Coverage-Enhanced Random Access Procedure Selection by Power Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently selecting the appropriate Random Access (RA) procedure and determining the number of repetitions for uplink signals, particularly in scenarios with varying signal strengths, which affects coverage enhancement.

Innovation Solution

A method for wireless devices to select between 2-step and 4-step RA procedures based on comparing received signal power with thresholds, and determine the number of repetitions for uplink signals accordingly, enhancing coverage by optimizing the RA process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the wireless device uses a fixed RA procedure and repetition number, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage enhancement and communication reliability deteriorate in varying signal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRA procedure selection complexityVSAvoidcoverage enhancement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection between 2-step and 4-step RA procedures based on real-time received power measurements. The wireless device compares the measured received power against thresholds to dynamically determine the appropriate RA type and repetition number, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal conditions rather than using a fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the RA procedure (RA type and repetition number) based on the received power level. When received power is above a threshold, one configuration is selected; when below, another configuration is selected. This parameter adaptation optimizes coverage enhancement while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the wireless device selects optimal RA type and repetition number based on received power, then coverage enhancement and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of received power before initiating the RA procedure. By measuring the received power in advance and comparing it against pre-defined thresholds, the device determines the appropriate RA type and repetition number beforehand, avoiding complex real-time decisions during the actual RA process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless device autonomously performs received power measurement, threshold comparison, and RA parameter selection without requiring complex network coordination or external assistance. The device serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on local measurements, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the wireless device transmits with more repetitions, then the coverage is enhanced, but the transmission time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection reliabilityVSAvoidRA procedure duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the repetition number parameter based on received power conditions. When received power is strong, fewer repetitions are used, reducing time loss. When received power is weak, more repetitions are used to ensure reliable detection. This adaptive approach optimizes the trade-off between coverage enhancement and transmission time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4151012B1Random access procedure with coverage enhancement
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 OFINNO LLC
  • EP4151012B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4151012B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4151012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an embodiment, a wireless device selects, from random access channel (RACH) resource sets, a first (RACH) resource set corresponding to a coverage enhancement (CE) level. The the CE level is selected, from CE levels, based on: a received power of a reference signal; and a first power threshold. The wireless device determines, a first RA type, from a 2-step RA type and a 4-step RA type, based on: the received power; and a second power threshold. The wireless device performs a RA procedure with the first RA type and using the first RACH resource set.