METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAVING ENERGY IN COLLABORATIVE DEVICE COMMUNICATIONS

Description

1 / 61 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAVING ENERGY IN COLLABORATIVE DEVICE COMMUNICATIONS Cross-reference to related patent application(s)

[0001] This disclosure forms part of a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 505,775, filed June 2, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 508,293, filed June 15, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to mobile communications and, more particularly, to energy saving in collaborative device communications with respect to primary user equipment (UE), collaborating UE and network equipment in mobile communications. State of the art

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated in this document, the approaches described in this section do not constitute prior art with respect to the claims listed below and are not admitted as prior art by their inclusion in this section.

[0004] Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology plays a crucial role in increasing spectral efficiency and signal robustness in fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR). With the evolution of practical antenna systems, it becomes feasible, from an implementation standpoint, to accommodate a large number of antenna ports on a network node.

[0005] Although MIMO enhancement has been achieved on the network side, physical hardware limitations on the user equipment (UE) side still constitute a bottleneck for MIMO gain improvement. To improve overall MIMO performance on the UE side, collaborative device communications have been proposed. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 10 / 81 2 / 61

[0006] Collaborative device communications involve a relay operation performed by a collaborating device to retransmit a radio frequency (RF) signal between the network node and a primary device. However, the relay operation may cause additional power consumption in the collaborating device and / or the primary device.

[0007] Thus, how to increase MIMO performance while considering energy efficiency becomes an important issue in the newly developed wireless communication network. Therefore, there is a need to provide suitable schemes to reduce power consumption in collaborative device communications. Summary

[0008] The following summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary is provided to introduce concepts, highlights, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described in this document. Selected implementations are described in more detail below in the detailed description. Thus, the following summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] One objective of this disclosure is to propose solutions or schemes that address the aforementioned problems concerning energy efficiency in collaborative device communications.

[0010] In one aspect, a method may involve a collaborating device receiving initial energy-saving information associated with a primary device from at least one of a network node and the primary device. The method may also involve the collaborating device determining a Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 11 / 81 3 / 61 retransmission duration enabled, for which a signal retransmission is performed, and a retransmission duration disabled, for which signal retransmission is not performed, based on the first power saving information, and retransmit a signal between the primary device and the network node during the retransmission duration enabled.

[0011] In one aspect, a method may involve a network node establishing connections with a primary device and a collaborating device and transmitting initial energy-saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

[0012] In one aspect, a method may involve a primary device communicating with a collaborating device to establish a device collaboration to relay a signal through the collaborating device and transmit initial energy-saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

[0013] In one aspect, a method may involve a collaborating device communicating with a primary device to establish device collaboration, relaying a signal between the primary device and a network node, and determining to terminate device collaboration if at least one of the collaborating devices and the primary device is not in a connected mode.

[0014] In one aspect, a method may involve a primary device communicating with a collaborating device to establish a device collaboration to relay a signal through the collaborating device and determine to terminate the device collaboration in the event that at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device is not in a connected mode.

[0015] In one aspect, a method may involve a network node establishing a connection with at least one other Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 12 / 81 4 / 61 primary device and a collaborating device. A device collaboration is established between the primary device and the collaborating device. The method may further involve the network node providing a collaboration termination indication to at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device by means of rank adaptation or by means of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signal, a Media Access Control (MAC) element (MAC-CE), or a Downlink Control Information (DCI), in the case where at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device is not in a connected mode, in which case the collaboration termination indication indicates the termination of the device collaboration.

[0016] It is noteworthy that, although the description provided in this document may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks and network topologies, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, Fifth Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Sixth Generation (6G), the concepts, schemes and any variations / derivations proposed may be implemented in, for and by other types of radio access technologies, networks and network topologies. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described in this document. Brief description of the figures

[0017] The accompanying figures are included to provide a better understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated into and form part of this disclosure. The figures illustrate implementations of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It is understandable that the figures are not necessarily to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to the size in an implementation. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 13 / 81 5 / 61 real, in order to clearly illustrate the concept of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram that represents an example of a mobile communications network scenario according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario for increasing diversity based on device collaboration according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram that represents an example of a rank increase scenario based on device collaboration according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a diagram that represents an example of a communication system according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a diagram that represents an example of a process according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram that represents an example of a process according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram that represents an example of a process according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram that represents an example of a process according to an implementation of the present Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 14 / 81 6 / 61 disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a diagram that represents an example of a process according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a diagram that represents an example of a process according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Detailed description of preferred implementations

[0030] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed materials are disclosed in this document. However, it should be understood that the embodiments and implementations disclosed are merely illustrative of the claimed materials, which may be carried out in various forms. This disclosure may, however, be carried out in many different ways and should not be interpreted as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth in this document. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided so that the description of this disclosure is complete and comprehensive and fully conveys the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description below, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments and implementations presented. Overview

[0031] Implementations according to this disclosure refer to various techniques, methods, schemes, and / or solutions related to energy saving in collaborative device communications. According to this disclosure, several possible solutions can be implemented separately or together. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in a single disclosure. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 15 / 81 7 / 61 combination or other.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of scenario 100 of a mobile communications network for implementing device collaboration according to implementations of the present disclosure. A personal area network (PAN) may support extended reality (XR) type services, such as XR glasses with a mobile phone (e.g., a UE) or a customer premises equipment (CPE). A public network may comprise one or more repeaters and a mobile phone. In some implementations, at least one device may be a collaborating device or a collaborating communication device to facilitate increased transmission and reception capacity (e.g., antenna capacity, diversity, rank, or others) of a primary device or primary communication device in the mobile communications network.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a diversity enhancement scenario based on device collaboration according to implementations of the present disclosure. A high-capacity device (e.g., a smartphone or a UE) can serve as a proxy to provide a good quality data path to a low-capacity device (e.g., XR glasses). In this device collaboration scenario, the high-capacity device can be a collaborating communication device or a collaborating UE, and the low-capacity device can be a primary communication device or a primary UE. A CTRL device control path can be established between the primary UE and the collaborating UE to exchange control signaling or critical information, including channel state information (CSI), repeater mode enablement, power control, etc.

[0034] The collaborating EU can communicate with a node of Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, p. 16 / 81 8 / 61 network (such as a satellite, a base station (BS), or a network appliance in the mobile communications network) in a first frequency band f1 and communicate with the primary UE in a second frequency band f2. The collaborating UE can perform frequency translation between bands to translate the radio frequency (RF) carrier of the received signal from the first frequency band f1 to the second frequency band f2 and vice versa. This device collaboration is applicable to both uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0035] Compared to smartphones, a wearable device typically has less capacity in terms of MIMO processing capacity, number of transmitting (Tx) or receiving (Rx) antennas, carrier aggregation (CA) capability, etc. The smartphone can act as an advanced amplification and forwarding (AF) repeater with better Rx beamforming capability (i.e., more receiving antennas) and can purify signal quality by rejecting interference from unexpected directions and forwarding the processed signal to the low-capacity wearable device.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a 300 scenario of rank boosting based on device collaboration according to implementations of the present disclosure. A smartphone and a collaborating device (such as a repeater device, another smartphone, an internal CPE, or others) collaborate to receive, on the smartphone, a high-rank resulting data signal transmitted from the network node (such as a satellite, a base station, or a network appliance in the mobile communications network).

[0037] In this device collaboration scenario, the smartphone can be a primary communication device or a primary UE, and the collaborating device mentioned earlier can be a collaborating communication device or a UE. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 17 / 81 9 / 61 collaborator. The primary UE can communicate with the network node in a first frequency band f1 and communicate with the collaborating UE in a second frequency band f2. The collaborating UE can communicate with the network node in the first frequency band f1 and communicate with the primary UE in the second frequency band f2. The collaborating UE can perform frequency translation between bands to translate the radio frequency (RF) carrier of the received signal from the first frequency band f1 to the second frequency band f2 and vice versa. This device collaboration is also applicable to both uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0038] A CTRL device control path can be established between the primary UE and the collaborating UE to exchange control signaling or critical information, including CSI, repeater mode enablement, power control, etc. The primary UE can utilize its AC capability to receive signals directed from the base station and the collaborating UE simultaneously in two bands f1 and f2 and process the received signals together, as if it possessed two sets of Rx antennas. The network node can transmit / receive a signal in the f1 frequency band to an end device that appears to be equipped with two sets of Rx antennas, so that the end-to-end MIMO channel rank can be duplicated.

