PC5 Discontinuous Reception for Remote UE Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current D2D technologies face challenges in implementing power-saving mechanisms for remote UEs that relay data and signaling interactions, particularly in scenarios where continuous listening is required to receive data packets from relay UEs, leading to high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a PC5 discontinuous reception mechanism between remote UEs and relay UEs, where the remote UE receives PC5 discontinuous reception configuration information and performs PC5 discontinuous reception, allowing it to enter a dormant state during non-transmission periods and reducing the need to listen to data packets in real-time, while the relay UE forwards paging information to the remote UE in an RRC idle state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the remote UE continuously listens to data packets transmitted by the relay UE, then the data reception reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reception reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles where the remote UE alternates between active listening periods and sleep periods. During each DRX cycle, the UE listens for a configured duration to receive data packets from the relay UE, then enters a low-power state. This periodic action pattern allows the system to maintain data reception capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous listening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the remote UE enters dormant state to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the data reception responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddata reception responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures the remote UE to wake up before the expected data arrival time during each DRX cycle. By performing preliminary action of waking up in advance, the UE ensures it is in an active state to receive data packets immediately when they arrive at the relay UE, thus maintaining responsiveness while still benefiting from the energy savings of discontinuous reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the remote UE maintains RRC connection state for real-time communication, then the communication quality is improved, but the battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the RRC connection state of the remote UE based on communication requirements. During active communication periods, the UE maintains RRC connection state for high-quality communication. During idle periods, the UE transitions to RRC idle state to save battery power. This dynamic state adjustment allows the system to optimize the trade-off between communication quality and energy consumption according to actual traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3499975B1Information processing method and apparatus, UE, base station, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 ZTE CORP
  • EP3499975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3499975B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3499975B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention provides an information processing method. The method includes: receiving, by a remote user equipment (UE), PC5 discontinuous reception configuration information, and implementing PC5 discontinuous reception configuration and implementing PC5 discontinuous reception by using the received PC5 discontinuous reception configuration information; and acquiring, by a relay UE, the PC5 discontinuous reception configuration information for the remote UE, and implementing PC5 discontinuous transmission by using the PC5 discontinuous reception configuration information. Further disclosed is an information processing apparatus, a remote UE, a relay UE, a base station and a computer-readable storage medium.