Staggered LTE DRX Radio Measurements for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE networks consume excessive battery power due to performing a complete set of radio measurements during each discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, which is not always necessary, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine and schedule radio measurements to be performed across multiple DRX cycles, staggering them based on factors like measurement type, network conditions, and device capabilities to reduce power consumption by only performing a subset of measurements during each cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete set of radio measurements is performed during each DRX cycle, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete set of radio measurements into multiple subsets, distributing them across multiple DRX cycles. Instead of performing all measurements in each cycle, the UE performs only a subset of measurements during each DRX cycle, with different subsets performed in different cycles. This segmentation reduces the measurement burden per cycle while ensuring all required measurements are completed across the measurement window, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic measurement action by distributing measurements across multiple DRX cycles within a measurement window. The UE performs measurements periodically at scheduled intervals rather than continuously in each DRX cycle. The measurement window comprises multiple DRX cycles, and the UE performs different subsets of measurements in different cycles according to a predetermined schedule, reducing instantaneous power consumption while maintaining overall measurement coverage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If measurements are distributed across multiple DRX cycles, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic measurement scheduling where the UE adapts its measurement pattern based on network conditions, measurement requirements, and DRX cycle configurations. The measurement window and its composition can be dynamically adjusted by the network, allowing flexible optimization between power consumption and measurement time. The UE performs measurements according to dynamically configured patterns rather than fixed schedules, enabling adaptive balancing of time and energy resources.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fewer measurements are performed per DRX cycle, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement subsets across different DRX cycles to form a complete measurement set. Individual subsets performed in different cycles are combined to achieve comprehensive measurement coverage. The measurement window aggregates measurements from multiple DRX cycles, ensuring that all required measurement types are captured across the extended period, thereby maintaining overall measurement precision despite reduced per-cycle measurement density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement planning by configuring the measurement window and measurement patterns in advance. The network provides measurement configurations that pre-determine which measurement subsets should be performed in which DRX cycles within the measurement window. This preliminary action allows the UE to efficiently execute measurements without real-time decision overhead, ensuring measurement precision is maintained through pre-planned comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for managing radio measurements during discontinuous reception. In one exemplary embodiment, the distribution of Long Term Evolution (LTE) DRX measurements is staggered or distributed across multiple DRX cycles (which may be contiguous or non-contiguous) so as to reduce the transceiver activity and power consumption. The exemplary UE in one implementation only performs a subset of measurements during each DRX cycle. By staggering or distributing cell measurements over multiple DRX cycles, the UE can improve power consumption, while still conforming to measurement requirements.