Dynamic Measurement Gap Configuration for Multi-Mode UE Handoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless telecommunications, multi-mode user equipment (UE) faces challenges in measuring signal strength for handoff between macrotechnology-based and microtechnology-based networks, as existing methods cannot simultaneously measure signal strengths from both networks during active macrotechnology-based calls.

Innovation Solution

A processor configures a macrotechnology-based system to transmit signals with adjustable gaps, allowing multi-mode UE to measure both macrotechnology-based and microtechnology-based signal strengths by increasing the size of existing gaps, enabling simultaneous strength measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the UE performs measurements during active macrotechnology-based calls using existing gap methods, then measurement capability is limited, but the ability to simultaneously measure both macrotechnology and microtechnology signal strengths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strength measurement capabilityVSAvoidability to measure both macrotechnology and microtechnology networks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the size of measurement gaps based on the specific measurement requirements. The network controller can configure different gap durations (e.g., 6ms, 12ms, or longer) depending on whether the UE needs to measure macrotechnology networks, microtechnology networks, or both simultaneously. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the measurement system flexible enough to handle different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time parameter of measurement gaps to enable simultaneous measurements. By increasing the gap duration from traditional values (6ms, 12ms) to extended values (e.g., 20ms or longer), the system allows the UE sufficient time to perform both macrotechnology and microtechnology signal strength measurements within a single gap period, thereby improving versatility without compromising measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the measurement gap size is increased to allow simultaneous measurements, then measurement versatility improves, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to larger gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to simultaneously measure both networksVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into distinct phases within the measurement gap. The UE performs macrotechnology network measurements first, then microtechnology network measurements, utilizing the segmented time structure of extended gaps. This segmentation allows comprehensive measurements while maintaining efficient use of the gap period, balancing versatility with transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by configuring extended measurement gaps only when simultaneous measurements are required, rather than always using maximum gap sizes. The network controller selectively activates extended gap configurations based on measurement needs, thereby achieving the necessary versatility while minimizing the impact on transmission efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If traditional measurement gaps are used, then transmission efficiency is maintained, but the ability to perform both macrotechnology and microtechnology measurements simultaneously deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsimultaneous signal strength measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between traditional and extended measurement gap configurations based on operational requirements. During normal operation, traditional gap sizes maintain high transmission efficiency. When simultaneous macrotechnology and microtechnology measurements are needed, the system transitions to extended gaps, ensuring measurement precision is achieved without permanently sacrificing transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2048899B1Inter-radio access technology measurement system and method
Publication Date: 2010.04.07 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2048899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2048899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2048899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A macrotechnology-based system is provided. The system includes a processor 582 configured to promote macrotechnology-based transmission to a multi-mode user equipment 10 of a signal including a plurality of data portions 110 and a plurality of gaps 120 between one or more of the plurality of data portions 110, at least one of the gaps 120 used by the multi-mode user equipment 10 for measurement of a signal strength of a microtechnology-based network.