DRX Active Time Extension for 5G Positioning Occasions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing the active time extension for discontinuous reception (DRX) periods, particularly in 5G networks, which affect power consumption and efficiency due to inefficient wake-up mechanisms during positioning occasions.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism is introduced to extend the active time for DRX periods by aligning the DRX ON period with positioning occasions, creating a combined wake-up period, thereby optimizing power consumption and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the DRX ON period is extended to cover positioning occasions, then power efficiency is improved and latency is reduced, but device complexity increases due to alignment requirements between DRX patterns and positioning occasions

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the DRX ON period with positioning occasions by setting the DRX pattern parameters (drx-OnDuration, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimer) such that the extended active time encompasses the positioning occasion. This merging allows the UE to remain awake for both paging and positioning functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate wake-up periods and thereby improving power efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized parameter configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If the DRX ON period is shortened to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases because positioning occasions may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic DRX parameter adjustment where the network can configure different drx-OnDuration and drx-InactivityTimer values based on UE activity patterns and positioning requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to extend the active time specifically during positioning occasions while maintaining shorter DRX cycles during normal operation, thereby balancing power consumption reduction with latency requirements for timely positioning updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If standard DRX mode is used without alignment to positioning occasions, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to separate wake-up periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the DRX mechanism universal by configuring it to serve multiple functions simultaneously - both paging reception and positioning occasion monitoring. By setting the DRX active time to encompass positioning occasions, a single DRX configuration performs dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate wake-up mechanisms and thereby reducing power consumption without significantly increasing device complexity beyond standard DRX parameter configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4176682B1Indication of active time extension for DRX on period
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4176682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4176682B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4176682B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In an embodiment, a UE determines a maximum duration to which a UE shall remain active after a DRX ON period to transmit and/or process one or more reference signals for positioning associated with a positioning session. The UE transmits an indication of the maximum value to a BS. The UE and the BS each selectively transmit and/or process the one or more reference signals (e.g., DL PRSs and/or UL SRS-Ps) based at least in part upon the maximum duration.