Clock Quality Signaling for UE Time Sync in Idle Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in providing effective services, particularly in ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), due to issues with time synchronization and clock quality information dissemination, especially in idle or inactive modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting clock quality information and timing synchronization status to user equipment (UE) through system information blocks (SIB) and unicast messages, enabling accurate time synchronization and clock quality management in various modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock quality information is transmitted through existing signaling methods, then time synchronization is maintained, but time accuracy and synchronization status updates are insufficient for URLLC services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments clock quality information into distinct fields including timing synchronization status, clock accuracy, and source identification. This segmentation allows each aspect of time synchronization to be independently monitored and updated, improving both measurement precision and reliability for URLLC services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated clock quality information field that acts as an intermediary between the base station's internal clock status and the UE's time synchronization requirements. This intermediary structure enables accurate time accuracy measurement while maintaining synchronization reliability through standardized information exchange
2Use of energy by moving object
If UE operates in idle or inactive modes, then power consumption is reduced, but time synchronization and clock quality information delivery are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables base stations to proactively transmit clock quality information to UEs in idle or inactive modes before they need to access the network. This preliminary action ensures time synchronization accuracy is maintained without requiring continuous UE activity, thus preserving low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows UEs to autonomously update their time synchronization status by processing received clock quality information independently while in idle or inactive modes. This self-service mechanism maintains time synchronization accuracy without requiring continuous network interaction, reducing power consumption
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive clock quality information is transmitted to all UEs, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates clock quality information transmission into existing system information blocks and signaling structures, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple functions: broadcast information delivery, time synchronization, and URLLC service support. This universal approach improves time synchronization accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a transceiver, and a controller coupled to the transceiver. The controller is configured to: receive, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including a first event identifier (ID) and information on a clock quality; store the first event ID; and receive a system information block (SIB) including a second event ID from the base station, wherein the first event ID and the second event ID are associated with a timing synchronization status of the UE.