Synchronization Signal Block Index Acquisition Without Full Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication systems, the existing methods for transmitting and receiving synchronization signal blocks face challenges in reducing decoding complexity, especially when acquiring synchronization signal blocks from neighbor cells without decoding them.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for acquiring an index of a synchronization signal block from a neighbor cell, even if the block is not decoded, by configuring the synchronization signal block configuration and indexing methods to minimize decoding complexity, utilizing techniques such as beam sweeping and modified burst configurations to enhance signal detection and indexing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If synchronization signal block decoding is performed to acquire index information, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindex acquisition accuracyVSAvoiddecoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary index information from the synchronization signal block without performing complete decoding. The UE acquires the index by detecting specific signal characteristics (such as sequence properties or signal patterns) that directly indicate the index value, thereby obtaining measurement accuracy while avoiding the complexity of full block decoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary signal detection and processing to identify the index before committing to full decoding operations. By preliminarily analyzing signal features and determining the index early in the measurement process, the system prepares necessary information in advance, reducing subsequent processing complexity and enabling faster measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If complete synchronization signal block decoding is performed, then information accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization signal block information accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the index information needed for measurements from the synchronization signal block, ignoring other data within the block. This selective extraction approach maintains accuracy for the specific measurement purpose while significantly reducing the time required compared to complete decoding of the entire block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs partial decoding action - just enough to extract the index information - rather than complete decoding. This partial action is sufficient for the measurement task at hand, achieving the necessary information accuracy without the time cost of processing the entire synchronization signal block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If synchronization signal blocks from multiple neighbor cells are measured with full decoding, then measurement reliability is improved, but processing complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneighbor cell measurement reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts index information from multiple neighbor cell synchronization signal blocks using lightweight detection methods rather than full decoding. This approach maintains measurement reliability across multiple cells while dramatically reducing the energy consumption associated with processing each block, enabling efficient multi-cell measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial decoding action to each of multiple neighbor cell signals - performing just the minimum necessary processing to extract indices. This partial action approach maintains sufficient measurement reliability for network operations while keeping energy consumption at acceptable levels even when measuring multiple cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3480978B1Method for transmitting and receiving synchronization signal block and device therefor
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3480978B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP3480978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3480978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) by a user equipment in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving a first SSB from a serving cell, receiving a second SSB from a neighbor cell, obtaining time information of the first SSB based on a physical broadcasting channel (PBCH) included in the first SSB, and obtaining an index of the second SSB using the time information of the first SSB.