged to indicate one or more
power-saving modes preferred for adoption by a UE 10 such as that in Fig. 4 and to determine,
also advantageously based on network considerations, which of the preferred power-saving
modes is to be employed by the UE 10 and, returns appropriate control signalling under control
of the control functionality 64 so as to initiate the appropriate power-saving mode within the UE
10. It would be appreciated, the power-saving mode may comprise that indicated as the
preferred mode of the UE 10 or they comprise a selection from the ranking order of preferred
modes, illustrated by the UE 10.
[0102]
It should of course be appreciated that, for example, although described in relation to
3G Radio Access Technology, the invention is equally applicable to other RATs including 2G
technology. As such, the above mentioned reference to 3G can include reference to 2G and
accordingly reference to RAU/TAU messages can optionally refer to LA Update messages, and
reference to SGSN/MME can include reference to MSC devices will be appreciated, the
invention is particularly advantageous in providing a new mechanism for power-save control
within a mobile radio communications device and network and that allows for
increased/improved power save options for the UE mobile terminal and the network. It also
allows for a power-save mode that better suits the specific mobile terminal circumstances and
requirements, and further can allow for a dynamic control and change of the power-save modes
while the mobile terminal is travelling, i.e. non-stationary.
[0103]
Although the present invention has been explained with reference to the exemplary
embodiments, the present invention is not limited by the above exemplary embodiments.
Various modifications, obvious to those in the art, can be made to the configurations and details
of the present invention within the scope of the invention.
[0104]
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from United Kingdom
patent application No. 13 19226.5, filed on October 31, 2013, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
Reference Signs List
[0105]
10 UE
12 Network device
14 Attach/RAU/TAU request signal
16 Accept message
18 Idle mode
20 Periodic Update Timer
22 Active timer
24 Mobile reachability timer
26 Power Saving State
28 Implicit detach timer
30 Power Saving State
32 RAU/TAU Request
34 Active timer
6 Mobile reachability timer
38 Detached state
40 Detach
42 Active timer
43 Mobile reachability timer
44 Explicit Detach
46 Antenna
48 Transmission/reception circuitry
50 Control circuitry
52 Memory functionality
54 User interface
56 Sleep mode preference functionality
58 Sleep mode initiation functionality
60 Interface
62 Transmission reception circuitry
64 Controller
66Memory functionality
CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
A mobile radio communications device for operation within a mobile radio
communications network and arranged to employ one of a plurality of possible power saving
modes, and arranged to send non-access stratum or access stratum signalling to the network
including an indication of at least one of the said plurality of possible power saving modes, and
responsive to which indication the network is arranged to return confirmation of the power
saving mode to be employed by the mobile radio communications device, the mobile radio
communications device further being arranged to receive the said confirmation and to initiate
operation of the confirmed power-saving mode.
[Claim 2
Amobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged to include
the said indication of the at least one power saving mode within any one or more of an Attach
Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a Routing Area Update request.
[Claim 3]
Amobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged such that
the signalling including the said indication comprises non-access stratum signalling further
including a Periodic Update Timer and/or an Active timer value.
[Claim 4]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged to receive
the said confirmation by way of non-access stratum signalling.
[Claim 5]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the said
non-access stratum signalling comprises any one or more of an Attach Accept message, a
Routing Area Update accept message or a Tracking Area Update accept message.
[Claim 6]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 4, and arranged to receive
confirmation of Periodic Update Timer and/or Active timer values within the non-access stratum
signalling received from the network and containing confirmed power-save mode.
[Claim 7]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim , and arranged to initiate
an Active timer value confirming active time prior to entry into a power saving state.
[Claim 8]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged to activate a
Periodic Update Timer value serving to determine when the mobile radio communications
network is to exit a power-saving state.
[Claim 9]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged to issue a
Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request subsequent to the mobile radio
communications device leaving its power saving state.
[Claim 10]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 9, and arranged include an
indication of at least one of the plurality of possible power-saving modes for later selection by
the network within the further Routing Area Update request or Tracking Area Update request.
[Claim 11]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged such that
the said indication of possible power save mode can comprise an indication of a plurality of
power save modes and also a preference indicator to identify at least one preferred power-save
mode.
[Claim 12]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the said
preference indicator is arranged to rank a plurality of power save modes in order of preference.
[Claim 13]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and arranged such that
the said indication comprises a preference indication.
[Claim 14]
Amobile radio communications network device for communicating with a mobile radio
communications device within a mobile radio communication network environment, and
arranged to determine which of the plurality of possible power saving modes is employed by the
mobile radio communications device, the mobile radio communications network device being
arranged to receive non-access stratum or access stratum signalling from the mobile radio
communications device and including an indication of at least one of the said plurality of
possible power saving modes and, responsive to the said indication, the mobile radio
communications network device being arranged to return confirmation of the power saving mode
to be employed by the mobile radio communications device.