[0039] Note that FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limitations of applications in any way. For example, in some implementations, a primary device (e.g., the aforementioned primary device, primary UE or primary communication device) (hereinafter referred to as the primary device, for simplification) and a collaborating device (e.g., the aforementioned collaborating device, collaborating UE or collaborating communication device) (hereinafter Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 18 / 81 10 / 61, referred to as a collaborating device for simplification, may remain camped or may be associated (e.g., establishing a connection) with the same network node. That is, intra-radio access technology (RAT) services may be provided to both the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0040] As another example, in some implementations, the primary device and the collaborating device may remain camped or may be associated with different network nodes of the same RAT (e.g., intra-RAT) or of different RATs (e.g., inter-RAT).

[0041] To reduce energy consumption in the collaborating device (as well as in the primary device) capable of supporting collaborative device communications, several energy-saving schemes are introduced with respect to different aspects and different scenarios.

[0042] In the first aspect of this disclosure, energy saving schemes are introduced relating to devices that support intra-RAT services from the same operator. In the first aspect of this disclosure, the collaborating device and the primary device may remain camped or may be associated with the same network node (e.g., the same base station or the same operator).

[0043] In some implementations of the first aspect, energy saving schemes can be introduced in two scenarios, comprising a first scenario in which the primary device is in a connected mode (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) connected mode) and a second scenario in which the primary device is not in a connected mode (e.g., the primary device is in an idle mode (such as an idle RRC mode) or in an inactive mode (such as an inactive RRC mode)).

[0044] In some implementations in the first aspect, in the case of the primary device being in connected mode (the first Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 19 / 81 11 / 61 scenario) and the collaborating device is in connected mode, energy saving information can be provided to the collaborating device by the network node, the primary device, or both.

[0045] In some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is in connected mode (the first scenario) and the collaborating device is in idle mode, energy saving information can be provided to the collaborating device by the network node (for example, by means of a small data transmission), by the primary device, or by both.

[0046] Alternatively, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is in connected mode (the first scenario) and the collaborating device is in inactive mode, device collaboration may be terminated.

[0047] In some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is in connected mode (the first scenario) and the collaborating device is in idle mode, energy saving information can be provided to the collaborating device by the primary device.

[0048] Alternatively, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is in connected mode (the first scenario) and the collaborating device is in idle mode, device collaboration may be terminated.

[0049] In some implementations, energy saving information can be provided to the collaborating device, so that the collaborating device is informed when to relay or not relay, and energy use can thus be optimized.

[0050] In some implementations, energy saving information may be associated with the device. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 20 / 81 12 / 61 primary and may comprise at least one of a discontinuous receive configuration (DRX), a wake signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for downlink receive (DL) or uplink transmit (UL) (e.g., if the DL / UL lease is enabled), a lease occasion configured for downlink receive or uplink transmit, physical downlink control channel monitoring (PDCCH) information (e.g., monitoring periodicity, hop duration, etc.).), seek space set information, seek space group information, whether the primary device is in a standby state, bandwidth portion (BWP) information (e.g., frequency bandwidth and location), whether data retransmission is required for a duration of time (e.g., a dynamic indication), a data retransmission pattern (e.g., semi-static indication), and the timing or periodicity of transmission of a reference signal (e.g., a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a polling reference signal (SRS), or a tracking reference signal (TRS)).

[0051] Additionally, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is in connected mode (the first scenario), the collaborating device may possess or be informed of information regarding the PDCCH monitoring occasion and / or the Temporary Cell Radio Network Identifier (C-RNTI) of the primary device and may help monitor the PDCCH for the primary device.

[0052] In some implementations, the collaborating device can determine when to retransmit or not retransmit data based on received energy-saving information. In Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 21 / 81 13 / 61 In some implementations, if the power saving information is provided by the network node, the power saving information can be provided by L1 (layer 1) signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI) (e.g., new DCI format or new DCI fields in scheduling DCI) or medium access control (MAC) element (MAC-CE)) or by higher layer signaling (e.g., UE-specific RRC signaling).

[0053] In some implementations, additional information (for example, additional energy saving information) associated with the collaborating device may be provided to the primary device by the network node, by the collaborating device, or by both.

[0054] In some implementations, additional information may include an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission (e.g., whether the DL / UL lease is enabled), a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information (e.g., monitoring periodicity, hop duration, etc.), search space set information, search space group information, whether the collaborating device is in a sleep state, whether data retransmission is required for a duration of time (e.g., a dynamic indication), and a data retransmission pattern (e.g., semi-static indication).

[0055] In some implementations, the primary device may determine when to perform data relay based on additional information. For example, the primary device may determine that data relay occurs if the collaborating device is in an active state or if the data relay pattern indicates “perform relay of Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 22 / 81 14 / 61 data”. In some implementations, the network node may provide the additional information via L1 signaling (e.g., DCI (new DCI format or new DCI fields in scheduling DCI) or MAC-CE) or via upper-layer signaling (e.g., UE-specific RRC signaling).

[0056] In some implementations, if no additional information is provided, the primary device may assume that data is always being relayed when it is not in a resting state. In some implementations, if the collaborating device does not relay data to the primary device, the network node may be aware of this, either through a report from the collaborating device or the primary device.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a scenario under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure. Scenario 400 illustrates an example of using energy saving information to align an active state or a resting state of the primary device and the collaborating device. Scenario 400 sequentially shows the XRD configuration of the collaborating device (the original configuration), the XRD configuration of the primary device, and the resulting XRD configuration with an extended active XRD period of the collaborating device obtained by aligning the active states of the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0058] In some implementations, if device collaboration or pairing between the primary device and the collaborating device is known to the network node (i.e., not transparent to the network node), the network node can align the DRX configuration for the primary device and the collaborating device through RRC (re)configuration. In some implementations, an L1 signal to indicate to the collaborating device to extend the active DRX time or period (which can be considered as a virtual DRX on) can be transmitted by the network node. During the active DRX period Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 23 / 81 15 / 61 extended, the collaborating device may not expect to monitor your DL control channel.

[0059] In some implementations, an L1 signal indicating “no data retransmission” to the collaborating device may be transmitted by the network node. During the time or period indicated as “no data retransmission”, the collaborating device may not expect to monitor its DL control channel.

[0060] In some implementations, if device collaboration or pairing between the primary device and the collaborating device is not known to the network node (i.e., transparent to the network node), DRX information can be exchanged between the primary device and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the primary device and the collaborating device can negotiate a preferred DRX configuration and report the preferred DRX configuration to the network node (e.g., via UE assistance information (UAI)).

[0061] In some implementations, a dynamic adaptation (e.g., activation indication and / or dynamic PDCCH adaptation information) relating to the primary device may also be provided to the collaborating device for energy saving.

[0062] Regarding the termination of device collaboration in the first aspect, a termination indication can be provided to the primary device by one or a set of different approaches. In some implementations, the collaborating device can provide a termination indication to the primary device through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the collaborating device can stop transmitting an active reference signal to the primary device. The active reference signal can be used to Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 24 / 81 16 / 61 measure the signal quality between the collaborating device and the primary device.

[0063] In some implementations, if device collaboration or pairing between the primary device and the collaborating device is known to the network node, the network node can provide the collaboration termination indication to the primary device implicitly (e.g., through rank adaptation) or explicitly, where explicit signaling can be done through L1 signaling or upper-layer signaling (e.g., UE-specific RRC signaling).

