Device Counting Signal Configuration for NR Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, particularly in New Radio (NR), face inefficiencies in broadcast or multicast transmission due to the need to cover entire cells with beams, leading to significant system overhead when only a few devices are receiving the signal.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a device configuration where a first device receives a configuration from a second device to transmit a counting signal upon an event, such as detection of a triggering signal or timer expiration, allowing the second device to efficiently count the number of devices receiving a specific type of signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If broadcast or multicast transmission is performed on all beams to cover entire cell, then coverage reliability is improved, but system overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary counting of UEs on each beam before initiating broadcast or multicast transmission. The gNB counts the number of UEs on each beam by receiving counting signals from UEs in response to a counting request. This preliminary action allows the system to identify beams with active UEs before transmitting, thereby avoiding transmission on beams with no or few UEs and reducing system overhead while maintaining coverage reliability.
2Productivity
If beam-based operation is used in FR2 to improve transmission efficiency, then spectral efficiency is improved, but complexity of determining transmission mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UEs send counting signals back to the gNB in response to a counting request. The gNB uses this feedback information (the number of UEs counted on each beam) to automatically determine the appropriate transmission mode (broadcast, multicast, or unicast) for each beam. This feedback-based approach simplifies the decision-making process compared to complex predictive algorithms, as the gNB directly observes UE presence through the counting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine transmission modes based on self-collected counting information without requiring external control or complex manual configuration. The gNB autonomously counts UEs on each beam and independently decides the transmission mode, making the system self-sufficient in adapting to current UE distribution patterns.
3Reliability
If broadcast message is transmitted on all beams, then coverage completeness is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary counting of UEs on each beam before initiating broadcast or multicast transmission. The gNB counts the number of UEs on each beam by receiving counting signals from UEs in response to a counting request. This preliminary action allows the system to identify beams with active UEs before transmitting, thereby avoiding transmission on beams with no or few UEs and reducing resource waste while maintaining coverage completeness for beams that actually need service.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses and computer readable storage media for counting of devices. In example embodiments, a first device receives, from a second device, a first configuration associated with an event to trigger transmission of a counting signal from the first device to the second device. When the event occurs, the first device transmits, to the second device, at least the counting signal to enable the second device to count the number of devices for determining a type of signals.