MIMO Antenna Concurrent Neighbor Cell Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems are limited in their ability to concurrently measure signals from neighbor cells using different radio access technologies (RATs) and frequency bands during a single scan interval, which can impact handoff procedures and network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) based antenna resources allows for concurrent scanning of neighbor cells by performing handoff-related measurements on wireless signals received from multiple MIMO antenna resources, enabling simultaneous measurement of signals from cells using the same or different RATs and frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a mobile device performs handoff-related measurements on neighbor cells during a short scan interval, then the scan time is reduced and network responsiveness is improved, but the device cannot measure signals from neighbor cells using different RATs or frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by assigning different neighbor cells to different MIMO antenna resources. Each antenna resource independently measures signals from specific neighbor cells simultaneously, allowing the device to measure multiple RATs and frequency bands within a single scan interval without extending the scan time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the measurement process by utilizing multiple MIMO antenna resources. Instead of sequentially measuring different neighbor cells in time, the device measures multiple neighbor cells simultaneously in space using different antenna resources, effectively converting a time-based sequential process into a parallel spatial process
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device sequentially measures signals from multiple neighbor cells, then the device can measure different RATs and frequency bands, but the handoff procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neighbor cells into different groups assigned to different MIMO antenna resources. Each antenna resource simultaneously measures its assigned neighbor cells in parallel, eliminating the sequential measurement process and reducing overall handoff procedure time while maintaining comprehensive coverage of different RATs and frequency bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel measurement across multiple MIMO antenna resources during the entire scan interval. All antenna resources operate simultaneously without idle periods, maximizing the utilization of the scan interval for comprehensive neighbor cell measurements across different RATs and frequency bands
3Device complexity
If a mobile device uses a single antenna resource to scan neighbor cells, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning capability is limited to one cell at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each MIMO antenna resource universal by configuring them to independently measure different neighbor cells. Each antenna resource functions as a complete measurement unit that can autonomously scan and measure signals from its assigned neighbor cells, providing multi-functional capability within the antenna subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
Each MIMO antenna resource independently performs its own measurement tasks for assigned neighbor cells without requiring sequential coordination with other antenna resources. The antenna resources self-manage their measurement processes, reducing the need for complex centralized control and enabling autonomous parallel operation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for concurrently performing handoff-related measurements for neighbor cells using multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna resources. In one example, a mobile device is in communication with a serving cell. Handoff-related measurements of first wireless signals from a first neighbor cell are performed. The first wireless signals are received at first MIMO antenna resources of a device. Handoff-related measurements of second wireless signals from a second neighbor cell are performed, as well. The second wireless signals are received at second MIMO antenna resources concurrently with the first wireless signals received at the first MIMO antenna resources. The first handoff-related measurements and the second handoff-related measurements may be performed during a scan interval. A type of handoff-related measurement to perform may be determined based on a determined length of the scan interval.