Connected-Mode CDRX Toggling for UE Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improvements in 5G NR technology, particularly in optimizing connected mode discontinuous reception (CDRX) cycles and inactivity timer periods to enhance wireless communication efficiency and reduce power consumption in user equipment (UE).

Innovation Solution

The method involves adjusting the CDRX cycle and inactivity timer period at the UE and base station by transmitting UE assistance information requests to optimize these parameters, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on changing communication needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the CDRX cycle and inactivity timer period are kept at initial fixed values, then the system configuration is simple, but the power consumption is high and communication efficiency is reduced due to inability to adapt to changing usage patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of CDRX cycle and inactivity timer period parameters, allowing the UE to transition between different CDRX configurations based on communication activity patterns. This transforms the static configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions, reducing power consumption during low-activity periods while maintaining responsiveness during high-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the values of CDRX parameters (cycle length, timer period) based on detected communication patterns and usage conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than keeping them fixed, the system achieves lower power consumption during idle periods while maintaining the ability to quickly resume communication when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the CDRX cycle is extended to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the response time to incoming communications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the CDRX cycle length based on detected communication patterns. During periods of high communication activity, the system uses shorter CDRX cycles to ensure quick response times. During low-activity periods, it extends the CDRX cycle to reduce power consumption, thus balancing both requirements through adaptive behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of communication activity patterns and periodic adjustment of CDRX parameters. This allows the system to rhythmically switch between different operational modes (active monitoring vs. deep sleep), achieving energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to respond promptly when communication needs arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If the UE continuously monitors for communications, then response time is minimized, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the UE implements periodic monitoring at intervals defined by the CDRX cycle. The UE alternates between active monitoring periods and sleep periods, checking for communications only at scheduled intervals. This periodic approach dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining acceptable response times for typical communication patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous communication capability through periodic checks rather than continuous monitoring. By carefully timing the periodic monitoring actions and using inactivity timers to extend or shorten monitoring periods, the system ensures that useful communication detection continues without the excessive energy cost of constant monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12408232B2User equipment optimization for connected mode discontinuous reception toggling

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects presented herein may improve a UE's performance by optimizing the CDRX toggling at the UE. In one aspect, a UE transmits, to a base station, a first UE assistance information request, where the first UE assistance information request include s at least one of an updated CDRX cycle or an updated inactivity timer period, and the updated CDRX cycle is different from an initial CDRX cycle and/or the updated inactivity timer period is different from an initial inactivity timer period. The UE adjusts the initial CDRX cycle to the updated CDRX cycle based on the first UE assistance information request. The UE transmits, to the base station after the initial CDRX cycle is adjusted, a second UE assistance information request, where the second UE assistance information request includes at least one of the initial CDRX cycle or the initial inactivity timer period.