Radio Access and Sidelink DRX Alignment via UE Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in aligning discontinuous reception (DRX) configurations between radio access links and sidelink connections, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for aligning DRX configurations by allowing user equipment (UE) to transmit and receive assistance information and configurations between network nodes and UEs, enabling synchronized DRX operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If separate DRX configurations are used for radio access links and sidelink connections, then each link can be optimized independently, but misalignment causes increased power consumption and potential interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidDRX configuration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines radio access DRX configuration and sidelink DRX configuration into a unified framework where the network node configures both types of DRX parameters. The UE applies both configurations simultaneously, aligning their active periods to reduce power consumption while managing complexity through centralized network control rather than separate independent configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies DRX configuration parameters (such as drx-OnDurationTimer, drx-SlotOffset, and drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer) to ensure alignment between radio access and sidelink DRX cycles. By adjusting these parameters coordinated through network signaling, the system achieves synchronized active periods that reduce power consumption without creating configuration conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If DRX configurations are aligned between radio access and sidelink, then power consumption is reduced, but configuration flexibility and adaptability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidDRX configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments DRX configuration into different parameter groups that can be independently adjusted. The network node can configure radio access DRX parameters and sidelink DRX parameters separately, then coordinate their alignment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain flexibility in individual configurations while achieving alignment for power savings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic DRX configuration where the network node can adjust DRX parameters based on current network conditions and service requirements. The alignment between radio access and sidelink DRX is maintained dynamically through ongoing network signaling, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while preserving power savings from aligned configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If DRX configurations are not aligned, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but interference increases and communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidDRX configuration coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its DRX configuration status and the network node adjusts configurations based on this feedback. This closed-loop approach enables the network to coordinate DRX alignment effectively, improving communication efficiency by reducing conflicts while managing complexity through automated feedback-driven adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12376186B2Techniques for radio access and sidelink discontinuous reception alignment

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first user equipment (UE) may transmit, to a second UE associated with a sidelink connection with the first UE, assistance information indicating at least part of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration for a radio access link between the first UE and a base station. The UE may receive at least part of a sidelink DRX configuration for the sidelink connection, wherein an on duration of the sidelink DRX configuration is not aligned with an on duration of the first DRX configuration. The UE may transmit information indicating at least part of the sidelink DRX configuration. The UE may receive, from the base station, a second DRX configuration for the radio access link. The UE may communicate in accordance with the sidelink DRX configuration or the second DRX configuration. Numerous other aspects are described.