Inter-Frequency Beam Selection Using Spatial Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, the process of measuring inter-frequency beams is inefficient due to the need for frequent measurement gaps, which can disrupt communications and lead to delayed measurement reports, affecting mobility performance, especially in scenarios with device rotation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using spatial correlation parameters from serving beam sweeps to assist in inter-frequency beam selection, allowing for the skipping of undesirable beams and optimizing the inter-frequency beam sweep process, thereby improving efficiency and communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If frequent measurement gaps are used for inter-frequency beam measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but communication continuity deteriorates and time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-frequency beam measurement accuracyVSAvoidcommunication interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs serving beam measurements continuously before inter-frequency beam measurements are needed. The spatial correlation information is pre-calculated and stored, so when inter-frequency measurement is required, the device can immediately use this pre-prepared information to select beams without entering measurement gaps, thus maintaining communication continuity while achieving accurate measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses spatial correlation information from serving beams as a proxy or copy to predict and select optimal inter-frequency beams. Instead of directly measuring all inter-frequency beams (which requires measurement gaps), the system copies the spatial correlation patterns from serving beam measurements to infer inter-frequency beam qualities, thereby avoiding communication interruptions while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If traditional inter-frequency beam sweep is performed, then comprehensive beam measurement is achieved, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam measurement completenessVSAvoidmobility decision speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly measuring all inter-frequency beams with the same effort, the system applies local quality by using spatial correlation information to identify and prioritize only those beams that are most likely to be optimal. The measurement resources are concentrated on promising beams rather than being distributed evenly across all beams, thus maintaining measurement completeness for decision-making while significantly reducing overall measurement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement approach by introducing spatial correlation parameters as a new dimension for beam selection. Rather than relying solely on traditional beam sweep parameters, the system incorporates spatial correlation information from serving beams to transform the measurement process, enabling faster identification of suitable inter-frequency beams without compromising the comprehensiveness of the evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If device rotation occurs during measurement, then adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to beam misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to device orientation changesVSAvoidbeam alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to device rotation by continuously tracking spatial correlation information as the device orientation changes. The spatial correlation parameters are updated in real-time to reflect the current device posture, allowing the beam selection process to remain reliable despite rotation. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the measured beams remain aligned with the device's current orientation while maintaining the ability to respond to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11490270B2Apparatus and methods for measuring beams during mobility in wireless communications

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Some aspects described herein relate to performing a serving beam switch from a first serving beam to a second serving beam, and switching, for an inter-frequency procedure and based on one or more spatial correlation parameters associated with the first serving beam and second serving beam, from a first inter-frequency beam to a second inter-frequency beam to use in the inter-frequency procedure.