AP-CSI-RS Measurement Prioritization in Overlapping RS Occasions

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, collisions between aperiodic channel state information reference signal (AP-CSI-RS) and periodic reference signal (RS) measurements pose challenges for user equipment (UE) in making concurrent measurements, leading to inefficiencies and potential measurement gaps.

Innovation Solution

The UE prioritizes AP-CSI-RS measurements over overlapping Layer 3 (L3) RS measurements by muting L3 RS occasions or adjusting measurement timings to ensure AP-CSI-RS reception, and the network configures measurements to avoid overlapping occasions by adjusting timing or muting certain RSs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If aperiodic channel state information reference signal (ap-csi-rs) and periodic reference signal (RS) measurements are performed simultaneously, then channel state information can be obtained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to collisions between the signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information measurement accuracyVSAvoidsignal collision interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the resource allocation into separate time resources for ap-csi-rs and periodic RS measurements. By segmenting the measurement timeline and assigning distinct time slots to each signal type, the system eliminates temporal overlap and prevents collisions between the aperiodic and periodic reference signals, thereby resolving the measurement accuracy deterioration issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the user equipment indicate preferred time resources for ap-csi-rs measurements before actual measurement occurs. The network then schedules the periodic RS measurements to avoid colliding with these indicated time resources, preventing interference in advance and ensuring accurate channel state information measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If time resources for ap-csi-rs measurements are dynamically indicated, then measurement flexibility improves, but system complexity increases due to additional signaling and coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement time resource flexibilityVSAvoidsignal scheduling and coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using the existing Downlink Control Information (DCI) structure to carry the time resource indication for ap-csi-rs measurements. Instead of creating a new dedicated signaling mechanism, the system repurposes existing DCI fields to serve dual purposes: controlling regular downlink scheduling and indicating preferred measurement time resources, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the time resource indication for ap-csi-rs measurements to be dynamically adjusted based on actual measurement needs and network conditions. The indicated time resources can vary across different measurement occasions, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while using a standardized signaling approach to manage the complexity of dynamic scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4233349B1Systems and methods for handling collisions between aperiodic channel state information reference signal (AP-CSI-RS) and periodic reference signal (RS) measurements
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 APPLE INC
  • EP4233349B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4233349B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4233349B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Aspects disclosed herein include devices, circuits, and methods for configuring reference signal (RS) measurements for a wireless device, comprising: determining, by a user equipment (UE), that an aperiodic channel state information reference signal (AP-CSI-RS) for Layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) measurement occasion is overlapping with one or more Layer 3 (L3) RS measurement occasions; determining that the UE is not able to make measurements for both the AP-CSI-RS for L1-RSRP measurement occasion and the one or more overlapping L3 RS measurement occasions; and prioritizing, by the UE, making the measurement for the AP-CSI-RS for L1-RSRP. Other aspects include a wireless network configured to determine that a UE is not able to make both an AP-CSI-RS for L1-RSRP measurement and a L3 RS measurement in an overlapping measurement occasion and, in response, configuring either the AP-CSI-RS for L1-RSRP or the L3 RS measurement to avoid the overlapping measurement occasion.