[Claim 15]
A mobile radio communications network device as claimed in Claim 14 and arranged to
receive non-access stratum signalling from the mobile radio communications device including
the said indication of the said at a least one power supply mode and comprising any one or more
of an Attach Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a Routing Area Update request.
[Claim 16]
A mobile radio communications network device as claimed in Claim 14, and arranged to
receive non-access stratum signalling from the mobile radio communications device including
the said indication and also including a Periodic Update Timer and/or an Active timer value.
[Claim 17]
A mobile radio communications network device as claimed in Claim 14, and arranged
such that the said confirmation returned by the mobile radio communications network device
comprises non-access stratum signalling.
[Claim 18]
A mobile radio communications network device as claimed in Claim 17, and arranged
such that the said non-access stratum signalling comprising the said confirmation comprises any
one or more of an Attach Accept message, a Routing Area Update accept message or a Tracking
Area Update accept message.
[Claim 19]
A mobile radio communications network device as claimed in Claim 17, and arranged
such that the said non-access stratum signalling comprising the confirmation includes
confirmation of the Periodic Update Timer and/or Active timer values.
[Claim 20]
A mobile radio communications device as claimed in Claim , wherein the said
indication comprises a preference indication.
[Claim 21]
A method of controlling a mobile radio communication device for operation within a
mobile radio communications network environment and arranged to employ one of a plurality of
possible power saving modes, including the step of sending a non-access stratum signal or access
stratum signal to the network including an indication of at least one of the said plurality of
possible power saving modes and, responsive to which indication, the network returns
confirmation of the power-saving mode to be employed by the mobile radio communications
device, and further including the step of receiving the said confirmation from the network and
initiating the confirmed power-saving mode in the mobile radio communications device.
[Claim 22]
A method as claimed in Claim 2 1 and employing non-access stratum signalling
including any one or more of an Attach Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a Routing
Area Update Request.
[Claim 23]
A method as claimed in Claim 21, and including a Periodic Update Timer and/or an
Active timer value within the non-access stratum signalling.
[Claim 24]
A method as claimed in any one or more of Claim 1, and including the step of the
mobile radio commumcations device receiving the said confirmation by way of non-access
stratum signalling.
[Claim 25]
A method as claimed in Claim 24 and including any one or more of an Attach Accept
message, a Routing Area Update accept message or a Tracking Area Update accept message,
within the non-access stratum signalling containing the said confirmation of power save mode to
be employed.
[Claim 26]
A method as claimed in Claim 24 and including confirmation of the Periodic Update
Timer and/or Active Timer values within the non-access stratum signalling received from the
network and containing the confirmed power-save mode.
[Claim 27]
A method as claimed in Claim 26, and including the step of the mobile radio
communications device initiating an Active Timer value confirming active time prior to entry
into a power-saving state.
[Claim 28]
A method as claimed in Claim 26, and including the step of activating a Periodic Update
Timer value serving to determine when the mobile radio communications network is to leave the
power-saving state.
[Claim 29]
A method as claimed in Claim 21, and wherein the said indication comprises a
preference indication.
[Claim 30]
A method of controlling communication with a mobile radio communications device
operating within a mobile communications network environment including a mobile radio
communications network device, the method including the step of determining which of the
plurality of possible power saving modes is to be employed by the mobile radio communications
device and including the step of receiving non-access stratum or access stratum signalling from
the mobile radio communication device including an indication of at least one of the said
plurality of possible power saving modes and, responsive to the said indication, the network
confirming to the mobile radio communications device the power-saving mode to be employed.
[Claim 31]
A method as claimed in Claim 30, wherein non-access stratum signalling is employed
and comprises any one or more of an Attach Request, a Tracking Area Update request or a
Routing Area Update request.
[Claim 32]
A method as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the non-access stratum signalling also
includes a Periodic Update Timer and/or an Active timer value.
[Claim 33]
A method as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the confirmation returned from the network
can comprise non-access stratum signalling.
[Claim 34]
A method as claimed in Claim 33, wherein the said non-access stratum signalling
comprising the confirmation comprises any one or more of an Attach Accept message, a Routing
Area Update accept message or a Tracking Area Update accept message.
[Claim 35]
A method as claimed in Claim 33, wherein the said non-access stratum signalling
received at, and sent from, the mobile radio communications network device and comprising the
said confirmation also includes confirmatory Periodic Update Timer and/or Active timer values.
[Claim 36]
A method as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the said indication comprises a preference
indication.
[Claim 37]
A method of controlling signalling within a mobile radio communications network and
including controlling of a mobile radio communications device according to the method of Claim
21, and including controlling a mobile radio communications network device according to Claim
30.
[Claim 38]
A mobile radio communications network system comprising a mobile radio
communications device as claimed in Claim 1, and a mobile radio communications network
device as claimed in Claim 14.