Sidelink DRX Sleep Coordination for UE Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and battery life of user equipment (UEs) during sidelink communication, particularly in scenarios where base station control is absent or limited, such as in Mode 2 sidelink operation.

Innovation Solution

UEs are equipped with the capability to autonomously initiate and coordinate sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) operations, including transitioning to a sleep mode based on inactivity timers and synchronized DRX cycles, to conserve power while maintaining effective sidelink communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous reception is used for sidelink communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic DRX cycles where the UE alternates between active reception periods and sleep periods. The UE monitors for incoming sidelink communications during active periods and enters sleep mode during inactive periods, achieving periodic action that balances reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the UE to autonomously manage its own DRX configuration and transition between active and sleep states without requiring base station control. The UE self-determines when to activate or deactivate based on local communication needs, implementing self-service power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If DRX operation is implemented to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DRX configuration where the UE can adjust its DRX parameters in real-time based on communication needs. The UE can transition between different DRX modes or adjust timer values to balance power saving and latency requirements dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inactivity timers that start counting down when no communication is detected. This preliminary action allows the UE to proactively enter sleep mode after a predetermined inactive period, optimizing the balance between power saving and maintaining readiness for sudden communication needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If base station controls DRX operation, then power management is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower managementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent shifts from base station-controlled DRX to UE-autonomous DRX management. The UE independently configures and manages its own DRX parameters, eliminating the need for complex base station control mechanisms while maintaining effective power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces standardized DRX configuration parameters and protocols that serve as intermediaries between the UE and the communication system. These standardized parameters enable autonomous UE operation while maintaining system coordination through common reference frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4014680B1Discontinuous reception operation for sidelink communication
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4014680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4014680B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may transmit an indication that the UE is to transition to a sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) sleep mode. The UE may transition to the sidelink DRX sleep mode based at least in part on transmitting the indication. In the sidelink DRX sleep mode, the UE may refrain from transmitting or receiving on the sidelink, may deactivate particular subcarriers or component carriers (e.g., if carrier aggregation is implemented on the sidelink) of the sidelink, may deactivate one or more components of the UE, and/or the like.