Cross-Slot Scheduling for Multi-Cell DRX Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices face challenges in optimizing power consumption during discontinuous reception (DRX) due to the need to monitor multiple cells, particularly when using same-slot scheduling, which limits power-saving modes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing cross-slot scheduling for some cells allows wireless devices to reduce the number of symbols monitored, thereby entering power-saving modes while maintaining non-power-saving modes on other cells, enhancing power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If same-slot scheduling is used for all cells, then communication efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell group into two distinct subsets: first cells with same-slot scheduling and second cells with cross-slot scheduling. This segmentation allows the wireless device to apply different monitoring strategies to different cells, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication efficiency on priority cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching between same-slot and cross-slot scheduling modes based on traffic conditions and power saving requirements. The network can configure and reconfigure the scheduling type for different cells and different time periods, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize the trade-off between communication efficiency and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If cross-slot scheduling is applied to all cells, then power saving is improved, but communication responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidcommunication responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different scheduling qualities to different cells based on their specific requirements. First cells (e.g., primary cells carrying control signaling) maintain same-slot scheduling for high responsiveness, while second cells (e.g., secondary cells for data transmission) use cross-slot scheduling for power saving. This localized optimization ensures that power saving is achieved without compromising the responsiveness of critical communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If monitoring symbols are reduced for power saving, then power consumption decreases, but scheduling flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic switching between same-slot and cross-slot scheduling configurations based on traffic conditions, cell priority, and power saving requirements. The network can reconfigure the scheduling type for different cells and different time periods, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize the trade-off between power consumption and scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260025757A1Power Saving Operations for Communication Systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Base stations and wireless devices may use cross-slot scheduling for each of a plurality of cells. Base stations and wireless devices may communicate regarding the cross-slot scheduling, including for example, one or more indications associated with cross-slot scheduling for one or more cells. A wireless device may determine cross-slot scheduling for one or more transmissions associated with the one or more cells. The wireless device may save power by switching to a power saving mode for at least one cell during one or more slots, based on the cross-slot scheduling.