DRX Configuration for D2D Communication Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks lack efficient mechanisms for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) operations in Device-to-Device (D2D) communication, which hinders power-saving capabilities and precise control over D2D transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining and aligning DRX configurations between wireless communication devices, based on timers and transmission parameters, to optimize D2D communication by controlling the active and inactive periods, ensuring efficient power management and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous reception is used in D2D communication, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements DRX (Discontinuous Reception) operation where the receiving UE periodically switches between active and inactive states. The transmitting UE sends data during active periods and both UEs enter inactive periods with reduced monitoring, creating a periodic reception pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable communication through scheduled reactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If DRX configuration is implemented in D2D communication, then power saving is improved, but transmission control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidtransmission control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the receiving UE sends acknowledgments (ACK/NACK) to the transmitting UE about received data status. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of DRX parameters and retransmission scheduling, allowing power saving through inactive periods while maintaining control through feedback-driven adaptations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables UEs to autonomously determine and adjust their own DRX configurations based on communication patterns and quality requirements. Each UE independently manages its active/inactive state transitions and parameter adjustments without requiring complex network coordination, reducing overall system control complexity while achieving power saving goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If DRX active time duration is extended, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DRX configuration where the active time duration is not fixed but adapts based on communication conditions. The system adjusts active period lengths and frequencies dynamically according to data traffic patterns, channel quality, and reliability requirements, allowing optimization of the trade-off between reliability and energy consumption in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes multiple configurable DRX parameters including onDurationTimer, drx-SlotOffset, and various cycle configurations that can be independently adjusted. By changing these parameters, the system can fine-tune the balance between active time duration (affecting reliability) and inactive time proportion (affecting energy savings), adapting to different service requirements without being constrained by a single fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4404689A1DRX operation for d2d communication
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4404689A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4404689A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4404689A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communication device (UE1) determines a DRX configuration for D2D communication. The DRX configuration is based on at least one timer maintained by the wireless communication device (UE1). Further, the wireless communication device (UE1) controls the at least one timer based on at least one D2D transmission between the wireless communication device (UE1) and a further wireless communication device (UE2). Based on the DRX configuration, the wireless communication device (UE1) receives at least one D2D transmission (405) from the further wireless communication device (UE2).