WO2023028784A1

WO2023028784A1 - Methods and apparatuses for discontinuous reception (drx)

Info

Publication number: WO2023028784A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/115462
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mingzeng Dai; Congchi ZHANG; Jing HAN; Lianhai WU; Yibin ZHUO; Le Yan
Original assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
Priority date: 2021-08-30
Filing date: 2021-08-30
Publication date: 2023-03-09

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to methods and apparatuses for discontinuous reception (DRX). According to an embodiment of the present application, a method for power saving in wireless communication may include: receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from a network, a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle; and performing a DRX operation by the UE, wherein each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle. Embodiments of the present application can save power of the UE.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DISCONTINUOUS RECEPTION (DRX)

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present application generally relate to wireless communication technology, and especially to methods and apparatuses for discontinuous reception (DRX) .

BACKGROUND

Extended reality (XR) , including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) , as well as cloud gaming (CG) , presents a new promising category of connected devices, applications, and services. As a potential working area of 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) Rel-18, power saving of an XR device is one of key topics.

DRX is a key feature for power saving in a user equipment (UE) . Generally, in the DRX, the UE alternates between an active state and a sleep state (or an inactive state) . The UE only turns on the receiver to monitor and receive control information or data when it is in the active state, and turns off the receiver to stop receiving the control information or data when it is in the sleep state. In other words, DRX allows the UE to stop monitoring control information or data when there is no data activity, thereby saving power.

However, using DRX for power saving of an XR device may face some challenges. First, bursts of the XR traffic usually have a non-integer period while a DRX cycle usually has an integer duration, which may cause a mismatch between the XR traffic bursts and on-duration time of DRX cycles. Second, the size of an XR traffic burst is variable, and then, how to enable the UE to enter into a sleep state immediately at the end of the XR traffic burst is needed to be addressed.

Given the above, it is desirable to provide improved technology for DRX, which can at least resolve the above issues, so as to save the power of UE, e.g., XR devices.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present application at least provide a technical solution for DRX, especially for DRX in a UE with XR traffic.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method for power saving in wireless communication may include: receiving, by a UE from a network, a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle; and performing a DRX operation by the UE, wherein each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method may further include: receiving information indicating the super DRX cycle, wherein the information includes at least one of: a time duration of the super DRX cycle; a starting frame of the super DRX cycle; and a starting subframe of the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, each DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information includes a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the information is a bitmap, which indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, a start subframe of a next DRX cycle of a DRX cycle in the more than one DRX cycle follows an end subframe of the DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: receiving the information during active time of a DRX cycle in the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a next DRX cycle of the DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the information includes at least one of: a first bitmap indicating whether a hysteresis value is used to each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle; and a second bitmap indicating whether a DRX offset value is used to delay starting of an on-duration timer of each DRX cycle following a previous DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: receiving the information during the active time of a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates whether at least one of a hysteresis value and a DRX offset value is used in a next DRX cycle of the DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the information is received in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) or received in downlink control information (DCI) .

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method may include: receiving, by a UE from a network device, DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and determining at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation, based on the received DRX configuration information.

In some embodiments of the present application, the at least one subframe number for starting the on-duration timer is determined by the following equation: [ (SFN*10) +subframe number] mod (traffic periodicity*Max_N) =floor (traffic periodicity *N) +DRX-StartOffset, wherein N=0…Max_N, wherein SFN is a system frame number, subframe number is a subframe number for starting the on-duration timer, traffic periodicity is the traffic periodicity, Max_N is a maximum number of the traffic burst, floor () is the floor function which rounds a number down and DRX-StartOffset is the DRX start offset value.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method may include: receiving a DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol; and determining at least one slot number or symbol number for starting an on-duration timer based on the DRX configuration information.

In some embodiments of the present application, the at least one slot number or symbol for starting the on-duration timer is determined by the following equation: [ (SFN × N*10) + slot number or symbol number] modulo (drx-Cycle) = (drx-StartOffset) modulo (drx-Cycle) , Wherein SFN is a system frame number, slot number is a slot number for starting the DRX cycle, symbol number is a symbol number for starting the DRX cycle, drx-Cycle is the DRX cycle value, and DRX-StartOffset is the DRX start offset value.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method may include: receiving an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst; and entering into a DRX sleep state at least based on the indication.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: entering into the DRX sleep state in response to receiving the end marker indication and all packets of the XR traffic burst have been received correctly.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: entering into the DRX sleep state in response to receiving the end marker indication.

In some embodiments of the present application, the end marker indication is received in a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) header, and the method further includes: transmitting, by a PDCP layer of the UE, another indication to a MAC layer of the UE to indicate the UE to enter into the DRX sleep state.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method for power saving in wireless communication may include: transmitting to a UE, a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle, so that the UE performs a DRX operation in each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method may further include: transmitting information indicating the super DRX cycle, wherein the information includes at least one of: a time duration of the super DRX cycle; a starting frame of the super DRX cycle; and a starting subframe of the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: transmitting the information during active time of a DRX cycle in the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a next DRX cycle of the DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: transmitting the information during the active time of a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates whether at least one of a hysteresis value and a DRX offset value is used in a next DRX cycle of the DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the information is transmitted in a MAC CE or received in DCI.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method may include: transmitting DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and wherein the DRX configuration information for the period is used for a UE to determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method may include: transmitting DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol.

