Preconfigured Downlink Resources for Reliable Idle-Mode Communications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reliably transitioning from idle mode to connected mode using preconfigured uplink resources due to indeterminate application of features like frequency hopping, timing advance, and power control when the UE transitions from connected to idle mode.

Innovation Solution

The described techniques provide enhancements for frequency hopping, uplink control channel, timing advance, and power control by determining parameters based on connected mode configurations, system information blocks, and downlink control channels to ensure reliable communications in idle mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If preconfigured uplink resources are used in idle mode to reduce latency, then communication speed is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to indeterminate parameter application

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preconfiguring uplink resources and associated parameters (frequency hopping, timing advance, power control) before the UE transitions to idle mode. This ensures that when the UE needs to communicate in idle mode, all necessary parameters are already determined and stored, eliminating the need for real-time parameter determination and ensuring reliable communication from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the UE to dynamically select from multiple preconfigured parameter sets based on current channel conditions and communication requirements. The UE can adaptively choose appropriate frequency hopping configurations, timing advance values, and power control parameters from the preconfigured sets, enabling flexible and reliable communication in varying idle mode conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If preconfigured uplink resources are allocated for idle mode communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to parameter management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidparameter management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring specific parameters (frequency hopping, timing advance, power control) only where needed for idle mode communication rather than managing all possible parameters. Each preconfigured resource set contains only the essential parameters required for immediate use, reducing overall management complexity while maintaining communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the network to update and reconfigure parameter sets dynamically based on changing communication conditions. The UE receives updated preconfigured parameters through system information blocks or dedicated signaling, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration, thus managing complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If frequency hopping is configured for preconfigured uplink resources, then communication robustness is improved, but parameter determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication robustnessVSAvoidparameter determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining frequency hopping parameters (hopping pattern, frequency offset, time offset) before the UE enters idle mode. These parameters are stored in preconfigured resource sets, eliminating the need for complex real-time frequency hopping calculations during idle mode communication, thus simplifying parameter determination while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3963991B1Techniques for wireless communications using preconfigured downlink resources
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3963991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3963991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3963991B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for wireless communications at a UE, comprising receiving a first downlink resource configuration for downlink communications in a connected mode, receiving a second downlink resource configuration for downlink communications in an idle mode, the second downlink resource configuration comprising a set of parameters comprising one or more of a frequency hopping indicator or a coverage enhancement (CE) mode indicator for the downlink communications in the idle mode, entering the idle mode and receiving, while in the idle ode, one or more downlink transmissions according to the first downlink resource configuration or the second downlink resource configuration.