[0064] In some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is not in connected mode (the second scenario), device collaboration may be terminated. In some implementations, the primary device may provide the collaboration termination indication to the collaborating device through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0065] In some implementations, if device collaboration or pairing between the primary device and the collaborating device is known to the network node (i.e., not transparent to the network node), the network node may provide the collaboration termination indication to the collaborating device implicitly (e.g., through rank adaptation) or explicitly, where explicit signaling may be performed via L1 signaling or upper-layer signaling (e.g., UE-specific RRC signaling).

[0066] In some implementations of the first aspect, if the primary device is not in connected mode (the second scenario), the collaborating device may not retransmit data, but it can still help monitor the paging message to the primary device and activate the Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 25 / 81 17 / 61 primary device, if necessary, through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the collaborating device may be configured with a paging event and / or a primary device identity, and the primary device may choose not to monitor its paging channel during paging.

[0067] In some implementations, the collaborating device may comprise not only a main transceiver but also a low-power transceiver. The low-power transceiver may be a dedicated transceiver for data retransmission and / or for some predefined operations. When the main transceiver is active, both the main transceiver and the low-power transceiver can be used for data retransmission and / or paging message monitoring. When the main transceiver is idle, the low-power transceiver can be used for data retransmission and / or paging message monitoring.

[0068] In some implementations, the low-power transceiver can be switched on or off based on power-saving information. In some implementations, the low-power transceiver can also be used for control signal exchange between the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0069] In a second aspect of this disclosure, energy saving schemes are introduced relating to devices that do not support intra-RAT services from the same operator. In the second aspect of this disclosure, the collaborating device and the primary device may remain camped or may be associated with different network nodes of the same RAT, or may remain camped or be associated with network nodes of different RATs (i.e., inter-RAT techniques). Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, p. 26 / 81 18 / 61

[0070] In some implementations of the second aspect, energy saving schemes can be introduced in two scenarios, comprising a first scenario in which the primary appliance is in a connected mode (e.g., an RRC connected mode) and a second scenario in which the primary appliance is not in a connected mode (e.g., the primary appliance is in an idle mode (such as an idle RRC mode) or in an inactive mode (such as an inactive RRC mode)).

[0071] In some implementations in the second aspect, if the primary device is in connected mode (the first scenario), energy saving information can be provided to the collaborating device by the primary device through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0072] In some implementations, energy saving information can be provided to the collaborating device, so that the collaborating device is informed when to relay or not relay, and thus energy use can be optimized.

[0073] In some implementations, control signaling may be transmitted based on unlicensed bandwidth techniques, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa (Long Range), Sigfox, or others. In some implementations, control signaling may be transmitted based on licensed bandwidth techniques, for example, NB-IoT or others.

[0074] In some implementations, energy saving information may be associated with the primary device and may comprise at least one of an XDR configuration, an activation signal indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission (e.g., if the DL / UL lease is enabled), a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or the Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 27 / 81 19 / 61 uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information (e.g., monitoring periodicity, hop duration, etc.), search space set information, search space group information, whether the primary device is in a standby state, BWP information (e.g., frequency bandwidth and location), timing or periodicity of transmission of a reference signal (e.g., a CSIRS, an SRS, or a TRS), whether data retransmission is required for a duration of time (e.g., a dynamic indication), a data retransmission pattern (e.g., semi-static indication), and a collaboration termination indication (if it is determined that device collaboration should be terminated).

[0075] In some implementations, information regarding dynamic adaptation (such as an activation indication, dynamic PDCCH adaptation information, etc.) relating to the primary device may also be provided to the collaborating device as energy-saving information for energy saving. In some implementations, the collaborating device may determine when to retransmit data based on the energy-saving information received.

[0076] In some implementations, additional information (for example, additional energy saving information) associated with the collaborating device may be provided to the primary device by the collaborating device through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0077] In some implementations, the additional information may include an XDR configuration, a duty cycle configuration, whether the collaborating device is in a sleep state, whether there is data retransmission for a duration of time (e.g., a dynamic indication), a data retransmission pattern (e.g., Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 28 / 81 20 / 61 semi-static indication) and an indication of termination of collaboration (explicit or implicit signaling, if it is determined that the device collaboration should be terminated).

[0078] In some implementations, the primary device may determine when to perform data relay based on additional information. For example, the primary device may determine that data relay occurs if the collaborating device is in an active state or if the data relay pattern indicates that data relay should be performed.

[0079] In some implementations, if no additional information is provided, the primary device may assume that there is always data retransmission when it is not in the resting state. In some implementations, if the collaborating device does not retransmit data to the primary device, the network node may know this from the primary device's report. For example, the network node may assume that there is no rank increase if data retransmission is in a disabled period (e.g., a disabled retransmission duration).

[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a scenario under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure. Scenario 500 illustrates an example of using energy saving information to align an active state or a resting state of the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0081] In some implementations, information can be exchanged between the primary device and the collaborating device. For example, the primary device and the collaborating device can negotiate a preferred XDR configuration. The primary device can report the result of the negotiation (e.g., the preferred XDR configuration) to the network node (e.g., via UAI), and the collaborating device can Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 29 / 81 21 / 61 Report the outcome of the negotiation to your service provider (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point (AP)).

[0082] As another example, the primary device and the collaborating device can negotiate a data retransmission pattern, and the data retransmission is performed by the collaborating device based on the data retransmission pattern. The data retransmission pattern can be known by the network node from the primary device's report.

[0083] When data relaying is enabled / active period, the collaborating device can relay data from the primary device. The primary device can expect to receive the relayed data from the collaborating device, either for rank increase or diversity increase. When data relaying is disabled / inactive period, the collaborating device does not relay data from the primary device. Therefore, the primary device cannot expect to receive relayed data from the collaborating device.

[0084] In some implementations of the second aspect, if the primary device is not in connected mode (the second scenario), device collaboration may be terminated. In some implementations, the primary device may provide the collaboration termination indication to the collaborating device through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0085] In some implementations of the second aspect, if the primary device is not in connected mode (the second scenario), the collaborating device may not retransmit data, but it can still help monitor the paging message to the primary device and activate the primary device, if necessary, through control signaling between the primary device and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the collaborating device may be Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 30 / 81 22 / 61 configured with paging occasion and / or a primary device identity, and the primary device may choose not to monitor its paging channel during paging. In some implementations, the collaborating device may be able to monitor the paging channel(s) and / or decode the paging message(s) from the primary device.

[0086] In some implementations, the collaborating device may comprise not only a main transceiver but also a low-power transceiver. The low-power transceiver may be a dedicated transceiver for data retransmission and / or for some predefined operations. When the main transceiver is active, both the main transceiver and the low-power transceiver can be used for data retransmission and / or paging message monitoring. When the main transceiver is idle, the low-power transceiver can be used for data retransmission and / or paging message monitoring.

[0087] In some implementations, the low-power transceiver can be switched on or off based on power-saving information. In some implementations, the low-power transceiver can also be used for control signaling exchange between the primary device and the collaborating device.

[0088] With respect to the collaborating device's operations for energy saving in collaborative device communications, in both the first and second aspects of this disclosure, the collaborating device may receive initial energy saving information associated with the primary device of the collaborative device from at least one of the network nodes and the primary device, and may determine an enabled retransmission duration for which a signal retransmission is performed and Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, p. 31 / 81 23 / 61 a disabled retransmission duration for which signal retransmission is not performed based on early power saving information. In some implementations, the collaborating device may retransmit a signal between the primary device and the network node during the enabled retransmission duration (e.g., during the extended XDR active period, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and / or during the enabled data retransmission / active period, as illustrated in FIG. 5).

[0089] In some implementations, the first energy saving information may comprise at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation of the primary device for energy saving, a primary device status, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0090] In some implementations, the first energy saving information may be received from the network node via an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI, or received from the primary device via a control signal between the collaborating device and the primary device.

[0091] In some implementations, the initial energy saving information may include information relating to an extended DRX active period configured by the network node, and, during signal retransmission between the primary device and the network node during the enabled retransmission duration, the collaborating device may retransmit the signal between the Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 32 / 81 24 / 61 primary device and network node during the extended XDR active period.

