CN101529748B - Method for switching between multiple reception levels - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is provided for allowing a user equipment (UE) to transition between a non-discontinuous reception (Non-DRX) level and at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) level. The UE in the DRX level periodically wakes up to monitor a scheduling channel. The method includes receiving a DRX indicator in the Non-DRX level while continuously monitoring the scheduling channel, and transitioning from the Non-DRX level to the DRX level indicated by the DRX indicator. The UE can transition between multiple DRX levels by explicit commands/signaling.

Description

Method for switching between multiple reception levels

technical field

The present invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to a method for switching between multiple reception levels to minimize power consumption of user equipment and improve service quality in a wireless communication system.

Background technique

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile communication system based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) wireless access technology is widely adopted all over the world. High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which can be defined as the first evolution period of WCDMA, provides 3GPP with a highly competitive radio access technology in the mid-term future. However, since the needs and expectations of users and service providers continue to increase, and the development of competing radio access technologies is ongoing, new technological innovations in 3GPP are required to ensure competitiveness in the future. Reduction in cost per bit, increase in service availability, flexible use of frequency bands, simple structure and open interfaces, low power consumption of user equipment, etc., have all been proposed as requirements for next-generation communication systems.

Paging is the act of the network calling one or more user equipments for a certain purpose. In addition to the basic function of allowing the network to search for user equipment, paging also has the function of allowing user equipment to be woken from sleep mode. User equipment is in sleep mode during normal hours. Only when the paging channel arrives from the network does the user equipment wake up and perform the actions requested by the network.

In sleep mode, the user equipment will periodically wake up and check if the paging channel arrives. Waking up the user equipment at periodic intervals instead of all the time is referred to as discontinuous reception (hereinafter, referred to as DRX).

Unlike base stations, user equipment operates on batteries. If the battery of the user equipment is not continuously recharged, the runtime of the user equipment is limited. In order to increase runtime, user equipment should be designed such that power consumption is minimized when the user equipment is not actually transmitting or receiving data.

There are various methods for saving power consumption. The first approach complies with design criteria established due to the limited battery capacity of user equipment, and is to minimize the time it takes for the user equipment to confirm whether any data has arrived at the user equipment. The time spent by the user equipment monitoring a channel for notifying the user equipment of data arrival, such as a paging channel, is minimized. The second method is to transmit the user data to the user equipment with the minimum delay time when there is user data to be transmitted from the network to the user equipment. The longer it takes between the point in time when the network creates the user data and the point in time when the user data actually reaches the user's device, the worse the quality of service perceived by the user. User data arriving on the network should be delivered to the user equipment as quickly as possible in order to minimize latency. However, in order to reduce the delay time, the time spent by the user equipment monitoring the paging channel t, such as the paging channel, will also increase.

Although the first and second methods as described above are necessary conditions for optimally operating the user equipment, they are mutually contradictory conditions.

There is a need for a method that satisfies these two conditions both in the user equipment and in the network.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for allowing a user equipment to switch between multiple reception levels through explicit signaling, thereby minimizing power consumption of the user equipment and preventing deterioration of service quality.

In one aspect, a method for allowing a user equipment (UE) to operate between a non-discontinuous reception (Non-DRX) level and at least one discontinuous reception (DRX) level is provided. method of conversion. A UE at DRX level wakes up periodically to monitor the scheduling channel. The method includes receiving a DRX indicator in a Non-DRX level as the scheduling channel is continuously monitored, and transitioning from the Non-DRX level to the DRX level indicated by the DRX indicator.

In another aspect, a method for allowing a user equipment (UE) to toggle between multiple reception levels is provided. The method includes receiving switching information at a first reception level, and switching from the first reception level to a second reception level based on the switching information.

In yet another aspect, a method for allowing a user equipment (UE) to toggle between multiple reception levels is provided. The method includes detecting a transition condition, and transitioning from a first reception level to a second reception level when the transition condition is detected. The DRX level period of the first reception level is different from the DRX level period of the second reception level.

User equipment can switch between multiple DRX levels through explicit commands/signaling. When the user equipment transmits and/or receives data, power consumption of the user equipment caused by waiting is minimized, and service quality can be optimized.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication system.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control plane of the radio interface protocol.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the user plane of the radio interface protocol.

