Early Measurement Reporting for Low-Power 5G Secondary Cell Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Early Measurement Report (EMR) feature in 5G wireless communication systems is too power-hungry, especially for Frequency Range 2 (FR2) layers, limiting its widespread adoption due to high power consumption when UEs measure configured frequency layers in Idle mode.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhancements to EMR by providing finer granularity configuration options, using crowdsourced information, and supporting UE-initiated feedback for dynamic switching of primary cells, along with network interface improvements for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If UEs measure configured frequency layers in Idle mode to enable EMR, then setup delay for Carrier Aggregation and Dual Connectivity is reduced, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the measurement configuration parameters based on UE state and network conditions. The network can configure different measurement parameters for Idle mode versus Connected mode, allowing the UE to perform measurements with reduced power consumption in Idle mode while still enabling fast setup when transitioning to Connected mode. This resolves the contradiction by changing the measurement parameters adaptively rather than maintaining fixed high-power measurement settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having the UE perform measurements on a subset of frequency layers in Idle mode rather than all configured layers. The network can configure the UE to measure only certain frequency layers or to perform measurements at reduced frequency/duty cycle in Idle mode, then complete the full measurement set upon transition to Connected mode. This partial measurement approach reduces power consumption while still providing sufficient measurement data to accelerate setup procedures.
2Productivity
If UEs continue measuring configured frequency layers in Idle mode, then measurement results are available for immediate reporting, but the EMR feature becomes too power-hungry for widespread adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the UE to perform measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously in Idle mode. The network can specify measurement periods, duty cycles, or trigger-based measurement schedules that allow the UE to enter low-power states between measurements. This periodic measurement approach maintains measurement freshness and reporting capability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network pre-configure measurement parameters, frequency layers, and reporting criteria before the UE needs to report measurements. The UE performs measurements based on these pre-configured parameters during Idle mode, and when transitioned to Connected mode, the UE can immediately report pre-computed measurement results that meet network criteria. This eliminates the need for continuous real-time measurement while maintaining reporting efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network configures UEs with EMR measurements on multiple frequency layers, then proactive measurements can be performed, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement configuration into separate, manageable components for different frequency layers and measurement types. Instead of configuring all measurements simultaneously, the network can segment the configuration into Idle mode measurements (subset of layers) and Connected mode measurements (full set), or separate FR1 and FR2 measurements. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on the UE at any given time while maintaining the capability for multi-frequency layer measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the measurement configuration adaptive and changeable based on UE capabilities, network conditions, and service requirements. The network can dynamically adjust which frequency layers are measured, the measurement periodicity, and the reporting triggers. This dynamic configuration allows the system to scale measurement complexity up or down as needed, maintaining adaptability across multiple frequency layers without permanently increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include: (1) a network (e.g., a 5G New Radio (NR) network) that is configured to use Early Measurement Report (EMR) results reported from a User Equipment (UE) device to configure or change a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) for the UE; (2) a network configured to use service-specific frequency layer configuration information to configure the EMR feature for a UE; (3) a UE configured to use crowdsourced frequency layer information to autonomously determine the UE's EMR feature; (4) a UE configured to autonomously report Idle mode measurements without waiting for network-initiated messaging; (5) a UE configured to receive a set of Primary Secondary Cells (PSCells) from a network including an active PSCell and one or more deactivated PSCells; and (6) a network configured to use service-specific frequency layer configuration information and a list of potential PSCells to configure the EMR feature for a UE and activate a PSCell.