[0092] In some implementations, the collaborating device may choose not to monitor a control channel associated with the collaborating device during the extended XRD active period.

[0093] In some implementations, the collaborating device can negotiate a preferred XRD configuration with the primary device and transmit information regarding the preferred XRD configuration to the network node.

[0094] In some implementations, the collaborating device may transmit secondary power-saving information associated with the collaborating device to at least one of the network nodes and the primary device. In some implementations, the secondary power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a duty cycle configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a collaborating device state, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0095] In some implementations, the collaborating device may transmit information regarding the duration of disabled retransmission to the network node.

[0096] In some implementations, the collaborating device may determine whether to turn a low-power transceiver on or off based on initial power-saving information. In some implementations, the low-power transceiver may be turned on during the enabled relay duration to retransmit the signal between the primary device and the node. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 33 / 81 25 / 61 network.

[0097] In some implementations, the collaborating device can monitor a paging channel associated with the primary device, determine if there is a paging message for the primary device (for example, based on the monitoring result), and transmit an activation signal to the primary device if there is a paging message for the primary device.

[0098] With respect to network node operations for energy saving in collaborative device communications, in the first aspect of this disclosure, the network node can establish connections with a primary device and a collaborating device and transmit initial energy saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

[0099] In some implementations, the first power saving information comprises at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, and a primary device state.

[0100] In some implementations, the network node may transmit secondary power-saving information associated with the collaborating device to the primary device. In some implementations, the secondary power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception, or a transmission. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 34 / 81 26 / 61 uplink, a concession occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, and a collaborator device status.

[0101] In some implementations, the network node can determine an extended active XDR period for the collaborating device by aligning a first XDR configuration of the primary device and a second XDR configuration of the collaborating device and transmitting information regarding the extended active XDR period to the collaborating device.

[0102] In some implementations, the network node may receive a preferred DRX configuration from at least one of the primary and collaborating devices. In some implementations, the preferred DRX configuration may be negotiated by the primary and collaborating devices.

[0103] With respect to the primary apparatus's operations for energy saving in collaborative device communications, in both the first and second aspects of this disclosure, the primary apparatus can communicate with a collaborating apparatus to establish device collaboration, to relay a signal through the collaborating apparatus, and to transmit initial energy saving information associated with the primary apparatus to the collaborating apparatus.

[0104] In some implementations, the first power saving information may comprise at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, set information Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 35 / 81 27 / 61 search space, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation for energy saving, a primary device status, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0105] In some implementations, the primary device may receive secondary power-saving information associated with the collaborating device from at least one of the network nodes and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the secondary power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a duty cycle configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a collaborating device state, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0106] In some implementations, the primary device can determine an enabled retransmission duration, for which a signal retransmission by the collaborating device is performed, and a disabled retransmission duration, for which signal retransmission by the collaborating device is not performed, based on the second power saving information, and transmit a signal that must be retransmitted to the network node for the collaborating device during the enabled retransmission duration.

[0107] In some implementations, the primary device can negotiate a preferred DRX configuration with the collaborating device and transmit information regarding the preferred DRX configuration to the network node. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 36 / 81 28 / 61

[0108] Alternatively, in both the first and second aspects of this disclosure, the collaborating device may communicate with a primary device to establish a device collaboration to relay a signal between the primary device and a network node and determine to terminate the device collaboration if at least one of the collaborating devices and the primary device is not in a connected mode.

[0109] In some implementations, the collaborating device may transmit a termination of collaboration indication to the primary device to end device collaboration if the collaborating device is not in connected mode.

[0110] In some implementations, the collaborating device may transmit an active reference signal to the primary device and stop transmitting the active reference signal to the primary device if the collaborating device is not in connected mode.

[0111] In some implementations, the collaborating device may receive a collaboration termination indication from the network node via an RRC signal, a MAC-CE, or a DCI. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the primary device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0112] In some implementations, the collaborating device may receive a collaboration termination indication from the primary device via a control signal between the collaborating device and the primary device. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the primary device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0113] In some implementations, the control signaling may be received on a licensed band or on a Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 37 / 81 29 / 61 unlicensed band.

[0114] In some implementations, the collaborating device can monitor a paging channel associated with the primary device to determine if there is a paging message for the primary device and transmit an activation signal to the primary device if there is a paging message for the primary device.

[0115] In some implementations, a signal retransmission between the primary device and the network node may not be performed (for example, during monitoring of the paging channel associated with the primary device).

[0116] In some implementations, the collaborating device can obtain information relating to at least one of a paging instance and an identity of the primary device.

[0117] In some implementations, the collaborating device may choose to turn on a low-power transceiver to monitor the paging channel associated with the primary device.

[0118] In both the first and second aspects of this disclosure, the primary device can communicate with a collaborating device to establish a device collaboration to retransmit a signal through the collaborating device and determine to terminate the device collaboration if at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device is not in a connected mode.

[0119] In some implementations, the primary device may transmit a collaboration termination indication to the collaborating device by means of a control signal between the primary device and the collaborating device to terminate device collaboration in the event that the primary device is not in connected mode.

[0120] In some implementations, the control signaling can be transmitted in a licensed band or in an unlicensed band. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 38 / 81 30 / 61

[0121] In some implementations, the primary device may receive a collaboration termination indication from the collaborating device via a control signal between the primary and collaborating devices. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the collaborating device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0122] In some implementations, the primary device can measure the quality of an active reference signal transmitted by the collaborating device and determine that the collaborating device is not in connected mode if the quality of the active reference signal is below a threshold.

[0123] In some implementations, the primary device may obtain a collaboration termination indication from the network node via rank adaptation or via an RRC signal, a MAC-CE, or a DCI. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the collaborating device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0124] In some implementations, the primary device may transmit information relating to at least one paging occasion and an identity of the primary device to the collaborating device and determine not to monitor a paging channel at the paging occasion.

[0125] In some implementations, the primary device may receive an activation signal from the collaborating device, which indicates that a paging message for the primary device is present on the paging channel.

[0126] In the first aspect of this disclosure, the network node can establish a connection with at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device, between which a device collaboration is established, and provide a Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 39 / 81 31 / 61 indication of termination of collaboration for at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device by means of rank adaptation or by means of an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI, in the case where at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device is not in a connected mode. In some implementations, the indication of termination of collaboration may indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0127] In some implementations, the network node can transmit information relating to at least one paging occasion and an identity of the primary device to the collaborating device, so that the collaborating device is able to monitor the paging message for the primary device. Illustrative implementations

[0128] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a communication system 600 containing a primary device 610, a network device 620, and a collaborator device 630 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Each of the primary device 610, network device 620, and collaborator device 630 can perform various functions to implement schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described in this document related to energy saving in collaborative device communications, including the scenarios / schemes described above, as well as the processes 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 described below.

[0129] The primary device 610 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a UE, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, the primary device 610 may be implemented in a smartphone, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet, a laptop, or a notebook. The primary device 610 Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 40 / 81 32 / 61 can also be part of a machine-type device, which can be an IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT device, such as a stationary or immobile device, a household appliance, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the primary device 610 can be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. Alternatively, the primary device 610 can be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex instruction set computing (CISC) processors. The primary device 610 can include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 6, such as, for example, a processor 612.The primary apparatus 610 may also include one or more other components not relevant to the scheme proposed in this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such components of the primary apparatus 610 are not shown in FIG. 6 nor described below, in the interest of simplicity and brevity.

[0130] The 620 network appliance can be part of a network device, which can be a network node, such as a satellite, a base station, a small cell, a router, or a gateway. For example, the 620 network appliance can be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE network, in a gNB in ​​a 5G / NR, IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT network, or in a satellite or base station in a 6G network. Alternatively, the 620 network appliance can be implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 41 / 81 33 / 61 plus RISC or CISC processors. The 620 network device may include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 6, such as, for example, a 622 processor. The 620 network device may also include one or more other components not relevant to the scheme proposed in this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such components of the 620 network device are not shown in FIG. 6 nor described below, in the interest of simplicity and brevity.

