Patent Description:
In a wireless communication system such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, to improve power saving performance of User Equipment (UE), Discontinuous Reception (DRX) is proposed. UE in a DRX mode may receive downlink data and a downlink scheduling command on a Physical Downlink Control CHannel (PDCCH) discontinuously based on a DRX cycle. When neither downlink scheduling command nor downlink data are to be received, UE may be in a sleep state. A PDCCH may be monitored periodically discontinuously, thereby saving power.

In related art, a system network side may determine a duration of a DRX cycle based on a factor such as paging capacity. UE may be notified of a duration of a DRX cycle. However, a DRX cycle configured by a system network side may not meet a demand of UE, thereby failing to optimize power saving performance.

<CIT> discloses to enable an eNodeB and a user equipment (UE) to negotiate a set of discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters, as well as enable an eNodeB to instruct a UE to directly apply a certain DRX level or period from the negotiated set of DRX parameters, via Layer <NUM> signaling, Layer <NUM> in-band signaling, and/or L1/L2 signaling.

<CIT> discloses communicating a discontinuous reception (DRX) reconfiguration. In one method, a preferred power consumption configuration message is received, at an evolved node B (eNB) from a user equipment. The preferred power consumption configuration message may be a one-bit message using a first Boolean value to indicate a preferred power consumption configuration. A DRX reconfiguration request message may be received, from the UE, to reconfigure a DRX configuration of the UE to reduce a power consumption level of the UE. The DRX reconfiguration request message may be the one-bit message using a second Boolean value to indicate a DRX reconfiguration. The eNB may determine to reconfigure the DRX configuration of the UE based on the DRX reconfiguration request message. In addition, the eNB may perform the DRX reconfiguration at the UE by adjusting one or more parameters of the DRX configuration.

<CIT> discloses optimizing discontinuous reception (DRX) modes, for example, based on monitored traffic statistics.

<CIT> discloses configuring a set of Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters including Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configurations for user equipment in a wireless networking system. The method includes determining traffic characteristics associated with user equipment based on the number and types of applications running in it. The method further incudes steps of modifying and updating the DRX configurations and the RAN parameters for different situations of wireless transmission and reception. The updated DRX configurations and the RAN parameters for communication with the user equipment results in an efficient power consumption management.

<CIT> discloses user equipment initiated discontinuous operation in a wireless communications network. An apparatus and method for initiating discontinuous reception (DRX) operation in a user equipment (UE) are disclosed herein. Applications running on the UE are monitored by the UE to identify one or more inactivity trigger events associated with the application(s). The UE includes an application-radio cross layer to process the application information, including the inactivity trigger event, for use by a radio layer. The radio layer of the UE determines initiation of the DRX operation in accordance with the application information, including the inactivity trigger event, provided by the application-radio cross layer and device characteristics information.

<CIT> discloses processing a discontinuous reception period in machine-type communication and network-side equipment in order to solve the problem that network congestion is easily caused by the improvement of the discontinuous reception period at present. The method for processing the discontinuous reception period in the machine-type communication comprises the following steps that the network load condition of the machine-type communication is acquired by the network-side equipment; the discontinuous reception period of a terminal is adjusted by the network-side equipment according to the network load condition of the machine-type communication; a paging message is sent to the terminal by the network-side equipment through a base station, and the adjusted discontinuous reception period is carried in the paging message so that data is reported by the terminal according to the adjusted discontinuous reception period. As the discontinuous reception period of the terminal is adjusted according to the network load condition, the data can be reported by the terminal according to the adjusted discontinuous reception period. The phenomenon that multiple terminals report data at the same time is avoided, thus solving the network congestion problem.

