PDCCH Skipping and Cell DTX Configuration for Wireless Energy Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing cell DTX (discontinuous transmission) configurations for network energy saving, particularly in scenarios where UE DRX (discontinuous reception) is configured, leading to potential misdetections of DCI (Downlink Control Information) indicating activation and deactivation of cell DTX.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves implementing PDCCH skipping operations in conjunction with cell DTX configurations for network energy saving, even when UE DRX is configured. This approach enhances the accuracy of DCI detection and improves the management of cell DTX states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If cell DTX configuration is implemented for network energy saving, then energy efficiency is improved, but the reliability of DCI detection deteriorates due to potential misdetections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidDCI detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports PDCCH skipping status and DCI detection results to the network. This feedback loop allows the network to adjust DTX configurations based on actual detection reliability, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of cell DTX configurations based on real-time channel conditions and UE status. The network can activate or deactivate DTX mode dynamically, allowing the system to adapt between energy saving mode and high reliability detection mode as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If PDCCH skipping is implemented for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but the complexity of managing cell states increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE energy consumptionVSAvoidcell state management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell state management into distinct states (e.g., active state, DTX state, transition state) with clear definitions and transition rules. This segmentation simplifies the complexity by providing structured state management rather than monolithic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UE autonomously manages its own state transitions and PDCCH skipping based on configured parameters. The UE automatically handles state transitions without requiring complex network control, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If cell DTX is configured with PDCCH skipping, then network energy saving is enhanced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring DCI increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidDCI detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions where the network sends advance notifications and configurations before actual DTX periods. This allows the UE to prepare for upcoming PDCCH skipping events, making the detection process more manageable and reducing the difficulty of measuring and detecting DCI during transition periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250039978A1PDCCH Skipping and Cell Discontinuous Transmission
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 OFINNO LLC
  • US20250039978A1 patent drawing
  • US20250039978A1 patent drawing
  • US20250039978A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method can include receiving one or more radio resource control (RRC) messages. The messages can include physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) skipping durations; parameters of cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) configuration; and other parameters of a PDCCH for a downlink control information (DCI) indicating an activation/deactivation of the cell DTX configuration. The method can also include receiving, based on the other parameters, a DCI indicating the activation of the Cell DTX configuration comprising a cell DTX active time and a cell DTX inactive time. The method can further include receiving another DCI indicating a PDCCH skipping duration, of the PDCCH skipping durations. The method can additionally include starting PDCCH skipping after receiving the another DCI and terminating, in response to the cell DTX configuration being activated by the DCI, the PDCCH skipping when entering outside the cell DTX active time of the cell DTX configuration.