According to some embodiments of the present application, a method may include: transmitting an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst.

Some embodiments of the present application also provide a UE, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle; and perform a DRX operation, wherein each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

Some other embodiments of the present application also provide a UE, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of XR traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation, based on the DRX configuration information.

Some other embodiments of the present application also provide a UE, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol; and determine at least one slot number or symbol number for starting an on-duration timer based on the DRX configuration information.

Some other embodiments of the present application also provide a UE, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst; and enter into a DRX sleep state at least based on the indication.

Some embodiments of the present application also provide a BS, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit to a UE, a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle, so that the UE performs a DRX operation in each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

Some other embodiments of the present application also provide a BS, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and wherein the DRX configuration information for the period is used for a UE to determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation.

Some other embodiments of the present application also provide a BS, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol.

Some other embodiments of the present application also provide a BS, including: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst.

Embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution for DRX, which can solve the mismatch between XR traffic bursts and DRX cycles, and provide a more efficient mechanism than the prior art to enable a UE to enter into a sleep state, thereby saving power of the UE.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which advantages and features of the application can be obtained, a description of the application is rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only example embodiments of the application and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary XR traffic burst and DRX cycle according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary XR traffic burst according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary super DRX cycles according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary super DRX cycle according to some other embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary super DRX cycle according to some other embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary super DRX cycle according to some other embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some other embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some other embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some embodiments of the present application; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus for DRX according to some embodiments of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present application may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present application.

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding, embodiments are provided under specific network architecture and new service scenarios, such as 3GPP 5G (i.e., new radio (NR) ) , 3GPP long term evolution (LTE) Release 8 and so on. Persons skilled in the art know very well that, with the development of network architecture and new service scenarios, the embodiments in the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems; and moreover, the terminologies recited in the present application may change, which should not affect the principle of the present application.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system 100 according to some embodiments of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 100 includes at least one base station (BS) 101 and at least one UE 102. In particular, the wireless communication system 100 includes one BS 101 and two UEs 102 (e.g., a UE 102a and a UE 102b) for illustrative purpose. Although a specific number of BS 101 and UEs 102 are depicted in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that any number of BSs 101 and UEs 102 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

The wireless communication system 100 is compatible with any type of network that is capable of sending and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with a wireless communication network, a cellular telephone network, a time division multiple access (TDMA) -based network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) -based network, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) -based network, an LTE network, a 3GPP-based network, a 3GPP 5G network, a satellite communications network, a high altitude platform network, and/or other communications networks.

The BS 101 may also be referred to as a NG-RAN node, a RAN node, an access point, an access terminal, a base, a macro cell, a node-B, an enhanced node B (eNB) , a gNB, a home node-B, a relay node, or a device, or described using other terminology used in the art. The BS 101 is generally part of a radio access network that may include a controller communicably coupled to the BS 101.

According to some embodiments of the present application, the UE (s) 102 may include computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) , tablet computers, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet) , set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras) , vehicle on-board computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, and modems) , or the like.

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE (s) 102 may include a portable wireless communication device, a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a flip phone, a device having a subscriber identity module, a personal computer, a selective call receiver, or any other device that is capable of sending and receiving communication signals on a wireless network.

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE (s) 102 may include wearable devices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head-mounted displays, or the like.

Moreover, the UE (s) 102 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a user terminal, or a device, or described using other terminology used in the art.

Both the UE 102a and the UE 102b in the embodiments of FIG. 1 may transmit information to the BS 101 and receive control information from the BS 101, for example, via LTE or NR Uu interface.

XR, including AR and VR, as well as CG, presents a new promising category of connected devices, applications, and services. A UE with an XR service can be referred to as an XR device. As a potential working area of 3GPP Rel-18, power saving of an XR device is a key topic.

DRX is a key feature for power saving in a UE. Specifically, it allows the UE to stop monitoring physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) when there is no data activity, thereby saving power. However, using DRX for power saving of an XR device may face some challenges.

First, the typical XR downlink (DL) frame rates are 60 frames or 120 frames per second (fps) , and thus the frame periodicities are 16.67ms or 8.33ms, respectively. That is, the XR traffic burst may have a non-integer periodicity.

However, according to Rel-15 and Rel-16, configurable DRX long cycle values are 10ms, 20ms, 32ms, 40ms, etc., and configurable DRX short cycle values are 2ms, 3ms, 5ms, 6ms, 7ms, 8ms, 10ms, 14ms, 16ms, 20ms, 30ms, 32ms, 35ms, etc. That is, a DRX cycle usually has an integer value.

