Relay Paging via Independent DRX Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paging strategies in cellular networks face limitations when trying to page remote nodes via a relay node, particularly at the cell edge or out-of-coverage areas, leading to suboptimal sleep patterns and increased latency due to restricted power-saving settings.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of independent Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles for both the relay UE and the remote UE, allowing for flexible negotiation of DRX parameters and timing information communication between the network and the relay UE to synchronize paging messages during active times, thereby reducing power consumption and latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional paging strategies are used for remote nodes via relay nodes, then the network can page remote nodes at cell edge or out-of-coverage areas, but the sleep patterns become suboptimal and latency increases due to restricted power-saving settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging reliabilityVSAvoidpaging latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the DRX configuration into separate independent cycles: the relay UE uses its own DRX cycle negotiated with the network, while the remote UE uses a different DRX cycle also negotiated independently with the network. This segmentation allows each UE to optimize its sleep pattern without being constrained by the other's timing, resolving the contradiction between reliable paging delivery and low latency by enabling both UEs to wake up at their own optimized intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic timing adjustment mechanisms where the relay UE can dynamically determine when to forward paging messages based on the remote UE's active time. The network can dynamically configure different DRX parameters for relay and remote UEs, and the relay UE dynamically adjusts its paging forwarding timing to coincide with the remote UE's active periods, thereby achieving both reliable delivery and minimal latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If sleep patterns are applied to reduce power consumption of relay UE and remote UE, then power consumption decreases, but the flexibility in applying sleep patterns is restricted leading to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsleep pattern flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sleep pattern configuration into independent segments for relay UE and remote UE. Each UE negotiates its own DRX cycle parameters (drx-OnDuration, drx-SlotOffset, drx-InactivityTimer, etc.) independently with the network, allowing each to optimize its power consumption based on its specific traffic patterns and requirements without being constrained by the other UE's configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the network to configure different DRX parameters for relay and remote UEs based on their specific needs. The DRX parameters such as cycle length, active time duration, and offset values can be dynamically adjusted to balance power savings with paging responsiveness, giving each UE the flexibility to adapt its sleep pattern to its operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If independent DRX cycles are used for relay UE and remote UE, then power-saving flexibility improves and latency reduces, but additional control signaling is required to coordinate timing information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging latencyVSAvoidcontrol signaling
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure DRX parameters and timing information for both relay and remote UEs before actual paging operations. The network provides the relay UE with advance information about the remote UE's DRX cycle characteristics and active time patterns, enabling the relay UE to proactively prepare and forward paging messages at the optimal times without requiring extensive real-time coordination or additional control signaling during actual paging events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3580995B1Relay-mediated paging
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3580995B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3580995B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3580995B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

At least one first control message (2011) indicative of the remote node (103) and of timing information (351, 352) is communicated between a network and a relay node (102). At least one second control message (2012) is communicated via a device-to- device, D2D, channel of the wireless link and between the relay node (102) and the remote node (103) in accordance with the timing information (351, 352). The at least one second control message is indicative of the network paging the remote node (103).