<CIT> discloses obtaining paging number, relates to the technical field of communication and aims at solving the problem that in the prior art, the user distribution condition of other operators cannot be effectively obtained. The method comprises the steps that user equipment obtains duration T of a page discontinuous reception cycle and the number nB of paging occasions in the T according to a system message sent by a base station; a target paging frame and a target paging occasion are determined according to an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number) corresponding to a user, the T and the nB; a physical downlink control channel PDCCH message is analyzed at the target paging occasion of the target paging frame; when a paging radio network temporary identity is contained in the PDCCH message, a physical downlink shared channel message PDSCH is analyzed to obtain the number of paging messages corresponding to the target paging occasion; and the total number of the paging messages in the T is determined according to the number of the paging messages corresponding to the target paging occasion and the nB. The method and the device are applied to a process of obtaining the user distribution condition.

<CIT> discloses configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters in a long term evolution system. The method comprises: a base station sending a configuration message of a DRX configuration parameter, wherein the configuration message comprises indexes of a group of DRX configuration parameters in a DRX configuration parameter set, the DRX configuration parameter set comprises at least one group of DRX configuration parameters, the indexes are corresponding to one group of DRX configuration parameters in the DRX configuration parameter seat, and the group of DRX configuration parameters comprise parameter values of multiple DRX configuration parameters; and a user terminal, in response to the configuration message, selecting the group of DRX configuration parameters corresponding to the indexes from a prestored DRX configuration parameter set, and executing DRX operation by use of the parameter values of the selected group of DRX configuration parameters. By using the technical scheme provided by the invention, the cost of occupied signalings after the base station carries out DRX parameter configuration on the user terminal is reduced, and the resource utilization rate is improved.

<CIT> discloses that in Step <NUM>, via system message or RRC connection built message, UE obtains DRX period (DP) from net side and stores this period in UE. In step <NUM>, UE judges that this period is renewed or not. If it is not, original value is still used. IF it is, UE goes to step <NUM>, where according to recent RRC state, UE selects corresponding signaling process and sends to the net side the request of modifying DP. In case CE is URA_PCH or CELL_PCH, CE goes to step <NUM> while CE is IDLE, goes to step <NUM>. In step <NUM>, if UE attaches on CN of PS domain, then goes to step <NUM> while UE attaches on CN of CS domain, goes to step <NUM> while UE attaches simultaneously on CNs of PS and CS domains, then UE goes to step <NUM> first, then step <NUM>. In step <NUM>, via attaching request /routing section renewing request process, UE modifies DP. In step <NUM>, via position section registering /position section renewing process, UE modifies DP. In step <NUM>, via accessing layer signaling, such as cell renewing or URA renewing process, UE modifies DP.

<CIT> discloses controlling system load based on token value. A wireless network controller determines to admit or refuse the wireless resource control connection request operation according to the token value required for the wireless resource control connection request transmitted by the user equipment and the characteristic of wireless resource control connection request for completing the control to system load. When the invention is applied, different token values are distributed in RNC according to different reasons for establishing RRC connection. The connection request is admitted or refused according to a certain control algorithm for obtaining the objective of load control. The solution in the invention does not require the evenly distribution of strategy of AC baked in the SIM card of UE in the network. The system load is not generated with large-scale swinging after adopting a load control strategy.

In view of this, embodiments herein provide a method for saving power of User Equipment (UE), UE, and a base station, capable of configuring a reasonable DRX cycle for UE according to a request initiated by the UE or a service mode of the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

The features of the method and device are defined in the independent claims, and the preferable features are defined in the dependent claims.

Drawings here are incorporated in and constitute part of the subject disclosure, illustrate embodiments according to the subject disclosure, and together with the subject disclosure, serve to explain the principle of the subject disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments (examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings) are elaborated below. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which identical or similar elements in two drawings are denoted by identical reference numerals unless indicated otherwise. Implementations set forth in the following exemplary embodiments do not recurrent all implementations in accordance with the subject disclosure. Rather, they are mere examples of the device and method in accordance with certain aspects of the subject disclosure as recited in the accompanying claims.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram of a scene of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. The method for saving power of UE applies to UE in an idle state or a deactivated state. As shown in <FIG>, the method for saving power of UE includes steps <NUM>-<NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, second signaling is determined based on first signaling. The second signaling is Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request signaling. The second signaling includes a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update.