The non-integer periodicity of XR traffic burst and the integer value of the DRX cycle may cause the mismatch between the XR traffic burst and the on-duration time of the DRX cycle.

For example, FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary XR traffic bursts and DRX cycles according to some embodiments of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 2, the periodicity of XR traffic burst is 16.67ms while the DRX cycle is 16ms. At the beginning, the XR traffic bursts (e.g., the first three XR traffic bursts) can match the on-duration time of the DRX cycles. However, as time goes on, the last XR traffic burst misses the on-duration time of the DRX. Then, the UE cannot receive the data of the last XR traffic burst because it is in a sleep state of the DRX.

Besides that the XR traffic burst misses the on-duration time of the DRX cycle with 16ms as shown in FIG. 2, the mismatch between the XR traffic burst and the on-duration time of the DRX cycle also may also have a problem for a DRX cycle with 17ms, wherein the DRX cycle with 17ms will cause extra latency for the XR traffic burst to wait for the on-duration time.

Second, the DL XR traffic burst may include encoded video or scene information. The minimum granularity of the application data included in an XR traffic burst may be referred to as an application data unit (ADU) . An ADU may include one or more internet protocol (IP) packets. Usually, a DL XR traffic burst may carry one or more ADUs. For example, the ADU may be a video frame of the XR service.

For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary XR traffic burst according to some other embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 3, the XR traffic may include three XR traffic bursts (i.e., burst 1, burst 2, and burst 3) , wherein burst 1 includes one ADU, e.g., ADU1, burst 2 includes two ADUs, e.g., ADU2 and ADU3, and burst 3 includes one ADU, e.g., ADU4. As shown in FIG. 3, the size of XR traffic bursts is variable. In order to save power of the UE, the UE will directly go to a DRX sleep state at the end of the last XR traffic burst. Then, how to enable the UE to enter into a sleep state immediately at the end of the last XR traffic burst is needed to be addressed.

Thus, in order to provide an efficient power saving mechanism for an XR device, the following DRX related issues should be addressed considering the XR traffic characteristics.

● The duration of DRX cycle does not match with the period of XR traffic bursts.

● How to efficiently enable the XR device to enter into a sleep state in a DRX operation considering the variable sizes of XR traffic bursts.

Given the above, embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution for DRX, which can solve the mismatch between the XR traffic burst period and the DRX cycle as well as providing an efficient mechanism to enable a UE to enter into a sleep state, thereby saving power of the UE. More details on embodiments of the present application will be illustrated in the following text in combination with the appended drawings.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some embodiments of the present application. Although the method is illustrated in a system level by a UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 101) , persons skilled in the art can understand that the method implemented in the UE and the method implemented in the BS can be separately implemented and incorporated in other apparatus with the like functions. In the embodiments of FIG. 4, the UE may have an XR service, and thus may be referred to as an XR device.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 4, in step 401, the BS may transmit a set of DRX configuration information to the UE. The set of DRX configuration information may be associated with a super DRX cycle including more than one DRX cycle. In step 401, the BS may also transmit information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle, so that the UE performs a DRX operation in each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

Consequently, in step 402, the UE may receive the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the BS may transmit information indicating the super DRX cycle to the UE. The information indicating the super DRX cycle may include at least one of: a time duration of the super DRX cycle, a starting frame of the super DRX cycle, and a starting subframe of the super DRX cycle. In an embodiment of the present application, the time duration of the super DRX cycle may be in a unit of subframe, e.g., 50 subframes. Consequently, the UE may receive the information indicating the super DRX cycle from the BS. The information indicating the super DRX cycle may be transmitted before step 401, in step 401, or after step 401. Consequently, the UE may receive the information indicating the super DRX cycle before step 402, in step 402, or after step 402.

In an embodiment of the present application, the information indicating the super DRX cycle may be determined based on the XR traffic characteristics, e.g., the periodicity of the XR traffic burst.

The set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle may include at least one DRX configuration information. Each DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information may include a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, in addition to the DRX cycle, each DRX configuration information may also have separate DRX parameters. These parameters may include at least one of:

● drx-onDurationTimer (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the duration at the beginning of the DRX cycle;

● drx-SlotOffset (e.g., drx-SlotOffset as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the delay before starting the drx-onDurationTimer;

● drx-InactivityTimer (e.g., drx-InactivityTimer as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the duration after the PDCCH occasion in which a PDCCH indicates a new UL or DL transmission for the MAC entity;

● drx-RetransmissionTimerDL (e.g., drx-RetransmissionTimerDL as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the maximum duration until a DL retransmission is received;

● drx-RetransmissionTimerUL (e.g., drx-RetransmissionTimerUL as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the maximum duration until a grant for UL retransmission is received;

● drx-StartOffset (e.g., drx-StartOffset as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the subframe where the DRX cycle starts;

● drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL (e.g., drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the minimum duration before a DL assignment for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) retransmission is expected by the MAC entity; and

● drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL (e.g., drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the minimum duration before a UL HARQ retransmission grant is expected by the MAC entity.

