Dynamic Measurement Gap Configuration for Inter-Frequency Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices consume excessive power and experience inefficiencies due to fixed measurement gaps during inter-frequency positioning measurements, which are not optimized for varying cell properties, leading to unnecessary power consumption and delayed measurement acquisition.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device adjusts the duration of measurement gaps based on cell properties, such as the number of consecutive subframes and uplink-downlink configurations, to reduce power consumption and minimize overlapping gaps, allowing for more efficient positioning measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed measurement gap is used for inter-frequency positioning measurements, then the measurement timing is simplified and consistent, but power consumption increases and measurement acquisition is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement gap configurationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed measurement gap configuration to a dynamic one where the measurement gap duration is adjusted based on cell properties. Specifically, the measurement gap duration is set to match the number of consecutive subframes of positioning signals, allowing the system to adapt to varying cell configurations rather than using a uniform fixed gap for all cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of measurement gap duration from a fixed value to a variable value determined by cell properties. The measurement gap duration is dynamically configured based on the number of consecutive subframes of positioning signals transmitted by each cell, optimizing the measurement process for each specific cell configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed measurement gap is used for inter-frequency positioning measurements, then the measurement process is consistent across cells, but measurement acquisition is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement gap consistencyVSAvoidmeasurement acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed measurement gap configuration to a dynamic one where the measurement gap duration is adjusted based on cell properties. Specifically, the measurement gap duration is set to match the number of consecutive subframes of positioning signals, allowing the system to adapt to varying cell configurations rather than using a uniform fixed gap for all cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the appropriate measurement gap duration in advance based on cell properties before actual measurements are performed. The device configures the measurement gap duration according to the number of consecutive subframes of positioning signals, ensuring optimal measurement timing is established beforehand rather than using a conservative fixed duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the alternate receive chain is activated periodically for fixed measurement gaps, then inter-frequency measurements can be performed, but excessive current is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed measurement gap configuration to a dynamic one where the measurement gap duration is adjusted based on cell properties. Specifically, the measurement gap duration is set to match the number of consecutive subframes of positioning signals, allowing the system to adapt to varying cell configurations rather than using a uniform fixed gap for all cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by activating the alternate receive chain only for the specific duration needed to perform measurements on the number of consecutive subframes of positioning signals, rather than keeping it activated for a full fixed measurement gap period. This partial activation reduces unnecessary current consumption while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10285156B2Dynamic measurement gap configuration for inter-frequency positioning measurements

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method for performing inter-frequency positioning measurements on positioning signals periodically transmitted by at least some of a plurality of cells in a wireless communication network is provided. The method includes receiving, at a mobile device, assistance data that identifies a first neighbor cell the plurality of cells, where the first neighbor cell transmits a first positioning signal. The method also includes obtaining a first cell property of the first neighbor cell. The mobile device then adjusts a duration of a first measurement gap in response to the first cell property. In one aspect, the first measurement gap corresponds to a time period during which the mobile device is to perform positioning measurements of the first positioning signal.