Sidelink DRX Timer Management for V2P Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sidelink DRX mechanisms in V2P communication systems lead to high overhead and power consumption due to the need for continuous monitoring of sidelink control channels, especially for Pedestrian UE, which is not efficient for all scenarios and increases battery drain.

Innovation Solution

A client device configured to operate in sidelink DRX mode, monitoring the sidelink control channel during the DRX ON timer and adapting DRX timers based on reception of broadcast data packets, allowing for reduced power consumption and improved spectrum utilization by stopping or refraining from monitoring during DRX OFF timer periods, with timer values potentially pre-defined or dynamically configured based on network messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous monitoring of sidelink control channels is implemented, 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 monitoring of sidelink control channels during DRX ON periods instead of continuous monitoring. The UE monitors PSCCH only during active DRX periods when data transmission is expected, and remains inactive during DRX OFF periods, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability through scheduled check-ins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the transmitting UE sends DRX configuration information and timing indicators to the receiving UE. This feedback allows the receiving UE to synchronize its DRX cycle with the transmitting UE's transmission schedule, enabling reliable communication during active periods while saving power during inactive periods through coordinated timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If DRX mechanism is introduced for power saving, then power consumption is reduced, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges DRX configuration signaling with existing sidelink control information by incorporating DRX parameters into the SCI (Sidelink Control Information) structure. This integration allows the transmitting UE to convey DRX timing and configuration data within the same control channel messages that carry transmission scheduling information, eliminating separate DRX configuration signaling and reducing overall overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-configuring DRX operation where the receiving UE autonomously determines its DRX timing based on received timing indicators and pre-configured parameters. The UE automatically synchronizes its DRX cycle with the transmitting UE's transmission schedule without requiring explicit DRX configuration messages, thereby reducing control signaling overhead while maintaining power saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed DRX timer values are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different transmission patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to transmission patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DRX timer configuration where the receiving UE can adjust its DRX ON/OFF timing based on received timing indicators from the transmitting UE. The UE modifies its DRX behavior according to the actual transmission pattern detected in the current communication session, allowing adaptation to varying transmission frequencies and schedules while maintaining relatively simple device implementation through standardized timer adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4144178B1Management of sidelink DRX timers
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4144178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4144178B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4144178B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a client device, such as a UE (100), configured to operate in sidelink DRX mode. The receiving client device is configured to start a sidelink DRX OFF timer upon reception of a sidelink broadcast data packet or upon expiry of the sidelink DRX ON timer. Thereby, e.g. reduced control signaling overhead for managing sidelink DRX is possible in the communication system.