SSB-Based Cell Discovery Signals for Energy-Aware Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively utilizing cell discovery signals, leading to increased energy consumption and inefficiencies in tracking reference signal transmission, while lacking versatile structures for synchronization and resource management.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving synchronization signals and broadcast channel blocks, obtaining synchronization with a base station, performing a random access procedure, and requesting transmission of an SSB-based discovery signal to manage resources and reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If tracking reference signal is transmitted continuously for cell discovery and synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by transmitting the tracking reference signal only at specific intervals rather than continuously. The base station transmits the discovery signal containing the tracking reference signal periodically based on terminal capability and network configuration, which reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient synchronization accuracy for cell discovery and tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission periodicity adjustable and adaptive. The network can dynamically configure the periodicity of discovery signal transmission based on terminal requirements, channel conditions, and network load, allowing the system to optimize between synchronization accuracy and energy consumption under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If cell discovery signal uses traditional SSB structure only, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but signal utilization efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsignal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the discovery signal to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The discovery signal contains not only synchronization information but also tracking reference signals, cell identification data, and can support both downlink and uplink operations. This multi-functional design increases signal utilization efficiency without requiring separate signals for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements merging by combining the synchronization signal and tracking reference signal into a single discovery signal structure. Instead of transmitting separate synchronization signals and tracking reference signals, the patent integrates them into one unified signal that performs both functions, thereby improving efficiency and reducing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If base station transmits discovery signal without terminal request, then coverage is ensured, but energy waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a request-based transmission mechanism. The terminal sends a capability indication or transmission request to the base station, and the base station uses this feedback information to determine whether to transmit the discovery signal. This feedback mechanism ensures that signals are transmitted only when needed, preventing energy waste while maintaining reliable coverage when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by allowing the terminal to actively indicate its needs for discovery signals. The terminal autonomously determines when it requires the discovery signal for cell discovery, reselection, or tracking purposes and communicates this requirement to the base station, which then adjusts its transmission behavior accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If discovery signal occupies resources without rate-matching information, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but resource management precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management precisionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing rate-matching information in advance through system information blocks or dedicated signaling before the actual data transmission occurs. The network pre-configures the terminal with information about resource allocation, masking patterns, and rate-matching parameters for the discovery signal, allowing the terminal to properly manage resources without complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4593469A1Device and method for transmitting and receiving cell discovery signal in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4593469A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4593469A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4593469A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to transmitting and receiving a cell discovery signal in a wireless communication system, and a method for operating a terminal may include receiving at least one synchronization signal and broadcast channel block (SSB), obtaining synchronization with a base station by using a synchronization signal included in the SSB, obtaining system information based on a master information block (MIB) included in the SSB, performing a random access procedure based on the system information, transmitting a message for requesting transmission of a discovery signal to the base station, and performing tracking for at least one of time and frequency based on the discovery signal.