NR RedCap Feature Configuration to Avoid Capability Retuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless technologies face challenges in efficiently managing the reduced capabilities of New Radio (NR) devices, leading to unnecessary power and resource waste due to complex feature handling and retuning requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for configuring NR RedCap devices to determine a subset of features to support based on stored configuration information, allowing them to operate with reduced capabilities efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NR devices support full features, then capability and functionality are improved, but power consumption and processing resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature support capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feature set into multiple groups (first group and second group of features) with different complexity levels. The UE can be configured to support only the necessary feature group, dividing the full feature set into manageable segments that can be selectively activated based on device capabilities and service requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of feature support from a binary state (full or none) to a configurable state with multiple levels. Through RRC configuration parameters, the network can specify which feature groups are supported, allowing dynamic adjustment of device capabilities to match actual needs and reduce unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If NR devices handle complex features, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature support capabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides complex features into segmented groups that can be independently managed. By configuring UEs to support only specific feature groups rather than all features, the processing complexity is reduced while maintaining necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by enabling UEs to support only the necessary subset of features required for their specific service requirements, rather than implementing all possible features. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate functionality for the intended use case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If NR devices retune features dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but signaling resources and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature adaptabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of feature groups through RRC signaling before actual data transmission. The network configures which feature groups the UE should support in advance, avoiding the need for dynamic retuning and reducing signaling overhead during active communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250392903A1Capability configurations for new radio redcap devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to configurations for new radio (NR) devices with reduced capabilities. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may determine a configuration from stored configuration information, where the configuration specifies a subset of features that NR UE with reduced capabilities is to support. The UE may communicate according to the configuration of reduced capabilities, or fall back to a set of further reduced UE capabilities. Numerous other aspects are provided.