Configurable Gap Sharing for Wireless Measurement Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement scheduling techniques in wireless communication networks, particularly for NR, lead to unnecessary delays in detecting neighbor cells and handover opportunities, resulting in degraded network capacity, data rates, and user experience due to the sparsity of downlink signals and inefficient gap sharing between intra- and inter-frequency measurements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configurable gap sharing method based on measurement timing configurations to determine the balance between intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements, optimizing the use of measurement gaps and reducing delays in cell identification and handover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If measurement gaps are allocated for both intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement delay increases due to gap sharing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments measurement gaps into different types: first measurement gaps dedicated to inter-frequency measurements and second measurement gaps dedicated to intra-frequency measurements. This segmentation allows each gap type to be optimized for its specific measurement requirements, eliminating the need to share gaps between measurement types and thereby reducing measurement delay while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically determines which gap type to use based on the current measurement needs and configured gap sharing ratios. The UE can flexibly select between first and second measurement gaps depending on whether inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurements are required, enabling adaptive measurement scheduling that minimizes delay while ensuring all necessary measurements are performed.
2Device complexity
If a single gap pattern is used for all measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement efficiency deteriorates due to inability to prioritize critical measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single gap pattern into multiple gap patterns: a first gap pattern for inter-frequency measurements and a second gap pattern for intra-frequency measurements. Each gap pattern can be independently configured with different parameters such as gap length and periodicity, allowing optimization for specific measurement types while maintaining manageable complexity through structured differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring specific gap pattern characteristics to specific measurement requirements. The first gap pattern can be configured with parameters optimized for inter-frequency measurements (e.g., longer gaps for signal retuning), while the second gap pattern uses parameters optimized for intra-frequency measurements (e.g., shorter gaps for rapid measurements), thereby improving overall measurement efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are wasted due to sparsity of downlink signals, then power consumption increases, but measurement accuracy is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates wasted measurement gaps by using network-side information about downlink signal sparsity to determine which gaps are actually needed for measurements. Gaps that would be wasted due to signal unavailability are removed from the measurement schedule, allowing the UE to remain in lower-power states without compromising measurement accuracy, thereby significantly reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides information about downlink signal availability and sparsity to the UE. This feedback enables the UE to dynamically adjust its measurement scheduling, avoiding attempts to measure during gaps when signals are unavailable, thus preventing wasted gaps and reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods performed by a user equipment, UE, to schedule a plurality of measurement activities in a wireless network. Such embodiments include obtaining a measurement configuration (e.g., from a network node) relating to first and second groups of measurements, and a gap-sharing ratio between the first and second groups of measurements. Such embodiments also include selecting an analysis period for a measurement schedule, and determining, over the analysis period, measurement load information related to each of the first and second groups within one or more measurement gaps comprising the analysis period. Such embodiments also include determining, based on the measurement load information and the gap-sharing ratio, a measurement schedule for the first and second groups of measurements. Some embodiments include performing measurements according to the determined schedule. Other embodiments include methods performed by network nodes, as well as UEs and network nodes configured to perform the respective methods.