FIG. 4 is an example illustrating a method of receiving data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an example showing a method of transmitting data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication system. It may be the network structure of the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS). E-UMTS may be referred to as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. Wireless communication systems are widely used to provide various communication services such as voice, packet data, and so on.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) includes a base station (BS) 20 . A User Equipment (UE) may be fixed or mobile, and may be referred to by another term, such as Mobile Station (MS), User Terminal (UT), Subscriber Station (SS), wireless device, and so on. The BS 20 is typically a fixed station that communicates with the UE 10 and may be referred to by another term such as an evolved Node B (eNB), base transceiver system (BTS), access point, and the like. One or more cells may exist within range of the BS 20. An interface for transferring user traffic or control traffic may be used between BSs 20. Hereinafter, downlink refers to communication from BS 20 to UE 10, and uplink refers to communication from UE 10 to BS 20.

The BS 20 provides a termination point for the user plane and the control plane. The BSs 20 are connected to each other via the X2 interface, and adjacent base stations 20 may have a mesh-structured network in which the X2 interface is always present.

The BS 20 is connected to an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), more specifically, an Access Gateway (aGW) 30 via an S1 interface. The aGW 30 provides the endpoint of the session and the mobility management function of the user equipment 10. Between the BS 20 and the aGW 30, multiple nodes can be connected to each other in a many-to-many relationship via the S1 interface. The aGW 30 can be divided into a part for processing user traffic and a part for processing control traffic. In this case, the aGW for handling the traffic of the new user can communicate with the aGW for handling the control traffic via a new interface. The aGW 30 is also called Mobility Management Entity/User Plane Entity (MME/UPE).

The layers of the radio interface protocol between the UE and the BS can be divided into L1 (first layer), L2 (second layer) and L3 (third floor). A physical layer corresponding to the first layer provides an information transmission service using a physical channel. A radio resource control (RCC) layer disposed in the third layer controls radio resources between the UE and the network. For this purpose, the RRC layer exchanges RRC messages between the UE and the network. The RRC layer can be distributed in network nodes such as BS 20, aGW 30, etc., or can be set only in BS 20 or aGW 30.

The radio interface protocol includes the physical layer, data link layer and network layer in the horizontal plane. Or the radio interface protocol includes a user plane for transmitting data information and a control plane for transmitting control signals in the vertical plane.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control plane of the radio interface protocol. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the user plane of the radio interface protocol. These show the structure of the radio interface protocol between UE and E-UTRAN based on 3GPP radio access network specifications.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a physical layer, ie, a first layer, provides an information transmission service to an upper layer using a physical channel. The physical layer is connected to a medium access control (MAC) layer, ie, an upper layer, via a transport channel. Data moves between the MAC layer and the physical layer via the transport channel. Data moves between different physical layers, ie, a transmitter's physical layer and a receiver's physical layer, via a physical channel.

The MAC layer of the second layer provides a service to a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, ie, an upper layer, via a logical channel. The RLC layer of the second layer supports reliable data transmission. The functions of the RLC layer may be implemented as functional blocks within the MAC layer, and in this case, the RLC layer may not exist, as indicated by the dashed line.

Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) at Layer 2 performs header compression to reduce the size of IP (Internet Protocol) packet headers, which contain relatively large and unnecessary control information for transmission such as IPv4 or IPv6 Packet-based IP packets are efficiently transmitted over the narrow-bandwidth radio portion.

The radio resource control (RRC) layer of the third layer is only defined on the control plane. The RRC layer controls logical channels, transport channels and physical channels related to configuration, reconfiguration and release of radio bearers (RBs). RB refers to a service provided by the second layer to transfer data between UE and E-UTRAN. RB refers to a logical path provided by the first and second layers of the radio protocol for transferring data between UE and E-UTRAN. Generally, setting an RB refers to specifying characteristics of a wireless protocol layer and channel for providing a specific service, and a process of setting specific parameters and operation methods of the wireless protocol layer and channel.

