DRX Inactivity Timer for Wireless Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems, the discontinuous reception (DRX) technique prolongs the DRX-ON duration unnecessarily, leading to increased power consumption due to unnecessary monitoring of the downlink channel, even when there is no data transmission or reception.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device with a wireless module and a controller module that activates wireless transmissions and receptions for a predetermined period after transmitting a scheduling request message, and deactivates them if no response is received, reducing power consumption by limiting DRX-ON duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE monitors the downlink channel for response messages during SR retransmission waiting periods, then the reliability of transmission is improved, but the power consumption increases due to prolonged DRX-ON duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX-ON duration configurable and adaptable. The network can dynamically adjust the drx-InactivityTimer and other DRX parameters to balance between monitoring reliability and power consumption. The UE transitions between different operation modes (drx-Active, drx-Dormant, drx-Idle) based on scheduling activity, allowing the system to optimize the trade-off between reliable message delivery and energy efficiency in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing configurable timers (drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimer) and adjustable DRX cycle lengths. These parameter changes allow the system to flexibly control the DRX-ON duration, extending it only when necessary for reliable transmission while minimizing power consumption during idle periods. The network can adjust these parameters based on traffic patterns and QoS requirements
2Loss of time
If the UE remains operative during waiting periods for prohibited SR retransmissions, then the response message can be received timely, but the DRX-ON duration is unnecessarily prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE proactively enter sleep mode after transmitting the SR message, rather than remaining awake during the entire waiting period. The drx-InactivityTimer is started in advance to control the monitoring window, allowing the UE to wake up only long enough to check for responses before returning to sleep. This preliminary transition to sleep mode reduces the overall DRX-ON duration while still enabling timely response reception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the DRX cycle structure, where the UE alternates between active monitoring periods and sleep periods. The drx-SlotOffset and drx-HopPeriod parameters create periodic wake-up intervals that are sufficient for response reception but minimize the total active time. This periodic operation pattern reduces the average DRX-ON duration compared to continuous monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device for managing the operation status of wireless transmissions and receptions is provided. In the mobile communication device, a wireless module performs the wireless transmissions and receptions. Also, in the mobile communication device, a controller module activates the wireless module to transmit a scheduling request message to the service network, and keeps the wireless module activated for the wireless receptions in a first predetermined period of time subsequent to the transmission of the scheduling request message.