[0131] The 630 collaborating device can be part of an electronic device, which can be a UE, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, a repeater device, a CPE, or a computing device. For example, the 630 collaborating device can be implemented in a smartphone, a smartwatch, XR glasses, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet, a laptop, or a notebook. The 630 collaborating device can also be part of a machine-type device, which can be an IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT device, such as a stationary or fixed device, a home appliance, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the 630 collaborating device can be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center.Alternatively, the 630 collaborator device may be implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more RISC processors, or one or more CISC processors. The 630 collaborator device may include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 6, such as, for example, a... Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 42 / 81 34 / 61 processor 632. The collaborating apparatus 630 may also include one or more other components not relevant to the scheme proposed in this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such components of the collaborating apparatus 630 are not shown in FIG. 6 nor described below, in the interest of simplicity and brevity.

[0132] In one aspect, each of the 612 processor, the 622 processor, and the 632 processor can be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, although the singular term “a processor” is used in this document to refer to the 612 processor, the 622 processor, and the 632 processor, each of them may include multiple processors in some implementations and a single processor in other implementations, according to the present disclosure.In another aspect, each of the 612, 622, and 632 processors can be implemented in hardware (and optionally, firmware) form, with electronic components including, for example and without limitation, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varactors, configured and arranged to achieve specific purposes in accordance with this disclosure. In other words, in at least some implementations, each of the 612, 622, and 632 processors is a special-purpose machine, designed, arranged, and configured specifically to perform specific tasks, including autonomous reliability enhancements in a device (for example, represented by the primary device 610 or the collaborating device 630) and in a network (for example, represented by the network device 620) according to various implementations of the present disclosure. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, p. 43 / 81 35 / 61 present disclosure.

[0133] In some implementations, the primary device 610 may also include a transceiver 616 coupled to the processor 612 and capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In some implementations, the primary device 610 may also include a memory 614 coupled to the processor 612 and capable of being accessed by the processor 612 and storing data. In some implementations, the network device 620 may also include a transceiver 626 coupled to the processor 622 and capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In some implementations, the network device 620 may have a plurality of physical antennas associated with a plurality of antenna ports. In some implementations, the network device 620 may also include a memory 624 coupled to the processor 622 and capable of being accessed by the processor 622 and storing data.In some implementations, the collaborating device 630 may also include a transceiver 636 coupled to the processor 632 and capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In some implementations, the collaborating device 630 may further include a memory 634 coupled to the processor 632 and capable of being accessed by the processor 632 and storing data. In some implementations, the transceiver 636 may comprise a main transceiver and a low-power transceiver.

[0134] Thus, the primary device 610, the network device 620, and the collaborator device 630 can communicate wirelessly with each other by means of transceivers 616, 626, and 636, respectively. In some implementations, the primary device 610 and the collaborator device 630 can implement collaborative device communications, in which the collaborator device 630 can retransmit a signal or data between the primary device 610 and the network device 620.

[0135] Note that, in some implementations, for example, in the first aspect of this disclosure, the device Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 44 / 81 36 / 61 primary device 610 and collaborating device 630 can both remain camped or be associated (e.g., establishing a connection) with network device 620. In other implementations, for example, in the second aspect of this disclosure, primary device 610 and collaborating device 630 can, respectively, remain camped or be associated (e.g., establishing a connection) with different network devices, such as network device 620 and another network device (not shown).

[0136] To aid better understanding, the following description of the operations, functionalities, and capabilities of each of the primary 610, network 620, and collaborator 630 devices is provided in the context of a mobile communication environment, in which the primary 610 device is deployed in or as a primary communication device or a primary UE, the network 620 device is deployed in or as a network node or a network device, and the collaborator 630 device is deployed in or as a collaborator communication device or a collaborator UE of a communication network that supports collaborative device communications.

[0137] With respect to the primary device 610, in some implementations, the processor 612 of the primary device 610 can communicate, via the transceiver 616, with a collaborating device (for example, the collaborating device 630) to establish a device collaboration to retransmit a signal via the collaborating device 630 and transmit, via the transceiver 616, initial power saving information associated with the primary device 610 to the collaborating device 630.

[0138] In some implementations, the first power saving information may comprise at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or a Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 45 / 81 37 / 61 uplink transmission, a concession occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation for energy saving, a primary device status 610 and a collaboration termination indication.

[0139] In some implementations, processor 612 may receive, via transceiver 616, second power saving information associated with collaborating device 630 from at least one of the network nodes (e.g., network device 620) and collaborating device 630. In some implementations, the second power saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a duty cycle configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a state of collaborating device 630, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0140] In some implementations, processor 612 can determine an enabled retransmission duration, for which a signal retransmission by the collaborating device 630 is performed, and a disabled retransmission duration, for which signal retransmission by the collaborating device 630 is not performed, based on second power saving information, and transmit, via transceiver 616, a signal that must be retransmitted to the network device 620 for Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 46 / 81 38 / 61 the collaborating device 630 during the activated retransmission period.

[0141] In some implementations, processor 612 can negotiate a preferred DRX configuration with collaborating device 630 and transmit, via transceiver 616, information regarding the preferred DRX configuration to network device 620.

[0142] In some implementations, processor 612 can communicate, via transceiver 616, with collaborating device 630 to establish device collaboration to retransmit a signal via collaborating device 630 and determine to terminate device collaboration if at least one of the primary device 610 and the collaborating device 630 is not in a connected mode.

[0143] In some implementations, processor 612 can transmit, via transceiver 616, a collaboration termination indication to collaborating device 630 by means of a control signal between primary device 610 and collaborating device 630, to terminate device collaboration if primary device 610 is not in connected mode.

[0144] In some implementations, the control signaling can be transmitted in a licensed band or in an unlicensed band.

[0145] In some implementations, processor 612 may receive, via transceiver 616, a collaboration termination indication from collaborating device 630 by means of a control signal between primary device 610 and collaborating device 630. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that collaborating device 630 is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0146] In some implementations, the 612 processor may Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, page 47 / 81 39 / 61 measure the quality of an active reference signal transmitted by collaborating device 630 and determine that collaborating device 630 is not in connected mode if the quality of the active reference signal is below a threshold.

[0147] In some implementations, processor 612 can obtain a collaboration termination indication from network device 620 by means of rank adaptation or by means of an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the collaborating device 630 is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0148] In some implementations, processor 612 can transmit, via transceiver 616, information relating to at least one paging occasion and an identity of the primary device 610 to the collaborating device 630 and determine not to monitor a paging channel during the paging occasion.

[0149] In some implementations, processor 612 may receive, via transceiver 616, an activation signal from collaborating device 630, which indicates that a paging message for primary device 610 is present on the paging channel.

[0150] With regard to the network device 620, in some implementations, the processor 622 of the network device 620 can establish, through the transceiver 626, connections with a primary device (for example, the primary device 610) and a collaborating device (for example, the collaborating device 630) and transmit, through the transceiver 626, initial energy saving information associated with the primary device 610 to the collaborating device 630.

[0151] In some implementations, the first information Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 48 / 81 40 / 61 energy saving features comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, and a primary device status 610.

[0152] In some implementations, processor 622 may transmit, via transceiver 626, second power saving information associated with collaborating device 630 to primary device 610. In some implementations, the second power saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, and a collaborating device 630 state.

[0153] In some implementations, processor 622 can determine an extended active DRX period for collaborating device 630 by aligning a first DRX configuration of the primary device 610 and a second DRX configuration of the collaborating device 630 and transmit, via transceiver 626, information regarding the extended active DRX period to collaborating device 630.

[0154] In some implementations, processor 622 can receive, via transceiver 626, a preferred DRX configuration from at least one of the primary apparatus 610 and the Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 49 / 81 41 / 61 collaborating device 630. In some implementations, the preferred DRX configuration can be negotiated by the primary device 610 and the collaborating device 630.