Downlink transport channels for transmitting data from the network to the UE include a Broadcast Channel (BCH) for transmitting system information and a Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) for transmitting user traffic or control messages. Traffic for multicast or broadcast services or control messages may be transmitted via the DL-SCH or via a separate downlink multicast channel (DL-MCH). The uplink transport channels used to transmit data from the UE to the network include a random access channel (RACK) for transmitting initial control messages and an uplink channel for transmitting other user traffic or control messages. Shared channel (UL-SCH). A Paging Channel (PCH) for transmitting paging information is also included in the uplink transport channel.

FIG. 4 is an example illustrating a method of receiving data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the UE has at least two discontinuous reception (hereinafter referred to as DRX) levels. The DRX level defines the time for the UE to acknowledge the arrival of downlink data. The DRX level is a reception level for reducing power consumption of UE. The DRX level defines a period for confirming the arrival of downlink data, that is, a DRX level period. The UE confirms the arrival of downlink data on every DRX level period. The time point at which the UE confirms the arrival of downlink data in the DRX level period is called a paging occasion. This paging occasion may be repeated in every DRX level period.

The interval during which radio resources are allocated to the UE is called a Transmission Time Interval (TTI), and the paging moment may point to the first TTI in the DRX level period.

The DRX level period of each DRX level may be different from the DRX level periods of other DRX levels. There are a plurality of DRX levels, which have different DRX level periods from each other.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the UE has two DRX levels, ie, a first DRX level and a second DRX level, and the DRX level period of the first DRX level is longer than that of the second DRX level. However, the number of DRX levels is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

The UE wakes up in the first subframe of the first DRX level and receives the scheduling channel. Here, the scheduling channel refers to a channel that indicates data arrival to the UE or transmits a paging signal to the UE. The scheduling channel may be a paging indicator channel (PICH), a paging channel (PCH), an L1/L2 control channel, and so on.

In FIG. 4, since the UE cannot find its information from the first subframe of the first DRX level, it enters sleep mode during the remaining DRX level period.

Next, the UE wakes up in the first subframe of the first DRX level period, and receives the scheduling channel. If the BS has the first data D1 to transmit, the BS notifies the UE of the existence of the first data consistent with the starting point of the first DRX level period via the scheduling channel. The UE recognizes that it has been scheduled and operates at a non-discontinuous reception (Non-DRX) level. The Non-DRX level may also be referred to as a continuous reception level. In the Non-DRX level, the UE continuously receives a channel directing reception of data, or a channel notifying the arrival of data to be transmitted to the UE. If the BS has first data D1 to transmit, the BS informs the UE of the existence of the first data via the scheduling channel. The UE identifies the scheduling channel, enters the Non-DRX level, and receives the first data D1 represented by the scheduling information.

After completing the transmission of the first data D1, the BS transmits the DRX indicator to the UE to inform the UE that it no longer needs to continuously receive the scheduling channel.

The DRX indicator directs the UE to transition to a new reception level. This DRX indicator becomes a transition condition for transitioning the UE to a new reception level. The new reception level may be a new DRX level or a new Non-DRX level. The BS can guide the UE to switch from the Non-DRX level to the first or second DRX level through the DRX indicator. In the example of FIG. 4 , the DRX indicator directs the UE to switch to the second DRX level, and the UE switches from the Non-DRX level to the second DRX level indicated by the DRX indicator. If the second DRX level is not set, the UE may transition to the first DRX level.

When working at the second DRX level, the UE wakes up in the first subframe of each period of the second DRX level, and receives the scheduling channel. If the BS has the second data D2 to transmit, the BS notifies the UE of the existence of the second data D2 consistent with the second DRX level period via the scheduling channel. The UE identifies the scheduling channel, enters the Non-DRX level, and receives the second data D2. Since the second DRX level period is shorter than the first DRX level period, the BS can transmit the second data D2 at further shorter intervals.

If the UE cannot find its information from the scheduling channel during the remaining period of the second DRX level period, the UE does not receive the scheduling channel during the remaining period. The UE wakes up in the first subframe of each second DRX level period, and receives the scheduling channel. If it cannot find its information from the first subframe of the second DRX level period, the UE does not receive the scheduling channel during the remaining period of the second DRX level period of the corresponding second DRX level.

