Connected-Mode RRM Relaxation for RedCap UE Power Saving

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for techniques to facilitate radio resource management (RRM) relaxation for reduced capability (redcap) user equipment (UE) operating in radio resource control (RRC) connected mode, as existing methods do not effectively address power conservation and measurement efficiency for these devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing RRM relaxation schemes in RRC connected mode by configuring reduced capability UEs to perform measurements less frequently, using measurement gaps and connected discontinuous reception (cDRX) mechanisms, and enabling/disabling RRM relaxation based on mobility events such as stationary and not-at-cell edge criteria, with network-controlled configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio resource management (RRM) relaxation is applied for connected mode, then user experience and data transmission quality are improved, but system stability and control precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating RRM relaxation application based on user status and network conditions. Not all users receive the same relaxation level - the system identifies suitable candidates (e.g., users in connected mode with specific QoS requirements) and applies relaxation selectively to them, while maintaining strict control for other users. This localized approach improves user experience for targeted users without compromising overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through dynamic RRM parameter adjustment based on real-time network conditions and user status. The relaxation parameters (such as measurement intervals, reporting thresholds, and resource allocation) are continuously adapted according to current network load, user mobility, and quality of service requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stability while providing optimized user experience under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If RRM relaxation is implemented for connected mode, then data transmission quality improves, but control precision and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission qualityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors user status, network conditions, and quality of service parameters. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts RRM relaxation parameters to maintain optimal data transmission quality while ensuring control precision is sufficient. The feedback loop allows the system to detect when relaxation is causing loss of control and automatically tighten parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically modifying RRM parameters such as measurement intervals, reporting thresholds, and resource allocation parameters based on user status and network conditions. The system changes these parameters selectively for connected mode users while maintaining default parameters for other modes, thereby improving data transmission quality without excessively compromising measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If strict RRM control is maintained for all users, then system stability is ensured, but user experience and data transmission quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing users into different categories based on their operational mode and requirements. The system segments users into connected mode users who are candidates for RRM relaxation and other users who maintain strict control. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate control levels to different user groups, ensuring system stability for most users while providing enhanced user experience for connected mode users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by applying RRM relaxation only to the extent necessary for connected mode users rather than universally. The system provides just enough relaxation to improve user experience and data transmission quality for connected users, while maintaining sufficient control to ensure system stability. This partial application avoids excessive relaxation that would compromise overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4154579B1Radio resource management relaxation for radio resource control connected mode
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 APPLE INC
  • EP4154579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4154579B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4154579B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) is configured to receive a measurement configuration from a serving cell, wherein the measurement configuration comprises event configuration associated with radio resource management (RRM) relaxation, perform measurements of the serving cell, transmit a measurement report to the serving cell and receive an indication from the serving cell that RRM relaxation for radio resource control (RRC) connected mode is enabled at the UE.