Beam Selection in 5G IoT Terminals Using State-Dependent Reselection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation mobile communication systems, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in efficiently selecting suitable beams for service reception due to differences in complexity and performance between idle and connected states, leading to varying times spent on beam selection and inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow UE to consider beamforming capability for selecting beams, applying different configurations based on state (idle or connected) and using graded neighboring beam reselection criteria to reduce the number of beam reselections, particularly in mmWave bands, by receiving system information and RRC messages to identify suitable beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UE performs beam selection in idle state using the same criteria as connected state, then beam selection consistency is improved, but beam selection time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam selection consistencyVSAvoidbeam selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing different beam reselection criteria depending on the UE's operational state. In idle state, UE applies relaxed reselection criteria (e.g., higher threshold offsets) to reduce measurement complexity and time, while in connected state, UE applies strict reselection criteria to ensure service quality. This state-dependent dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between consistency and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters such as reselection thresholds, measurement frequencies, and evaluation criteria based on UE state. By adjusting these parameters dynamically between idle and connected states, the system achieves both consistency in beam selection logic and optimization of selection time, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If UE applies strict beam reselection criteria to ensure service quality, then beam selection reliability is improved, but the number of reselection operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidreselection operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by applying strict reselection criteria only when necessary (in connected state when service quality is at risk), rather than continuously. In idle state, relaxed criteria are sufficient. This selective application of strictness reduces unnecessary reselection operations while maintaining service quality where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

By changing reselection parameters such as threshold offsets and evaluation metrics based on UE state and service requirements, the system avoids excessive reselection operations while maintaining reliable service quality. The parameter adjustment mechanism prevents both over-reselection and under-reselection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If UE performs comprehensive beam measurements to ensure accurate selection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam measurement accuracyVSAvoidbeam selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the scope and depth of beam measurements based on UE state. In idle state, simplified measurement procedures are used that reduce complexity while providing sufficient accuracy for beam selection. In connected state, more comprehensive measurements are performed when needed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the beam measurement process into different levels of detail appropriate for different operational states. Rather than performing a single comprehensive measurement procedure in all states, the measurement process is divided into simplified and detailed stages, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining necessary precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If UE uses uniform beam reselection criteria across all states, then system simplicity is improved, but performance consistency across different UE types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereselection criterion simplicityVSAvoidperformance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of reselection criteria based on UE state and capability. Rather than using fixed uniform criteria, the system adjusts parameters and procedures to match the operational context and UE characteristics, achieving performance consistency across different UE types while managing complexity through state-based differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11750249B2Method and apparatus for beam selection in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2023.09.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11750249B2 patent drawing
  • US11750249B2 patent drawing
  • US11750249B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication technique for converging an IoT technology with a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate beyond a 4G system, and a system therefor. The present disclosure may be applied to an intelligent service (e.g., a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car or connected car, healthcare, digital education, retail business, a security and safety related service, or the like) on the basis of a 5G communication technology and an IoT related technology. A method and an apparatus for reselecting a beam and selecting a suitable beam to be camped on, by a terminal, in order to be provided with a service in a next generation mobile communication system operating on the basis of a beam.