If a certain condition is met while operating at the second DRX level, the UE may transition to the first DRX level again. Here, it is shown in the figure that once the second period of the first DRX level period ends at the BS, that is, the third period of the first DRX level period starts, the UE stops operating at the second DRX level , and switch to the first DRX level.

At least two or more reception levels are defined between the network and the UE. The receiving level refers to the receiving state of the UE, which may be a Non-DRX level or a DRX level. When the transition condition is satisfied, the UE can transition between reception levels.

The reception level is switched by explicit command or explicit signaling.

An example of a transition condition for transitioning between reception levels is that the UE receives a DRX indicator. The DRX indicator may direct the UE to transition to another DRX level. Likewise, the DRX indicator can direct the UE to switch to the Non-DRX level. The DRX indicator may contain information indicating to which reception level transition the UE should transition among a plurality of reception levels. If the UE receives a DRX indicator as to whether the UE should transition to a specific DRX level, the UE transitions to the DRX level directed by the DRX indicator.

The DRX indicator may contain information indicating when the UE transitions to a new DRX level. The DRX indicator may contain the start time of the new DRX level. If the DRX indicator contains information indicating when the UE should transition to the new DRX level, the UE may transition to the new DRX level at the time indicated by the information.

The DRX indicator may be transmitted via the L1/L2 control channel. Optionally, the DRX indicator may be conveyed via a MAC message and contained in a MAC header. The DRX indicator included in the MAC header may be included in a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) in the form of control information. The DRX indicator may be conveyed via an RRC message.

Another example of a transition condition is that the UE receives a new reception level setting. When the network and the UE initially establish a call or re-establish a call, the BS may notify the UE of the set value. The set value may be a value related to a DRX level period used in each DRX level. Alternatively, the set value may be information indicating when the DRX level period starts in each DRX level. The setting value may be transmitted via an RRC message.

Another example of the conversion condition is that the UE does not receive data within a certain period of time, or does not notify the UE of the arrival of data within a certain period of time. The data should be received by the UE through a certain channel. The certain channel is a guide A channel for the UE to receive data, or a channel for notifying that there is data to be transmitted to the UE.

Yet another example of a transition condition is that the UE transmits data via an uplink channel. This is the case where the UE transmits a message requesting radio resources to an uplink channel, or transmits user data or control messages via an uplink channel.

Yet another example of a transition condition is the start of a new DRX level period of a DRX level, which is different from the current DRX level of the UE.

Yet another example of a transition condition is the start of a new DRX level period of another DRX level with a DRX level period longer than the DRX level period of the DRX level the UE is currently at.

If a transition condition occurs and the UE transitions to a new DRX level, the new DRX level may be applied from a specific time. The specific time may be a time point when a new period of a new DRX level starts. When a UE transitions to a new DRX level, the UE may maintain the currently used DRX level until a new period of the new DRX level begins.

In each DRX level, the UE receives a scheduling channel that directs the UE to receive data, or notifies that there is data to be transmitted to the UE at a predetermined time period. After receiving the scheduling channel, if the UE is notified that there is data arriving at the UE, or if the UE receives information about the radio resources it should receive, the UE may transition to a new reception level. For example, the UE may switch to Non-DRX level. If the BS notifies the UE of data that has not arrived at the UE, or does not notify the UE of information about radio resources that the UE should receive, the UE does not receive the scheduling channel until the next predetermined time period based on the DRX setting value.

In each DRX level, the BS may transmit a DRX indicator directing to receive data, or command to prepare to receive data, via a scheduling channel only for a predetermined period of time. After receiving the DRX indicator, the UE may transition to a new reception level. For example, the network and UE can switch to Non-DRX level. If the BS notifies the UE of data that has not arrived at the UE, or does not inform the UE of information about radio resources that the UE should receive, the BS may not transmit the DRX indicator until the next predetermined time period based on the DRX setting value.

The predetermined period of time may be a paging occasion. This paging occasion is repeated every DRX level period. The paging moment is the first TTI of the DRX level period.

In the following, a plurality of reception levels and transitions between them are described by means of a few examples.

There are three reception levels that can be set by the network and UE. The three reception levels include one Non-DRX level and two DRX levels (first DRX level and second DRX level). If certain conditions are met, the network and UE switch from the current reception level to the next reception level. Then, they set the method of receiving the downlink channel based on the setting value set for each reception level.

