Msg3 Time Resource Assignment Signaling for NR Random Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing approach for determining time resource assignments for Msg3 transmission in LTE is not applicable to NR, as NR supports both slot and non-slot based Msg3 transmission, requiring a new signaling mechanism for indicating time resource assignments, transmission duration, and DMRS configuration for Msg3 transmission/retransmission/repetition.

Innovation Solution

A method is provided for scheduling Msg3 configuration by generating an information message indicating transmission duration, DMRS configuration, and starting position, which supports both slot and non-slot transmissions, allowing for flexible configuration to improve UL system capacity and reduce random access latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LTE's fixed subframe-based Msg3 transmission timing is used, then implementation is simple, but it cannot support NR's slot and non-slot based transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for slot and non-slot Msg3 transmissionVSAvoidsignaling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing parameter from fixed subframe-based (LTE) to flexible slot-based and non-slot-based (NR) by introducing new fields in the RAR UL grant: a 2-bit time domain assignment indicator that points to entries in a time domain assignment table, and a 2-bit transmission duration indicator. This allows the same signaling structure to adapt to different transmission scenarios (slot-based, non-slot-based, repetition) without requiring a completely new signaling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability through the time domain assignment table and transmission duration table, which can be configured via higher layer parameters. The UE dynamically selects the appropriate timing and duration based on the indicators in the RAR UL grant, enabling flexible adaptation between slot-based and non-slot-based transmissions while maintaining a unified signaling approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible time resource assignment signaling is implemented for NR, then support for slot and non-slot transmission is achieved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible Msg3 transmission configurationVSAvoidsignaling bits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses partial action by providing default values for certain parameters. The time domain assignment table and transmission duration table can be pre-configured with default entries, allowing the network to indicate timing and duration with compact 2-bit fields rather than transmitting full parameter sets. This reduces signaling overhead while maintaining flexibility for when full customization is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal signaling structure where the RAR UL grant format remains consistent across different transmission types (slot-based, non-slot-based, repetition). The same 2-bit time domain assignment indicator and 2-bit transmission duration indicator serve multiple functions: indicating timing, selecting from configured tables, and determining transmission duration, thereby reducing the need for separate signaling mechanisms for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If Msg3 transmission timing is postponed to ensure proper scheduling, then resource allocation is optimized, but random access latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUL system capacityVSAvoidrandom access latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the time domain assignment table and transmission duration table through higher layer parameters before the random access procedure. This allows the UE to immediately determine the appropriate transmission timing and duration from the RAR UL grant indicators without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing latency while ensuring proper resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the timing control into multiple independent components: a time domain assignment indicator (2 bits) that selects from pre-configured timing options, and a transmission duration indicator (2 bits) that selects from pre-configured duration options. This segmentation allows flexible combination of timing and duration parameters to optimize both resource allocation and latency for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4123949A1Time resource assignment signaling mechanism for MSG3 transmission
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4123949A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4123949A1 patent drawingFigure QQ1
  • EP4123949A1 patent drawingFigure QQ2

AI summary

A method of scheduling Msg3 configuration by a network node may be provided. Information may be generated indicating transmission duration, DMRS configuration, and/or starting position for Msg3 sending by a user equipment, UE. Transmission of signaling of the information to the UE may be initiated for scheduling Msg3 transmission by the UE. A method of scheduling by the UE includes receiving information from the network node indicating transmission duration, DMRS configuration, and/or starting position for Msg3 transmission. The UE transmits Msg3 based on a schedule determined based on the information.