UE-Specific System Information Management via Validity Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face challenges in managing dedicated and common system information effectively, particularly in 5G/NR systems, where on-demand delivery of system information is being considered, but there is a lack of clear methods for UE to determine which information to use based on various factors like operator policies and UE capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing dedicated and common system information involves receiving messages with sets of parameters and their associated validity, where the validity indicators determine if the stored parameters need to be modified, allowing for the replacement, addition, or removal of parameters, enabling UE-specific system information and differentiation among UEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the network broadcasts common system information to all UEs, then all UEs can obtain basic system information, but UEs cannot receive UE-specific customized system information

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE-specific system information deliveryVSAvoidsystem information management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments system information into common system information (broadcast to all UEs) and dedicated system information (sent to specific UEs). This segmentation allows the network to deliver customized information to individual UEs while maintaining a common broadcast channel for basic information, thereby achieving UE-specific delivery without overwhelming complexity in the overall system information management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the UE stores dedicated system information, then UE-specific parameters are available, but the UE cannot determine when to update or replace stored information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem information accuracyVSAvoidinformation update management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network includes validity indicators (such as version information or validity flags) in the dedicated system information messages. The UE uses these indicators to determine whether stored information should be updated or replaced. This feedback loop ensures that the UE maintains accurate system information without needing complex manual update management, as the network guides the update process through the validity indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the network provides on-demand system information, then information delivery is optimized for specific UEs, but there is no clear method for UEs to determine which information to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery efficiencyVSAvoidconfusion about valid information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses validity indicators (such as version numbers, flags, or status markers) in dedicated system information messages to clearly indicate which information is current and should be used. These indicators act as visual 'color changes' that help the UE easily identify valid information without confusion. The network can mark information as valid, expired, or superseded, providing a clear and unambiguous method for the UE to determine which information to use, thereby preventing information loss or misuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3566499B1Managing dedicated and common system information
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3566499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3566499B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3566499B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for managing dedicated and common system information that includes receiving a first message comprising a first set of parameters associated with system information. The first set of parameters have a first validity. The method also includes deriving a stored set of parameters based, at least in part, on the first set of parameters and its associated validity. The method additionally includes receiving a second message comprising a second set of parameters associated with system information. The second set of parameters have a second validity. The method further includes, upon the second validity superseding the first validity, modifying the stored set of parameters.