Adaptive DRX Extension for Energy-Harvesting REDCAP UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G NR standard's current DRX implementation balances power efficiency with reduced UE reachability and increased data latency, which is unsuitable for energy-harvesting REDCAP devices with limited energy capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive energy harvesting (EH) CDRX configuration settings, including energy thresholds and timers, allows UE devices to dynamically adjust DRX cycle lengths based on current energy capacity, extending or terminating cycles to optimize energy efficiency and communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UE device enters power saving mode during OFF period of DRX cycle, then power efficiency is improved, but UE reachability and data reception latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX cycle configuration adaptive rather than static. The UE device dynamically adjusts between short and long DRX cycles based on real-time energy capacity assessments. When energy capacity is sufficient, the UE uses short DRX cycles for better reachability; when energy is limited, it transitions to long DRX cycles for power saving. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power efficiency and UE reachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the DRX cycle parameter (duration between wake-up periods) based on energy capacity conditions. The network and UE agree on multiple DRX cycle configurations (short and long), and the active configuration is selected based on the UE's energy status. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between power consumption and reachability depending on energy availability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE device enters power saving mode during OFF period of DRX cycle, then power efficiency is improved, but data reception latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts DRX cycle lengths based on energy capacity and data traffic conditions. When energy is abundant, short DRX cycles reduce latency by frequent monitoring. When energy is constrained, long DRX cycles extend sleep periods but the adaptive mechanism ensures timely transitions back to short cycles when energy replenishes, balancing latency and power efficiency over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic DRX cycles with variable periods. Instead of a fixed periodicity, the system implements multiple periodic patterns (short and long cycles) and switches between them based on energy capacity. This periodic action with adaptive period selection allows the UE to manage power consumption while maintaining acceptable data reception latency through timely cycle transitions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If REDCAP UE devices use energy harvesting devices to supplement energy storage, then energy capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE device to autonomously monitor its own energy capacity and automatically select appropriate DRX cycle configurations without complex external control. The device itself manages the complexity of coordinating energy harvesting with DRX operations by implementing local decision-making logic based on energy thresholds, reducing the need for complex network-side coordination and external energy management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system, apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for implementing DRX extensions for energy harvesting (EH) REDCAP UEs, a UE device may be caused to, obtain CDRX configuration from a RAN node, the CDRX configuration including at least a desired EH CDRX energy threshold value and a short CDRX timer threshold value, determine whether a current stored energy capacity equals or exceeds the desired EH CDRX energy threshold value at a start of an ON duration of a CDRX cycle, determine EH CDRX settings based on results of the determining and the plurality of adaptive EH CDRX configuration settings, and transmit at least one EH CDRX message to the RAN node based on the determined EH CDRX settings.