Cell DRX/DTX Signaling for Energy-Saving Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in carrier aggregation scenarios is the management of cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) and/or cell discontinuous reception (DRX) by the base station, which is crucial for energy saving in user equipment and network devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for configuring cell DTX and/or DRX through first indication information, transmitted via layer 1 or RRC signaling, to activate or deactivate cell target transmissions, including specific time and carrier information, allowing for energy-saving configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If cell DTX and DRX are configured to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cell DTX/DRX configuration where the base station can activate or deactivate cell target transmission based on real-time communication needs. The UE receives first indication information via layer 1 or RRC signaling to dynamically adjust transmission behavior, allowing the system to adapt between energy saving mode and reliable transmission mode as conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter state by introducing cell target transmission as a controllable parameter. Through first indication information carrying activation/deactivation indicators, the system transitions between different transmission states (active/DTX) to balance energy consumption and transmission reliability based on current network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cell target transmission is activated for specific cells, then transmission reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell transmission management function by introducing cell target transmission as a separate controllable entity from traditional cell activation. This allows independent configuration and control of specific cells for DTX/DRX purposes, dividing the complex task into manageable units that can be controlled individually through the first indication information mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces first indication information as an intermediary signaling mechanism between the base station and UE for configuring cell target transmission. This intermediary carries activation/deactivation indicators and related parameters, simplifying the control interface and reducing configuration complexity by providing a standardized information structure for managing multiple cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If first indication information is transmitted via layer 1 signaling, then response speed improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using layer 1 signaling only for critical activation/deactivation indicators rather than transmitting complete configuration information at this layer. The first indication information includes essential control bits for quick response, while detailed parameters are provided through RRC signaling, achieving fast response for key decisions without excessive overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the signaling function between layer 1 and RRC layers. Layer 1 handles time-critical activation/deactivation indicators with minimal overhead, while RRC handles detailed configuration parameters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast response speed for critical control decisions without burdening the signaling channel with all necessary information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4712680A1Information transmission method and apparatus, terminal, and network device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4712680A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4712680A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4712680A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an information transmission method and device, UE and a network device, and relates to the technical field of communications. The method is executed by the UE and includes: receiving first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate a cell target transmission of a first target cell. The cell target transmission includes at least one of the following: cell DRX and cell DTX.