Adaptive NR Measurement Prioritization for Faster 5G Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing latency during transitions between different radio access technologies, particularly in scenarios where LTE and NR measurements are prioritized over NR, leading to delayed establishment of NR connectivity and suboptimal user experiences.

Innovation Solution

Implementing adaptive measurement object prioritization in wireless devices, where NR measurement objects are prioritized over LTE objects in specific scenarios based on trigger conditions, using timers and maximum measurement counts to ensure timely NR connection establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LTE measurement objects are prioritized over NR measurement objects, then LTE network compatibility and coverage are maintained, but NR connectivity establishment latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLTE network compatibilityVSAvoidNR connectivity establishment latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic measurement object prioritization where the priority between LTE and NR measurement objects is not fixed but adapts based on trigger conditions. The system dynamically switches prioritization strategies: in normal operation, LTE measurements are prioritized for compatibility; when specific triggers occur (SIM switching, EPS fallback, VoLTE, data mode transitions, high throughput conditions), NR measurements are prioritized to reduce connectivity establishment latency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different goals under different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of measurement object priority assignment based on operational conditions. By introducing trigger conditions that modify the priority parameter, the system can switch between prioritizing LTE measurements (for reliability and compatibility) and prioritizing NR measurements (for reduced latency). The use of timers and maximum measurement counts as adjustable parameters further enables flexible control over the measurement process, allowing the system to adapt the measurement behavior to resolve the latency-reliability tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If NR measurement objects are prioritized over LTE measurement objects, then NR connectivity establishment latency is reduced, but LTE network compatibility and measurement accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNR connectivity establishment latencyVSAvoidLTE network compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement prioritization based on trigger conditions rather than maintaining a fixed priority scheme. When NR connectivity is urgently needed (indicated by specific triggers), the system temporarily prioritizes NR measurements to reduce latency. In other scenarios, it reverts to prioritizing LTE measurements to maintain compatibility. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve low latency when needed without permanently sacrificing LTE compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions through trigger conditions that anticipate when NR connectivity will be needed. By detecting specific conditions (such as SIM switching, EPS fallback scenarios, or high throughput requirements) before actual connectivity issues arise, the system can proactively prioritize NR measurements in advance, reducing the time to establish NR connectivity while maintaining LTE compatibility for other operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If multiple measurement objects are measured simultaneously, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement processing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmeasurement processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the set of measurement objects into different priority groups based on trigger conditions. Instead of treating all measurement objects equally, the system divides them into high-priority (NR objects when triggered) and low-priority (LTE objects) groups. This segmentation allows the device to focus processing resources on the most critical measurements first, reducing processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage through systematic handling of lower-priority objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous measurement coverage by systematically processing measurement objects in priority order rather than stopping measurements. High-priority NR measurements are processed first to address urgent connectivity needs, followed by LTE measurements to maintain comprehensive coverage. This continuous action approach maintains measurement coverage while managing processing complexity through structured prioritization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If measurement gaps are extended to accommodate multiple measurement objects, then measurement accuracy is improved, but communication interruption time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcommunication interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments measurement activities into priority-based batches corresponding to different measurement objects. By dividing measurements into high-priority (NR) and low-priority (LTE) groups, the system can conduct focused measurement campaigns with shorter, more targeted measurement gaps for each group. This segmentation reduces the total communication interruption time compared to conducting all measurements in a single extended gap, while maintaining accuracy through sufficient measurement opportunities for each priority group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary prioritization of measurement objects before initiating measurement gaps. By determining which measurement objects require measurement first (based on trigger conditions and priority rules), the system can plan shorter, more efficient measurement gaps that focus on critical measurements. This preliminary action avoids the need for extended measurement gaps that would interrupt communication for longer periods, while still achieving necessary measurement accuracy for high-priority objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12408055B2Intelligent NR object prioritization for 5G service
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 APPLE INC
  • US12408055B2 patent drawing
  • US12408055B2 patent drawing
  • US12408055B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques and wireless devices to perform adaptive measurement object prioritization in a cellular communication scenario. A wireless link is established by the wireless device with a serving cell of a cellular base station. Adaptive measurement object prioritization is implemented responsive to determining that a trigger condition has occurred. A configuration message is received from the base station, where the configuration indicates a plurality of measurement objects including both Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) measurement objects. A first measurement object of the plurality of measurement objects is selected to prioritize for measurement. The first measurement object is measured during a first measurement gap prior to measuring one or more second measurement objects of the plurality of measurement objects, and a measurement report is provided to the serving cell specifying a measurement result of the first measurement object.