On-Demand Mobility Reference Signal Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobility measurement configurations in communications networks, such as those in 3GPP LTE, result in high network resource usage, interference, and energy consumption due to always-on signaling, and lack mechanisms for on-demand activation of mobility reference signals.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where mobility reference signals are activated only when needed, using device-specific signaling and semi-persistent scheduling, allowing wireless devices to track the best transmission beam in a dormant mode, and reporting changes in serving beam quality only when significant, reducing unnecessary measurements and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mobility reference signals are broadcasted in an always-on manner, then measurement consistency and ease of measurement are improved, but network resource usage, interference, and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of mobility reference signals instead of continuous transmission. The network node transmits mobility reference signals periodically in a dormant state, and only activates transmission when mobility measurement is actually needed. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic activation and deactivation of mobility reference signal transmission based on actual network conditions and device states. The network node can dynamically switch between dormant and active states for mobility reference signal transmission, adapting to changing requirements rather than maintaining a static always-on state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If mobility reference signals are broadcasted in an always-on manner, then measurement consistency is improved, but downlink signaling load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoiddownlink signaling load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The network node transmits mobility reference signals periodically rather than continuously, reducing the quantity of downlink signaling. The periodic transmission schedule is optimized to provide sufficient measurement opportunities while minimizing overall signaling load on the downlink channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts mobility reference signal transmission from the always-on broadcast signaling and creates a separate, on-demand transmission mechanism. This separation allows the system to remove unnecessary continuous signaling while maintaining essential measurement capabilities, thereby reducing overall downlink signaling load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If mobility reference signals are broadcasted in an always-on manner, then measurement consistency is improved, but interference for other wireless devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By transmitting mobility reference signals periodically rather than continuously, the patent reduces the time duration during which interference can affect other wireless devices. The periodic transmission creates idle periods where no mobility reference signals are sent, thereby reducing cumulative interference to other devices in the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic activation and deactivation of mobility reference signal transmission reduces interference by ensuring signals are only transmitted when actually needed for mobility measurements. This dynamic approach prevents continuous interference that would occur with always-on transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If device-specific signaling and semi-persistent scheduling are implemented, then resource usage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource usage efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements mechanisms where wireless devices can autonomously determine when mobility measurements are needed and can self-manage their measurement and reporting activities. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex device-specific signaling while maintaining resource usage efficiency, as devices independently optimize their own measurement behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3433954B1Configuration and reporting of mobility measurements
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3433954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3433954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3433954B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for configuring mobility measurements. A method is performed by a network node. The method comprises obtaining parameters to be used for a mobility measurement procedure. The parameters are valid for at least two consecutive measurement sessions of the mobility measurement procedure. The method comprises providing a measurement order to a wireless device regarding the mobility measurement procedure. The measurement order comprises at least one of the parameters. The method comprises initiating transmission of mobility reference signals to the wireless device according to the parameters such that the mobility reference signals are transmitted during said at least two consecutive measurement sessions. There is also provided mechanisms for reporting such mobility measurements.