Cell Search Priority Segmentation in Sensor Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cognitive radio systems, terminals face delays and inefficiencies in cell selection due to dynamically variable frequencies, leading to unnecessary downlink synchronization and decreased user experience as they search for available cells.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that categorize frequencies into priority categories (authorized and unauthorized) for the terminal to search and reside on, optimizing the cell selection process by performing searches in descending order of priorities, thereby reducing delays and improving user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the terminal scans frequencies based on stored prior information, then the cell search speed is improved, but the terminal may waste time on unnecessary downlink synchronization operations when the scanned frequency is not available, thus increasing operation delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell search speedVSAvoidoperation delay
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency scanning process into two distinct phases: first scanning authorized frequencies (which are guaranteed to be available), then scanning unauthorized frequencies (which may or may not be available). This segmentation prevents the terminal from wasting time performing downlink synchronization on unauthorized frequencies that are not currently available, while still maintaining fast cell search speed by prioritizing authorized frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the terminal performs blind search throughout the frequency band, then all available cells can be found, but the cell selection delay is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell selection reliabilityVSAvoidcell selection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first scanning authorized frequencies before scanning unauthorized frequencies. Since authorized frequencies are guaranteed to be available, the terminal can quickly identify a suitable cell without performing a complete blind search across the entire frequency band. This preliminary scanning approach maintains cell selection reliability while significantly reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the access system frequency varies dynamically, then spectrum utilization is improved, but the terminal cannot accurately predict available frequencies, leading to increased search delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidfrequency search delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments frequencies into authorized and unauthorized categories to handle dynamic frequency variation. Authorized frequencies are those allocated to the cognitive system and are guaranteed to be available, while unauthorized frequencies are those of other systems that may or may not be available. By prioritizing scanning of authorized frequencies first, the terminal can adapt to dynamic spectrum changes without incurring significant search delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2876917B1Method and apparatus for cell search in sensor system
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP2876917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2876917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2876917B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless communications, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for cell search in a sensor system, used for solving the problem in the prior art that an operation time delay is long in cell selection and cell residence. The method of the embodiments of the present application comprises: a terminal determining different types of frequency points in frequency points supported by the sensor system, the frequency points of the sensor system being divided, in a diminishing sequence of priorities, into a first type of authorization frequency point, a first type of non-authorization frequency point, a second type of authorization frequency point and a second type of non-authorization frequency point; and performing, in a diminishing sequence of priorities, cell search and cell residence on the frequency points supported by the sensor system. With the present application, a suitable cell can be selected fast and accurately to perform residence, thereby reducing the operation time delay in cell selection and cell residence after a terminal is started, and improving user experience.