In some embodiments of the present application, in addition to the DRX cycle, all DRX configuration information in the set of DRX configuration information may share the same other DRX parameters, e.g., at least one of drx-onDurationTimer, drx-SlotOffset, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL, and drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL etc.

After receiving the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle from the BS, in step 403, the UE may perform a DRX operation in each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, wherein the DRX operation in each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle and the information from the BS.

According to some embodiments of the present application, the information is a bitmap, which indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle. For example, each bit of the bitmap indicates which DRX configuration information will be used for a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle in order.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary super DRX cycles according to some embodiments of the present application.

In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the frame rate of XR traffic is 60fps, and thus the periodicity of the XR traffic burst is 16.67ms. In addition, it is assumed that for a super DRX cycle:

● The supper DRX cycle is set to 50ms, and the starting subframe of the supper DRX cycle is subframe #10 within the system frame number (SFN) (e.g., with values from 0 to 1023) ;

● The set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle includes DRX configuration information #1 and DRX configuration information #2. In DRX configuration information #1, the DRX cycle is set to be 16ms; while in DRX configuration information #2, the DRX cycle is set to be 17ms. The other parameters such as drx-onDurationTimer, drx-StartOffset, and so on can be the same or different for both DRX configuration information #1 and DRX configuration information #2.

● The bitmap received from the BS is [0, 1, 1] , wherein the first bit with value 0 means that DRX configuration information #1 with the 16ms DRX cycle will be used for the first DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle. The second bit with value 1 means that the DRX configuration information #2 with 17ms DRX cycle will be used for the second DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle. The third bit with value 1 means that DRX configuration information #2 with 17ms DRX cycle will be used for the third DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

After receiving the above information, the UE starts DRX operation during the super DRX cycle from the indicated starting subframe. Within the super DRX cycle, according to the sets of DRX configuration information and the bitmap, the UE may use DRX configuration information #1 for the DRX operation during the first DRX cycle. After the first DRX cycle, the UE may use DRX configuration information #2 for the DRX operation during the second DRX cycle, and then the UE may use DRX configuration information #2 for the DRX operation during the third DRX cycle. The UE may continue to use the super DRX cycle and the associated DRX configuration information in each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle until the SFN warps around. That is, a next supper DRX cycle follows and repeats the supper DRX cycle as shown in FIG. 5.

In an embodiment of the subject application, a start subframe of a next DRX cycle of a DRX cycle in more than one DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle follows the end subframe of the DRX cycle. For example, the start subframe of the second DRX cycle may follow an end subframe of the first DRX cycle, and the start subframe of the third DRX cycle may follow an end subframe of the second DRX cycle. For example, it is assumed that the end subframe of first DRX cycle is subframe #25, and then the start subframe of the second DRX cycle is subframe #26. In this case, the drx-StartOffset may not be needed for the second and third DRX cycle since the UE starts the second DRX cycle and the third DRX cycle in the subframe following the end subframe of their respective previous DRX cycles.

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE may receive the information during the active time of a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a next DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle. In such embodiments, each DRX configuration information in the set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle may have an index, and the BS may transmit the index of each DRX configuration information to the UE. In addition, the BS may also indicate or configure the initial DRX configuration information (e.g., the DRX configuration information used in the first DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle) to the UE.

In an embodiment of the present application, the information, e.g., indication associated with DRX operation may be received in a MAC CE. For example, the information may be an index of DRX configuration information included in the MAC CE. Then, after receiving the MAC CE, the UE can determine the DRX configuration information for the next DRX cycle based on the index included in the MAC CE. In addition, in response to receiving the MAC CE, the UE may also enter into a DRX sleep state directly, i.e., stopping the drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer and drx-retransmission timer if they are running. The MAC CE will not trigger starting or re-starting the drx-InactivityTimer.

In another embodiment of the present application, the information, e.g., indication associated with DRX operation may be received in DCI e.g. by a two bit indication. For example, it is assumed that there are three DRX configuration information (e.g., DRX configuration information #1, DRX configuration information #2, and DRX configuration information #3) in the set of DRX configuration information associated with a super DRX cycle, and then the indication in the DCI may be a 2-bit indication. For example, value "00" means that DRX configuration information #1 will be used, the value "01" means that DRX configuration information #2 will be used, and the value "10" means that DRX configuration information #3 will be used.

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary super DRX cycle including three DRX cycles according to some embodiments of the present application.

In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the frame rate of XR traffic is 60fps, and thus the periodicity of the XR traffic burst is 16.67ms. In addition, it is assumed that:

● The supper DRX cycle is set to 50ms, and the starting subframe of the supper DRX cycle is subframe #10 within the SFN (e.g., with values from 0 to 1023) .

