Sidelink DRX Interface Control Through Base-Station Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sidelink communication using DRX, there are situations where DRX-related control messages, such as Go-to-Sleep and Wake-Up, may not reach all receivers due to different or non-aligned DRX configurations, leading to inefficient operation and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling electronic components in second communication apparatuses through a first communication apparatus, which determines if control information is received, and if not, sends an indication to a base station to synchronize the DRX operation of these apparatuses, using MAC sublayer or physical control channels to ensure all receivers are in the correct operating mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DRX control messages are transmitted via sidelink communication, then energy consumption is reduced, but reliability of control message delivery deteriorates due to different or non-aligned DRX configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity (base station) as an intermediary to deliver DRX control messages. Instead of relying solely on sidelink communication for control message delivery, the network entity acts as a mediator that receives control information from a first communication apparatus and forwards it to second communication apparatuses, ensuring reliable delivery even when receivers have different or non-aligned DRX configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimension to the communication architecture by involving the network infrastructure. The control message delivery path is extended from direct device-to-device communication to include network entity involvement, creating a multi-path approach that improves reliability without sacrificing the energy savings of DRX.
2Duration of action of moving object
If DRX cycles are implemented to save energy, then battery life is prolonged, but synchronization between transmitters and receivers deteriorates when DRX configurations differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first communication apparatus monitors whether second communication apparatuses have received control information successfully. Based on this feedback, the system can adjust DRX configurations or trigger retransmissions, ensuring synchronization is maintained even when initial configurations differ.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization actions by having the network entity prepare and forward control information before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary setup ensures that all receivers are properly synchronized with the transmitter's DRX cycle before communication begins, preventing synchronization issues during operation.
3Productivity
If direct device-to-device communication is used, then network infrastructure load is reduced, but control message reliability deteriorates when receivers are in sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity serves as an intermediary that can deliver control messages to receivers regardless of their DRX state. The base station receives control information from the first communication apparatus and forwards it to second communication apparatuses, ensuring reliable delivery even when receivers are in sleep mode and cannot receive direct sidelink control messages.
Data Source
AI summary
First and second communication apparatus (TX, RX1, RX2, RX3) are adapted for communicating with a base station (gNB) of a radio access network via a first communication connection (uU), and for direct communication with each other via a second communication connection (PC5). ON and OFF operating states of means for communicating via the second communication connection (PC5) may be controlled for reducing the energy consumption. When a first communication apparatus (TX) determines that messages transmitted to one or more second communication apparatus (RX1, RX2, RX3) via the second communication connection (PC5) are not received, the first communication apparatus (TX) transmits corresponding information to the base station (gNB) via the first communication connection (uU). The base station (gNB) transmits control information items for scheduling or modifying operation states of the means for communicating of the one or more second communication apparatus (RX1, RX2, RX3) via the first communication connection (uU).