Adaptive PDCCH Monitoring via Data Buffer Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems, particularly in 3GPP and E-UTRAN, face challenges in managing unpredictable data traffic patterns and power consumption for handheld devices, as they lack efficient methods to adjust physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring based on real-time data buffer status information, leading to suboptimal power saving and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where user equipment (UE) and network elements, such as eNodeB, adjust PDCCH monitoring rules based on instantaneous data buffer status, allowing for flexible DRX parameter sets or scaling, enabling devices to cease PDCCH monitoring when buffers are empty and increase monitoring when data is present, thereby optimizing power consumption and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PDCCH monitoring is continuously performed to ensure immediate data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the PDCCH monitoring behavior adaptive rather than static. The UE dynamically adjusts its monitoring activity based on real-time buffer status information, transitioning between continuous monitoring (when buffer is non-empty) and reduced monitoring (when buffer is empty), thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports buffer status to the network, and the network uses this information to adjust PDCCH monitoring configurations. This closed-loop feedback system enables the system to automatically adapt monitoring intensity to actual data transmission needs, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If DRX configuration is optimized for low data flow with short on-duration and inactivity timer, then power saving is improved, but responsiveness to sudden data traffic decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidresponsiveness to data traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes DRX configuration dynamic by allowing the network to adjust on-duration and inactivity timer parameters based on reported buffer status. When buffer status indicates upcoming data transmission, the network can proactively extend DRX parameters, ensuring responsiveness without sacrificing power savings during low-traffic periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network anticipate data transmission needs based on buffer status reports and adjust DRX configuration in advance. This allows the system to prepare for sudden data traffic by extending monitoring windows before actual transmission begins, maintaining responsiveness while preserving power during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If network adjusts DRX configuration based on UE data traffic needs, then adaptability to traffic patterns is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to traffic patternsVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously monitor its own buffer status and report only when changes occur that would impact DRX configuration needs. This event-triggered reporting mechanism reduces signaling overhead compared to continuous reporting, while still providing the network with sufficient information to adjust configurations adaptively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2810527B1Data buffer status influenced control channel monitoring
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2810527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2810527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2810527B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The monitoring of control channels, such as the physical downlink control channel, may benefit from the influence of data buffer status information. In certain embodiments, a method includes monitoring a downlink channel (for example, a PDCCH) in active time. The method also includes monitoring an instantaneous status of a data buffer related to a user equipment and/or a base station. The monitoring of the downlink channel is guided by the instantaneous status as presently known.