[0155] In some implementations, processor 622 can establish, through transceiver 626, a connection with at least one of the primary device 610 and the collaborating device 630, between which a device collaboration is established, and provide a collaboration termination indication to at least one of the primary device 610 and the collaborating device 630 by means of rank adaptation or by means of an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI, in the case where at least one of the primary device 610 and the collaborating device 630 is not in a connected mode. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication can indicate the termination of the device collaboration.

[0156] In some implementations, processor 622 can transmit, via transceiver 626, information relating to at least one paging occasion and an identity of the primary device 610 to the collaborating device 630.

[0157] With respect to collaborating device 630, in some implementations, the processor 632 of collaborating device 630 can receive, via transceiver 636, initial power-saving information associated with a primary device (e.g., primary device 610) from the device collaboration from at least one of the network nodes (e.g., network device 620) and the primary device 610, and can determine an enabled retransmission duration for which a signal retransmission is performed and a disabled retransmission duration for which signal retransmission is not performed based on the initial power-saving information. In some implementations, the processor 632 can retransmit, via transceiver 636, a signal between the Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 50 / 81 42 / 61 primary device 610 and network device 620 during the activated retransmission period.

[0158] In some implementations, the first power saving information may comprise at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation of the primary device 610 for power saving, a primary device 610 status, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0159] In some implementations, the first energy saving information may be received from the network device 620 by means of an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI, or received, via the transceiver 636, from the primary device 610 by means of a control signal between the collaborating device 630 and the primary device 610.

[0160] In some implementations, the initial power saving information may comprise information relating to an extended DRX active period configured by the network device 620, and, in the signal retransmission between the primary device 610 and the network device 620 during the enabled retransmission duration, the processor 632 may retransmit the signal between the primary device 610 and the network device 620 during the extended DRX active period.

[0161] In some implementations, processor 632 may choose not to monitor a control channel associated with collaborating device 630 during the active DRX period. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 51 / 81 43 / 61 extended.

[0162] In some implementations, processor 632 can negotiate a preferred DRX configuration with primary device 610 and transmit, via transceiver 636, information regarding the preferred DRX configuration to network device 620.

[0163] In some implementations, processor 632 can transmit, via transceiver 636, second power-saving information associated with collaborating device 630 to at least one of the network device 620 and the primary device 610. In some implementations, the second power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a duty cycle configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a collaborating device 630 state, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0164] In some implementations, processor 632 can transmit, via transceiver 636, information regarding the duration of disabled retransmission to network device 620.

[0165] In some implementations, processor 632 can determine whether to turn on or off a low-power transceiver in transceiver 636 based on early power-saving information. In some implementations, the low-power transceiver can be turned on during the enabled relay duration to retransmit the signal between primary unit 610 and network unit 620.

[0166] In some implementations, the 632 processor may Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 52 / 81 44 / 61 monitor, by means of transceiver 636, a paging channel associated with the primary device, determine if there is a paging message for the primary device (for example, based on the monitoring result) and transmit, by means of transceiver 636, an activation signal to the primary device 610 in the case of a paging message for the primary device.

[0167] In some implementations, processor 632 can communicate, via transceiver 636, with primary device 610 to establish device collaboration to relay a signal between primary device 610 and network device 620 and determine to terminate device collaboration if at least one of the collaborating device 630 and the primary device 610 is not in a connected mode.

[0168] In some implementations, processor 632 can transmit, via transceiver 636, a collaboration termination indication to primary device 610 to end device collaboration if collaborating device 630 is not in connected mode.

[0169] In some implementations, processor 632 can transmit, via transceiver 636, an active reference signal to primary device 610 and stop transmitting the active reference signal to primary device 610 if collaborating device 630 is not in connected mode.

[0170] In some implementations, processor 632 may receive, via transceiver 636, a termination of collaboration indication from network device 620 by means of an RRC signal, a MAC-CE, or a DCI. In some implementations, the termination of collaboration indication may indicate that the primary device 610 is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0171] In some implementations, the 632 processor may Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 53 / 81 45 / 61 receive, via transceiver 636, a collaboration termination indication from primary device 610 by means of a control signal between collaborating device 630 and primary device 610. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that primary device 610 is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0172] In some implementations, the control signaling can be received in a licensed band or in an unlicensed band.

[0173] In some implementations, processor 632 can monitor, via transceiver 636, a paging channel associated with primary device 610 to determine if there is a paging message for primary device 610 and transmit, via transceiver 636, an activation signal to primary device 610 in the event that there is a paging message for primary device 610.

[0174] In some implementations, a signal retransmission between the primary device 610 and the network device 620 may not be performed (for example, during monitoring of the paging channel associated with the primary device 610).

[0175] In some implementations, processor 632 can obtain information relating to at least one of a paging occasion and an identity of the primary device 610.

[0176] In some implementations, processor 632 may determine to turn on a low-power transceiver from transceiver 636 to monitor the paging channel associated with primary device 610. Illustrative processes

[0177] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of process 700 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 700 may be an example implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partial or complete, with respect to Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 54 / 81 46 / 61 to energy saving in collaborative device communications, according to this disclosure. Process 700 may represent an implementation aspect of the functionalities of the collaborating device 630. Process 700 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 710, 720, and 730. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 700 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 700 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 7 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 700 may be implemented by the collaborating device 630 or by any suitable UE or machine-type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 700 is described below in the context of the collaborating device 630. Process 700 may start in block 710.

[0178] In 710, process 700 may involve processor 632 of collaborating device 630 receiving initial power saving information associated with a primary device (e.g., primary device 610) from device collaboration from at least one of the network nodes (e.g., network device 620) and the primary device. Process 700 may proceed from block 710 to block 720.

[0179] In block 720, process 700 may involve processor 632 determining an enabled retransmission duration, for which a signal retransmission is performed, and a disabled retransmission duration, for which signal retransmission is not performed, based on early power saving information. Process 700 may proceed from block 720 to block 730.

[0180] In block 730, process 700 may involve processor 632 relaying a signal between the device Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 55 / 81 47 / 61 primary and the network node during the enabled relay duration.

[0181] In some implementations, the first energy saving information may comprise at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation of the primary device for energy saving, a primary device status, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0182] In some implementations, the first energy saving information may be received from the network node via an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI, or received from the primary device via a control signal between the collaborating device and the primary device.

[0183] In some implementations, the initial power saving information may comprise information relating to an extended DRX active period configured by the network node, and, during signal retransmission between the primary device and the network node during the enabled retransmission duration, process 700 may involve processor 632 retransmitting the signal between the primary device and the network node during the extended DRX active period.

[0184] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 632 determining not to monitor a control channel associated with the collaborating device during the extended DRX active period.

[0185] In some implementations, process 700 may Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 56 / 81 48 / 61 involves processor 632 negotiating a preferred DRX configuration with the primary device and transmitting information regarding the preferred DRX configuration to the network node.

[0186] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 632 transmitting second power-saving information associated with the collaborating appliance to at least one of the network nodes and the primary appliance. In some implementations, the second power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a duty cycle configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a collaborating appliance state, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0187] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 632 transmitting information regarding the disabled retransmission duration to the network node.

[0188] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 632 determining whether to turn a low-power transceiver on or off based on early power-saving information. In some implementations, the low-power transceiver may be turned on during the enabled relay duration to retransmit the signal between the primary device and the network node.

[0189] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 632 monitoring a paging channel associated with the primary device, determining if there is a paging message for the primary device, and transmitting an activation signal to the primary device if there is one. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 57 / 81 49 / 61 paging message to the primary device.

[0190] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of process 800 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 800 may be an example implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partial or complete, with respect to energy saving in collaborative device communications, according to the present disclosure. Process 800 may represent an implementation aspect of the network appliance 620 functionalities. Process 800 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 810 and 820. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 800 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 800 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 8 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 800 may be implemented by the network appliance 620 or by any suitable network device or node.For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 800 is described below in the context of network device 620. Process 800 can start on block 810.

[0191] In 810, process 800 may involve processor 622 of network device 620 establishing connections with a primary device and a collaborating device. Process 800 may proceed from block 810 to block 820.

