Compressed Mode Transmission Gaps for Faster GSM Cell Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous operation of GSM and UMTS networks complicates cell measurements, necessitating efficient techniques to quickly identify better cells for handover in wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A terminal operates in a compressed mode, utilizing multiple transmission gap pattern sequences to make received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements and base transceiver station identity code (BSIC) identifications for GSM cells, allowing for faster cell measurements and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the terminal uses only dedicated transmission gaps for specific measurement purposes, then measurement precision is maintained, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling transmission gaps originally dedicated to specific measurement purposes (GAP1 for RSSI, GAP2 for BSIC identification, GAP3 for BSIC re-confirmation) to be used flexibly for multiple measurement types. The terminal can perform RSSI measurements, BSIC identification, and BSIC re-confirmation using any available transmission gap, not just the gap originally allocated for each specific measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If the terminal performs measurements sequentially using dedicated gaps only, then measurement precision is ensured, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by allowing the terminal to perform multiple measurement tasks (RSSI measurements, BSIC identification, BSIC re-confirmation) continuously using multiple transmission gap pattern sequences simultaneously or in overlapping time periods, rather than waiting for each dedicated gap to complete its specific task sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing RSSI measurements and BSIC identification in parallel during the initial phase using multiple transmission gap sequences, so that when handover is needed, the measurements are already complete or nearly complete, reducing the overall time loss.
3Productivity
If the terminal uses multiple transmission gap pattern sequences for all measurement types, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission gap utilization flexible and adaptive. The terminal dynamically selects which measurement tasks to perform in which transmission gaps based on current needs, available gaps, and measurement progress, rather than following a rigid fixed assignment. This dynamic approach improves efficiency while managing complexity through adaptive decision-making.
4Ease of operation
If the terminal waits for dedicated transmission gaps for each measurement type, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing all necessary measurement tasks (RSSI, BSIC identification, BSIC re-confirmation) in advance using multiple transmission gap sequences before handover is actually needed. This preliminary completion of measurements maintains operational simplicity when handover occurs, while reducing the time loss by having measurements ready beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal obtains a monitored set containing GSM neighbor cells and/or UMTS neighbor cells. The terminal operates in a compressed mode and obtains from a UMTS network at least two transmission gap pattern sequences for different measurement purposes, e.g., for “GSM carrier RSSI measurements” (GAP1), “GSM initial BSIC identification” (GAP2), and “GSM BSIC re-confirmation” (GAP3). The terminal makes RSSI measurements for the GSM cells using multiple transmission gap pattern sequences, e.g., using GAP1, GAP2 and GAP3. The terminal identifies the BSIC for at least one GSM cell by (1) detecting the tone on the FCCH using multiple transmission gap pattern sequences, e.g., using GAP2 and GAP3, and (2) decoding the SCH using multiple transmission gap pattern sequences, e.g., using GAP2 and GAP3. The use of multiple transmission gap pattern sequences for RSSI measurement and BSIC identification allows the terminal to complete the cell measurements and send a report sooner, which may improve performance.