NB-IoT Measurement Mode Determination for Neighbor Cell Reference Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current NB-IoT systems face suboptimal performance due to the inability to accurately determine neighbor cell operation modes and valid downlink subframes, leading to inefficient reference signal measurements and increased battery consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of mechanisms and methods for measurement mode determination in NB-IoT devices, allowing them to derive and use configuration information to accurately measure reference signals based on neighbor cell operation modes, thereby optimizing the use of available subframes and reducing battery consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If measurement requirements are developed based on worst case inband scenario, then measurement reliability is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to suboptimal measurement opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsystem performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by introducing measurement mode indicators that specify different measurement assumptions (inband, guard-band, standalone modes). This allows the system to adapt measurement opportunities and configurations to the actual deployment scenario, improving performance while maintaining reliability through appropriate parameter selection for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic measurement mode determination where the UE can identify its operation mode and select appropriate measurement configurations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to transition from static worst-case assumptions to mode-specific optimized measurements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If UE reads MIB of neighbor cells to determine operation mode, then measurement accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases and implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network provide measurement mode indicators or assumptions in advance through serving cell configuration. This allows the UE to determine neighbor cell measurement modes without reading their MIB, achieving accurate measurements while avoiding the energy consumption and complexity of direct MIB reading from neighbor cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the serving cell provides measurement mode information about neighbor cells. This intermediary approach allows the UE to obtain accurate measurement mode information without directly interacting with neighbor cell MIB, reducing battery consumption and implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If UE assumes worst case inband mode for neighbor cells, then measurement reliability is improved, but measurement opportunities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement opportunities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement configuration parameters based on identified operation modes. When the UE determines it is operating in guard-band or standalone mode, it can use mode-specific measurement configurations that provide more measurement opportunities while maintaining reliability through appropriate assumptions for each mode type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3596968B1Measurement mode determination for narrowband internet of things devices
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3596968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3596968B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3596968B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Measurement mode determination for narrowband internet of things devices There are provided measures for measurement mode determination for NB-loT devices. Such measures exemplarily comprise receiving, by a NB-loT device and from a serving network node (30), configuration information indicative of a measurement mode (e. g., Inband / Guard-band / Standalone) in relation to a neighbor cell, deriving said measurement mode of said neighbor cell from said configuration information, and measuring a reference signal of said neighbor cell based on said measurement mode.