In the Non-DRX level, the UE continuously receives a scheduling channel directing the UE to receive data or notifying that there is data to be transmitted to the UE. In Non-DRX level, the UE continuously receives the scheduling channel on every time period.

In the first DRX level, the UE receives the scheduling channel at every paging occasion based on the DRX setting value (DRX level period). If it is indicated at the paging moment that there is data to be transmitted to the UE, or information about radio resource allocation that the UE should receive is received, the UE may transition to the Non-DRX level.

In the second DRX level, the UE receives a scheduling channel directing the UE to receive data at each paging occasion based on the DRX setting value. If it is indicated at the paging moment that there is data to be transmitted to the UE, or information about radio resource allocation that the UE should receive is received, the UE may transition to the Non-DRX level. Optionally, the UE may switch from the second DRX level to the first DRX level.

In the second DRX level, the UE receives a scheduling channel directing the UE to receive data at each paging occasion based on the DRX setting value. If it is indicated at the paging timing that there is data to be transmitted to the UE, or information about radio resource allocation that the UE should receive is received, the UE may perform continuous reception only during a corresponding period of the second DRX level. During the entire corresponding period, the UE may receive the scheduling channel.

An example of a transition condition for the UE to transition from the Non-DRX level to the second DRX level is that the UE receives a DRX indicator from the BS directing transition to the second DRX level. Another example is that the UE does not receive data from the BS within a certain period of time, or does not receive scheduling information. Another example is that the UE receives a setting value for a new Non-DRX level. Another example is that when the UE does not receive data within a certain period of time, or does not receive information about the UE's data scheduling from the BS, the UE arrives at the first subframe of the second DRX level period.

An example of the transition condition for the UE to transition from the second DRX level to the first DRX level is that the UE does not receive data from the BS within a certain period of time, or does not receive scheduling information. Another example is that the UE does not receive data from the BS, or does not receive information about the UE's data scheduling. Another example is that the UE reaches the first subframe of the first DRX level period. Another example is that the UE receives a DRX indicator from the BS directing transition to the first DRX level. Another example is that the UE receives a setting value for a new Non-DRX level.

If the UE has multiple reception levels, the power consumption of the UE may be adjusted depending on the amount of user data transmitted to the UE. In one example of normal access to a web page while Internet browsing, after the web page is downloaded, the user does not move to the next page while watching the screen for an extended period of time. The data of the web page is transmitted to the user together. However, depending on the situation, some data, such as a few images of the configuration web page, may be delayed when being transmitted to the user. In this case, the UE works at the Non-DRX level every time the screen is transmitted, the UE transitions to the second DRX level where some data can be sent in the next phase Delayed, at the end, the UE transitions to the first DRX level in which data transmission is hardly needed when the user views the web page. If the number of DRX levels of the UE is large, the power consumption of the UE can be reduced by differentiating the DRX levels according to the flow of user data. In addition, the degradation of service quality perceived by the user can also be minimized.

FIG. 5 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to another embodiment of the present invention. A timer is used to toggle between receive levels.

Referring to Figure 5, the UE is initially at the first DRX level. If the BS has the first data D1 to transmit, the BS notifies the UE of the existence of the first data consistent with the first DRX level period via the scheduling channel. The UE identifies the scheduling channel, enters the Non-DRX level, and receives the first data D1.

After the transmission of the first data D1 is completed, the conversion timer is started. If the UE does not receive its information via the scheduling channel before the transition timer expires, the UE may transition to another reception level. Here, when the transition timer expires, the UE transitions from the Non-DRX level to the second DRX level. The duration of the switching timer may be stored in a memory, may be notified to the UE by the BS, or may be assigned by the UE and notified to the BS.

FIG. 6 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Multiple timers are used to toggle between receive levels.

Referring to Figure 6, the UE is initially at the first DRX level. If the BS has the first data D1 to transmit, the BS notifies the UE of the existence of the first data consistent with the first DRX level period via the scheduling channel. The UE identifies the scheduling channel, enters the Non-DRX level, and receives the first data D1.

