Dynamic DRX Pattern Switching for Flexible Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Discontinuous Reception (DRX) working mechanism in communication systems has limited flexibility, as it maintains fixed active and dormant periods, reducing the terminal's ability to dynamically adjust communication with the network device based on data transmission requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow a terminal to switch between DRX dormant and active periods based on dynamically determined DRX patterns, which can be indicated by the network device, and adjusted according to service quality, data encoding/decoding times, and transmission requirements, enabling flexible communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal uses fixed DRX cycles with predetermined active and dormant periods, then power consumption is reduced during dormant periods, but communication flexibility and responsiveness are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, predetermined DRX cycles to dynamic, adjustable DRX patterns. The network device can configure different DRX patterns (first DRX pattern, second DRX pattern, third DRX pattern) based on service types, and the terminal switches between these patterns in real-time. This allows the DRX active/dormant period structure to adapt dynamically to varying communication requirements while maintaining power savings during dormant periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the network device to modify DRX configuration parameters (such as active period duration, dormant period duration, and pattern selection) based on service quality requirements, data encoding/decoding times, and transmission needs. The terminal receives indication information carrying these parameter changes and adjusts its DRX behavior accordingly, enabling flexible adaptation without sacrificing power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal switches between DRX patterns based on service quality and transmission requirements, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the terminal to automatically switch between different DRX patterns based on indication information received from the network device. The terminal independently determines which DRX pattern to use (first, second, or third pattern) according to service types and transmission requirements without requiring complex manual configuration or higher-level control logic, thus managing complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the DRX operation into multiple distinct patterns (first DRX pattern, second DRX pattern, third DRX pattern), each optimized for specific service types or transmission scenarios. This segmentation allows the terminal to handle complexity by selecting from pre-defined, manageable pattern options rather than implementing a single complex adaptive algorithm, reducing processing burden while achieving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If the network device sends data only during fixed active periods, then power consumption is optimized, but data transmission efficiency and timing flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the DRX active/dormant period structure dynamic rather than fixed. The network device configures different DRX patterns that adjust active and dormant period timing based on service quality requirements, data encoding/decoding times, and transmission needs. This allows data transmission to occur during optimized time windows that balance power savings with transmission efficiency, rather than being constrained by rigid fixed cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes to DRX configuration (active period duration, dormant period duration, pattern selection) based on real-time transmission requirements and service characteristics. This allows the system to optimize both power consumption and data transmission efficiency by adjusting parameters dynamically, ensuring data can be sent during appropriately timed active periods without excessive delays or wasted energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10999800B2Method and device for discontinuous reception
Publication Date: 2021.05.04 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US10999800B2 patent drawing
  • US10999800B2 patent drawing
  • US10999800B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for discontinuous reception are provided. The method includes: a terminal transmits uplink data to a network device at transmitting time; and the terminal switches between a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) dormant period and a DRX active period within a time period after the transmitting time. The terminal transmits uplink data and the terminal is triggered to carry out discontinuous reception within the time period after the transmitting time of transmitting the uplink data.