UE Search Space Switching for 5G BWP Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fifth-generation cellular systems face challenges in efficiently managing search spaces for PDCCH monitoring and applying RRC parameters across different transmission states, which limits communication flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a communication method where a user equipment (UE) receives system information from a base station, including initial downlink BWP configurations with specific RRC parameters indicating search space set indices. The UE determines which search space set index to use based on an indication, switching between indices during different access procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the UE uses a fixed search space set index configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different transmission states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE complexityVSAvoidcommunication flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic search space set index selection by allowing the UE to switch between a first search space set index (for idle/inactive states) and a second search space set index (for connected states) based on the current transmission state. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize PDCCH monitoring behavior according to operational context without requiring permanently complex device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the search space set index parameter based on transmission state transitions. When transitioning from idle/inactive to connected state, the UE switches from using the first search space set index to the second search space set index. This parameter change mechanism allows the same UE to exhibit different monitoring behaviors appropriate to each state, improving adaptability without increasing inherent device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the UE monitors PDCCH in all possible search spaces, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidUE energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different search space set indices for different operational states. In idle and inactive states, the UE uses the first search space set index which is optimized for those states, while in connected state it uses the second search space set index. This localized optimization ensures reliable PDCCH monitoring in each state without requiring the UE to monitor all possible search spaces simultaneously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of monitoring all possible search spaces in all states (excessive action), the patent implements partial monitoring by selecting only the appropriate search space set index for the current transmission state. This partial action approach maintains sufficient communication reliability for each state while significantly reducing the energy burden of monitoring unnecessary search spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the UE uses reduced antennas and bandwidth, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE complexityVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250176060A1User equipments, base stations, and communication methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 SHARP KK

AI summary

A method by a user equipment (UE) is described. The method includes receiving, from a base station, system information block type1 (SIB1) including a first initial downlink (DL) BWP configuration and a second initial DL BWP configuration for a cell, wherein the first initial DL BWP configuration includes a first RRC parameter indicating a first search space set for other system information (OSI); determining to monitor PDCCH for receiving OSI in a second search space set on a DL BWP provided by the second initial DL BWP configuration, in a first case that the second initial DL BWP configuration includes a second RRC parameter wherein the second RRC parameter indicates the second search space set for OSI; and determining to monitor PDCCH for receiving OSI in the first search space set on a DL BWP provided by the first initial DL BWP configuration, in a second case that the second initial DL BWP configuration does not include the second RRC parameter.