After the transmission of the first data D1 is completed, the first conversion timer starts. If the UE does not receive its information via the scheduling channel before the first transition timer expires, the UE may transition to another reception level. Here, when the first transition timer expires, the UE transitions from the Non-DRX level to the second DRX level.

When the UE transitions to the second DRX level, the second transition timer starts. If the UE does not receive its information via the scheduling channel before the second transition timer expires, the UE may transition to another reception level. Here, if the second transition timer expires, the UE transitions from the second DRX level to the first DRX level.

FIG. 7 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention. A predetermined number of DRX level periods are processed for switching between reception levels.

Referring to FIG. 7, the UE is initially at the first DRX level. If the BS has the first data D1 to transmit, the BS notifies the UE of the existence of the first data consistent with the first DRX level period via the scheduling channel. The UE identifies the scheduling channel, enters the Non-DRX level, and receives the first data D1.

After completing the transmission of the first data D1, the UE switches to the second DRX level. This transition can be performed by a DRX indicator or a timer. If the UE does not receive its scheduling information for a predetermined number of periods of the second DRX level, the UE transitions to the first DRX level. Here, after the elapse of three second DRX level periods, the UE transitions to the first DRX level.

The number of DRX level periods may be a value known in advance by both the BS and the UE, or may be notified to the UE by the BS, or vice versa.

FIG. 8 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This is the case where the first DRX level is not synchronized with the second DRX level.

Referring to FIG. 8, if the UE does not receive its scheduling information for a predetermined number of periods of the second DRX level, it transitions to the first DRX level. Here, after the elapse of three second DRX level periods, the UE transitions to the first DRX level. At this time, the UE transitions to the first DRX level immediately after a predetermined number of periods of the second DRX level elapse.

FIG. 9 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This is the case where the first DRX level is synchronized with the second DRX level.

Referring to FIG. 9, although the UE does not receive its scheduling information for a predetermined number of periods of the second DRX level, it continues to be at the second DRX level before the first DRX level is synchronized. Assume that the number of second DRX level periods is set to three, and if the first DRX level has not even been synchronized after three second DRX level periods have elapsed, then the new first DRX level period is synchronized. Before starting, the second DRX level is continued. At this time, the set number of second DRX level periods refers to the minimum number of repetitions.

FIG. 10 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the start point of the DRX level period is predetermined. Therefore, although the UE receives the DRX indicator after completing the transmission of the first data D1, it does not stop receiving the scheduling channel immediately, but the UE maintains the Non-DRX level until the arrival of the next second DRX level period. Thereafter, the UE transitions to the second DRX level coinciding with the start of the second DRX level period. Although the BS transmits the DRX indicator directing to switch to the second DRX level after transmitting the first data D1, the UE switches from the Non-DRX level to the second DRX level at the time point when the next second DRX level period starts. DRX level.

Next, when working at the second DRX level, if the UE receives its information via the scheduling channel in the first period of the second DRX level period, it transitions to the Non-DRX level again.

The network and the UE may know the starting point and/or interval of the DRX level period in advance. Or the network can transmit information about the starting point and/or interval to the UE. If the starting point and/or interval of the DRX level is set, when the UE transitions from one reception level to another, it can be known when the UE transitions to another reception level and from when The first subframe in which the UE receives a new reception level. If the conditions for the UE to transition from the reception level to the new reception level are met, the UE does not transition to the new reception level immediately, but transitions in line with the start point of the newly set reception level. That is, the UE does not switch to a new reception level at any time, but based on the starting point and interval of each reception level, the new reception level is only applied for a predetermined time paragraph.

When a new period of the first DRX level starts, the UE that has received the second data D2 switches from the Non-DRX level to the first DRX level. When at a receive level, if a new starting point of a DRX level different from the current receive level arrives, the UE may transition from the receive level to the new DRX level. For example, when a UE works at the second DRX level and certain conditions are met, if a new starting point of the first DRX level arrives, the UE switches to the first DRX level. Here, the certain condition may be that the UE does not receive its scheduling information within a certain period of time at the current reception level.

