Connected-DRX Action Delays for Reduced UE Wakefulness

Solution Overview

Problem

The increased power consumption in Connected-DRX mode due to the need for UEs to receive data payload and immediately process it, leading to prolonged wakefulness even when no data is scheduled, is not as power-efficient as Idle-DRX mode.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a delay mechanism for UE actions in response to data/signaling during a predefined time period after entering an active state, allowing UEs to process data/signaling before acting on it, which includes delaying decoding, HARQ feedback, and timer start, and adjusting DRX configurations to reduce unnecessary wakefulness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If UE immediately processes data payload upon receiving it in Connected-DRX mode, then data processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to prolonged wakefulness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE wake up before the actual data arrival time (earlier wake-up time) to perform preparations in advance. The UE receives wake-up indication from the network node, determines an earlier wake-up time based on processing requirements, and wakes up at that time to process data. This allows the UE to complete data processing before the data actually arrives, enabling the UE to return to sleep mode sooner and reduce power consumption while maintaining processing speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If UE wakes up earlier to process data in Connected-DRX mode, then data processing capability is improved, but battery life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE wake up before the actual data arrival time (earlier wake-up time) to perform preparations in advance. The UE receives wake-up indication from the network node, determines an earlier wake-up time based on processing requirements, and wakes up at that time to process data. This allows the UE to complete data processing before the data actually arrives, enabling the UE to return to sleep mode sooner and reduce power consumption while maintaining processing speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the wake-up time parameter based on the UE's current state and data processing requirements. The UE determines an earlier wake-up time relative to the scheduled data arrival time, and this wake-up time parameter is adjusted according to factors such as buffer status, processing capability, and DRX configuration. This flexible parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between processing capability and battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If UE stays awake longer to ensure data is received and processed, then reliability of data reception is improved, but energy efficiency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reception reliabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE wake up before the actual data arrival time (earlier wake-up time) to perform preparations in advance. The UE receives wake-up indication from the network node, determines an earlier wake-up time based on processing requirements, and wakes up at that time to process data. This allows the UE to complete data processing before the data actually arrives, enabling the UE to return to sleep mode sooner and reduce power consumption while maintaining processing speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by having the network node send wake-up indication to the UE based on the UE's buffer status and data reception state. The network node monitors whether the UE has successfully received and processed data, and sends appropriate wake-up indications to ensure reliable reception while optimizing energy consumption. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust wake-up timing based on actual reception conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12356495B2Method and apparatus for handling discontinuous reception in a communications network

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to a method, performed by a User Equipment (UE) 120, for handling discontinous reception (DRX) operation. The method comprises applying a delay for at least one action performed as a response to data and/or signaling received by the UE during a predefined first time period after the UE 120 has entered an active state. Embodiments herein further relate to a method, performed by a network node 110, for handling discontinous reception (DRX) operation. The method comprises sending a configuration message to a User Equipment (UE) 120, which message comprises information regarding actions to be delayed by the UE 120.