Adaptive RRM Measurement Relaxation for Low-Mobility 5G-NR UE
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G-NR user equipment (UE) in idle or inactive mode consumes excessive energy due to frequent radio resource management (RRM) measurements, particularly when in low mobility or away from cell edges, which shortens battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implement mechanisms for energy-efficient RRM measurement relaxation in UE by adjusting parameters such as the number of beams, measurement samples, bandwidth, and re-evaluation intervals based on radio channel estimates and beam-level evaluations, reducing measurement activity in low mobility scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent RRM measurements are performed in idle or inactive mode, then mobility performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement activity adaptive rather than static. The UE dynamically adjusts its measurement behavior based on real-time assessment of mobility state (through channel parameter estimates) and coverage condition (through beam-level evaluation). When the UE determines it is in a stable environment with good coverage, it reduces measurement frequency; when mobility increases or coverage degrades, it increases measurement activity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain mobility performance only when necessary, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the measurement process based on assessed conditions. Specifically, it adjusts the measurement period, number of beams to evaluate, and number of measurement samples based on the UE's mobility state and coverage quality. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system maintains adequate mobility performance during critical transitions while reducing measurement intensity during stable periods, thus resolving the energy-performance tradeoff.
2Use of energy by moving object
If RRM measurements are relaxed in low mobility scenarios, then energy consumption is reduced, but mobility detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an initial assessment of the UE's environment before deciding on measurement relaxation. The UE first evaluates channel parameter estimates and beam-level coverage conditions to determine whether it is in a low-mobility, well-covered state. Only after this preliminary positive assessment does the UE relax its measurement activity. This preliminary check ensures that relaxation occurs only when safe, preventing degradation of mobility detection accuracy while still achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors channel conditions and beam quality metrics. This feedback loop allows the system to detect changes in mobility state or coverage quality and adjust measurement activity accordingly. If the feedback indicates deteriorating conditions (increased mobility or reduced coverage), the UE increases measurement frequency, thus maintaining measurement precision while still benefiting from relaxation during stable periods.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus, a method and a computer program product. In accordance with an embodiment the method comprises obtaining one or more measurement parameters; measuring signals from a radio channel; evaluating one or more measurement relaxation conditions related to the obtained one or more measurement parameters for measuring signals; and adjusting the measurement of the signals on the basis of the evaluation result.