DRX Cycle Timing for Non-Integer Reception Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LTE/5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, particularly when configuration parameters indicate non-integer values, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and network performance.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining DRX cycles based on whether DRX configuration parameters indicate a non-integer value, allowing for precise DRX cycle adjustments and initiating DRX on-duration timers to optimize power usage and network efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If non-integer DRX cycle values are configured, then power saving is improved, but system complexity increases due to rounding requirements

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation from strict integers to non-negative rational numbers (fractions), allowing DRX cycle values to be expressed as ratios of two integers. This enables precise configuration of DRX cycles while maintaining systematic handling through the numerator/denominator structure, resolving the contradiction between power saving precision and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If non-integer DRX cycle values are used, then power saving is improved, but implementation complexity increases due to rounding operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by defining the DRX cycle as a rational number with numerator and denominator before actual DRX operation begins. The network device configures these parameters in advance, and the wireless device pre-processes them to determine the actual DRX cycle length, avoiding complex rounding operations during runtime and simplifying implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network device provides indication information (such as a radius value or offset) that mediates between the configured rational number and the actual DRX cycle execution. This intermediary allows flexible adjustment of the DRX cycle without requiring complex rounding logic in the wireless device, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining power saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4552437B1Methods and apparatuses for determining a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4552437B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4552437B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4552437B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method may include receiving, by a wireless device, one or more discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration parameters indicating a first DRX cycle, a DRX slot offset, and a DRX on-duration timer. The method may also include determining, for starting the DRX on-duration timer, a DRX cycle based on whether the one or more DRX configuration parameters indicate a second DRX cycle with a non-integer value. The DRX cycle is determined to be the first DRX cycle, when the one or more DRX configuration parameters does not indicate the second DRX cycle with the non-integer value. The DRX cycle is determined to be the second DRX cycle, based on the one or more DRX configuration parameters indicating the second DRX cycle with the non-integer value. The method may further include starting, after the DRX slot offset from a subframe determined based on the DRX cycle, the DRX on-duration timer.