● The BS may indicate or configure DRX configuration information #1 used for the first DRX cycle.

As shown in FIG. 6, the UE may use DRX configuration information #1 for the DRX operation during the first DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle. During the active time of the first DRX cycle, the BS may transmit the information in the MAC CE or DCI, and the information may indicate an index of DRX configuration information #2. After receiving the information, the UE will use DRX configuration information #2 for the DRX operation during the second DRX cycle. Similarly, during the active time of DRX configuration #2 during the second DRX cycle, the BS may transmit the information in the MAC CE or DCI, and the indication may indicate an index of DRX configuration information #2. After receiving the information, the UE will use DRX configuration information #2 for the DRX operation during the third DRX cycle.

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the information may include at least one of: a first bitmap indicating whether a hysteresis value is used to each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle; and a second bitmap indicating whether a DRX offset value is used to delay the starting of an on-duration timer of each DRX cycle following a previous DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle. The hysteresis value and/or the DRX offset value may be configured by the BS.

In such embodiments, the DRX configuration information used in each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle may be the same or different. For example, in the case that the set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle only include one DRX configuration information, the DRX configuration information used in each DRX cycle is the same. In the case that the set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle includes one or more DRX configuration information, the BS may indicate or configure which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a corresponding DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle. In such a case, the DRX configuration information used in each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle may be the same or different.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary super DRX cycle according to some other embodiments of the present application.

In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the frame rate of XR traffic is 60fps, and thus the periodicity of the XR traffic burst is 16.67ms. In addition, it is assumed that:

● The supper DRX cycle is set to 50ms. The starting subframe of the supper DRX cycle is subframe #10 within the SFN (e.g., with values from 0 to 1023) .

● The set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle includes only one DRX configuration information, e.g., DRX configuration information #1. In DRX configuration information #1, the DRX cycle is set to be 16ms. DRX configuration information #1 may also include other parameters such as drx-onDurationTimer, drx-StartOffset, and so on.

● The hysteresis value configured by the BS is 1ms, and the DRX start offset value configured by the BS is 0.5ms.

● The information may include a first bitmap and a second bitmap.

● The first bitmap is [0, 1, 1] , wherein the first bit with value 0 means that the hysteresis value is not used for the first DRX cycle, the second bit with value 1 means that the hysteresis value is used for the second DRX cycle, and the third bit with value 1 means that the hysteresis value is used for the third DRX cycle;

● The second bitmap is [0, 1, 0] , wherein the first bit with value 0 means that the DRX start offset value is not used for the first DRX cycle, the second bit with value 1 means that the DRX start offset value is used for the second DRX cycle, and the third bit with value 1 means that the DRX start offset value is not used for the third DRX cycle.

After receiving the above information, the UE starts DRX operation during the super DRX cycle from the indicated starting subframe. Within the super DRX cycle, according to the information, the UE may use DRX configuration information #1 for the DRX operation during the first DRX cycle without using the hysteresis value and the DRX start offset value.

After the first DRX cycle, the UE may use the hysteresis value to the second DRX cycle and use the DRX start offset to delay the on-duration timer of DRX configuration information #1. Accordingly, the second DRX cycle will be: the second DRX cycle = the first DRX cycle + hysteresis value , i.e., 16ms +1ms = 17ms, and starting the on-duration timer after the end of the first DRX cycle will be delayed 0.5ms by using the DRX start offset.

After the second DRX cycle, the UE may use the hysteresis value to the third DRX cycle but does not use the DRX start offset value to the DRX configuration information #1, such that the third DRX cycle = the first DRX cycle + hysteresis value (i.e., 16ms +1ms = 17ms) .

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE may receive information, e.g., the indication associated with DRX operation during the active time of a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates whether at least one of a hysteresis value and a DRX offset value is used in a next DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle. The hysteresis value and/or the DRX offset value may be configured by the BS. In an embodiment of the present application, the UE may not use a hysteresis value and a DRX offset value in the first DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.

In such embodiments, the DRX configuration information used in each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle may be the same or different. For example, in the case that the set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle only includes one DRX configuration information, the DRX configuration information used in each DRX cycle is the same. In the case that the set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle includes one or more DRX configuration information, the BS may indicate or configure which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle. In such a case, the DRX configuration information used in each DRX cycle may be the same or different.

In an embodiment of the present application, the information, e.g., the indication associated with DRX operation may be received in a MAC CE. Then, after receiving the MAC CE, the UE can determine whether at least one of a hysteresis value and a DRX offset value is used in a next DRX cycle. In addition, in response to receiving the MAC CE, the UE may also enter into a DRX sleep state directly, i.e., stopping the drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer and drx-retransmission timer if they are running. The MAC CE will not trigger startting or re-startting the drx-InactivityTimer.

In another embodiment of the present application, the information, e.g., the indication associated with DRX operation may be received in DCI e.g., by a two bit indication. For example, the indication in the DCI may be a 2-bit indication, wherein one bit is used to indicate whether a hysteresis value is used in a next DRX cycle, and the other bit is used to indicate whether a DRX offset value is used a next DRX cycle.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary super DRX cycle according to some other embodiments of the present application.

