Implicit Uplink Resource Release via DRX Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing uplink control resources, particularly in LTE networks, due to high signaling overheads and power consumption associated with frequent transitions between RRC idle and connected modes, and the need for explicit resource release messages, which can lead to increased latency and battery drain.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an implicit resource release mechanism based on DRX (Discontinuous Reception) cycle transitions, where uplink control resources are automatically released when a UE transitions from continuous reception to short or long DRX states, eliminating the need for explicit signaling and reducing signaling overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If explicit resource release messages are used to release uplink control resources, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the resource release indication from explicit signaling messages and embeds it within existing DRX cycle transition signaling. When the network transitions a UE from continuous reception to DRX mode, the resource release is taken out as an implicit consequence of the mode transition rather than requiring separate explicit release messaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing DRX cycle transition mechanism to automatically trigger resource release without requiring additional explicit release commands. The resource release serves itself through the natural state transition of the UE from continuous reception to DRX mode, eliminating the need for separate release signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If UEs frequently transition between RRC idle and connected modes, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic DRX cycles where UEs alternately wake up to receive downlink data and enter sleep mode to conserve power. This periodic action allows the system to maintain resource allocation flexibility during active periods while significantly reducing power consumption during inactive DRX periods, eliminating the need for frequent mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the DRX cycle parameters and resource allocation based on traffic conditions. During active traffic periods, UEs operate in continuous reception mode with full resource allocation, while during inactive periods, they transition to DRX mode with reduced resource allocation, creating a dynamic adaptation that balances flexibility and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If explicit resource release signaling is implemented, then resource management control is improved, but system latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management controlVSAvoidsystem latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs resource release as a preliminary action embedded within the DRX cycle transition process. When the network decides to transition a UE from continuous reception to DRX mode, the resource release is executed simultaneously with the mode transition rather than requiring separate subsequent release signaling, thereby reducing overall system latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If uplink control resources are continuously allocated to connected mode UEs, then control signal reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically allocates uplink control resources based on the UE's operational state. Resources are continuously allocated during connected mode for reliable control signaling, but automatically released when UEs transition to DRX mode. This dynamic allocation ensures control signal reliability when needed while maximizing resource utilization efficiency during inactive periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2638774B1Allocating wireless resources
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2638774B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2638774B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2638774B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A wireless network, such as an LTE ("Long-Term Evolution") network, may be configured to receive an identifier from a wireless network. The identifier identifies a resource configuration in a plurality of resource configurations. The resource configuration corresponds to a plurality of resource attributes. At least one signal is transmitted to the wireless network using the plurality of resource attributes.