According to an embodiment herein, first signaling is RRC connection request signaling. When a signaling connection is to be established, UE in an idle state or a deactivated state sends first signaling, thereby establishing an RRC connection. However, herein a cause value of initiating an RRC connection is DRX cycle update. Accordingly, second signaling is acquired by including, in first signaling, a signaling element which is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for DRX cycle update.

In step <NUM>, the second signaling is sent.

According to an embodiment herein, UE may receive a trigger of DRX cycle update sent by a user through an interface for setting a power saving mode. Then, the UE may determine second signaling. The UE may send the second signaling.

According to an embodiment herein, UE may determine and send second signaling based on how the UE is being used, such as when the UE has no service data to be transmitted, and no operation on the UE has been performed in two hours since <NUM> pm.

According to an embodiment herein, UE may send second signaling in a mode same as how UE in an idle state or a deactivated state sends RRC connection request signaling in related art, which is not elaborated herein.

Refer to <FIG> for an exemplary embodiment herein. A scene shown in <FIG> includes a base station <NUM> and UE <NUM> such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc. UE <NUM> in an activated state or a non-idle state sends, to the base station <NUM>, RRC connection request signaling including a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for DRX cycle update. Accordingly, the base station <NUM> may determine that the UE <NUM> wishes for a DRX cycle update. Therefore, the base station <NUM> updates an original DRX cycle of the UE based on the request of the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

With embodiments herein, through step <NUM> to step <NUM>, UE requests a base station to change a DRX cycle through RRC connection request signaling. Accordingly, the base station may configure a reasonable DRX cycle for the UE based on the request of the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

Please refer to an embodiment as follows for implementing power saving on UE.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an embodiment herein, an example is illustrated where UE may interact with a base station using a method according to an embodiment herein. UE includes, in RRC connection request signaling, information indicating a desired DRX cycle, thereby implementing DRX cycle update. As shown in <FIG>, the method may include a step as follows.

In step <NUM>, UE may receive a trigger of DRX cycle update sent by a user.

According to an embodiment herein, an interface for setting a power saving mode adapted to operating the UE may be set in the UE. UE may trigger DRX cycle update through the interface. According to an embodiment herein, a user may also trigger DRX cycle update in another mode.

In step <NUM>, the UE determines second signaling based on first signaling. The second signaling is Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request signaling. The second signaling includes a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update.

According to an embodiment herein, the second signaling further includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle. According to an embodiment herein, information indicating a desired DRX cycle may be amplitude of change. For example, amplitude of change may be <NUM>. That is, it is indicated that a base station is to increase the original DRX cycle by <NUM>. According to an embodiment herein, information indicating a desired DRX cycle may be a desired DRX cycle. For example, a desired DRX cycle may be <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, it is indicated that a base station is to update a DRX cycle to be <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to an embodiment herein, multiple candidate DRX cycles may also be preconfigured in a system. For example, eight DRX cycles may be preconfigured. Eight distinct DRX cycles may be denoted respectively by <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. When DRX cycle update is desired, UE may inform a base station of a desired DRX cycle desired by the UE merely by including, in the second signaling, one of the eight numerical values.

According to an embodiment herein, the second signaling further includes an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect. An effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect may be understood as a duration during which an updated DRX cycle is effective (after an original DRX cycle has been updated with a desired DRX cycle). For example, an effective term may be eight hours. Accordingly, an original DRX cycle may have to be restored eight hours after the DRX cycle update.

In step <NUM>, the UE sends the second signaling.

In step <NUM>, a base station updates, based on the second signaling, an original DRX cycle of the UE with an updated DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, a base station may determine an updated DRX cycle based directly on information indicating a desired DRX cycle included in second signaling. For example, an original DRX cycle may be <NUM>. UE may indicate, in second signaling, to increase the DRX cycle by <NUM>. Accordingly, an updated DRX cycle may be <NUM>. Alternatively, UE may indicate, in second signaling, to update the DRX cycle with <NUM>. Accordingly, an updated DRX cycle may be <NUM>.

According to an embodiment herein, , if a base station deems a desired DRX cycle indicated by UE in second signaling to be unreasonable, the base station per se may determine an updated DRX cycle.

