Adaptive Inter-RAT Measurement Selection for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in inter-radio access technology (IRAT) measurements due to inadequate communication gaps and power consumption issues, leading to increased latency and battery drain during handovers between different radio access technologies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adaptively switching between IRAT measurement techniques based on communication conditions, utilizing communication gaps, connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) off periods, additional receivers, or autonomously creating gaps for measurements, to optimize signal strength and synchronization channel decoding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If communication gaps are used for IRAT measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects between different measurement techniques (communication gap method, C-DRX off period method, or second receiver method) based on real-time communication conditions such as signal quality and network state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between measurement accuracy and latency by choosing the most appropriate method for current conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different measurement techniques with distinct characteristics. The communication gap method provides accurate measurements but increases latency, while alternative methods reduce latency with potentially different accuracy characteristics. The patent adjusts the selection based on measured communication conditions
2Reliability
If IRAT measurement is performed continuously, then measurement reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement opportunities using C-DRX off periods, where the UE periodically wakes up to perform IRAT measurements during scheduled intervals. This periodic approach maintains measurement reliability by ensuring measurements occur at regular intervals while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous measurement by utilizing the natural periodic structure of discontinuous reception cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing C-DRX operational cycles and available receivers to perform measurements without requiring additional dedicated resources. The UE leverages its own discontinuous reception periods and available receiver components to conduct IRAT measurements, eliminating the need for separate continuous measurement operations that would consume additional power
3Speed
If a second receiver is used for IRAT measurement, then measurement speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second receiver a multi-functional component that can serve both primary communication functions and IRAT measurement functions. Rather than being a dedicated measurement-only receiver, it universally handles multiple tasks depending on operational mode, reducing the need for specialized hardware while maintaining measurement speed capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates the second receiver only when needed for IRAT measurements based on communication conditions, rather than keeping it continuously active. This dynamic activation reduces the effective complexity by utilizing the receiver selectively, maintaining measurement speed when required while minimizing the impact of having additional receiver capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous gap creation is implemented, then measurement flexibility is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gap creation that adapts to current communication conditions. The UE autonomously creates measurement gaps when communication conditions permit (good signal quality, stable connection), and adjusts or cancels gap creation when conditions deteriorate. This dynamic approach maintains measurement flexibility while protecting communication reliability by avoiding gap creation during critical communication periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from communication condition monitoring to control autonomous gap creation. Measurement decisions are based on real-time assessment of signal quality, network state, and communication stability. This feedback mechanism ensures that autonomous gap creation enhances measurement flexibility only when it does not compromise communication reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to adaptively switch between different techniques/methods for performing inter-frequency or inter-radio access technology measurement. The UE may use one technique for measurement based on certain communication conditions and in response to a change in communication conditions may switch to another measurement technique. Different techniques may be used such as using a network configured communication gap, using a connected discontinuous reception cycle off-period for measurement, or other techniques.