Uplink Grant Duration for RRC Inactive Power Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing uplink data transmissions in RRC inactive mode, particularly in 5G NR systems, where the fixed dynamic grant timeline for uplink grants limits flexibility and increases power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an uplink grant associated with a duration, such as an expiration timer, allows user equipment (UE) to transmit data before the timer lapses, enabling flexible grant timelines and reducing power consumption by allowing data transmission in RRC inactive mode without transitioning to connected mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed dynamic grant timeline is used for uplink grants in RRC inactive mode, then the transmission timing is controlled, but the flexibility is limited and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed dynamic grant timeline to a flexible timeline where the UE can transmit uplink data at any time within a duration period. The network node configures a duration parameter that allows the UE to dynamically choose the optimal transmission time without transitioning to RRC connected mode, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter from a fixed timeline to a duration-based flexible timeline. The network node provides a duration parameter in the control message, and the UE uses this parameter to determine the valid transmission window. This parameter change enables the UE to transmit at any time within the duration while maintaining RRC inactive mode, addressing both flexibility and power consumption concerns.
2Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC connected mode for data transmission, then reliable communication is established, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the RRC connected mode by enabling the UE to transmit uplink data while remaining in RRC inactive mode. The network node supports this by providing uplink grants with duration parameters that allow transmission without mode transition, thus maintaining reliability while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by allowing the RRC inactive mode to serve both control signaling and data transmission functions. The control message with uplink grant and duration parameter enables the UE to perform data transmission without transitioning to connected mode, making the inactive mode universally applicable for both control and data operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UE remains in RRC inactive mode for data transmission, then power consumption is reduced, but the transmission timing flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UE to dynamically choose transmission timing within a configured duration while remaining in RRC inactive mode. The network node provides flexibility through the duration parameter, allowing the UE to adapt transmission timing to its needs without mode transition, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and timing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node performs preliminary action by configuring the duration parameter in advance through the control message. This pre-configuration allows the UE to plan and execute transmissions at any time within the duration without needing to transition to connected mode, providing both power efficiency and timing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may be configured to operate in a control mode. In some cases, the control mode may be an in active mode (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) inactive mode). The UE may be configured to receive a control message from a network node. In some cases, the control message may include an uplink grant associated with a duration. The duration may relate to a timer, such as an expiration timer, for example. The UE may transmit an uplink transmission to the network node while operating in the control mode. The uplink transmission may be in accordance with the uplink grant and the duration. In some cases, prior to transmitting the uplink transmission, the UE may multiplex the uplink transmission with a second control message including an indication for the UE to remain in the control mode.