In the example of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the frame rate of XR traffic is 60 fps, and thus the periodicity of the XR traffic burst is 16.67ms. In addition, it is assumed that:

● The set of DRX configuration information associated with the super DRX cycle includes only one DRX configuration information, e.g., DRX configuration information #1. In DRX configuration information #1, the DRX cycle is set to be 16ms. The DRX configuration information #1 may also include other parameters such as drx-onDurationTimer, drx-StartOffset, and so on.

● The UE may not use the hysteresis value and the DRX start offset value in the first DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.

After receiving the above information, the UE starts DRX operation during the super DRX cycle from the indicated starting subframe. Within the super DRX cycle, the UE may use DRX configuration information #1 for the DRX operation of the first DRX cycle without using the hysteresis value and the DRX start offset value.

During the active time of DRX configuration information #1, the BS may transmit the information, e.g., the indication associated with DRX operation in the MAC CE or DCI, and the information may indicate that the hysteresis value and the DRX start offset value are used in the second DRX cycle. Then, after the first DRX cycle, the UE may use the hysteresis value to the second DRX cycle and use the DRX start offset value to delay the on-duration timer of DRX configuration information #1. Accordingly, the second DRX cycle will be: the second DRX cycle = the first DRX cycle + hysteresis value (i.e., 16ms +1ms = 17ms) , and starting the on-duration timer after the end of the first DRX cycle will be delayed 0.5ms by using the DRX start offset.

During active time of the DRX configuration information #2, the BS may transmit the information, e.g., the indication associated with DRX operation in the MAC CE or DCI, the information may indicate that the hysteresis value is used in the third DRX cycle but the DRX start offset value is not used in the third DRX cycle. Then, after the second DRX cycle, the UE may use the hysteresis value to the third DRX cycle but does not use the DRX start offset value to the DRX configuration information #1, such that the third DRX cycle = the first DRX cycle + hysteresis value (i.e., 16ms +1ms = 17ms) .

It can be seen from the illustrated embodiments, embodiments of the present application define a super DRX cycle and more than one DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, such that the XR traffic bursts and the on-duration time of a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle will match with each other.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some other embodiments of the present application. Although the method is illustrated in a system level by a UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 101) , persons skilled in the art can understand that the method implemented in the UE and the method implemented in the BS can be separately implemented and incorporated in other apparatus with the like functions. In the embodiments of FIG. 9, the UE may have an XR service, and thus may be referred to as an XR device.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 9, in step 901, the BS may transmit DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity (e.g., 16.67ms and 8.33ms of the XR traffic periodicity) , a maximum number (i.e., N) of traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value (e.g., drx-StartOffset as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the subframe where a DRX cycle starts.

In some embodiments of the present application, in addition to the DRX start offset value, the DRX configuration information may also include at least one of:

● drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL (e.g., drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL as specified in TS 38.321) which defines the minimum duration before a DL assignment for HARQ retransmission is expected by the MAC entity; and

Consequently, in step 902, the UE may receive the DRX configuration information for the period from the BS.

The DRX configuration information for the period is used for the UE to determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation. Then, after receiving the DRX configuration information for the period, in step 903, the UE may determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation based on the DRX configuration information for the period.

In some embodiments of the present application, the at least one subframe number for starting the on-duration timer may be determined by the following equation:

[ (SFN*10) +subframe number] mod (traffic periodicity*Max_N) =floor (traffic periodicity *N) +DRX-StartOffset, wherein N=0…Max_N,

Wherein SFN is a system frame number, subframe number is a subframe number for starting the on-duration timer, traffic periodicity is the traffic periodicity, Max_N is a maximum number of the traffic burst, floor () is the floor function which rounds a number down, and DRX-StartOffset is the DRX start offset value.

In such embodiments, using floor (XR traffic periodicity *N) can alleviate the non-integer periodicity of the XR traffic impact on the DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, when SFN wraps around, the BS may reconfigure a new DRX start offset value to keep that the DRX cycle during SFN wrapping around matches the XR traffic periodicity. In some other embodiments of the present application, when SFN wraps around, the UE may calculate a new DRX start offset value to keep that the DRX cycle during SFN wrapping around matches the XR traffic periodicity.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some other embodiments of the present application. Although the method is illustrated in a system level by a UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 101) , persons skilled in the art can understand that the method implemented in the UE and the method implemented in the BS can be separately implemented and incorporated in another apparatus with the like functions. In the embodiments of FIG. 10, the UE may have an XR service, and thus may be referred to as an XR device.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 10, in step 1001, the BS may transmit DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol. The DRX cycle may be a long DRX cycle (e.g., determined based on drx-LongCycleStartOffset as specified in TS 38.321) or a short DRX cycle (e.g., drx-ShortCycle as specified in TS 38.321) . The DRX start offset value (e.g., determined based on drx-LongCycleStartOffset as specified in TS 38.321) may be used to define the slot or symbol where the long or short DRX cycle starts.

