5G UE Movement Detection via SSS Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio resource measurement (RRM) techniques for stationary user equipment (UEs) in wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently detecting movement without relying on main cellular radio or internal sensors, which affects energy consumption and measurement robustness.

Innovation Solution

A 5G new radio (NR) UE operates a time-domain correlation receiver on a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) in the synchronization signal block (SSB), using the results to input a channel change detector. If a channel change is detected, the UE reconfigures for more frequent measurements, allowing for movement detection without relying on main cellular radio or internal sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a UE performs RRM measurements less frequently to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect movement and maintain measurement robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement function into two parts: a low-power correlation receiver that continuously monitors synchronization signals for movement detection, and the main cellular radio that performs full RRM measurements only when movement is detected. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement robustness through continuous monitoring while dramatically reducing energy consumption by performing expensive measurements only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a correlation receiver as an intermediary component between the low-power stationary mode and the full RRM measurement mode. This intermediary continuously analyzes synchronization signals to detect channel changes indicating movement, serving as a trigger mechanism that transitions the system from energy-saving mode to robust measurement mode without requiring the main radio to operate continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a UE uses internal sensors to detect movement, then movement detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the cellular radio system to detect movement using its own existing infrastructure - specifically, by analyzing changes in synchronization signals received from the network. The correlation receiver processes these signals to detect channel changes that indicate movement, eliminating the need for external sensors and allowing the system to self-monitor its own operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based movement detection system with a signal-processing-based detection system. Instead of using physical sensors to detect motion, the system uses a correlation receiver to analyze changes in the received synchronization signal characteristics, substituting a mechanical approach with an electromagnetic signal analysis approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a UE performs frequent RRM measurements to maintain robustness, then measurement reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement robustnessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the correlation receiver continuously monitor synchronization signals at regular intervals to detect movement, while the main RRM measurements are performed periodically only when movement is detected. This creates a two-level periodic structure: frequent low-power correlation checks and less frequent full measurements, optimizing the balance between robustness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12207113B2Adaptive user equipment operation mode

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

According to certain embodiments, a wireless device is configured to operate in a regular-power mode and a low-power mode, and a method of detecting wireless device movement includes: performing a link characterization measurement in the low-power mode using a low-power radio; determining, based on the low-power radio link characterization measurement, that the wireless device is not stationary; and performing radio resource measurements in the regular-power mode. In particular embodiments, performing the link characterization measurement using the low-power radio includes measuring a stationary reference signal (e.g., secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). Measuring the stationary reference signal uses a time-domain correlation receiver on the stationary reference signal.