Dynamic DRX State Switching for Lower Terminal Power Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and flexibility due to statically configured Discontinuous Reception (DRX) states, leading to increased power usage when network devices cannot schedule terminal devices within configured time frames.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically adjusting DRX states using indicating information to flexibly switch or change the duration of DRX states, allowing terminal devices to turn their receivers on or off based on network conditions and traffic load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static DRX configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases and adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DRX configuration where the network device can adjust DRX parameters (such as drx-OnDurationTimer, drx-SlotOffset, drx-InactivityTimer) in real-time based on terminal device conditions and network status. This allows the system to transition from static to dynamic operation, optimizing power consumption while maintaining ease of operation through automated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes DRX parameters dynamically by sending indication messages from the network device to the terminal device. These parameters include timing configurations and state transition parameters that are adjusted based on traffic patterns and network conditions, thereby reducing power consumption without requiring complex user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If static DRX configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network device monitors terminal device status and network conditions, then sends indication messages to adjust DRX parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the network to adapt DRX configurations dynamically based on actual traffic patterns and device states, improving adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static to dynamic DRX configuration, allowing real-time adaptation to changing network conditions and terminal device states. The network device can modify DRX parameters dynamically based on observed traffic patterns and device performance, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex local decision-making at the terminal device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If receiver is kept on for scheduled data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses DRX configuration to pre-arrange receiver activation timing. The terminal device knows in advance when to wake up and activate its receiver based on configured DRX parameters (such as drx-OnDurationTimer and drx-SlotOffset), allowing it to stay in low-power state during non-scheduled periods while ensuring reliable reception during scheduled transmission windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic DRX cycles where the terminal device alternates between active reception states and sleep states. This periodic operation allows the receiver to be turned off during periods when no data is scheduled, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability by ensuring the receiver is active during scheduled transmission periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3565319B1Method for determining discontinuous reception state, terminal device, and network device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3565319B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3565319B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3565319B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a discontinuous reception (DRX) state, a terminal device and a network device. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, first indicating information transmitted from a network device, where the first indicating information is used for indicating the terminal device to switch a DRX state, or used for indicating a duration for which the terminal device stays in a DRX state; and switching, by the terminal device, a DRX state in which the terminal device currently stays according to the first indicating information, or determining the duration for which the terminal device stays in the DRX state according to the first indicating information, where the DRX state in which the terminal device currently stays is a first DRX state or a second DRX state, where a receiver of the terminal device is turned on when in the first DRX state, and turned off when in the second DRX state. The embodiment of the present application is able to flexible maneuver the DRX state the terminal device is in according to the first indicating information.