Configurable Measurement Gap for MTC UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly for machine-type communication (MTC) user equipment (UEs), face challenges in efficiently configuring measurement gaps and windows, which are insufficient for obtaining adequate cell measurements due to limited communication resources and reduced mobility, leading to inadequate signal quality assessments at low signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring a measurement gap and window based on the operating state of the UE, allowing it to tune away from the narrowband region to measure signals from other base stations, with adjustable parameters for measurement procedures, including flexible measurement window lengths and reduced or eliminated measurement gaps for low mobility MTC UEs, and aligning measurement periods with bundled transmissions to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gap and window are configured for MTC UEs, then cell measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting measurement gap length, measurement window length, and measurement periodicity based on UE mobility state and coverage enhancement level. For example, high mobility UEs receive longer measurement gaps and windows, while low mobility UEs receive reduced or eliminated measurement gaps, directly changing the parameters to match operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The base station continuously monitors UE mobility state and coverage level, then adapts the measurement gap and window parameters in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize measurement capability while minimizing resource overhead and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If measurement gap is increased for accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but communication productivity deteriorates due to more time away from narrowband region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement gap parameter dynamically based on UE mobility state. Low mobility UEs receive reduced or eliminated measurement gaps, while high mobility UEs receive extended measurement gaps. This parameter adaptation ensures adequate measurement time for accurate signal quality assessment without unnecessarily reducing communication efficiency for stationary or slow-moving devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing measurement opportunities only to the extent needed. Low mobility UEs receive minimal or no measurement gaps, while high mobility UEs receive sufficient measurement time. This partial allocation of measurement resources optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and communication efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If measurement window is extended to capture more signals, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the measurement window length parameter based on coverage enhancement level and UE mobility state. UEs experiencing coverage enhancement receive extended measurement windows to capture sufficient signals for accurate measurements, while UEs with good coverage receive standard or reduced measurement windows, minimizing time loss.
4Productivity
If measurement configuration is optimized for low mobility UEs, then productivity is improved by reducing measurement gaps, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes measurement parameters based on UE mobility state classification. Low mobility UEs receive optimized parameters with reduced or eliminated measurement gaps, while high mobility UEs receive parameters ensuring adequate measurement opportunities. This parameter adaptation maintains measurement precision for mobile UEs while maximizing productivity for stationary UEs.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provided techniques that for wireless communications by a base station (BS). An exemplary method, performed by a base station, generally includes identifying an operating state of a user equipment that communicates with the BS in at least one narrowband region, determining, based on the operating state, one or more operating parameters of a configurable measurement procedure whereby the user equipment (UE) tunes away from the narrowband region to measure signals transmitted from other BSs, and configuring the UE to perform the measurement procedure in accordance with the determined operating parameters.