Batch-Wise Frequency Scanning for Faster Cell Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing narrowband user equipment (NB UE) scanning processes for cell acquisition in wireless communications systems are inefficient, taking over thirty minutes to complete a full frequency scan due to the time-consuming nature of channel scanning, processing, and retuning of RF components, leading to high power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implement batch-wise frequency scanning, where multiple channels are scanned simultaneously and processed offline, with RF components turned off during prolonged processing, utilizing a wideband signal encompassing several narrowband channels stored in buffers for parallel evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If continuous frequency scanning is performed to detect all interference signals, then detection completeness is improved, but measurement time increases and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is divided into multiple discrete frequency bins or channels. Instead of continuously scanning the entire frequency range, the system segments the spectrum and processes each bin independently, allowing parallel detection that reduces total measurement time while maintaining complete frequency coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary identification of potentially interfering frequency bins using quick detection methods before conducting detailed analysis only on those identified bins. This preliminary action filters out non-interfering frequencies, reducing the time required for complete frequency scanning while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If detailed analysis is performed on all frequency bins to ensure accurate interference detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different processing levels are applied to different frequency bins based on their characteristics. Frequency bins identified as potentially interfering receive detailed analysis with high processing rigor, while bins determined to be clear undergo minimal or no detailed processing. This local differentiation maintains detection accuracy for interfering signals while reducing overall processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies detailed analysis selectively to only those frequency bins that show signs of interference, rather than performing exhaustive analysis on all bins. This partial action approach achieves sufficient detection accuracy by focusing computational resources where they are most needed, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system adapts to changing interference patterns in real-time, then adaptability is improved, but processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time adaptationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs frequency bin analysis periodically at scheduled intervals rather than continuously monitoring all frequency bins at all times. This periodic action allows the system to adapt to changing interference patterns while maintaining lower average processing time and computational load, as the system can operate in a lower-power state between analysis periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses previously analyzed frequency bin data and interference patterns to inform current analysis, reducing redundant processing. By leveraging historical data and learned patterns, the system achieves real-time adaptation with reduced computational load, as it does not need to perform complete re-analysis of all frequency bins at each time step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4248684B1Batch-wise frequency scanning
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4248684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4248684B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4248684B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may identify that the UE is to scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure. The UE may receive one or more over-the-air signals, each of the one or more over-the-air signals having a respective bandwidth that includes a corresponding plurality of channels from a frequency band of the one or more frequency bands. The UE may process individual ones of the one or more over-the-air signals. The UE may evaluate, in corresponding batches for each of the individual ones of the one or more over-the-air signals, each of the corresponding pluralities of channels for cell acquisition. The UE may acquire a cell via batch-wise evaluation of the corresponding pluralities of channels.