On-demand System Information Transmission in Wireless Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems with network-centric networks continuously broadcast synchronization signals and system information, leading to power consumption and inefficiency, as not all UEs may receive or use this information, and they require UEs to perform extensive processing for mobility management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a UE-centric network where system information is transmitted on-demand, allowing UEs to request and receive system information via unicast or narrow-beam operations, reducing unnecessary broadcasts and processing by only transmitting information when requested.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network continuously broadcasts synchronization signals and system information, then UEs can discover and access the network reliably, but power consumption increases and network efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network transitions from continuous broadcasting to periodic broadcasting of synchronization signals and system information. The base station broadcasts these signals at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while maintaining UE ability to discover and access the network through periodic monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

UEs are empowered to autonomously request system information when needed rather than relying on continuous broadcasts. The UE monitors for periodic synchronization signals, determines when system information is needed, and actively requests it from the network, making the system information acquisition self-service oriented

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the network continuously broadcasts system information, then all UEs can receive necessary information, but network processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidnetwork processing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

UEs autonomously determine when they need system information and actively request it from the network. This shifts the initiation of information transfer from network-driven continuous broadcasting to UE-driven on-demand requests, reducing unnecessary network processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of system information delivery from the continuous broadcast mechanism. By separating synchronization signal broadcasting (periodic) from system information delivery (on-demand via unicast), the network eliminates the overhead of continuously broadcasting all system information to all UEs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network uses broadcast operations for system information, then all UEs can receive information simultaneously, but transmission efficiency decreases when not all UEs need the information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation distribution coverageVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments system information delivery into two distinct mechanisms: periodic broadcast of synchronization signals for initial discovery, and unicast transmission of system information upon UE request. This segmentation allows the network to match the transmission method to the specific need, improving overall transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network employs periodic broadcasting of synchronization signals at predetermined intervals, allowing UEs to discover the network without requiring continuous broadcasts. This periodic approach maintains adaptability for network discovery while improving transmission efficiency by reducing redundant transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4149167A1On-demand system information
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4149167A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4149167A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4149167A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A wireless network may provide system information by either a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or in response to a request by a user equipment (UE). The wireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a signal that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area that system information is to be transmitted on a fixed periodic schedule or in response to a request sent by one or more UEs.