In step <NUM>, the base station may send third signaling to the UE. The third signaling may include the updated DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, third signaling may be RRC connection establishment signaling. The RRC connection establishment signaling may include an updated DRX cycle. After an RRC connection is established, the RRC connection may be released. According to an embodiment herein, third signaling may also be other signaling including an updated DRX cycle.

In step <NUM>, after expiration of the effective term, the base station may send seventh signaling to the UE. The seventh signaling may include the original DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, UE indicates, in second signaling, an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect. Then, to reduce signaling waste and ensure a DRX cycle of the UE, after the effective term expires, the original DRX cycle of the UE before the update is restored. The UE may be informed of the original DRX cycle through seventh signaling. Accordingly, the UE may monitor a PDCCH based on the original DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, UE includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle directly in second signaling. Accordingly, a base station may update a DRX cycle of the UE based on the second signaling. The base station may inform the UE of the updated DRX cycle through third signaling, achieving optimal power saving performance with fairly less signaling exchange, reducing waste of a signaling resource.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an embodiment herein, an example is illustrated where UE interacts with a base station using a method according to an embodiment herein, thereby implementing DRX cycle update. As shown in <FIG>, the method may include a step as follows.

According to an embodiment herein, RRC connection request signaling may not be suitable for carrying too many signaling elements. Accordingly, only a signaling element including a cause value may be added to original RRC connection request signaling. The cause value may indicate that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for DRX cycle update.

In step <NUM>, a base station may send fourth signaling to the UE based on the second signaling. The fourth signaling may be RRC connection establishment signaling.

In step <NUM>, the UE may send fifth signaling to the base station. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, an RRC connection may be established successfully once UE receives fourth signaling. The UE may send, to a base station, fifth signaling including information indicating a desired DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, fifth signaling may further include an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect.

In step <NUM>, the base station updates an original DRX cycle of the UE with an updated DRX cycle.

In step <NUM>, the base station may send sixth signaling to the UE. The sixth signaling may include the updated DRX cycle.

In step <NUM>, if the fifth signaling further includes an effective term during which the updated DRX cycle is in effect, then after expiration of the effective term, the base station may send seventh signaling to the UE. The seventh signaling may include the original DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, UE may indicate, in fifth signaling, an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect. Then, to reduce signaling waste and ensure a DRX cycle of the UE, after the effective term expires, the original DRX cycle of the UE before the update is restored. The UE may be informed of the original DRX cycle through seventh signaling. Accordingly, the UE may monitor a PDCCH based on the original DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, first, UE may establish an RRC connection with a base station. Then, a DRX cycle of the UE may be updated by exchanging signaling, avoiding inclusion of too many signaling elements in RRC connection request signaling.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. The method for saving power of UE applies to a base station. As shown in <FIG>, the method for saving power of UE includes steps <NUM>-<NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, second signaling sent by UE is received. The second signaling is Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request signaling. The second signaling includes a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update.

In step <NUM>, response signaling is sent based on the second signaling.

According to an embodiment herein, second signaling includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle. Second signaling includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle and an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect. Then, response signaling may be third signaling. Third signaling may include an updated DRX cycle. Refer to an embodiment shown in <FIG> for a flow of signaling thereof, which is not elaborated here.

According to an embodiment herein, response signaling may be fourth signaling. Fourth signaling may be RRC connection establishment signaling. Accordingly, an RRC connection for UE may be established. After an RRC connection is established, UE may send fifth signaling. A base station may receive the fifth signaling. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle and an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect. A base station may update an original DRX cycle of UE with an updated DRX cycle based on fifth signaling. The base station may send sixth signaling to the UE. The sixth signaling may include the updated DRX cycle. Refer to an embodiment shown in <FIG> for a flow of signaling thereof, which is not elaborated here.

