Neighbor Cell Reference Signal Scheduling for Energy-Saving Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing wireless resource measurements in network energy-saving scenarios, where flexible configuration of reference signals by base stations affects cell selection and switching, leading to increased hardware complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless channel measurement and configuration that allows nodes to dynamically determine reference signal resources using MAC or physical layer signaling, reducing signaling overhead and improving measurement accuracy through flexible time unit sets and power offset values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If reference signal configuration is made flexible to support network energy-saving scenarios, then network energy saving is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference signal configuration flexible and switchable between different modes (energy-saving mode with reduced reference signal transmission and normal mode with full reference signal transmission). The base station can dynamically adjust the reference signal configuration based on traffic conditions and energy-saving requirements, allowing the system to adapt between energy efficiency and performance needs without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by introducing configurable parameters for reference signal resources, including time unit sets, periodicity, and power offset values. These parameters can be adjusted through signaling to switch between different operational modes, enabling energy saving by reducing reference signal transmission in low-traffic scenarios while maintaining measurement accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple time unit sets are configured for different scenarios, then adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time domain into multiple time unit sets, where each time unit set is associated with specific scenarios (e.g., energy-saving scenario, normal scenario). By dividing the time domain resources into distinct sets with different reference signal configurations, the system can adapt to different scenarios without requiring complete reconfiguration, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple time unit sets with different reference signal parameters before actual operation. When a specific scenario arises, the system can quickly switch to the pre-configured time unit set that matches the scenario requirements, avoiding the need for extensive real-time signaling and configuration adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If reference signal transmission is reduced for energy saving, then network energy saving is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidwireless resource management measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by configuring reference signals to be transmitted periodically according to different time unit sets. In energy-saving scenarios, reference signals are transmitted with reduced periodicity or in a subset of time units, while in normal scenarios, full periodic transmission is maintained. This periodic approach allows the system to save energy during low-activity periods while ensuring measurement precision is maintained when traffic requires it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by adjusting reference signal transmission parameters (periodicity, power offset, resource allocation) based on the operational scenario. In energy-saving mode, parameters are modified to reduce transmission frequency and power, while in normal mode, parameters are optimized for measurement accuracy. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy saving and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4679913A1Method and apparatus for node used for wireless communication
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 APOGEE 5G GLOBAL LLC
  • EP4679913A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679913A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4679913A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present application discloses a method and apparatus for a node used for wireless communication. The method comprises: a first node receiving first signaling, wherein the first signaling is used for configuring K1 time unit sets; receiving target signaling, wherein the target signaling is used for determining a first time unit set from the K1 time unit sets; performing wireless resource management measurement on the basis of a reference signal in the first time unit set, wherein K1 is a positive integer greater than 1, the K1 time unit sets are all associated to a target cell, the target cell is a cell outside a serving cell of the first node, and the target signaling is MAC layer signaling or physical layer signaling. The present application improves a reference signal resource configuration for neighbor cell measurement so as to improve the flexibility, and adapts to the reference signal resource configuration in different states of a neighbor cell, thereby improving the energy-saving effect of a terminal and a base station while ensuring the measurement accuracy.