Dynamic Measurement Resource Assignment in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless networks face inefficiencies in allocating radio resources for measurements, leading to either insufficient or excessive resource usage due to static or semi-static configurations, which can result in poor performance and resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic and flexible method for assigning measurement resources in a predefined region of a resource block, where network nodes identify and signal the usage of measurement resources to wireless devices, allowing them to use these resources as needed for channel estimation, interference measurement, or data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If radio resources are allocated statically or semi-statically for measurements, then resource allocation is simple to manage, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient or excessive allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation management simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network node determines measurement resource assignments based on current channel conditions and device requirements. The semi-static configuration is enhanced with dynamic indications that allow resource allocation to adapt to changing network conditions, resolving the contradiction between management simplicity and utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of resource allocation from fixed static/semi-static values to dynamically adjustable parameters based on channel state information and device needs. This allows the network to optimize resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through structured parameter updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If semi-static configuration is changed frequently to meet varying measurement needs, then resource allocation adapts to current needs, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation adaptabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic semi-static configurations combined with less frequent dynamic indications. Rather than continuously updating all resource allocation parameters, the system uses periodic reconfiguration messages supplemented by more efficient dynamic indicators, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts only the essential dynamic information that needs to be communicated in real-time, separating it from the semi-static configuration. This allows the network to maintain adaptable resource allocation while minimizing signaling overhead by transmitting only the necessary dynamic parameters rather than complete configuration sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If measurement resources are allocated extensively to all users, then measurement accuracy is maintained for all devices, but radio resource waste occurs when few users need measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidradio resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allocating measurement resources selectively to specific users or user groups based on their individual needs and channel conditions. Instead of uniform allocation to all users, the network provides measurement resources only where required, maintaining measurement accuracy for active devices while avoiding waste on devices that do not require measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by allocating measurement resources to only the necessary subset of users rather than all users. The network determines which devices require measurement resources and allocates them accordingly, providing sufficient resources for those who need them while avoiding excessive allocation to others, thus preventing resource waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11451988B2Methods and apparatus for assignment of radio resources in a wireless network

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A network node (200), a wireless device (202) and methods therein, for indicating and handling assignment of measurement resources in a predefined region of a resource block transmitted by the network node (200). The network node (200) identifies (2:1) a wireless device (202) that is required to perform measurements on signals transmitted by the network node (200) and/or measurements of interference. The network node (200) then assigns (2:2) to the wireless device (202) usage of the measurement resources in the predefined region, and signals (2:3) an indication of the assigned usage of the measurement resources to the wireless device (202). The wireless device (202) is then able to determine and use (2:4) the measurement resources based on the received indication. Thereby, the usage of the measurement resources can be assigned in a dynamic and flexible manner, e.g. depending on the current need for measurement resources.