In some embodiments of the present application, in addition to the DRX start offset value and the DRX cycle value, the DRX configuration information may also include at least one of:

Consequently, in step 1002, the UE may receive the DRX configuration information. After receiving the DRX configuration information, in step 1003, the UE may determine the at least one slot number or symbol number for starting an on-duration timer of the DRX cycle based on the DRX configuration information.

In some embodiments of the present application, the at least one slot number or symbol for starting the on-duration timer may be determined by the following equation:

[ (SFN × N*10) + slot number or symbol number] modulo (drx-Cycle) =(drx-StartOffset) modulo (drx-Cycle)

Wherein SFN is a system frame number, slot number is a slot number for starting the on-duration timer, symbol number is a symbol number for starting the DRX cycle, drx-Cycle is the DRX cycle value, and DRX-StartOffset is the DRX start offset value. In such embodiments, in the case that the DRX cycle and the DRX start offset value are in a unit of slot, the UE may determine at least one slot number for starting the on-duration timer; and in the case that the DRX cycle and the DRX start offset value are in a unit of symbol, the UE may determine at least one symbol number for starting the on-duration timer.

The above embodiments solve the technical problem of mismatch between the XR traffic bursts and the on-duration time of DRX cycles. However, in some cases, how to enable the UE to enter into a sleep state immediately at the end of the XR traffic burst is also needed to be addressed.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for DRX according to some embodiments of the present application. Although the method is illustrated in a system level by a UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 101) , persons skilled in the art can understand that the method implemented in the UE and the method implemented in the BS can be separately implemented and incorporated in other apparatus with the like functions. In the embodiments of FIG. 11, the UE may have an XR service, and thus may be referred to as an XR device.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 11, in step 1101, the BS may transmit an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state. Consequently, in step 1102, the UE may receive the indication from the BS. According to some embodiments of the present application, the indication may be an end marker indication in a header of a packet. For example, the end marker indication may be included in a layer 2 (L2) header, e.g. in a MAC sub-header, in a RLC header, or in a PDCP header. The end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst.

After receiving the end marker indication, in step 1103, the UE may enter into a DRX sleep state (e.g., the UE stops the on-duration timer, inactivity timer, retransmission timer if they are running) at least based on the indication.

In an embodiment of the present application, the UE may enter into the DRX sleep state in response to receiving the end marker indication and all packets of the XR traffic burst have been received correctly.

In another embodiment of the present application, the UE may enter into the DRX sleep state directly in response to receiving the end marker indication.

In yet another embodiment of the present application, in the case that the end marker indication is included in a PDCP header, when the PDCP layer of the UE receives the end marker indication, the PDCP layer may send another indication to the MAC layer of the UE to indicate the UE to enter into the DRX sleep state. When the MAC layer receives the indication, the MAC layer may indicate the UE to enter into the DRX sleep state in response to receiving the end marker indication and all packets of the XR traffic burst have been received correctly or the MAC layer may indicate the UE to enter into the DRX sleep state directly in response to receiving the end marker indication.

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the indication may be a DRX command MAC CE. In such embodiments, the BS may transmit the indication in response to that all the packets of an XR traffic burst have been transmitted to the UE correctly. Then, after receiving the DRX command MAC CE, the UE may enter into the DRX sleep state.

FIG. 12 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an exemplary apparatus 1200 for DRX according to some embodiments of the present application. The apparatus 1200 may include a UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b) or a BS (e.g., a BS 101) .

Referring to FIG. 12, the apparatus 1200 may include at least one processor 1204 and at least one transceiver 1202 coupled to the processor 1204.

Although in this figure, elements such as the at least one transceiver 1202 and processor 1204 are described in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless a limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In some embodiments of the present application, the transceiver 1202 may be divided into two devices, such as a receiving circuitry and a transmitting circuitry. In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may further include an input device, a memory, and/or other components.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to receive a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle; and perform a DRX operation, wherein each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to receive DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of XR traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation, based on the DRX configuration information.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to receive DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol; and determine at least one slot number or symbol number for starting an on-duration timer based on the DRX configuration.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to receive an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst; and enter into a DRX sleep state at least based on the indication.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a BS. The processor 1204 may be configured to transmit to a UE, a set of DRX configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle, so that the UE performs a DRX operation in each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to transmit DRX configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and wherein the DRX configuration information for the period is used for a user equipment (UE) to determine at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to transmit DRX configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may be a UE. The processor 1204 may be configured to transmit an indication indicating a UE to enter into a DRX sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst.

In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1200 may further include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause a processor to implement the method with respect to a UE or a BS as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 1204 interacting with transceiver 1202, so as to perform operations of the methods, e.g., as described in view of any of FIGS. 4-11.