[0192] In 820, process 800 may involve processor 622 transmitting initial energy-saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

[0193] In some implementations, the first power saving information comprises at least one of an XDR configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 58 / 81 50 / 61 for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, and a primary device status.

[0194] In some implementations, process 800 may involve processor 622 transmitting second power-saving information associated with the collaborating device to the primary device. In some implementations, the second power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, and a collaborating device state.

[0195] In some implementations, process 800 may involve processor 622 determining an extended DRX active period for the collaborating device, aligning a first DRX configuration of the primary device and a second DRX configuration of the collaborating device, and transmitting information regarding the extended DRX active period to the collaborating device.

[0196] In some implementations, process 800 may involve processor 622 receiving a preferred DRX configuration from at least one of the primary and collaborating devices. In some implementations, the preferred DRX configuration may be negotiated between the primary and collaborating devices.

[0197] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of process 900 of Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 59 / 81 51 / 61 in accordance with an implementation of this disclosure. Process 900 may be an example implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partial or complete, with respect to energy saving in collaborative device communications, in accordance with this disclosure. Process 900 may represent an implementation aspect of the primary device 610's functionalities. Process 900 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 910 and 920. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 900 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 900 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 9 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 900 may be implemented by the primary device 610 or by any suitable UE or machine-type device.For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 900 is described below in the context of primary apparatus 610. Process 900 can start in block 910.

[0198] In 910, process 900 may involve processor 612 of primary device 610 communicating with a collaborating device to establish a device collaboration to retransmit a signal through the collaborating device. Process 900 may proceed from block 910 to block 920.

[0199] In block 920, process 900 may involve processor 612 transmitting initial energy-saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

[0200] In some implementations, the initial power saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception, or a Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 60 / 81 52 / 61 uplink transmission, a concession occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, BWP information, a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation for energy saving, a primary device status, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0201] In some implementations, process 900 may involve processor 612 receiving second power-saving information associated with the collaborating device from at least one of the network nodes and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the second power-saving information may comprise at least one of a DRX configuration, a duty cycle configuration, a WUS indication, a lease activation configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, a lease occasion configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, PDCCH monitoring information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a collaborating device state, and a collaboration termination indication.

[0202] In some implementations, process 900 may involve processor 612 determining an enabled retransmission duration, during which signal retransmission by the collaborating device is performed, and a disabled retransmission duration, during which signal retransmission by the collaborating device is not performed, based on second power saving information, and transmitting to the collaborating device a signal that must be retransmitted to the network node during the enabled retransmission duration. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 61 / 81 53 / 61

[0203] In some implementations, process 900 may involve processor 612 negotiating a preferred DRX configuration with the collaborating device and transmitting information regarding the preferred DRX configuration to the network node.

[0204] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of process 1000 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 1000 may be an example implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partial or complete, with respect to energy saving in collaborative device communications, according to the present disclosure. Process 1000 may represent an implementation aspect of the functionalities of the collaborating device 630. Process 1000 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 1010 and 1020. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 1000 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 1000 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 10 or, alternatively, in a different order.Process 1000 can be implemented by collaborating device 630 or by any suitable UE or machine-type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 1000 is described below in the context of collaborating device 630. Process 1000 can start in block 1010.

[0205] In 1010, process 1000 may involve processor 632 of collaborating device 630 communicating with a primary device to establish a device collaboration to relay a signal between the primary device and a network node. Process 1000 may proceed from block 1010 to block 1020.

[0206] In block 1020, process 1000 may involve the Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 62 / 81 54 / 61 processor 632 determining to terminate device collaboration if at least one of the collaborating devices and the primary device is not in a connected mode.

[0207] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 632 transmitting a collaboration termination indication to the primary device to end device collaboration if the collaborating device is not in connected mode.

[0208] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 632 transmitting an active reference signal to the primary device and stopping the transmission of the active reference signal to the primary device if the collaborating device is not in connected mode.

[0209] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 632 receiving a termination of collaboration indication from the network node via an RRC signal, a MAC-CE, or a DCI. In some implementations, the termination of collaboration indication may indicate that the primary device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0210] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 632 receiving a collaboration termination indication from the primary device via a control signal between the collaborating device and the primary device. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the primary device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0211] In some implementations, the control signaling can be received in a licensed band or in an unlicensed band.

[0212] In some implementations, process 1000 may Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 63 / 81 55 / 61 involves processor 632 monitoring a paging channel associated with the primary device to determine if there is a paging message destined for the primary device and transmitting an activation signal to the primary device if there is a paging message destined for it.

[0213] In some implementations, signal retransmission between the primary device and the network node may not be performed.

[0214] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 632 obtaining information relating to at least one paging occasion and a primary device identity.

[0215] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 632 determining to turn on a low-power transceiver to monitor the paging channel associated with the primary device.

[0216] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of process 1100 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 1100 may be an example implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partial or complete, with respect to energy saving in collaborative device communications, according to the present disclosure. Process 1100 may represent an implementation aspect of the primary device 610 functionalities. Process 1100 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 1110 and 1120. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 1100 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 1100 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 11 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 1100 may be implemented by the primary device 610 or by any UE or device. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 64 / 81 56 / 61 of the appropriate machine type. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 1100 is described below in the context of primary apparatus 610. Process 1100 can start in block 1110.

[0217] In 1110, process 1100 may involve processor 612 of primary device 610 communicating with a collaborating device to establish a device collaboration to retransmit a signal through the collaborating device. Process 1100 may proceed from block 1110 to block 1120.

[0218] In 1120, process 1100 may involve processor 612 determining the termination of device collaboration in the event that at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device is not in a connected mode.

[0219] In some implementations, process 1100 may involve processor 612 transmitting a collaboration termination indication to the collaborating device via a control signal between the primary device and the collaborating device to terminate device collaboration if the primary device is not in connected mode.

[0220] In some implementations, the control signaling can be transmitted in a licensed band or in an unlicensed band.

[0221] In some implementations, process 1100 may involve processor 612 receiving a collaboration termination indication from the collaborating device via a control signal between the primary device and the collaborating device. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication may indicate that the collaborating device is not in connected mode or indicate the termination of device collaboration.

[0222] In some implementations, process 1100 may involve processor 612 measuring the quality of a signal from Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 65 / 81 57 / 61 active reference transmitted by the collaborating device and determining that the collaborating device is not in connected mode if the quality of the active reference signal is below a threshold.

[0223] In some implementations, process 1100 may involve processor 612 obtaining a collaboration termination indication from a network node (e.g., network appliance 62 0) via rank adaptation or via RRC signaling, a MAC-CE, or a DCI. In some implementations, the collaboration termination indication indicates that the collaborating appliance is not in connected mode or indicates the termination of device collaboration.

[0224] In some implementations, process 1100 may involve processor 612 transmitting information concerning at least one paging occasion and an identity of the primary device to the collaborating device and determining not to monitor a paging channel during the paging occasion.

[0225] In some implementations, process 1100 may involve processor 612 receiving an activation signal from the collaborating device, which indicates that a paging message destined for the primary device is present in the paging channel.

[0226] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of process 1200 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 1200 may be an example implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partial or complete, with respect to energy saving in collaborative device communications, according to the present disclosure. Process 1200 may represent an implementation aspect of network appliance 620 functionalities. Process 1200 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 1210 and 1220. Although Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 66 / 81 Figures 58 / 61 illustrate distinct blocks; various blocks of process 1200 can be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 1200 can be executed in the order shown in FIG. 12 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 1200 can be implemented by network appliance 620 or by any suitable network device or node. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 1200 is described below in the context of network appliance 620. Process 1200 can start at block 1210.

[0227] In 1210, process 1200 may involve processor 622 of network device 620 establishing a connection with at least one between a primary device (e.g., primary device 610) and a collaborating device (e.g., collaborating device 630), wherein a device collaboration is established between the primary device and the collaborating device. Process 1200 may proceed from block 1210 to block 1220.

[0228] In 1220, process 1200 may involve processor 622 providing a termination of collaboration indication for at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device by means of rank adaptation or by means of an RRC signal, a MAC-CE or a DCI, in the case where at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device is not in a connected mode, the termination of collaboration indication indicating the termination of device collaboration.

