On-Demand Reference Signal Transmission in Disconnected Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of monitoring for reference signals in disconnected-mode operation of wireless communication devices is inefficient, requiring significant time and power consumption during the transition from an inactive to an active state.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an on-demand transmission of reference signals based on configuration information indicating timing and frequency, allowing the device to synchronize with the communications network only when necessary, reducing power consumption and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE monitors for reference signals continuously to maintain synchronization, then the synchronization reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of reference signals at configured time instances rather than continuous monitoring. The network configures specific monitoring occasions where the UE wakes up to monitor for RS, allowing synchronization maintenance while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The network configures the UE with reference signal monitoring parameters in advance before the UE needs to transition to active state. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to know exactly when and what to monitor, enabling efficient wake-up scheduling and reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring synchronization is ready when needed.
2Reliability
If the UE transitions the wireless interface to active state early to ensure data reception readiness, then the data reception reliability is improved, but the time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides preliminary configuration information including timing indicators that tell the UE exactly when reference signals will be transmitted. This allows the UE to transition to active state precisely at the right moment rather than too early, reducing unnecessary transition time while ensuring the interface is ready for data reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic transition timing based on network-configured parameters. The UE can adapt its transition timing to match the configured reference signal monitoring occasions, optimizing the balance between being ready for data reception and minimizing transition time away from low-power state.
3Reliability
If the UE performs comprehensive channel measurements and estimations to improve data reception quality, then the data reception quality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic channel measurements and estimations at configured reference signal monitoring occasions rather than continuous operations. The UE performs comprehensive channel analysis only when wake-up to monitor for RS, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data reception quality through regular updates at appropriate intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a wireless communication device (101) includes obtaining configuration information indicative of a timing and a frequency of an on-demand transmission (450) of a reference signal (901, 4001) for use in a disconnected mode (302-303) of the wireless communication device (101). The method also includes, when operating in the disconnected mode (302, 303) using a discontinuous reception cycle (390) and in accordance with the timing and frequency: monitoring for the reference signal (901, 4001) of the on-demand transmission (450) transmitted by a communications network (100). The method furthermore includes, based on a receive property of the reference signal (901, 4001), attempting to demodulate a further transmission (980, 4002, 4011, 4012) from the communications network (100).