Reduced-Capability Terminal Access Using Feature-Based RA Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting initial access for various reduced capability terminals, including early feature indication and bandwidth part configuration, which are essential for devices with low power, low cost, and low latency requirements, such as smart factories and wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for initial access in a wireless communication system that involves receiving and transmitting messages based on specific feature combinations and associated random access resource sets, allowing for early feature indication and bandwidth part configuration for reduced capability terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple random access resource sets are configured for different feature combinations, then initial access efficiency for reduced capability terminals is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial access efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The random access resources are segmented into multiple distinct resource sets, each specifically configured for different feature combinations. This segmentation allows reduced capability terminals to efficiently access appropriate resources without navigating through all available options, improving initial access efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by configuring multiple random access resource sets with different characteristics (time-frequency resources, preamble formats) corresponding to different feature combinations. This parameter differentiation enables terminals to select optimal resources based on their capabilities, improving access efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity through standardized selection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If reduced capability terminals operate within partial bandwidths, then power consumption is reduced, but network resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork resource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allocating specific time-frequency resource sets to different feature combinations, allowing reduced capability terminals to operate efficiently within their designated partial bandwidths. This localized resource allocation ensures that each terminal group receives optimized resources matching their capabilities, reducing their power consumption while maintaining overall network allocation efficiency through systematic distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes allocation parameters by configuring multiple random access resource sets with different bandwidth characteristics and resource allocations corresponding to different feature combinations. This parameter differentiation enables the network to allocate resources efficiently across diverse terminal types, reducing power consumption for reduced capability terminals while maintaining overall network productivity through optimized resource distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If feature combination information is provided during initial access, then adaptability for various reduced capability terminals is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing feature combination information and associated random access resource set configurations during the initial access phase, before actual data transmission begins. This advance provision of information allows terminals to self-configure appropriately for their capabilities, improving system adaptability while minimizing subsequent signaling overhead by establishing configurations upfront.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional random access resource configuration framework that serves multiple feature combinations simultaneously. Each resource set is designed to handle specific terminal types, and the configuration mechanism itself becomes a universal solution that adapts to various reduced capability terminals without requiring separate dedicated signaling for each terminal type, thus improving adaptability while controlling signaling overhead.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4694519A1Initial access method and apparatus for terminal with reduced capability in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4694519A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4694519A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4694519A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An initial access method and apparatus of a reduced capability terminal in a wireless communication system is disclosed. A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include receiving, from a network, information on at least one feature combination, and information on at least one random access (RA) resource set associated with the at least one feature combination; and based on one RA resource set of the at least one RA resource set, transmitting a first message of a random access procedure to the network. Based on a first feature combination being associated with a first RA resource set and a second feature combination being associated with a second RA resource set: the first feature combination may include a first reduced capability feature, the second feature combination may include a second reduced capability feature, and both the first reduced capability feature and the second reduced capability feature may not be included in one feature combination.