SS Block Offset Signaling for Direct RMSI Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems waste resources due to unnecessary scanning for synchronization signal blocks that include remaining minimum system information (RMSI), which can be inefficient and costly in terms of device power consumption and network bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

Reusing remaining minimum system information (RMSI) configuration bits to signal the location of synchronization signal blocks, allowing devices to determine the location of a second SS block that includes RMSI based on an offset or indication in a first SS block that does not include RMSI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices perform comprehensive scanning for synchronization signal blocks containing RMSI, then system information acquisition is ensured, but device power consumption increases and network resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem information acquisitionVSAvoiddevice power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first SS block transmits indication information in advance about the location of the second SS block containing RMSI. This preliminary action allows the UE to directly acquire the location information without performing comprehensive scanning, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable system information acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first SS block acts as an intermediary that carries indication information about the second SS block's location. This intermediary mechanism enables the UE to efficiently locate the RMSI-containing block without exhaustive scanning, resolving the contradiction between reliable information acquisition and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If devices perform comprehensive scanning for synchronization signal blocks, then complete system information is obtained, but network bandwidth is consumed inefficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem information acquisitionVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary action by embedding location indication information in the first SS block before the UE needs to acquire RMSI. This eliminates the need for comprehensive scanning, thereby reducing unnecessary network bandwidth consumption while ensuring complete system information is obtained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The location indication information is extracted and transmitted separately in the first SS block, allowing the UE to directly obtain the second SS block's location without scanning all possible positions. This extraction approach reduces network bandwidth waste while ensuring reliable system information acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If RMSI configuration bits are reused to signal SS block location, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Existing RMSI configuration bits in the first SS block are assigned multi-functionality: they continue to indicate RMSI parameters while also encoding the location information of the second SS block. This universal usage improves resource allocation efficiency without adding separate signaling elements, thereby limiting the increase in configuration complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The interpretation or mapping of existing RMSI configuration bits is changed to simultaneously convey location information. This parameter change approach allows the same bits to serve dual purposes, improving efficiency while avoiding the need for additional configuration elements that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3917227B1Techniques and apparatuses for reusing remaining minimum system information configuration bits to signal a synchronization signal block location
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3917227B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3917227B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3917227B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a first synchronization signal (SS) block that does not include remaining minimum system information (RMSI). The first SS block may indicate an offset for obtaining a second SS block that includes RMSI. The UE may determine a location of the second SS block based at least in part on the offset. Numerous other aspects are provided.