UE Small-Data Transmission Switching Under Low Sync Signal Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently handling small-data transmissions, particularly in scenarios where synchronization signal quality is below a threshold, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and increased latency.

Innovation Solution

A user equipment (UE) employs a time trigger control mechanism to determine the availability of small data for transmission, using periodic resources if synchronization signal quality is above a threshold, otherwise switching to alternative mechanisms like random access procedures or cell reselection to ensure data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the UE transmits small data using periodic resources without prior scheduling request, then transmission latency is reduced and efficiency is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates when synchronization signal block quality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission latencyVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic transmission mechanism that adapts between two modes: grant-free periodic resource transmission for good signal conditions, and random access procedure for poor signal conditions. The UE dynamically selects the transmission mode based on real-time synchronization signal block quality assessment, resolving the contradiction between low latency (grant-free) and high reliability (random access with retransmission capability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameters based on signal quality conditions. When synchronization signal block quality falls below a threshold, the system transitions from using periodic resources to using random access procedures, which include retransmission mechanisms. This parameter change ensures reliable transmission while maintaining efficiency in good conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the UE performs random access procedure as alternative transmission mechanism, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between grant-free periodic transmission and random access procedure based on real-time signal quality. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the higher-latency random access procedure is only used when necessary (poor signal conditions), minimizing overall latency while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The UE performs preliminary assessment of synchronization signal block quality before selecting the transmission mechanism. This preliminary action allows the system to avoid unnecessary random access procedures and their associated latency, only invoking them when the signal quality threshold is not met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the UE continuously monitors for periodic resource availability, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring behavior is made dynamic rather than continuous. The UE adjusts its monitoring activity based on signal quality conditions and transmission needs, performing assessments only when necessary to determine the appropriate transmission mechanism, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously determines when to perform signal quality assessments and when to proceed with transmission based on pre-configured thresholds and conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous network-controlled monitoring, reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable transmission decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4124140B1User equipment and base station involved in transmission of small data
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP4124140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4124140B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4124140B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a user equipment, UE, comprising the following. A processor determines that small data has become available for transmission using periodic resources UE. Transmitting the available small-data using the periodic resources includes that the processor determines a synchronization signal block having a signal quality above a signal quality threshold. In case the processor determines there is no such synchronization signal block: • the processor operates a time trigger control mechanism, and • the processor controls the UE to perform an alternative small-data transmission mechanism, instead of transmitting the available small-data using the periodic resources, according to the operated time trigger control mechanism. The alternative small-data transmission mechanism includes one of: • transmitting the available small data using a random access procedure, and • performing by the UE a cell-reselection procedure for selecting a new radio cell in which to transmit the available small data.