Refer to <FIG> for an exemplary embodiment herein. A scene shown in <FIG> may include a base station <NUM> and UE <NUM> such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc. UE <NUM> in an activated state or a non-idle state (which is not covered by the claims) may send, to the base station <NUM>, RRC connection request signaling including a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for DRX cycle update. Accordingly, the base station <NUM> may determine that the UE <NUM> wishes for a DRX cycle update. Therefore, the base station <NUM> updates an original DRX cycle of the UE based on the request of the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

With embodiments herein, through step <NUM> to step <NUM>, a base station may change a DRX cycle of UE based on a request of the UE. Accordingly, the base station may configure a reasonable DRX cycle for the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an embodiment herein, an example is illustrated where a base station may update an original DRX cycle of UE based on a request of the UE using a method according to an embodiment herein. As shown in <FIG>, the method may include a step as follows.

According to an embodiment herein, refer to description of step <NUM> according to an embodiment shown in <FIG> for description of step <NUM>, which is not elaborated here.

In step <NUM>, when a time elapse since the DRX cycle update has reached the effective term, an original DRX cycle of the UE is restored.

In step <NUM>, seventh signaling may be sent to the UE. The seventh signaling may include the original DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, UE may indicate, in second signaling or fifth signaling, an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect. Then, to reduce signaling waste and ensure a DRX cycle of the UE, after the effective term expires, the original DRX cycle of the UE before the update is restored. The UE may be informed of the original DRX cycle through seventh signaling. Accordingly, the UE may monitor a PDCCH based on the original DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, a base station may change a DRX cycle of UE based on a request of the UE. Accordingly, the base station may configure a reasonable DRX cycle for the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

Embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are not covered by the claims and are presented for illustration purposes only. <FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram of a scene of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. The method for saving power of UE may apply to UE in an idle state or a deactivated state. As shown in <FIG>, the method for saving power of UE includes steps <NUM>-<NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, a Physical Downlink Control CHannel (PDCCH) is monitored.

In step <NUM>, if a result of the monitoring indicates that there is a paging message with a cause value for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update, a data block including the paging message is received on a Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH). The paging message includes an updated DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, based on configuration of an APP operator (where for example a server of an operator of a bike sharing service may configure a service time of bike sharing, where the bike sharing service stops <NUM> pm to <NUM> am), a base station may send information to UE on a PDCCH at <NUM> pm. The information may indicate that there is a paging message with a cause value for DRX cycle update. Accordingly, UE may receive a data block including the paging message on a PDSCH. The UE may parse the data block to acquire an updated DRX cycle.

Refer to <FIG> for an exemplary embodiment herein. A scene shown in <FIG> may include a base station <NUM>, UE <NUM> (such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.), an APP server <NUM>. The APP server <NUM> may be provided with a timed service reservation. The APP server may instruct the base station <NUM> to trigger, at set time, update of an original DRX cycle of the UE <NUM> installed with an APP. Therefore, the base station <NUM> updates an original DRX cycle of the UE based on the request of the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance of the UE.

With the above embodiments (which are not covered by the claims), UE may determine that a base station triggers DRX cycle update through a PDCCH. The UE may acquire an updated DRX cycle in a paging message. The UE may monitor the PDCCH based on the updated DRX cycle.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment (which is not covered by the claims and is presented for illustration purposes only). The method for saving power of UE may apply to a base station. As shown in <FIG>, the method for saving power of UE includes steps <NUM>-<NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, when an original Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle of UE is to be updated, it is indicated on a Physical Downlink Control CHannel (PDCCH) that there is a paging message with a cause value for DRX cycle update.

In step <NUM>, a data block including the paging message is sent on a Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH). The paging message includes an updated DRX cycle.

According to the embodiment (which is not covered by the claims), a base station may determine, based on a timed service reservation for the UE, whether the original DRX cycle of the UE is to be updated. For example, based on configuration of an APP operator (where for example a server of an operator of a bike sharing service may configure a service time of bike sharing, where the bike sharing service stops <NUM> pm to <NUM> am), a base station may send information to UE on a PDCCH at <NUM> pm. The information may indicate that there is a paging message with a cause value for DRX cycle update. Accordingly, UE may receive a data block including the paging message on a PDSCH. The UE may parse the data block to acquire an updated DRX cycle.

