PDCCH Skip Inactivity Timer for Smarter Downlink Grant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption due to continuous monitoring of physical downlink control channels (PDCCH) even when no data is expected, leading to resource occupation and increased network loading.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a PDCCH skip inactivity timer that allows user equipment (UE) to skip PDCCH monitoring based on a configured timer and absence of downlink control information (DCI), resuming skipping if no grant is received during the timer period, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous PDCCH monitoring is performed, then reliable data reception is ensured, but power consumption increases and network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic PDCCH monitoring by introducing a monitoring occasion pattern where the UE monitors PDCCH only at specific intervals (e.g., every N slots) rather than continuously in every slot. This periodic action reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable data reception by checking for downlink grants at regular intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the PDCCH monitoring behavior based on the UE's activity state. When the UE has no pending data or is in a low-activity state, monitoring is reduced or skipped. When data activity is detected, monitoring resumes. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making monitoring intensity variable rather than static.
2Productivity
If continuous PDCCH monitoring is performed, then data transmission opportunities are not missed, but resource occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic monitoring occasions instead of continuous monitoring, the patent reduces the quantity of time-frequency resources occupied by PDCCH while maintaining the ability to detect data transmission opportunities. The monitoring pattern is configured to occur at intervals that balance resource efficiency with opportunity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different monitoring intensities to different time periods or conditions. During periods of high activity or when data is expected, monitoring is intensive. During low-activity periods, monitoring is reduced. This local differentiation of monitoring quality optimizes resource occupation while maintaining productivity where needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If PDCCH monitoring is skipped to save power, then power consumption decreases, but detection of downlink grants may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures monitoring occasions in advance with a periodic pattern, so the UE knows when to expect monitoring opportunities. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to skip monitoring in between scheduled occasions without causing excessive delay, as the next monitoring occasion is pre-determined. The network can also adjust the pattern to ensure timely grant detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network observes UE activity and adjusts the monitoring pattern accordingly. If the network detects that a UE needs more frequent monitoring to avoid grant detection delays, it can adjust the periodic pattern to provide more frequent monitoring occasions, thus balancing power savings with timely detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. The UE may receive an indication to skip physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring during a first set of slots and enabling a PDCCH skip inactivity timer. The UE may resume PDCCH monitoring during a second set of slots subsequent to the first set of slots in accordance with the PDCCH skip inactivity timer. If the UE receives a scheduling grant during the second set of slots, the UE may resume PDCCH monitoring during the third set of slots. Alternatively, if the UE does not receive the scheduling grant, the UE may resume PDCCH monitoring skipping during the third set of slots. In such examples, a network entity in communications with the UE may transmit fewer additional DCI to indicate for the UE to resume PDCCH skipping, which may save communication resources and reduce network loading.