Inactive-State UE Scheduling Using Group-RNTI DCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack a control signaling mechanism to support data transmission to or from a user equipment (UE) in the RRC_INACTIVE state, limiting data exchange and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for a UE in an inactive state to receive downlink control information (DCI) with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled by a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) specific to a group of UEs, including resource assignments and optional short messages, HARQ processes, and measurement requests, enabling data transmission on a physical shared channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a UE operates in RRC_INACTIVE state to save network resources and UE power, then power consumption is reduced and network resources are saved, but data transmission capability is limited or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic operation modes for UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state. The network can configure UEs to monitor PDCCH in inactive state through DCI format 1_0 with specific RNTI types (I-RNTI, RNTI-W, or P-RNTI), allowing UEs to transition between power-saving mode and active data reception mode based on network needs and UE capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the functionality of RRC_INACTIVE state by implementing a universal control signaling mechanism that supports multiple RNTI types (I-RNTI for individual UEs, RNTI-W for groups, P-RNTI for paging). This allows the same inactive state to serve both power-saving and data transmission purposes through different configuration modes
2Productivity
If control signaling mechanisms are added to support data transmission in inactive state, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signaling for inactive state data transmission with existing DCI format 1_0 structure used for paging. By reusing the same DCI format and scrambling mechanisms with different RNTI types, the patent avoids creating entirely new signaling structures, thereby reducing implementation complexity while enabling new functionality
3Productivity
If UEs monitor PDCCH continuously to enable data reception in inactive state, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring opportunities for PDCCH in inactive state through configured grants and scheduled PDCCH monitoring occasions. UEs don't need to monitor continuously but can wake up at predefined intervals to check for DCI, balancing power consumption with data reception capability
Data Source
AI summary
Control signaling mechanisms are provided to support data transmissions to or from a user equipment (UE) in an inactive state. In some embodiments, a UE in an inactive state receives DCI including: a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled by a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) that is specific to a group of UEs, the group of UEs including the UE; and a resource assignment for a data transmission to the UE. The data transmission is then received on a physical shared channel. In further embodiments, a UE in an inactive state receives DCI including: a CRC scrambled by a paging RNTI; and a resource assignment for a paging message to the UE. A data transmission is received by the UE in the paging message or in a further transmission that is scheduled by the paging message.