Network Controlled Small Gap Scheduling for Wireless Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in synchronizing user equipment (UE) devices with multiple base stations across different component carriers, which affects the accuracy of synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method where a UE device receives signaling information to determine the index of a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmitted by a second base station on a second component carrier, based on timing information from a first base station. The UE device then determines a measurement window to measure the characteristics of the SSB, using a time offset value and the expected length of the SSB.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the UE device measures SSB characteristics on multiple component carriers simultaneously, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSSB measurement accuracyVSAvoidUE device processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process by introducing specific measurement windows for SSB measurements on different component carriers. The UE device measures SSB characteristics only during designated measurement windows on each component carrier, rather than continuously or simultaneously across all carriers. This segmentation reduces processing complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy by organizing measurements in a structured, time-divided manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic measurement windows at predetermined time intervals for SSB measurements. Instead of continuous measurement, the UE device performs measurements periodically during specific windows, which reduces processing load and device complexity while ensuring adequate measurement accuracy through regular sampling of SSB characteristics across component carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If the UE device performs measurements on multiple component carriers, then the synchronization accuracy improves, but the time required for measurements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSynchronization accuracyVSAvoidMeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring measurement windows with specific time offsets relative to SSB transmissions. The UE device knows in advance when measurement windows will occur and prepares accordingly, allowing efficient measurement execution without extended measurement periods. The time offset parameters are predetermined, enabling the UE to quickly transition into measurement mode at the appropriate times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces measurement window timing parameters as intermediaries between the SSB transmissions and the UE measurement process. These timing parameters (time offsets, window durations) act as mediators that coordinate measurements across multiple component carriers, enabling synchronized measurements to be performed efficiently without requiring the UE to spend excessive time on each individual measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the measurement window is extended to capture complete SSB characteristics, then the measurement precision improves, but the data transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSSB characteristic measurement accuracyVSAvoidData transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing flexible configuration of measurement window durations and time offsets based on specific measurement requirements. Rather than using fixed, overly conservative window sizes, the system adjusts measurement window parameters to match the actual SSB characteristics and measurement needs, achieving adequate measurement precision while minimizing the impact on data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by measuring only the essential SSB characteristics that are necessary for synchronization and network selection, rather than attempting to capture all possible parameters. The measurement windows are configured to capture sufficient information for accurate measurements without being so extensive as to significantly disrupt data transmission. This selective measurement approach achieves adequate precision while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250167936A1Network controlled small gap (NCSG) scheduling on a wireless network
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 APPLE INC
  • US20250167936A1 patent drawing
  • US20250167936A1 patent drawing
  • US20250167936A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations including: receiving first signaling information from a first base station (BS), where the first signaling information indicates that a user equipment (UE) device is to determine an index of a first synchronization signal block (SSB) transmitted by a second BS to the UE device on a second component carrier, based on timing information regarding a first component carrier associated with the first BS; determining a first measurement window for measuring one or more characteristics of the first SSB, where the first measurement window is determined based on a first time offset value Δt1 and an expected length of the first SSB and measuring the one or more characteristics of the first SSB on the second carrier during the first measurement window.