Cell DRX Signaling Control in Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in carrier aggregation scenarios is the inefficient activation or deactivation of cell discontinuous transmission by base stations, leading to suboptimal power consumption and operational inefficiencies in terminal devices.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that enable terminal devices to receive and respond to indication signaling from network devices for activating or deactivating cell discontinuous transmission, utilizing parameter configuration information and acknowledgement signals to synchronize and manage cell DRX states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal device continuously monitors PDCCH in all cells, then the network can reliably activate or deactivate cell DRX, but the terminal device's power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cell DRX activation/deactivationVSAvoidpower consumption of terminal device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring task by dividing cells into different groups (first cell group and second cell group) with different monitoring requirements. The terminal device monitors PDCCH in the first cell group during both activation and inactivation periods, while monitoring in the second cell group only during activation periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic monitoring based on cell DRX states. During activation periods, the terminal monitors PDCCH in configured cells; during inactivation periods, monitoring is reduced or suspended for certain cell groups. This periodic action pattern reduces average power consumption while ensuring reliable reception of activation/deactivation commands when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal device enters dormancy mode during inactivation period, then power consumption is reduced, but the terminal cannot receive PDCCH for cell DRX activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of terminal deviceVSAvoidability to receive activation signaling
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides cells into two groups with different monitoring behaviors. The first cell group maintains PDCCH monitoring capability during inactivation periods to receive activation signaling, while the second cell group enters dormancy mode. This segmentation allows the terminal to balance power saving with the ability to receive activation commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first cell group acts as an intermediary that maintains monitoring capability during inactivation periods, enabling the terminal to receive activation signaling for the second cell group without requiring continuous monitoring of all cells. This intermediary approach solves the contradiction between power saving and activation signal reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the network activates cell DRX transmission, then the terminal can monitor PDCCH and receive data, but the terminal must wake up from dormancy mode increasing power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption during wake-up
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures the terminal to monitor PDCCH in the first cell group during inactivation periods as a preliminary action. This allows the terminal to detect activation signaling before needing to fully wake up for data transmission, enabling smoother transitions and reducing the frequency and duration of full wake-up events, thereby lowering overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal monitors PDCCH in all cells during activation period, then all cells can be activated, but the complexity of cell management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to activate multiple cellsVSAvoidcomplexity of cell DRX management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments cells into different groups with different monitoring and activation rules. The first cell group can be activated and monitored during both activation and inactivation periods, while the second cell group follows a more restricted pattern. This segmentation simplifies the management complexity by providing clear, differentiated rules for different cell groups while maintaining the ability to activate multiple cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4694565A1Communication method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4694565A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4694565A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4694565A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving, in a signaling receiving cell, indication signaling sent by a network device; and on the basis of the indication signaling, determining that the network device activates or deactivates cell discontinuous transmission of a target cell.