Control Message Field Reuse for Timing Alignment Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio communication systems face inefficiencies in signaling, particularly in conveying timing alignment information and dedicated random access preambles, which can lead to increased overhead and reduced reliability in data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating a control message with multiple fields, where one field is reused to specify timing alignment information or a dedicated random access preamble, transmitted over a control channel using lower layer protocols like L1/L2 or MAC layer protocols, optimizing signaling without additional overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate signaling mechanisms are used for timing alignment information and dedicated random access preambles, then reliability of information delivery is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of timing alignment signalingVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single control message to carry both timing alignment information and dedicated random access preamble information through field reuse. The same control message format and transmission mechanisms are utilized for different signaling purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signaling channels while maintaining reliable delivery of both information types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If existing control message formats are reused for timing alignment information, then signaling overhead is reduced, but compatibility with existing protocols must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted modifications to specific fields within existing control message formats rather than changing the overall protocol structure. The reuse of control message formats is achieved through localized adaptations that preserve compatibility with existing L1/L2 and MAC layer protocols while enabling new functionality for timing alignment and random access preamble signaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If explicit signaling mechanisms are implemented for timing alignment, then reliability of synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining explicit timing alignment signaling with existing random access procedures into a unified control message framework. Rather than implementing separate complex signaling mechanisms, the patent merges these functions into the existing control message structure, achieving reliable synchronization while minimizing additional device complexity through integrated rather than separate implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10313989B2Method and apparatus for providing timing alignment

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An approach includes generating a control message having a format designated for resource allocation, wherein the control message includes a plurality of control fields. One of the control fields is reserved to specify information other than information for resource allocation, the value indicating timing alignment information or information for starting a random access procedure. The control message is transmitted over a control channel according to a lower layer protocol.