With the embodiment (which is not covered by the claims), when an original DRX cycle of UE is to be updated, a base station may inform, on a PDCCH, the UE of that there is a paging message with a cause value for DRX cycle update. Accordingly, the UE may receive the paging message on a time-frequency resource corresponding to a PDSCH. The UE may acquire an updated DRX cycle in the paging message.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. The device applies to UE. The device includes a first determining module and a first sending module.

The first determining module <NUM> is adapted to determining second signaling based on first signaling. The second signaling is Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request signaling. The second signaling includes a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update.

The first sending module <NUM> is adapted to sending the second signaling.

With embodiments herein, UE may request a base station to change a DRX cycle through RRC connection request signaling. Accordingly, the base station may configure a reasonable DRX cycle for the UE based on the request of the UE, thereby optimizing power saving performance.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, based on the embodiment shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment herein, the second signaling includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle.

The second signaling includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle and an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect.

According to an embodiment herein, the device may further include a first receiving module.

The first receiving module <NUM> may be adapted to receiving third signaling sent by a base station based on the second signaling. The third signaling may include an updated DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, the device may further include a second receiving module and a second sending module.

The second receiving module <NUM> may be adapted to receiving fourth signaling sent by a base station based on the second signaling. The fourth signaling may be RRC connection establishment signaling.

The second sending module <NUM> may be adapted to sending fifth signaling to the base station. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle and an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect.

According to an embodiment herein, the device may further include a third receiving module.

The third receiving module <NUM> may be adapted to receiving sixth signaling sent by the base station based on the fifth signaling. The sixth signaling may include the updated DRX cycle.

According to an embodiment herein, the device may further include a trigger module.

The trigger module <NUM> may be adapted to receiving a trigger of DRX cycle update sent by a user.

With embodiments herein, for UE may receive a trigger for DRX cycle update.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment (which is not covered by the claims and is presented for illustration purposes only). The device for saving power of UE may apply to UE. As shown in <FIG>, the device includes a monitoring module and a fourth receiving module.

The monitoring module <NUM> is adapted to monitoring a Physical Downlink Control CHannel (PDCCH).

The fourth receiving module <NUM> is adapted to, in response to determining that a result of the monitoring indicates that there is a paging message with a cause value for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update, receiving, on a Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH), a data block including the paging message. The paging message includes an updated DRX cycle.

With the embodiment (which is not covered by the claims), UE may determine that a base station triggers DRX cycle update through a PDCCH. The UE may acquire an updated DRX cycle in a paging message. The UE may monitor the PDCCH based on the updated DRX cycle.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. The device for saving power of UE applies to a base station. As shown in <FIG>, the device includes a fifth receiving module and a third sending module.

The fifth receiving module <NUM> is adapted to receiving second signaling sent by UE. The second signaling is Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request signaling. The second signaling includes a signaling element. The signaling element is a cause value indicating that a request for establishing an RRC connection is sent for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle update.

The third sending module <NUM> is adapted to sending response signaling based on the second signaling.

According to an embodiment herein, the third sending module <NUM> may include a first sending sub-module.

The first sending sub-module <NUM> may be adapted to sending third signaling. The third signaling may include an updated DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, UE includes information indicating a desired DRX cycle in second signaling. Accordingly, a base station may update a DRX cycle of the UE based on the second signaling. The base station may inform the UE of the updated DRX cycle through third signaling, achieving optimal power saving performance with fairly less signaling exchange, reducing waste of a signaling resource.

According to an embodiment herein, the third sending module <NUM> may include a second sending sub-module.

The second sending sub-module <NUM> may be adapted to sending fourth signaling to the UE. The fourth signaling may be RRC connection establishment signaling.

The device may further include a sixth receiving module, an updating module, and a fourth sending module.

The sixth receiving module <NUM> may be adapted to receiving fifth signaling sent by the UE after the RRC connection is established. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle. The fifth signaling may include information indicating a desired DRX cycle and an effective term during which an updated DRX cycle is in effect.