If the starting point of each DRX level is set in advance, although the UE does not receive indicators such as DRX indicators individually, and the settings of the UE and the BS do not match each other, the impact of this mismatch can also be affected by minimized. Although the UE misses the DRX indicator in the receive level, the UE wastes battery power at most as much as the first DRX level period. Therefore, it is beneficial for UE and BS to know the starting point of DRX level period in advance. For this purpose, when certain conditions are met and the UE transitions to a new DRX level, the UE does not transition to the new DRX level immediately, but only needs to coincide with the start point of the new DRX level period ground conversion.

For example, operations as described below are also permissible.

1) The BS sets the first DRX level period and the second DRX level period of the UE.

2) In the first subframe of the first DRX level period, the UE checks the L1/L2 control channel to confirm whether data has arrived at the UE.

3) If the data has arrived at the UE, the UE

(1) receiving data based on scheduling information, and

(2) Before receiving the DRX indicator, the L1/L2 control channel is continuously monitored, and if the BS notifies the existence of data via the L1/L2 control channel, the data is received based on scheduling information.

(3) If the DRX indicator is received, the UE

①Before the arrival of the next first DRX level period, start working at the second DRX level, and

② When working in the second DRX, receive the first subframe of each second DRX level period, and check the L1/L2 control channel to confirm whether the data has reached the UE.

③ If the confirmation data has arrived at the UE, the UE

i) receiving the data based on scheduling information, and

ii) Receive L1/L2 control channel until there is no more data for UE to receive.

④ If the UE confirms that it is no longer scheduled via the L1/L2 control channel, the UE enters sleep mode until the first subframe of whichever arrives first in the second DRX level period or the first DRX level period arrives.

4) If no data arrives at the UE in the first subframe of the first DRX level period, the UE works in sleep mode before the first subframe of the next first DRX level period arrives.

When working at the DRX level, if the UE is directed to receive data or notified that there is data to be received via a scheduling channel or the like, the UE transitions to a Non-DRX level. Thereafter, if the UE receives a DRX indicator, it transitions to a new reception level, eg a new DRX level. The UE may update the currently used DRX settings with the newly received DRX settings.

The BS may additionally notify when to start applying new DRX setting values. When the UE receives a new DRX setting value, it uses the new setting value from the point of time directed by the BS.

In other words, the Non-DRX level is the same as the zero DRX level period. Therefore, if the UE's new DRX level period value is set to zero, the UE can work at the Non-DRX level until the new DRX level period value is set.

FIG. 11 is an example showing a method of receiving data according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 , there are a plurality of operation modes in UE depending on the number of reception levels and operation. In "option 1" mode, the UE has DRX level and Non-DRX level without sleep mode. In "Option 2" mode, the UE has DRX level and Non-DRX level with sleep mode. In "Option 3" mode, the UE has two DRX levels and one Non-DRX level. Three modes of operation are described here, but there may be two or more modes of operation.

In "option 1" mode, the UE wakes up on the second period of the first DRX level period. On the first subframe of the second period of the first DRX level period, the UE confirms the existence of its data via scheduling information, and enters the Non-DRX level. The UE receives data during the entire second period of the first DRX level period during which the UE is awake. If its data is not in the first subframe of the third period of the first DRX level period, the UE transitions to the DRX level again.

In "option 2" mode, the UE wakes up on the second period of the first DRX level period. On the first subframe of the second period of the first DRX level period, the UE confirms the existence of its data via scheduling information, and enters a continuous reception level. When receiving data continuously after waking up, if the UE is no longer scheduled, it transitions to sleep mode immediately. If its data is in the first subframe of the third period of the first DRX level period, the UE receives data continuously again. If its data is not in the first subframe of the third period of the first DRX level period, the UE transitions to the DRX level again.

In "option 3" mode, the UE wakes up on the second period of the first DRX level period. On the first subframe of the second period of the first DRX level period, the UE confirms the existence of its data via scheduling information, and enters a continuous reception level. When receiving data continuously after waking up, if the UE is no longer scheduled, it automatically transitions to the second DRX level. Next, before the start of the next first DRX level period, the UE receives the first subframe of each second DRX level period. If the UE is scheduled in the first subframe of the second DRX level period, it wakes up and continuously receives data during the entire second DRX level period. If its data is not in the first subframe of the third period of the first DRX level period, the UE transitions to the first DRX level again.

