Compact L1 Measurement Report Mechanism for Wireless Beam Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in reliably reporting Layer 1 (L1) measurements, particularly in Frequency Regime 2 (FR2), due to the large size of L1-RSRP and L1-SINR reports, which can lead to poor coverage during transient periods when the current beam becomes weak and until a new beam is selected.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a compact L1 report mechanism that uses fewer bits to convey L1 measurements from user equipment (UE) to the base station, where the UE receives a reference point from the base station and determines a reporting value based on the difference between the reference point and measured values, allowing for reduced measurement report resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full-resolution L1 measurement reports are transmitted, then measurement precision is improved, but payload size increases causing poor coverage in weak signal scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement report resolution based on signal conditions. The gNB configures different resolution levels (e.g., 3-bit, 4-bit, 5-bit) and the UE adapts the reporting resolution according to current beam strength and signal quality. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use lower resolution (fewer bits) when coverage is poor, ensuring reliable delivery, while maintaining higher resolution when signal conditions are good.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of measurement report resolution from a fixed value to a variable parameter. The gNB configures multiple resolution options and the UE selects appropriate resolution levels based on signal conditions. The resolution parameter can be adjusted per report instance or per beam, allowing flexible trade-off between precision and reliability depending on current channel conditions.
2Reliability
If compact L1 reports with fewer bits are used, then payload size is reduced improving coverage, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between compact reporting mode (fewer bits) and full-resolution mode based on signal conditions. During transient periods or weak coverage scenarios, the UE uses compact reports with reduced bits to ensure reliable delivery. When signal conditions improve or during stable periods, the system transitions to full-resolution reporting to maintain measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the most critical measurement information when coverage is poor. Instead of sending complete high-precision reports, the UE sends compact reports with essential beam identification and relative quality information. This partial reporting ensures delivery reliability while providing sufficient information for beam management decisions during challenging radio conditions.
3Reliability
If measurement report resolution is reduced during transient periods, then payload size decreases improving coverage, but information detail is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the most essential measurement information in compact reports during transient periods. Instead of sending complete measurement details, the UE extracts key elements such as beam index identification and relative quality differential values. This extraction approach maintains the critical information needed for beam management while significantly reducing payload size for reliable delivery during poor coverage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses differential encoding as an intermediary mechanism to convey measurement information efficiently. Rather than transmitting absolute measurement values which require many bits, the system uses differential values relative to a reference beam or previous measurement. This intermediary encoding method reduces the number of bits required while preserving the essential measurement information needed for beam selection and management decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the disclosure, a UE may be configured to receive, from a base station, information indicating a reference point associated with at least one L1 measurement; determine a reporting value of the at least one L1 measurement based on a difference between the reference point and a measured value of the at least one L1 measurement; and transmit information indicating the reporting value to the base station. In another aspect, a RAN node can indicate to a UE that a reduced measurement report resolution is to be used for beam measurements in a measurement report. The reduced measurement report resolution is less than a first measurement report resolution previously indicated to be used for the beam measurements. Lower resolution can be obtained by using fewer bits to indicate one or more of the beam measurements. The payload for a measurement report such as a L-SINR or L-RSP L1 measurement report is thereby reduced when the UE transmits the measurement report to the RAN node.