[0229] In some implementations, process 1200 may involve processor 622 transmitting information relating to at least one paging occasion and an identity from the primary device to the collaborating device. Additional notes

[0230] The material described in this document sometimes illustrates Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 67 / 81 59 / 61 different components contained within, or connected to, different other components. It should be understood that such represented architectures are merely examples, and that, in fact, many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components intended to achieve the same functionality is effectively associated so that the desired functionality is obtained. Thus, any two components combined here to achieve a given functionality can be considered associated with each other so that the desired functionality is obtained, regardless of architectures or intermediate components.Similarly, any two components thus associated can also be seen as being operationally connected or operationally coupled to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being thus associated can also be seen as being operationally coupleable to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operationally coupleable components include, but are not limited to, physically attachable and / or physically interactive components and / or wireless interactive and / or interactive components and / or logically interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0231] Furthermore, with regard to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms present herein, those skilled in the art may make the conversion from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. The various permutations between singular and plural may be expressly presented in this document for the sake of clarity.

[0232] Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general, the terms used in this document and Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 68 / 81 60 / 61, especially in the appended claims, are mostly open-ended terms. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “comprising at least,” and the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc. It will also be understood that if a specific number of elements is intended in a claim, such intention will be explicitly indicated in the wording of the claim, and in the absence of such indication, no such limitation is presumed. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may contain the introductory expressions “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim elements.However, the use of such expressions should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of a claim element by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any claim containing such introduced element to implementations that contain only one of these elements, even when the same claim includes introductory expressions such as “one or more” or “at least one.” That is, “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more.” The same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim elements. Furthermore, even when a specific number of elements is explicitly recited, it is understood that such recitation should be interpreted as meaning at least the number recited; for example, the mere recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations.Additionally, in cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, such a construction is generally intended in the sense understood by a person skilled in the art, for example, "a system comprising at least one of A, B, and C would include, but not be limited to." Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 69 / 81 61 / 61a, systems that have only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. Analogously, in cases where a convention such as "at least one of A, B, or C" is used, the construction is intended in the same sense, for example, a system comprising "at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but not be limited to, systems that have only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that practically any disjunctive word and / or expression presenting two or more alternatives, whether in the description, claims, or figures, should be understood as contemplating the possibilities of including one of the terms, any of the terms, or both terms. For example, the expression "A or B" should be understood as including the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0233] From the foregoing considerations, it will be appreciated that various implementations of the present disclosure have been described in this document for illustrative purposes, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, the various implementations disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Petition 870250094803, dated 10 / 16 / 2025, pp. 70 / 81

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. A method characterized in that it comprises: receiving, by a processor of a collaborating device, initial energy-saving information associated with a primary device from at least one of a network node and the primary device; determining, by the processor, an activated retransmission duration for which a signal retransmission is performed and a deactivated retransmission duration for which signal retransmission is not performed based on the initial energy-saving information; and retransmitting, by the processor, a signal between the primary device and the network node during the activated retransmission duration.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the initial energy-saving information comprises at least one of a discontinuous reception configuration (DRX), an activation signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, an occasion of the lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, physical downlink control channel monitoring (PDCCH) information, search space set information, search space group information, bandwidth portion information (BWP), a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation of the primary apparatus for energy saving, a state of the primary apparatus, and a collaboration termination indication.

3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first energy saving information is received from the network node through a radio resource control (RRC) signaling, from a medium access control (MAC) element (MAC Petition 870250090759, 06 / 10 / 2025, p. 14 / 24 2 / 7 CE) or from downlink control information (DCI), or received from the primary device through a control signaling between the collaborating device and the primary device.

4. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the initial energy saving information comprises information relating to an extended discontinuous reception active period (DRX) configured by the network node, and in which the signal retransmission between the primary device and the network node during the activated retransmission duration comprises: retransmitting, by the processor, the signal between the primary device and the network node during the extended DRX active period.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises: determining, by the processor, not monitoring a control channel associated with the collaborating device during the active period of extended XRD.

6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: negotiating, by the processor, a preferred discontinuous reception (XDR) configuration with the primary device; and transmitting, by the processor, information relating to the preferred XDR configuration to the network node.

7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, second power-saving information associated with the collaborating device to at least one of the network nodes and the primary device, wherein the second power-saving information comprises at least one of a discontinuous reception configuration (DRX), a duty cycle configuration, a power-on signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, an occasion of the lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, physical downlink control channel monitoring (PDCCH) information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a collaborating device state, and a collaboration termination indication.

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, information relating to the duration of disabled retransmission to the network node.

9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: determining, by the processor, whether to turn on or off a low-power transceiver according to the first power-saving information, wherein the low-power transceiver is turned on during the activated retransmission period to retransmit the signal between the primary device and the network node.

10. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: monitoring, by the processor, a paging channel associated with the primary device; determining, by the processor, whether a paging message for the primary device is present; and transmitting, by the processor, an activation signal to the primary device if the paging message for the primary device is present.

11. Method characterized by the fact that it comprises: establishing, by a processor of a network node, connections with a primary device and a collaborating device; and Petition 870250090759, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, page 16 / 24 4 / 7 transmitting, by the processor, initial energy saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the initial energy-saving information comprises at least one of a discontinuous reception configuration (DRX), an activation signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, an occasion of the lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, physical downlink control channel monitoring (PDCCH) information, search space set information, search space group information, bandwidth portion information (BWP), a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, and a primary apparatus state.

13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, second power-saving information associated with the collaborating device to the primary device, wherein the second power-saving information comprises at least one of a discontinuous reception configuration (DRX), an activation signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, an occasion of the lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, physical downlink control channel monitoring (PDCCH) information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, and a collaborating device state. Petition 870250090759, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, p. 17 / 24 5 / 7 14. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: determining, by the processor, an extended active discontinuous reception period (XDR) for the collaborating device by aligning a first XDR configuration of the primary device and a second XDR configuration of the collaborating device; and transmitting, by the processor, information relating to the extended active XDR period to the collaborating device.

15. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the processor, a preferred discontinuous reception configuration (XDR) from at least one of the primary device and the collaborating device, wherein the preferred XDR configuration is negotiated by the primary device and the collaborating device.

16. A method characterized by the fact that it comprises: communication, by a processor of a primary device, with a collaborating device to establish device collaboration for retransmitting a signal through the collaborating device; and transmission, by the processor, of initial energy-saving information associated with the primary device to the collaborating device.

17. Method, according to claim 16, characterized in that the initial energy-saving information comprises at least one of a discontinuous reception configuration (DRX), an activation signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, an occasion of the lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, physical downlink control channel monitoring information (PDCCH), search space set information, search space group information, bandwidth portion information (BWP), a data retransmission pattern, a reference signal transmission occasion or periodicity, a dynamic adaptation for energy saving, a primary apparatus state, and a collaboration termination indication.

18. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the processor, second power saving information associated with the collaborating device from at least one of a network node and the collaborating device, wherein the second power saving information comprises at least one of a discontinuous receive configuration (DRX), a duty cycle configuration, a wake signal indication (WUS), an activation of a lease configured for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission, an occasion of the lease configured for downlink reception or uplink transmission, physical downlink control channel monitoring (PDCCH) information, search space set information, search space group information, a data retransmission pattern, a state of the collaborating device and a collaboration termination indication.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises: determining, by the processor, an activated retransmission duration for which a signal retransmission by the collaborating device is performed and a deactivated retransmission duration for which signal retransmission by the collaborating device is not performed based on the second power saving information; and transmitting, by the processor, a signal that must be retransmitted to the network node of the collaborating device during the activated retransmission duration. Petition 870250090759, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, p. 19 / 24 7 / 7 20. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises: negotiating, by the processor, a preferred discontinuous reception (XDR) configuration with the collaborating device; and transmitting, by the processor, information relating to the preferred XDR configuration to a network node. Petition 870250090759, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 20 / 24

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