In the following, a DRX method related to uplink transmission is described.

Generally, when a UE transmits data or a control message to a BS, a response message is immediately sent from the BS. At this time, it is beneficial to use a DRX level or a Non-DRX level with a short DRX level period.

If the UE transmits data or a control message to the BS, the UE changes the reception level being used. The new reception level may be a Non-DRX level or a new DRX level. When the UE transitions to a new reception level after performing uplink continuous transmission, the new reception level is determined in advance when a call is established or reestablished. For example, after performing uplink transmission at the first DRX level, the UE may transition to the second DRX level. Optionally, after performing uplink transmission at the first DRX level, the UE may switch to the Non-DRX level.

When the UE requests to allocate radio resources, it can switch to the Non-DRX level. For example, if the UE uses RACH, it may switch to Non-DRX level after transmitting a preamble. If radio resources for transmitting data or control messages are allocated to the UE via the scheduling channel as a response to the RACH, the UE may transition to the second DRX level.

FIG. 12 is an example showing a method of transferring data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 12, the UE is initially at the first DRX level. The UE transmits data DUs to the BS. After transmitting data D1 to the uplink while operating at the first DRX level, the UE transitions to the second DRX level. Optionally, depending on the settings, the UE may transition to the Non-DRX level instead of transitioning to the second DRX level. The time point when the UE transmits data to the uplink may be the same as the time point when the UE transitions to the second DRX level, or the former may precede the latter, or the latter may precede the former.

After shifting to the second DRX level, the UE searches the first subframe of each second DRX level and confirms whether its data is sent from the BS. After switching to the second DRX level, if the UE does not receive any data from the downlink via the scheduling channel within a certain period of time, or does not receive any information via the scheduling channel, the UE switches to the first DRX level again level. If, after uplink transmission, the UE operates endlessly at the second DRX level after switching to the second DRX level, it may cause a bad impact on the power consumption of the UE. The certain period of time is calculated using a timer after the UE performs transmission, or the certain period of time may refer to the number of second DRX level periods in which the UE is after performing transmission. A certain period of time of the UE may be set via call setup or call reestablishment.

When working at the second DRX level, the UE may switch to the first DRX level again at the start point of the first DRX level period. Optionally, a DRX indicator can be used.

The steps of the methods described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented by hardware, software or a combination thereof. The hardware can be implemented by application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units, or It is implemented by combining them, wherein the ASIC is designed to perform the operations described above. A module for performing the above functions may realize software. Software may be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. Various devices known to those skilled in the art can be used for the storage unit or the processor.

The present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics, and it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited to any of the details described above, unless otherwise stated, but instead should be described in the appended claims. be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope of the limitations. Accordingly, all changes and modifications which come within the metesight of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims (4)

1. one kind is used for allowing user equipment (UE) intermittently to receive the method for changing between the DRX level at non-interrupted reception Non-DRX level and at least one, and the UE that wherein is in the DRX level periodically wakes up to monitor scheduling channel, and described method comprises:

Receive the DRX designator when working in the Non-DRX level along with monitoring scheduling channel continuously;

In case receive the DRX designator just from Non-DRX level conversion to the two DRX level; With

After the interval elapses for the 2nd DRX level, from described the 2nd DRX level conversion to a DRX level;

The DRX level of a wherein said DRX level is longer period than the DRX level of described the 2nd DRX level period.

2. according to claim 1 method wherein receives described DRX designator via the media interviews control message.

3. one kind at non-interrupted reception Non-DRX level and at least one interrupted user equipment (UE) of changing between the DRX level that receives, and the UE that wherein is in the DRX level periodically wakes up to monitor scheduling channel, and described subscriber equipment comprises:

Receive the device of DRX designator when working in the Non-DRX level along with monitoring scheduling channel continuously;

In case receive the DRX designator just from the device of Non-DRX level conversion to the two DRX level; With

After the interval elapses for the 2nd DRX level, from the device of described the 2nd DRX level conversion to a DRX level;

The DRX level of a wherein said DRX level is longer period than the DRX level of described the 2nd DRX level period.

4. according to claim 3 subscriber equipment wherein receives described DRX designator via the media interviews control message.

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