Connected-Mode Mobility Measurements Using Configurable Reference Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource usage and energy consumption due to fixed active mode mobility (AMM) reference signal frameworks, particularly in beam-based systems like 5G NR, which do not account for varying deployment scenarios and UE presence, leading to suboptimal performance and increased system information overhead.

Innovation Solution

Configuring UEs in connected mode to use different signals for AMM based on deployment and usage scenario parameters, allowing for flexible selection of reference signals such as synchronization signals and dynamically configurable signals for efficient resource usage and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static reference signals are continuously transmitted for active mode mobility measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but resource usage and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous transmission of reference signals to dynamic on-demand transmission. The network node configures the wireless device to measure reference signals only when mobility measurements are actually needed, making the transmission pattern adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement reliability when required while reducing resource usage when mobility events are not imminent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter of reference signals from continuous to discontinuous based on mobility measurement requirements. The network node controls whether reference signals are transmitted by changing the transmission state parameter, allowing the system to switch between high reliability mode (continuous transmission) and resource efficiency mode (discontinuous transmission) based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If static reference signals are continuously transmitted, then measurement consistency is improved, but power consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transmitting reference signals only during specific periods when mobility measurements are configured, rather than continuously. The network node periodically activates reference signal transmission based on mobility event triggers, maintaining measurement consistency during active periods while reducing power consumption during inactive periods when no measurements are needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If beam-swept reception is used in connected mode, then handover performance is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the reception modes for different operational states: idle mode uses non-beamformed or wide-beam reception, while connected mode uses beam-swept reception. This segmentation allows the system to implement complex beam-swept procedures only when needed for handover performance, while keeping the system simpler during idle operations, thus resolving the contradiction between handover performance and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If mobility reference signals are activated only when needed, then resource efficiency is improved, but measurement availability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the wireless device report measurement results to the network node, which then decides whether to activate reference signal transmission based on the received measurements. This feedback loop ensures that reference signals are activated only when the network determines they are needed for mobility decisions, maintaining resource efficiency while ensuring measurement availability when actually required for handover operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3539319B1Measurement configuration for active mode mobility measurements
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3539319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3539319B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3539319B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a method for use in a wireless device of performing radio resource management (RRM) measurements for mobility in a wireless network comprises obtaining a measurement configuration for measuring mobility signals in connected mode. The measurement configuration includes a reference signal type. The reference signal type indicates a particular type of reference signal of a plurality of possible reference signal types (e.g., PSS, SSS, DMRS, CSI-RS). The method further comprises configuring the wireless device to measure a reference signal of the indicated type; receiving the reference signal of the indicated type; and measuring the reference signal according to the measurement configuration.