Adaptive Reference Signal Periodicity for 5G Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication systems, increasing the transmission periodicity of reference signals to conserve resources and energy leads to longer measurement periods, which can result in unacceptable latency and reliability issues, particularly in ultra-reliable and low-latency communications.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive adjustment of reference signal transmission periodicity based on reports from terminal devices, allowing for decreased periodicity during fast measurements while maintaining high periodicity in other cases, using multiple beams with varying widths to optimize signal densification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the transmission periodicity of reference signals is increased to conserve resources and energy, then resource efficiency and energy consumption are improved, but measurement period increases leading to unacceptable latency and reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement period
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference signal transmission periodicity adjustable rather than fixed. The network device can dynamically change the periodicity between a first periodicity (longer period for energy saving) and a second periodicity (shorter period for fast measurement) based on terminal device feedback and network conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between energy efficiency and measurement speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission periodicity parameter from a static configuration to a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted between different values. By receiving feedback information from terminal devices about measurement needs and network conditions, the network device modifies the periodicity parameter to balance energy consumption and measurement latency, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the transmission periodicity of reference signals is increased, then resource efficiency is improved, but reliability of communication channel quality evaluation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidchannel quality evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where terminal devices send feedback information to the network device about channel conditions and measurement requirements. Based on this feedback, the network device adjusts the reference signal transmission periodicity to maintain reliable channel quality evaluation while improving resource efficiency. The feedback loop ensures that reliability requirements are met even with increased periodicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By making the periodicity dynamic and adjustable based on feedback, the system can maintain high reliability when needed (shorter periodicity) while achieving better resource efficiency during stable conditions (longer periodicity), resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the measurement periodicity is increased to match the transmission periodicity, then energy consumption is reduced, but latency requirements for ultra-reliable communication are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the measurement periodicity to differ from the transmission periodicity. Terminal devices can perform measurements at different rates than the reference signal transmission rate, enabling fast measurements (short measurement period) even when transmission periodicity is increased for energy saving. This resolves the contradiction between energy consumption and measurement speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the transmission and measurement processes into independent operations with different periodicities. The network device transmits reference signals at one periodicity while terminal devices measure at another periodicity based on their specific needs, allowing optimization of both energy consumption and measurement speed independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3520480B1Methods and devices for reference signal transmission and measurement
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3520480B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3520480B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3520480B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and devices for reference signal transmission and measurement. In example embodiments, according to a method implemented in a network device is provided, a report related to a measurement of a first reference signal is received from a terminal device. The first reference signal has been sent from the network device to the terminal device according to a first periodicity. Then an indication of a second periodicity for receiving a second reference signal is sent to the terminal device based on the report. The second reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.