Uplink Timing Synchronization with Velocity-Adaptive Burst Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional uplink synchronization techniques in wireless networks degrade as user equipment (UE) velocity increases, leading to timing estimate errors, and existing solutions either decrease network capacity or drain battery life.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a burst period and interval scheme for sending timing signals, where the interval between signals varies based on UE velocity, allowing for efficient uplink synchronization while maintaining network capacity and battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional uplink synchronization techniques are used, then timing synchronization is maintained, but timing estimate accuracy degrades as UE velocity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming estimate accuracyVSAvoidUE velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the timing signal transmission interval variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the interval between timing signals based on real-time UE velocity measurements, using shorter intervals when UE moves fast and longer intervals when UE is stationary or moves slowly, thereby maintaining timing estimate accuracy across varying velocity conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission interval parameter adaptively. By monitoring UE velocity and adjusting the timing signal transmission interval accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and resource consumption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining precision at high speeds and reducing overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If timing signals are sent frequently to maintain synchronization at high velocity, then timing estimate accuracy improves, but network capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming estimate accuracyVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transmission interval parameter based on UE velocity conditions. At high velocities, shorter intervals are used to maintain accuracy, while at low velocities, longer intervals reduce network overhead, thereby optimizing network capacity while maintaining sufficient timing estimate accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of timing signal transmission frequency based on real-time velocity measurements. This dynamic approach ensures that network resources are allocated efficiently, sending more frequent signals only when necessary (high velocity conditions) and reducing transmission frequency when UE is stationary or moves slowly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If timing signals are sent continuously to maintain synchronization, then timing accuracy is maintained, but battery life drains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming estimate accuracyVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the transmission interval parameter adaptively based on UE velocity. By extending the interval between timing signals when UE is stationary or moves slowly, the system significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate timing accuracy, thereby extending battery life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts timing signal transmission frequency based on real-time velocity measurements. This dynamic approach ensures that timing signals are sent frequently only when necessary (high velocity conditions requiring frequent updates) and reduces transmission frequency when UE is stationary or moves slowly, thereby conserving battery energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2357736B1System and method for timing synchronization
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2357736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2357736B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2357736B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for timing synchronization. Uplink synchronization is a necessary component of a UE 110 operating in a mobile, wireless network. Reliable uplink synchronization generally requires regular uplink transmission containing reference signals. A method is provided that defines a burst period 603 for sending the reference signals, determines an interval 605 between the reference signals, and sends a timing instruction message 607 that includes the burst period and the determined interval. A second method is provided that receives the timing instruction message and sends the reference signals in accordance with the timing instruction.