Random Access Resource Indication via Beam Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In new generation mobile communication systems, the inability to determine a downlink beam selected by a terminal via a random access resource selected by the terminal, due to random access resources being common across multiple beams rather than specific to a beam direction, leads to inefficiencies in coverage and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Establishing correspondence relationships between downlink signals/channels and random access resources, allowing the base station to determine the selected downlink beam by sending specific correspondence relationships and system information to the terminal, enabling the terminal to determine the appropriate random access resource and thereby the selected downlink beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If common random access resources are used for all beams, then resource allocation is simplified, but the base station cannot determine the downlink beam selected by the terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access resource allocationVSAvoiddownlink beam selection information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the random access resources into multiple subsets, where each subset is associated with a specific downlink beam. The terminal selects resources from the subset corresponding to its chosen beam, enabling the base station to determine beam selection while maintaining organized resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mapping relationship between downlink signals/channels and random access resource subsets. This mapping serves as a mediator that connects beam selection to resource selection, allowing the base station to infer beam information from the chosen resources without direct signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If beam scanning is performed to cover the entire cell, then seamless coverage is achieved, but the random access process becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell coverageVSAvoidrandom access efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell coverage into multiple beam directions, each with dedicated random access resources. This allows terminals to directly access resources corresponding to their detected beam without waiting for sequential beam scanning, significantly improving access efficiency while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary association between downlink beams and random access resources before the random access process. Terminals can immediately use pre-configured resources matching their beam selection, eliminating the need for time-consuming beam scanning during the access procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple beams are used to cover the cell, then coverage radius is increased, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage radiusVSAvoidbeam management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal mapping framework that works across multiple beams and different downlink signals (synchronization signals, broadcast channels). This unified approach allows the same resource subset association mechanism to serve multiple beams simultaneously, managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource association from beam-agnostic to beam-specific by introducing beam index mapping. This parameter change enables differentiated resource allocation for multiple beams while maintaining a systematic management approach through consistent mapping rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3579639B1Random access resource indication method, base station and terminal
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP3579639B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3579639B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3579639B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for indicating a random access resource. The method comprises: determining a first correspondence relationship between a downlink signal and a random access resource or a second correspondence relationship between a downlink channel and a random access resource; sending the first correspondence relationship and the downlink signal to a terminal if the first correspondence relationship is determined, wherein the first correspondence relationship and the downlink signal are used by the terminal to determine the random access resource; and sending the second correspondence relationship and the downlink channel to the terminal if the second correspondence relationship is determined, wherein the second correspondence relationship and the downlink channel are used by the terminal to determine the random access resource. Also disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure are a base station and a terminal.