Synchronization Signal Block Detection Using Bitmap Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation wireless communication systems, there is a need to ascertain the number of actual synchronization signal blocks transmitted by a node and correlate beams with received synchronization signal blocks, as existing methods do not effectively handle the complexities of multi-beam and multi-frequency scenarios in 5G NR systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that provide beam utilization information to user equipment (UE) to identify the actual synchronization signal blocks transmitted by a node, allowing the UE to decode and process synchronization signal block bursts efficiently, including techniques such as bitmap conventions, index conventions, and inter-node signaling to determine the actual transmission patterns of synchronization signal blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple synchronization signal blocks are transmitted to support multi-beam and multi-frequency scenarios, then the system's adaptability and coverage are improved, but the complexity of identifying and processing actual transmitted blocks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-beam and multi-frequency scenario supportVSAvoidsynchronization signal block identification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing beam utilization information to the UE before the UE attempts to identify and process synchronization signal blocks. This advance information indicates which SS blocks are actually transmitted, allowing the UE to pre-configure its detection strategy and avoid unnecessary processing of non-transmitted blocks, thereby reducing identification complexity while maintaining multi-beam support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces beam utilization information as an intermediary element that mediates between the base station's transmission decisions and the UE's reception process. This intermediary provides a mapping or indication layer that connects the actual transmitted SS blocks to the UE's detection capabilities, simplifying the identification process in multi-beam scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If beam utilization information is provided to indicate actual transmitted synchronization signal blocks, then the user equipment's processing efficiency is improved, but the signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization signal block processing efficiencyVSAvoidbeam utilization information management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by encoding beam utilization information in compact forms such as bitmaps or index values. These parameter representations efficiently convey which SS blocks are transmitted using minimal signaling resources. For example, a bitmap of L bits can indicate the transmission status of L potential SS blocks, achieving high processing efficiency with low overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the number of synchronization signal blocks is increased to cover more beams and frequencies, then the system's coverage and reliability are improved, but the time and computational resources required for processing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell selection and handover reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization signal block detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing beam utilization information that enables the UE to immediately identify which SS blocks are actually transmitted. This allows the UE to skip detection of non-transmitted blocks and directly process relevant blocks, significantly reducing detection time and computational resources while maintaining reliable cell selection and handover functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3619981B1Synchronization signal transmission and reception for radio system
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 SHARP KK
  • EP3619981B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3619981B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3619981B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A user equipment comprises receiving circuitry configured to receive bit map information indicating time domain positions, within a measurement window, of synchronization signal block(s) (SSB(s)) used for an intra and/or an inter-frequency measurement, the SSB(s) comprising at least a primary synchronization signal (PPS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), wherein the bitmap information comprises a bit string, and different lengths of the bit string are defined for different frequency bands.