5G MBS Measurement Using Shared Unicast Reference Signals

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in designing an architecture for User Equipment (UE) and network to support efficient measurement operations for Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) in 5G systems, which are distinct from the legacy LTE systems, and addressing the need for reliable and efficient reception of MBS packets.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for UE in 5G networks that involve configuring UE with reference signals and performing measurement operations for MBS reception, generating measurement reports, and utilizing specific reference signals like CSIRS and DMRS for mobility and CSI evaluation, with timing considerations for DRX cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UE performs measurement operations for MBS using separate configurations and reference signals, then measurement precision for MBS is improved, but device complexity and resource overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMBS measurement precisionVSAvoidUE configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling UE to perform both unicast and MBS measurements using common configurations and reference signals. The network configures measurement resources that can be shared between unicast and MBS services, allowing the same measurement framework to serve multiple purposes. This reduces the need for separate dedicated configurations while maintaining measurement accuracy for MBS services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges unicast and MBS measurement operations by allowing UE to utilize common reference signals and measurement configurations for both service types. The measurement resource allocation and reporting mechanisms are combined into a unified framework, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring MBS measurement requirements are met through the shared measurement infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If UE performs measurement operations for MBS using separate configurations and reference signals, then measurement precision for MBS is improved, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMBS measurement precisionVSAvoidresource overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling UE to perform both unicast and MBS measurements using common configurations and reference signals. The network configures measurement resources that can be shared between unicast and MBS services, allowing the same measurement framework to serve multiple purposes. This reduces the need for separate dedicated configurations while maintaining measurement accuracy for MBS services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges unicast and MBS measurement operations by allowing UE to utilize common reference signals and measurement configurations for both service types. The measurement resource allocation and reporting mechanisms are combined into a unified framework, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring MBS measurement requirements are met through the shared measurement infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If UE aligns MBS measurement operations with unicast DRX timings, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE energy efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by aligning MBS measurement operations with unicast DRX cycles. UE performs measurements during periodic wake-up periods defined by DRX timing, enabling energy-efficient operation by sleeping during non-critical periods. The measurement configuration includes periodic measurement opportunities that coincide with DRX active times, ensuring both energy efficiency and adequate measurement coverage for MBS services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing flexible adjustment of measurement parameters within the DRX framework. While the overall measurement schedule aligns with DRX timing for energy efficiency, the configuration allows dynamic adaptation of measurement frequencies, resource allocation, and reporting timing based on service requirements and channel conditions, maintaining necessary measurement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12634738B2Method and system for measurement operation for multicast and broadcast services in 5G

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In an embodiment, a method for performing a measurement operation for Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) in 5G is disclosed. The method includes receiving at a User Equipment (UE), a message from a network for configuring the UE comprising at least one of one or more configurations, and one or more reference signals of one or more of a Bandwidth Part (BWP) or a Common Frequency Resource (CFR) associated with one of a unicast and the MBS. The method includes performing a measurement operation for the MBS reception for the one or more configurations based on the one or more reference signals associated with one or more of the unicast and the MBS. The method further includes generating a measurement report associated with the MBS reception based on a measurement of the MBS.