5G Symbol Display via 4G Signal Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication devices operating with Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA), which supports both 4G and 5G networks, the device cannot accurately determine 5G signal strength when in idle mode, leading to an inability to display the 5G symbol correctly, as it does not maintain an active 5G communication channel.
Innovation Solution
The device uses a lookup table with decision values based on measured 4G signal strength and 5G frequency bands to estimate 5G signal strength, comparing it to a threshold to determine if 5G services are available, allowing it to display the 5G symbol without activating NR components, thus conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device activates NR components to measure 5G signal strength in idle mode, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 4G LTE signal measurements as an intermediary to indirectly estimate 5G NR signal strength. Instead of directly measuring 5G signal (which requires activating power-consuming NR components), the device measures 4G signal strength and uses pre-stored mapping relationships to determine 5G availability. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by achieving measurement precision through a lower-energy alternative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of 5G signal conditions by copying information from 4G measurements. The device stores multiple sets of decision values that map 4G signal characteristics to corresponding 5G availability states. This copying mechanism allows the device to infer 5G conditions without directly interacting with 5G towers, thereby avoiding the energy cost of activating NR components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If the device maintains active NR communication channel in idle mode, then reliability of 5G availability detection is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing multiple sets of decision values in the device memory before needing to determine 5G availability. These decision values are pre-computed mappings between 4G signal characteristics and 5G availability conditions. When the device needs to detect 5G availability, it simply retrieves and applies these pre-prepared values to current 4G measurements, eliminating the need for continuous NR channel monitoring and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable detection.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device uses lookup table with decision values to estimate 5G signal strength, then use of energy is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple sets of decision values that are specific to different 5G frequency bands (e.g., n77, n78, n79). Each frequency band has its own set of decision values tailored to its characteristics. When estimating 5G signal strength, the device selects the appropriate frequency band and retrieves the corresponding decision values from the lookup table. This parameter-specific approach maintains measurement precision by accounting for frequency-dependent propagation characteristics while still avoiding direct NR component activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system may support two types of networks, such as a 4th-Generation (4G) network and a 5th-Generation (5G) network. The 4G network is accessed through Long-Term Evolution (LTE) base stations. The 5G network is accessed through New Radio (NR) base stations. An LTE base station can be configured to broadcast information regarding whether it supports Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA) Dual Connectivity in conjunction with an associated NR base station. When a communication device receives an indication that NSA Dual Connectivity is available, the communication device selects a decision value based on the frequency bands that would be used during an NSA session anchored by the LTE base station. The communication device then uses the decision value in combination with the current 4G signal strength to determine whether 5G communications are currently available and whether to display a 5G symbol on the status bar of the communication device.