Radio Terminal DRX ON-Duration Extension for Timely Data Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The extension of cell DTX/DRX ON duration in radio communication networks is unclear, and there are challenges in managing CDRX-related timers and uplink/downlink transmissions during extended active times, particularly for UE-specific configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Layer 1 or Layer 2 signaling to trigger an extension of the ON duration for cell DTX/DRX cycles, along with specific configurations for CDRX groups and uplink transmissions, based on network indications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If cell DTX/DRX is implemented to save network energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the active time for data delivery is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoidactive time for data delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the ON duration extendable through Layer 1/L2 signaling. The gNB can dynamically extend the cell DTX/DRX ON duration when downlink data is pending, allowing the system to adapt between energy saving mode and data delivery requirement based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of ON duration from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be extended. By introducing extendability to the ON duration parameter, the system can adjust the active time based on data delivery needs while maintaining energy saving benefits during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If CDRX is configured to reduce UE power consumption, then energy saving is improved, but the complexity of managing timers and active times increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidCDRX timer management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cell DTX/DRX mechanism with UE-specific CDRX by introducing a common active time determination method. Both mechanisms use the same timer-based approach (drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimer) to determine active time, simplifying the overall management complexity while maintaining UE power saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal active time determination method that serves both cell DTX/DRX and UE CDRX functions. The same timer-based mechanism determines active time for both network-level and UE-level operations, reducing the need for separate complex management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If the ON duration is extended to deliver pending data, then data delivery timeliness is improved, but the energy saving benefit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata delivery delayVSAvoidenergy saving benefit

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors downlink data status and provides feedback through Layer 1/L2 signaling to extend ON duration when needed. This feedback loop ensures that energy saving is maintained unless data delivery requires intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4694373A1Wireless terminal, radio access network node, and methods for same

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NEC CORP

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AI summary

A radio terminal is configured to receive Layer 1 or Layer 2 (L1/L2) signaling from a network that triggers the extension of the ON duration of the current cell DTX or cell DRX (cell DTX/DRX) cycle. The L1/L2 signaling indicates one or both of the length of the cell DTX/DRX extended ON duration and an offset that defines the start point of the cell DTX/DRX extended ON duration. The radio terminal extends the ON duration of the current cell DTX/DRX cycle based on the L1/L2 signaling. For example, this contributes to providing details of the L1/L2 signaling that instructs the extension of the ON duration for cell DTX/DRX.