The updating module <NUM> may be adapted to updating, based on the fifth signaling, an original DRX cycle of the UE with the updated DRX cycle.

The fourth sending module <NUM> may be adapted to sending sixth signaling to the UE. The sixth signaling may include the updated DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, if UE includes no information indicating a desired DRX cycle in second signaling, a base station may allow the UE to access the base station first. That is, the UE may be allowed to establish an RRC connection with the base station. Then, a DRX cycle of the UE may be updated by exchanging signaling, avoiding inclusion of too many signaling elements in RRC connection request signaling. This is a mere illustration which may not be part of the invention.

According to an embodiment herein, the device may further include a restoring module and a fifth sending module.

The restoring module <NUM> may be adapted to, in response to determining that a time elapse since the DRX cycle update has reached the effective term, restoring an original DRX cycle of the UE.

The fifth sending module <NUM> may be adapted to sending seventh signaling to the UE. The seventh signaling may include the original DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, upon expiration of an effective term, a base station takes the initiative to restore an original DRX cycle of UE before an update. The base station may inform the UE of the restored original DRX cycle through seventh signaling. Accordingly, the UE may monitor a PDCCH based on the original DRX cycle.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment (which is not covered by the claims and is presented for illustration purposes only). The device for saving power of UE may apply to a base station. As shown in <FIG>, the device may include an indicating module and a sixth sending module.

The indicating module <NUM> is adapted to, in response to determining that an original Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle of UE is to be updated, indicating, on a Physical Downlink Control CHannel (PDCCH), that there is a paging message with a cause value for DRX cycle update.

The sixth sending module <NUM> is adapted to sending, on a Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH), a data block including the paging message. The paging message includes an updated DRX cycle.

With embodiments herein, when an original DRX cycle of UE is to be updated, a base station may inform, on a PDCCH, the UE of that there is a paging message with a cause value for DRX cycle update. Accordingly, the UE may receive the paging message on a time-frequency resource corresponding to a PDSCH. The UE may acquire an updated DRX cycle in the paging message.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment (which is not covered by the claims and is presented for illustration purposes only). As shown in <FIG>, based on the embodiment shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment herein, the device may further include a second determining module,.

The second determining module <NUM> may be adapted to determining, based on a timed service reservation for the UE, whether the original DRX cycle of the UE is to be updated.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for saving power of UE according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device <NUM> may be UE such as a mobile phone, a computer, digital broadcast UE, messaging equipment, a gaming console, tablet equipment, medical equipment, exercise equipment, a personal digital assistant, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> may include at least one of a processing component <NUM>, memory <NUM>, a power supply component <NUM>, a multimedia component <NUM>, an audio component <NUM>, an Input / Output (I/O) interface <NUM>, a sensor component <NUM>, a communication component <NUM>, etc..

The processing component <NUM> may generally control an overall operation of the device <NUM>, such as operations associated with display, a telephone call, data communication, a camera operation, a recording operation, etc. The processing component <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> to execute instructions so as to complete all or a part of an aforementioned method. In addition, the processing component <NUM> may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component <NUM> and other components. For example, the processing component <NUM> may include a multimedia portion to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component <NUM> and the processing component <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may be adapted to storing various types of data to support the operation at the device <NUM>. Examples of such data may include instructions of any application or method adapted to operating on the device <NUM>, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory <NUM> may be realized by any type of transitory or non-transitory storage equipment or a combination thereof, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, a magnetic disk, a compact disk, etc..

The power supply component <NUM> may supply electric power to various components of the device <NUM>. The power supply component <NUM> may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components related to generating, managing, and distributing electricity for the device <NUM>.

The multimedia component <NUM> may include a screen that provides an output interface between the device <NUM> and a user. The screen may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Touch Panel (TP), etc. If the screen includes a TP, the screen may be realized as a touch screen to receive a signal input by a user. The TP may include one or more touch sensors for sensing touch, slide, and gestures on the TP. The one or more touch sensors not only may sense the boundary of a touch or slide move, but also detect the duration and pressure related to the touch or slide move. The multimedia component <NUM> may include at least one of a front camera or a rear camera. When the device <NUM> is in an operation mode such as a photographing mode or a video mode, at least one of the front camera or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data. Each of the front camera or the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or may have a focal length and be capable of optical zooming.

