Sidelink DRX Inactivity Timer for UE Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in minimizing user equipment (UE) power consumption during sidelink communication, which is essential for extending battery life and improving overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where a first UE receives sidelink control information (SCI) from a second UE, identifies whether the SCI indicates a new transmission, and if so, starts a sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) inactivity timer. This approach is implemented in both the first and second UEs, enabling them to manage their power consumption effectively during sidelink communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs continuously monitor sidelink communication channels, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) with periodic on-duration and off-duration cycles. During on-duration, UEs monitor sidelink channels for control information; during off-duration, UEs enter sleep mode to conserve power. The inactivity timer extends the active period only when new transmissions are detected, maintaining reliability while enabling periodic power-saving behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the DRX operation by introducing an inactivity timer that extends the active reception period when new transmissions are detected. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt between aggressive power saving (when no new transmissions occur) and reliable communication (when new transmissions are detected), resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UEs enter sleep mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but communication response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures DRX parameters (on-duration, off-duration, inactivity timer) in advance before communication occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that UEs are already positioned to detect new transmissions during on-duration periods, minimizing wake-up delay while maintaining power-saving benefits during off-duration periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The inactivity timer mechanism provides feedback-based adaptation: when new transmissions are detected during monitoring, the timer extends the active period, ensuring continuous reception capability. This feedback loop prevents premature sleep transitions that would increase response time, while still enabling power saving when no new transmissions occur.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method performed by a first user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a second UE, first sidelink control information (SCI) including scheduling information, receiving, from the second UE, second SCI based on the scheduling information, identifying whether the second SCI indicates a new transmission, and in case that the second SCI indicates the new transmission, starting a sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) inactivity timer.