Adaptive Synchronization Signal Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communications networks face inefficiencies in synchronization procedures, particularly during cell search and initial access, due to fixed resource allocation and increased overhead from repeated or beamformed synchronization signals, which are not adaptable to varying traffic loads or user numbers.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting a first synchronization signal on a smaller time/frequency resource and a second synchronization signal on a larger resource within a time/frequency grid, allowing for efficient resource allocation and adaptation during initial access procedures, such as medium access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If repeated or beamformed synchronization signals are transmitted to improve synchronization reliability, then synchronization reliability is improved, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidresource overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the synchronization signal transmission adaptive rather than fixed. The network node dynamically adjusts whether to transmit repeated or beamformed synchronization signals based on detected uplink signals from wireless devices. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by transmitting enhanced synchronization signals only when needed, improving reliability while avoiding unnecessary resource overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameters of synchronization signals based on detected uplink activity. When uplink signals are detected, the system switches to transmitting repeated or beamformed synchronization signals with modified parameters (time resources, beamforming vectors). This parameter change enables the system to achieve higher reliability only when required, thereby managing resource overhead effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed resource allocation is used for synchronization signals, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying traffic loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to traffic loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed resource allocation into a dynamic scheme where resource allocation for synchronization signals is adjusted based on detected uplink signals. The network node determines whether to use repeated transmission or beamforming based on real-time conditions, enabling adaptation to varying traffic loads while maintaining relatively simple implementation through predefined transmission formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by detecting uplink signals from wireless devices and automatically determining the appropriate synchronization signal transmission strategy. This self-service mechanism enables adaptability to traffic conditions without requiring complex external control, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If synchronization signals are transmitted on larger time/frequency resources, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the resource allocation for synchronization signals based on detected uplink activity. When uplink signals are detected, the system transitions to using larger time/frequency resources for repeated or beamformed synchronization signal transmission to improve accuracy. When no uplink signals are detected, the system uses minimal resources, thereby maintaining high resource utilization efficiency while achieving synchronization accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time and frequency resource parameters of synchronization signals adaptively. The system switches between different transmission modes with different resource allocations based on detected conditions, enabling the system to achieve high synchronization accuracy only when required rather than continuously, thus improving overall resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10244496B2Synchronization in wireless communications networks

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for synchronization in a wireless communications network. A method is performed by a transmitting device. The method comprises transmitting a first synchronization signal on a first time/frequency resource in a time/frequency grid. The method comprises receiving a response to the first synchronization signal from a receiving device. The method comprises transmitting a second synchronization signal on a second time/frequency resource in the time/frequency grid to the receiving device, wherein the second time/frequency resource spans a larger portion of the time/frequency grid than the first time/frequency resource.