UE Identifier Computation for Control Channel Uniqueness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in uniquely identifying control channel transmissions for user equipment (UE) due to potential identifier clashes and ambiguity in random access procedures.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves duplicating base station computations of identifier values for UE, using mathematical functions and input parameters such as security keys and time-related parameters, to ensure unique identifier values for control channel transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional identifier assignment methods are used in random access procedures, then the random access process can be completed, but identifier clashes and ambiguity occur between different UEs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier uniquenessVSAvoidcomputation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE compute its identifier value before the random access procedure using a predetermined function of input parameters (security key, time-related parameter, UE-specific parameter). This pre-computation ensures the UE already has a unique identifier ready, eliminating identifier clashes during the random access process without adding complexity to the base station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously compute its own identifier value using a predetermined function and available input parameters. The UE independently generates its identifier without requiring base station intervention or complex allocation procedures, thereby ensuring uniqueness while simplifying the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If static identifier values are used for control channel transmissions, then the system operation is simple, but security is compromised due to predictability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomputation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the identifier value time-varying through the inclusion of a time-related parameter (such as system frame number or slot index) in the predetermined function. This ensures the identifier changes over time, providing security against prediction attacks while maintaining computational simplicity through the use of basic mathematical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by incorporating multiple varying parameters (security key, time-related parameter, UE-specific parameter) into the identifier computation. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system achieves enhanced security without requiring complex computational algorithms, as the predetermined function uses straightforward mathematical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If UE-specific parameters are included in identifier computation, then identifier uniqueness is improved, but the complexity of parameter management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier uniquenessVSAvoidparameter management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single predetermined function that handles multiple parameters (security key, time-related parameter, UE-specific parameter) in a unified manner. This multi-functional approach ensures identifier uniqueness through parameter differentiation while avoiding the need for separate management mechanisms for each parameter type, thereby reducing overall complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4114120B1Apparatuses for communication systems involving incorporating user equipment identifiers into control channel transmissions
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4114120B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4114120B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4114120B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A technique comprising: duplicating, at a user equipment, base station computation of an identifier value for the user equipment; and searching, at the user equipment, for one or more control channel transmissions incorporating an identifier value matching the identifier value computed at the user equipment.