Multicast Reception Timer for Inactive State Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular communication networks, user equipment (UE) in an RRC inactive state cannot efficiently receive multicast data due to the lack of feedback mechanisms, leading to battery waste and potential service interruptions, as the base station cannot adjust transmission configurations without active feedback.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Multicast Reception Timer (MRT) at the UE, configured by the base station, which allows for multicast data reception in an RRC inactive state, enabling the UE to monitor and control multicast reception based on trigger events and predefined durations, thereby reducing power consumption and improving service quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If UE operates in RRC inactive state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but multicast data reception capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmulticast data reception capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary actions by configuring the Multicast Reception Timer (MRT) and establishing timer-based reception rules before the UE transitions to RRC inactive state. This allows the UE to maintain multicast reception capability without full RRC connection, resolving the contradiction between power saving and reception reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The Multicast Reception Timer (MRT) acts as an intermediary mechanism between the RRC inactive state and multicast data reception. It enables the UE to monitor and control multicast reception in inactive state, bridging the gap between power saving mode and reliable data reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If UE continuously monitors multicast data in RRC inactive state, then service reliability is improved, but battery power is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the UE uses periodic timer-based monitoring controlled by the Multicast Reception Timer (MRT). The timer enables the UE to wake up and monitor multicast data at predetermined intervals, achieving service reliability while minimizing battery power consumption by avoiding continuous active monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If base station adjusts transmission configurations without UE feedback, then response time is reduced, but transmission optimization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidtransmission optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE reports multicast reception status to the base station. This feedback loop enables the base station to adjust transmission configurations based on actual reception conditions, achieving both rapid response and effective transmission optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240260135A1Technologies for timer-based multicast reception in inactive state

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components, including apparatus, systems, and methods for inactive multicast reception using a timer. The user equipment (UE) may use a timer to monitor the multicast reception while in an inactive state.