Neighbor Cell Information Combination via Dynamic Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems inflexibly combine neighbor cell information from broadcast and non-broadcast signaling sources, often prioritizing one over the other without adjustable rules, leading to inefficient neighbor cell list updates and measurements.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using combination indicators to determine whether to combine or prioritize neighbor cell information from broadcast and non-broadcast signaling sources, allowing for flexible integration and adjustment of combining rules for each radio access technology (RAT), enabling more accurate and dynamic neighbor cell list updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed prioritization rules are used to combine neighbor cell information from broadcast and non-broadcast signaling, then the combination process is simple, but the adaptability to different RATs and measurement scenarios is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different RATsVSAvoidcomplexity of combination rules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the combination rules adjustable and configurable rather than fixed. The system allows dynamic selection of combination strategies (e.g., union, intersection, prioritization) based on the specific RAT and measurement scenario, enabling the mobile station to adapt combining behavior to different network conditions and requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the combination process by introducing configurable parameters that allow different combination strategies to be selected based on RAT type and measurement context. This enables parameter-driven adaptation of the information combining logic to match specific operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If neighbor cell information from multiple signaling sources is combined without flexible rules, then the implementation is straightforward, but the accuracy of cell reselection and measurement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of cell reselectionVSAvoidcomplexity of combining framework
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the combination process into distinct manageable components: identification of broadcast and non-broadcast signaling sources, evaluation of combination indicators, selection of appropriate combination strategies, and execution of the merging logic. This segmentation allows complex combination logic to be organized into modular steps that can be implemented systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through combination indicators that provide information about the appropriate combining strategy based on the signaling sources and measurement context. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust the combination approach based on real-time conditions, improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If separate neighbor cell information is signaled for each supported RAT, then the completeness of information is improved, but the complexity of processing and combining this information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of neighbor cell informationVSAvoidcomplexity of information processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a unified combination framework that handles multiple RATs through a common process. The same combination logic and evaluation mechanisms can be applied across different RATs, with the system automatically adapting to the specific requirements of each RAT type, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive information coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2428062B1Methods and apparatus to combine neighbor cell information obtained from multiple signaling sources
Publication Date: 2013.06.26 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2428062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2428062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2428062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to combine neighbor cell information obtained from multiple signaling sources are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises receiving first neighbor cell information via broadcast signaling, receiving second neighbor cell information via non-broadcast signaling, receiving an indicator indicating whether to (1) use the first and second neighbor cell information, or (2) use the second neighbor cell information but not the first neighbor cell information, and utilizing at least one of the first or second neighbor cell information in accordance with the indicator.