Multi-slot Uplink Transmission During DRX Inactive Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing uplink transmission occasions during network discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, particularly in reducing power consumption and latency while maintaining communication reliability.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving indications of active and inactive time periods and refraining from transmitting during uplink transmission occasions that occur at least partially during inactive periods, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network entity continuously monitors and receives uplink transmissions, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity implements discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles with alternating active and inactive periods, periodically monitoring for uplink transmissions only during active periods. This periodic monitoring reduces power consumption while maintaining communication reliability by ensuring the network is available when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The network entity pre-configures the UE with DRX cycle parameters and uplink transmission occasion indications before communication occurs. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to know in advance when transmissions are permitted, enabling the network to enter inactive periods confidently without missing critical transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the network entity enters inactive periods to reduce power consumption, then power usage is optimized, but transmission latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower usageVSAvoidtransmission latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The DRX cycle structure is made dynamic by allowing the network entity to flexibly adjust active and inactive period durations based on traffic conditions. Additionally, the network can send uplink transmission occasion indications to activate communication during otherwise inactive periods, dynamically reducing latency when needed while maintaining power savings during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If uplink transmission occasions are scheduled during inactive periods, then communication efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity acts as an intermediary by sending uplink transmission occasion indications to the UE, selectively activating specific transmission occasions during otherwise inactive DRX periods. This intermediary control allows the UE to transmit during inactive periods only when the network explicitly permits it, improving communication efficiency without causing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the network entity monitors all uplink transmission occasions, then communication reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring responsibility is segmented between the network entity and the UE. The network provides DRX cycle configurations and uplink transmission occasion indications, while the UE autonomously determines when to transmit based on these indications. This segmentation reduces network device complexity by distributing the monitoring and decision-making burden to the UE.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250039923A1Multi-slot uplink transmission occasions during network discontinuous reception cycles

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for wireless communications by an apparatus. A method includes receiving a first indication of a first plurality of uplink transmission occasions, the first plurality of uplink transmission occasions to occur over a first plurality of time periods; receiving a second indication of one or more active time periods and one or more inactive time periods, wherein each of a first one or more uplink transmission occasions of the first plurality of uplink transmission occasions is to occur at least partially during a corresponding one of the one or more inactive time periods, wherein each of a second one or more uplink transmission occasions of the first plurality of uplink transmission occasions is to occur during a corresponding one of the one or more active time periods; and refraining from transmitting in the first one or more uplink transmission occasions.