Dual-Connection Handover Configuration for Candidate PSCell Limits

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not effectively support simultaneous configuration of conditional handover (CHO) of a primary cell (PCell) and conditional primary secondary cell (PSCell) change (CPC) or addition (CPA) in multi-connection scenarios, failing to consider both processes together.

Innovation Solution

A communication method involving a master node (MN) and secondary node (SN) to negotiate and configure upper bound relevant information of candidate PSCells, ensuring that the combined measurement capabilities of PCell and PSCell configurations do not exceed the terminal's maximum capacity, with associated information sent to the terminal to facilitate efficient handover and cell change processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conditional handover (CHO) of PCell and conditional PSCell change (CPC) or addition (CPA) are configured simultaneously for terminal, then the robustness of handover process is improved, but the measurement capability requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness of handover processVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into distinct phases: first configuring CHO parameters (source PCell, target PCell candidates), then separately configuring CPA/CPC parameters (target PSCell candidates). This segmentation allows each handover type to be managed independently, reducing the overall configuration complexity while maintaining the ability to execute both processes simultaneously for enhanced robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of handover parameters before actual handover execution. The network pre-configures multiple target cells (both PCell and PSCell candidates) with their respective CHO and CPA/CPC parameters, so that when handover is needed, the terminal can immediately execute the appropriate process without additional configuration delays, thereby improving robustness while keeping the execution phase simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple candidate cells (PCell and PSCell) are configured for terminal, then handover robustness is improved, but terminal measurement time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover success rateVSAvoidterminal energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic measurement configuration where the terminal adjusts its measurement activities based on the current handover state and channel conditions. The network can dynamically activate or deactivate specific candidate cell measurements based on current network conditions and terminal capabilities, allowing the system to maintain high handover success rates while minimizing unnecessary measurement energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes measurement parameters (such as measurement thresholds, reporting intervals, and active candidate sets) based on current network conditions and terminal state. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system ensures that measurements are performed at sufficient quality for reliable handover while avoiding excessive measurement activity that would waste terminal energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If upper bound configuration of candidate PSCell is negotiated between MN and SN, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but negotiation overhead and signaling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the upper bound configuration parameter (maxNumber of PSCell) as a separate, pre-negotiated parameter between MN and SN. This extracted parameter is then reused across multiple terminal configurations without requiring repeated full negotiations, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining efficient resource allocation. The upper bound serves as a reusable constraint that simplifies subsequent configuration exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal upper bound configuration that can be applied to multiple terminals and multiple handover scenarios. The MN-SN negotiated upper bound parameter serves multiple purposes: it constrains PSCell candidate configurations for different terminals, applies to both CHO and CPA/CPC processes, and can be adjusted based on overall network load and terminal capabilities, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250386259A1Communication Method and Communication Device
Publication Date: 2025.12.18 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • US20250386259A1 patent drawing
  • US20250386259A1 patent drawing
  • US20250386259A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication method, performed by a master node (MN), includes: negotiating first information with a secondary node (SN) or sending first information to an SN, the first information including configuration of upper bound relevant information of a candidate primary secondary cell (PSCell) configurable for a terminal.