DRX Sidelink Active Period Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current discontinuous reception (DRX) communication systems do not support sidelink (SL) communications, which limits the ability of user equipment (UEs) to operate in DRX mode while maintaining SL communications, resulting in power savings and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a DRX scheme that allows UEs to extend their active periods based on events in both downlink and sidelink communications, enabling concurrent DRX operations with both base stations and other UEs in SL mode 1 and mode 2, by using physical SL control channels (PSCCH) and transmission grants to adjust DRX cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If UEs operate in DRX mode to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but sidelink communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DRX cycle adjustment where the active period is extended based on sidelink communication events. The UE dynamically adapts its DRX configuration by receiving sidelink control information during active periods and extending the active period when sidelink data transmission is detected, allowing flexible switching between power-saving mode and communication mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs monitor for sidelink control information during active periods before actual data transmission occurs. The UE proactively extends the active period upon detecting sidelink control information, preparing the system in advance for potential data transmission and avoiding missed communications while maintaining power efficiency.
2Reliability
If UEs extend active periods to support sidelink communications, then sidelink communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by extending the active period only for the duration necessary to receive sidelink control information and potential data transmission, rather than maintaining continuous monitoring. The UE extends the active period selectively based on detected sidelink events, applying just enough monitoring to ensure reliable communication without excessive power consumption.
3Productivity
If UEs continuously monitor sidelink channels, then communication performance is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring through DRX cycles where UEs alternate between active periods for monitoring and inactive periods for power saving. The UE periodically wakes up during active periods to monitor for sidelink control information and data, then returns to sleep mode, achieving a balance between communication performance and battery life through rhythmic on-off monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for configuring and providing discontinuous reception (DRX) operations in sidelink (SL) mode 1 and mode 2 are disclosed. A first user equipment (UE) may operate in DRX communications with a second UE over a SL while concurrently maintaining DRX communications with a base station. In some embodiments, DRX operations may include the first UE monitoring for either one or both of transmissions in a downlink from a base station and in the SL from the second UE during an active period of a DRX cycle of the DRX configuration. In embodiments, the UE may extend the active period associated with the DRX cycle when control information from either the base station or the second UE is received. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.