DRX Configuration for Dynamic UL-DL Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dynamic uplink-downlink configuration changes in wireless communication systems can lead to sub-optimal or failed discontinuous reception (DRX) operations at user equipment (UE), particularly for legacy UEs that do not recognize signaling for dynamic changes, resulting in missed downlink information due to misalignment of DRX active/inactive periods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a network node sends information to UE to handle dynamic uplink-downlink configuration changes by updating DRX parameters based on current configurations, using either implicit or explicit signaling, ensuring advanced UEs can dynamically adjust their DRX settings to match changing UL/DL configurations, and providing multiple retransmission windows to ensure downlink information receipt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If DRX operation is implemented to conserve battery power, then energy consumption is reduced, but downlink information reception reliability deteriorates during dynamic UL/DL configuration changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoiddownlink information reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node sends configuration information about multiple UL/DL configurations and associated DRX parameters to the UE in advance. The UE stores these configurations and can quickly switch between them based on signaling from the network, ensuring that DRX parameters are already prepared and aligned before dynamic configuration changes occur, thus preventing information loss during transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic switching between multiple pre-configured UL/DL configurations and their associated DRX parameters. When the network signals a configuration change, the UE activates the corresponding pre-configured DRX parameters, allowing the DRX operation to adapt dynamically to changing traffic patterns while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If legacy UE structure is used without recognizing dynamic configuration signaling, then device complexity is reduced, but DRX operation alignment with network deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE signaling recognition capabilityVSAvoidDRX operation alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node acts as an intermediary by explicitly signaling the current UL/DL configuration index to the legacy UE. Instead of requiring the UE to autonomously detect or interpret dynamic configuration changes, the network provides direct indications that trigger the UE to switch to the corresponding pre-configured DRX parameters, ensuring alignment without increasing UE complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter-based configuration where multiple sets of DRX parameters are pre-configured in the UE, each associated with a specific UL/DL configuration index. When the network signals a configuration change, the UE changes its DRX parameters based on the signaled index, allowing legacy UEs to adapt to dynamic configurations through simple parameter switching rather than complex signaling interpretation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If DRX parameters are not updated during dynamic UL/DL configuration changes, then device operation simplicity is maintained, but downlink information reception fails

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDRX parameter managementVSAvoiddownlink information reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sets of DRX parameters are pre-configured in the UE before dynamic configuration changes occur. Each set corresponds to a specific UL/DL configuration scenario, so when the network signals a configuration change, the UE can immediately activate the appropriate pre-configured parameters without complex real-time calculations or adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements parameter-based adaptation where the UE switches between pre-configured DRX parameter sets based on the signaled UL/DL configuration index. This approach maintains operational simplicity by avoiding complex real-time parameter adjustments while ensuring that the correct DRX parameters are active for the current configuration, preventing downlink information reception failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3528586B1Discontinuous reception configuration
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3528586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3528586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3528586B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and devices for configuration of a discontinuous reception operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises sending, by a network node to a user equipment, signaling comprising first information specifying a current uplink-downlink configuration to use responsive to a dynamic uplink-downlink configuration change, second information specifying a set of discontinuous reception parameters to control DRX operation at the UE in response to the dynamic uplink-downlink configuration change, wherein the set of DRX parameters specified by the second information comprises a drxShortCycleTimer parameter, and wherein the second information is part of a data structure comprising a mapping between uplink-downlink configurations and respective sets of DRX parameters, and a binary indicator when set to a specified state indicating a start of the dynamic uplink-downlink configuration change and causing use of the current uplink-downlink configuration specified by the first information and use of the set of DRX parameters specified by the second information; and communicating, by the network node with the UE operating according to the set of DRX parameters, information according to the current uplink-downlink configuration.