DRX Configuration Feedback for Wireless Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The network system lacks full awareness of user equipment information, leading to suboptimal configuration of Discontinuous Reception (DRX) settings, which affects power consumption and battery life in smartphones connected to LTE networks.

Innovation Solution

User equipment determines traffic characteristics and selects an appropriate DRX configuration from those provided by the network, transmitting this selection back to the network for application, allowing for optimized DRX settings based on current application usage and traffic patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the network system configures DRX settings independently without full awareness of user equipment information, then the network can configure data traffic characteristics, but the power consumption optimization is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser equipment information awareness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the user equipment reports its application state information (such as running applications, their priority levels, and data transfer requirements) back to the network system. This feedback enables the network to adjust DRX configuration parameters dynamically based on actual user equipment conditions, resolving the information asymmetry problem and achieving optimal power consumption without sacrificing network control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The user equipment autonomously determines its own application state information and selects appropriate DRX configuration from multiple options provided by the network, or requests specific configuration based on its needs. This self-service approach allows the device to optimize its own power consumption while still operating within network-managed parameters, effectively resolving the contradiction between network awareness and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications run simultaneously in the smart phone, then functionality is enhanced, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultipurpose usage capabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic DRX configuration that adapts to the current application mix and activity levels. The system continuously monitors which applications are running and their data transfer requirements, then dynamically adjusts DRX parameters such as cycle length, inactivity timer, and on-duration to match the actual traffic patterns, enabling the device to maintain multiple applications while optimizing power consumption based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key DRX parameters (such as drx-CycleLength, drx-InactivityTimer, and onDurationTimer) based on the number and type of running applications. When multiple high-traffic applications are detected, the system selects shorter DRX cycles and more aggressive wake intervals. When fewer applications are running or they have lower traffic requirements, longer DRX cycles are applied to reduce power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between application versatility and battery life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the smart phone frequently transitions between idle and connected modes, then data transfer responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network system proactively provides multiple pre-configured DRX configuration options to the user equipment before actual data transfer needs arise. The user equipment can select from these pre-prepared configurations based on its current application state, avoiding the need for frequent mode transitions by having appropriate DRX settings already available that match anticipated traffic patterns, thus maintaining responsiveness while reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3457767B1A system and a method of configuring radio access network parameters for a user equipment connected to a wireless network system
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3457767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3457767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3457767B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for providing information for power saving by a terminal in a wireless network system. The method comprises receiving, from a base station, configuration information associated with a power of the terminal, determining whether current information for power saving is different from previous information for power saving based on the configuration information, and transmitting, to the base station, an indication associated with the current information for power saving if the current information for power saving is different from the previous information for power saving.