IIoT Link Selection Using Multi-Parameter Direct and Indirect Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently selecting communication links for non-reference signal received power (RSRP) based association in wireless industrial internet-of-things (IIoT) environments, which can impact network performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing techniques for communication link selection based on non-RSRP parameters, including methods for UEs to measure and utilize RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and CQI to optimize direct and indirect communication links in IIoT networks, enabling better resource allocation and scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If RSRP-based association is used for link selection, then measurement simplicity is improved, but adaptability to non-traditional wireless IIoT scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to non-traditional scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from traditional RSRP-only to multiple parameters including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and CQI. This allows the system to adapt to diverse wireless IIoT scenarios while maintaining structured measurement approaches. The network node can select and weight different parameters based on specific scenario requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple parameters (RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI) are used for link selection, then link selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink selection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complex task of multi-parameter measurement, processing, and evaluation. Instead of distributing complex measurement logic to all UEs, the network node receives measurements from UEs and performs the sophisticated link quality assessment, thereby improving accuracy while managing complexity centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurements of multiple parameters (RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI) before making link selection decisions. This preliminary gathering of comprehensive measurement data enables more accurate link quality assessment without requiring complex real-time processing during critical communication phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If direct communication links are prioritized, then latency is reduced, but reliability in obstructed environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidreliability in obstructed environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic link selection that can adapt between direct and indirect communication paths based on real-time conditions. The system evaluates multiple parameters and can dynamically switch between prioritizing direct links (for low latency) and indirect links (for reliability in obstructed environments), making the communication system flexible and adaptive to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from multiple measurement parameters (RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI) to continuously assess link quality and make informed decisions about direct versus indirect communication paths. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when direct links are obstructed and switch to alternative paths while maintaining overall communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4118878B1Communication link selection for non-RSRP based association in wireless industrial internet-of-things
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4118878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4118878B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4118878B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a network node may receive an indication of a first set of parameters that corresponds to a direct communication link between an industrial internet-of-things (IIoT) device and a first controller; receive an indication of a second set of parameters that corresponds to an indirect communication link between the IIoT device and the first controller through a second controller; and schedule a communication on at least one of the direct communication link or the indirect communication link based at least in part on the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters. Numerous other aspects are provided.