Random Access Procedure Sequencing in Multi-Carrier Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-carrier wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) faces confusion when multiple random access procedures are requested simultaneously across different carrier frequencies, leading to indeterminate behavior or malfunction due to the limitation of performing only one random access procedure at a time in existing technologies like LTE.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication device with a wireless module and controller module handles random access procedures by waiting for a predetermined period after the expiry of a deactivation timer for one carrier frequency before initiating a random access procedure on another, ensuring that the PDCCH order is not transmitted during an ongoing procedure, thus avoiding confusion and ensuring proper sequence handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple random access procedures are requested simultaneously on different carrier frequencies, then the user equipment can request radio resources on multiple carriers, but confusion occurs regarding which procedure should be performed first leading to indeterminate behavior or malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to perform random access on multiple carriersVSAvoiddeterminism of random access procedure execution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the handling of multiple random access procedures by introducing a serialization mechanism. When multiple random access procedures are requested simultaneously on different carrier frequencies, the system divides them into sequential execution steps by identifying the first and second procedures, determining their execution order, and enforcing sequential processing rather than allowing parallel execution that would cause confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If only one random access procedure is allowed at a given time for a UE, then execution order can be determined, but the ability to efficiently utilize multiple carrier frequencies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterminism of random access procedure executionVSAvoidefficiency of multi-carrier resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the random access procedure execution flexible rather than rigidly sequential or parallel. The system dynamically determines the execution order based on specific criteria (such as carrier frequency indices or procedure priorities) and allows the UE to adapt its behavior according to the determined sequence, optimizing both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple random access procedures are executed in parallel on different carriers, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but confusion and indeterminate behavior occur due to lack of execution order determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of multi-carrier resource utilizationVSAvoidcomplexity of managing concurrent procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a determination step that acts as a mediator between the simultaneous requests and the execution engine. This intermediary determines the execution order based on predefined criteria (such as comparing carrier frequency indices or procedure priorities) and provides a clear sequence to the execution process, eliminating the need for complex conflict resolution mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2640149B1Apparatuses and methods for handling random access procedures
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 ACER INC
  • EP2640149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2640149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2640149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cellular station with a wireless module and a controller module is provided for handling random access procedures in a multi-carrier system. The wireless module performs wireless transceiving to and from a mobile communication device on a first SCell and a second SCell of a timing reference group. The controller module waits for a predetermined period of time subsequent to an expiry of a deactivation timer for the first SCell maintained in the cellular station, and transmits, to the mobile communication device via the wireless module, a PDCCH order for initiating a random access procedure on the second SCell or an activation command for activating the first SCell, in response to the predetermined period of time being elapsed.