The audio component <NUM> may be adapted to outputting and / or inputting an audio signal. For example, the audio component <NUM> may include a microphone (MIC). When the device <NUM> is in an operation mode such as a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., the MIC may be adapted to receiving an external audio signal. The received audio signal may be further stored in the memory <NUM> or may be sent via the communication component <NUM>. The audio component <NUM> may further include a loudspeaker adapted to outputting the audio signal.

The I / O interface <NUM> may provide an interface between the processing component <NUM> and a peripheral interface portion. Such a peripheral interface portion may be a keypad, a click wheel, a button, etc. Such a button may include but is not limited to at least one of a homepage button, a volume button, a start button, or a lock button.

The sensor component <NUM> may include one or more sensors for assessing various states of the device <NUM>. For example, the sensor component <NUM> may detect an on/off state of the device <NUM> and relative positioning of components such as the display and the keypad of the device <NUM>. The sensor component <NUM> may further detect a change in the position of the device <NUM> or of a component of the device <NUM>, whether there is contact between the device <NUM> and a user, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the device <NUM>, a change in the temperature of the device <NUM>, etc. The sensor component <NUM> may include a proximity sensor adapted to detecting existence of a nearby object without physical contact. The sensor component <NUM> may further include an optical sensor such as a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) or a Charge-Coupled-Device (CCD) image sensor used in an imaging application. The sensor component <NUM> may further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, etc..

The communication component <NUM> may be adapted to facilitating wired or wireless communication between the device <NUM> and other equipment. The device <NUM> may access a wireless network based on a communication standard such as Wi-Fi, <NUM>, <NUM>. , or a combination thereof. The communication component <NUM> may broadcast related information or receive a broadcast signal from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. The communication component <NUM> may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) module for short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be based on technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT), etc..

The device <NUM> may be realized by one or more electronic components such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Digital Signal Processing Device (DSPD), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, etc., to implement the method.

A computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as memory <NUM> including instructions, may be provided. The instructions may be executed by the processor <NUM> of the device <NUM> to implement an aforementioned method according to a first aspect herein and / or an aforementioned method according to a second aspect herein.

For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, optical data storage equipment, etc..

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device for data sending according to an exemplary embodiment. The device <NUM> may be provided as a base station. Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> may include a processing component <NUM>, a radio transmitting/receiving component <NUM>, an antenna component <NUM>, and a signal processing part dedicated to a radio interface. The processing component <NUM> may further include one or more processors.

A processor of the processing component <NUM> may be adapted to implementing the method for saving power of UE according to a second aspect herein.

According to an embodiment herein, a computer-readable storage medium including instructions may be provided. The instructions may be executed by the processing component <NUM> of the device <NUM> to implement an aforementioned method according to a third aspect and / or a fourth aspect herein. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, optical data storage equipment, etc..

Other implementations of the subject disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that has considered the specification and or practiced the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intended to cover any variation, use, or adaptation of the subject disclosure following the general principles of the subject disclosure and including such departures from the subject disclosure as come within common knowledge or customary practice in the art. The specification and the embodiments are intended to be exemplary only, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A method for saving power of User Equipment, UE (<NUM>, <NUM>), the method applying to UE (<NUM>, <NUM>) in an idle state or a deactivated state, and comprising:
generating (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) second signaling by comprising, in first signaling, a signaling element, the signaling element being a cause value indicating that a request for establishing a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connection is sent for Discontinuous Reception, DRX, cycle update, the first signaling being RRC connection request signaling;
sending (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) the second signaling to a base station (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
receiving response signaling sent by the base station (<NUM>, <NUM>) based on the second signaling, the response signaling comprising an updated DRX cycle,
characterized in that the second signaling comprises information indicating a desired DRX cycle and an effective term during which the updated DRX cycle is in effect.