The method according to embodiments of the present application can also be implemented on a programmed processor. However, the controllers, flowcharts, and modules may also be implemented on a general purpose or special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an integrated circuit, a hardware electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device, or the like. In general, any device on which resides a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the figures may be used to implement the processor functions of this application. For example, an embodiment of the present application provides an apparatus for data and signaling transmission, including a processor and a memory. Computer programmable instructions for implementing a method for data and signaling transmission are stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to perform the computer programmable instructions to implement the method for data and signaling transmission. The method may be a method as stated above or other method according to an embodiment of the present application.

An alternative embodiment preferably implements the methods according to embodiments of the present application in a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing computer programmable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably integrated with a network security system. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium may be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical storage devices (CD or DVD) , hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a processor but the instructions may alternatively or additionally be executed by any suitable dedicated hardware device. For example, an embodiment of the present application provides a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having computer programmable instructions stored therein. The computer programmable instructions are configured to implement a method for DRX as stated above or other method according to an embodiment of the present application.

While this application has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in the other embodiments. Also, all of the elements of each figure are not necessary for operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skills in the art would be enabled to make and use the teachings of the application by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the application as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

A method for power saving in wireless communication, comprising:

receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from a network, a set of discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle; and

performing a DRX operation by the UE, wherein each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.
The method of Claim 1, wherein each DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information comprises a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.
The method of Claim 1, wherein the information is a bitmap, which indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle.
The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

receiving the information during active time of a DRX cycle in the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates which DRX configuration information of the set of DRX configuration information is used for a next DRX cycle of the DRX cycle.
The method of Claim 1, wherein the information comprises at least one of:

a first bitmap indicating whether a hysteresis value is used to each DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle; and

a second bitmap indicating whether a DRX offset value is used to delay starting of an on-duration timer of each DRX cycle following a previous DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.
The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

receiving the information during active time of a DRX cycle within the super DRX cycle, wherein the information indicates whether at least one of a hysteresis value and a DRX offset value is used in a next DRX cycle of the DRX cycle.
A method, comprising:

receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from a network device, discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration information for a period of a DRX operation, wherein the DRX configuration information indicates a traffic periodicity, a maximum number of traffic burst, and a DRX start offset value; and

determining at least one subframe number for starting an on-duration timer associated with the DRX operation, based on the received DRX configuration information.
The method of Claim 7, wherein the at least one subframe number for starting the on-duration timer is determined by the following equation:

[ (SFN*10) +subframe number] mod (traffic periodicity*Max_N) =floor (traffic periodicity *N) +DRX-StartOffset, wherein N=0…Max_N,

Wherein SFN is a system frame number, subframe number is a subframe number for starting the on-duration timer, traffic periodicity is the traffic periodicity, Max_N is a maximum number of the traffic burst, floor () is a floor function which rounds a number down and DRX-StartOffset is the DRX start offset value.
A method, comprising:

receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from a network device, discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration information, wherein the DRX configuration information includes a DRX start offset value in a unit of slot or symbol and a DRX cycle value in a unit of slot or symbol; and

determining at least one slot number or symbol number for starting an on-duration timer associated with a DRX operation, based on the DRX configuration.
The method of Claim 9, wherein the at least one slot number or symbol for starting the on-duration timer is determined by the following equation:

[ (SFN × N*10) + slot number or symbol number] modulo (drx-Cycle) = (drx-StartOffset) modulo (drx-Cycle) ,

Wherein SFN is a system frame number, slot number is a slot number for starting the DRX cycle, symbol number is a symbol number for starting the DRX cycle, drx-Cycle is the DRX cycle value, and DRX-StartOffset is the DRX start offset value.
A method, comprising:

receiving an indication indicating a user equipment (UE) to enter into a discontinuous reception (DRX) sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is a last packet of a traffic burst; and

entering into a DRX sleep state at least based on the indication.
The method of Claim 11, further comprising:

entering into the DRX sleep state in response to receiving the end marker indication and all packets of the XR traffic burst have been received correctly.
The method of Claim 11, further comprising:

entering into the DRX sleep state in response to receiving the end marker indication.
A user equipment (UE) , comprising:

a processor; and

a transceiver coupled to the processor,

wherein the processor is configured to

receive a set of discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration information and information indicating a specific DRX configuration information from the set of DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of a super DRX cycle which includes more than one DRX cycle; and

perform a DRX operation, wherein each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle is performed based on the set of DRX configuration information and the information indicating the specific DRX configuration information to be used for each DRX cycle of the super DRX cycle.
A user equipment (UE) , comprising:

a processor; and

a transceiver coupled to the processor,

wherein the processor is configured to

receive an indication indicating a user equipment (UE) to enter into a discontinuous reception (DRX) sleep state, wherein the indication is an end marker indication in a header of a packet, wherein the end marker indication indicates that the packet is the last packet of a traffic burst; and

enter into a DRX sleep state at least based on the indication.