Control Channel Resource Segmentation for Reduced Capability Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices with reduced capabilities, such as limited bandwidth or antenna constraints, struggle to comply with the bandwidth and antenna configuration requirements for 5G NR communication standards, leading to challenges in receiving control channels.

Innovation Solution

The method involves broadcasting a message from an access node indicating both first and second resources for transmitting a control channel, where the first resources are associated with a standard wireless device type and the second resources are tailored for devices with reduced capabilities, allowing these devices to monitor and receive the control channel using optimized resource configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless communication devices support standard bandwidth and antenna configuration requirements, then control channel reception performance is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol channel reception performanceVSAvoidbandwidth and antenna configuration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control channel resources are segmented into two distinct sets: first resources for standard wireless devices and second resources for reduced capability devices. This segmentation allows the system to provide targeted resource allocation, where reduced capability devices only need to monitor the second resources within their bandwidth constraints, while standard devices monitor the first resources. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by dividing the control channel resource space into capability-specific portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different resource configurations are provided for different device types. The second resources are specifically optimized for reduced capability devices with limited bandwidth and antenna configurations, while first resources maintain standard configurations for full-capability devices. This local quality approach ensures that each device type receives appropriately tailored resources matching its capabilities, resolving the contradiction between performance and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If reduced capability devices use standard control channel resources, then network compatibility is improved, but device performance deteriorates due to bandwidth and processing limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the resource parameters (bandwidth, time slots, antenna ports) for reduced capability devices by allocating second resources specifically suited to their limitations. Instead of forcing reduced capability devices to use standard first resources that exceed their capabilities, the network configures alternative parameters in the second resources that match the devices' bandwidth and processing constraints, thereby maintaining both compatibility and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control channel resource allocation system serves multiple device types simultaneously through the broadcast message that includes both first and second resources. The same broadcast mechanism universally serves both standard and reduced capability devices, but with differentiated resource configurations that adapt to each device type's capabilities, achieving both universality and device-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate resource configurations are provided for different device types, then device-specific performance is improved, but message overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific control channel receptionVSAvoidmessage overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The resource configuration information for both first resources (standard devices) and second resources (reduced capability devices) is merged into a single broadcast message. Rather than sending separate messages or dedicated signaling for each device type, the network combines both resource allocations in one universal broadcast, reducing overall message overhead while still providing device-specific resource configurations. Devices selectively process the relevant portion based on their capability type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230371031A1Control channel for reduced capability device

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Examples provide a method of operating an access node comprising broadcasting, by the AN, a message indicative of resources for transmitting a control channel, wherein the message is indicative of first resources and second resources for transmitting the control channel, wherein the first resources are associated with a first wireless device type, and wherein the second resources are associated with a second wireless device type, which has reduced capabilities in relation to the first wireless device type; and transmitting, by the AN, the control channel using the first resources and the second resources. Further examples provide a corresponding method of operating a wireless communication device, a corresponding access node and a corresponding wireless communication device.