Initial Acquisition Parameters for Reduced-Capability UE Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems struggle to efficiently support reduced-capability devices such as low-end smartphones, wireless sensors, and wearable devices, which require improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness without peak capabilities like narrow bandwidth and relaxed processing times.

Innovation Solution

The system transmits SSBs and CORESETs with varying bandwidths tailored for different sets of UEs, allowing for efficient initial acquisition by configuring separate or shared SSBs and CORESETs with distinct bandwidths for different UE categories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a user equipment supports both VoLTE and VoGS, then the device can maintain voice calls during mobility between LTE and 5G networks, but the device complexity and power consumption increase due to dual protocol support requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice call continuityVSAvoiddual protocol support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the voice protocol by dynamically switching between VoLTE and VoGS based on network conditions. The UE monitors 5G network availability and transitions from VoLTE to VoGS when 5G is available, optimizing resource usage while maintaining call continuity. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliability through conditional protocol selection rather than permanent dual support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the network switches voice service from LTE to 5G, then the network can utilize 5G resources for voice traffic, but the UE may experience service interruption if it lacks proper 5G voice capability support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidvoice service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors its own 5G voice capability status and network conditions. When the UE detects that it has been redirected to 5G but lacks proper VoGS support, it sends a feedback message to the network indicating the service interruption. This triggers the network to redirect the UE back to LTE for voice services, ensuring continuous reliable operation while allowing the network to optimize resource utilization based on actual UE capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the UE monitors 5G system information for voice capability determination, then the UE can accurately identify 5G voice support, but the power consumption and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve5G voice capability detectionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having the UE monitor only specific 5G system information elements related to voice capability rather than performing comprehensive 5G network analysis. The UE checks for the presence of specific indicators (such as voNS support flags) in the system information broadcast, enabling accurate voice capability detection with minimal processing overhead and power consumption. This selective monitoring approach resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4136887B1Selection of initial acquisition parameters for reduced-capability devices
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4136887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4136887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4136887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to various apparatuses and methods for providing or utilizing initial acquisition parameters for reduced- capability wireless user equipment (UEs). In one example, a wireless base station may transmit a plurality of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), with at least one of those SSBs being designated for a set of reduced-capability UEs. The base station may further transmit a plurality of control resource sets with at least one of those control resource sets being designated for the set of reduced-capability UEs. In another example, the base station may transmit a shared SSB/ control resource set configured for compatibility with both legacy UEs and reduced-capability UEs. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.