NR Measurement Gap Signaling for Adaptive UE Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack efficient methods for reporting measurement gap needs with sufficient granularity, leading to unnecessary resource consumption and power usage in user equipment and network entities.
Innovation Solution
User equipment reports a first level capability indicating measurement gap needs based on maximum L1 configurations, and dynamically adjusts measurement gap patterns based on current L1 configurations, enabling or disabling them as needed, and informing the network of status changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static NeedForGap signaling is used to configure measurement gaps, then network configuration simplicity is maintained, but data transmission efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate due to inability to adapt to varying Layer 1 configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static measurement gap configuration into a dynamic system where the UE continuously monitors its Layer 1 configuration (such as MIMO layers, antenna configurations) and automatically adjusts measurement gap status. The UE transitions from passive reception of static gap configurations to active management of measurement gaps based on real-time physical layer conditions, enabling adaptive optimization of data transmission efficiency without requiring complex network-side reconfiguration procedures.
2Loss of energy
If measurement gaps are configured for all UEs, then measurement capability is ensured, but network resources and UE power consumption increase due to unnecessary measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously determine whether measurement gaps are needed by monitoring its own Layer 1 configuration. The UE independently evaluates its current physical layer state (such as whether gapless measurement is supported based on MIMO configuration) and makes self-directed decisions about measurement gap activation. This self-service mechanism eliminates unnecessary measurements for UEs capable of gapless operation, reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement reliability only when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic parameter changes in the measurement gap configuration based on Layer 1 configuration changes. When the UE's physical layer parameters (such as number of MIMO layers, antenna configurations) change, the measurement gap status is automatically adjusted accordingly. This parameter-driven adaptation ensures measurement gaps are activated only when necessary, optimizing the balance between power consumption and measurement reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If granular control of measurement gaps is implemented, then resource utilization is optimized, but signaling complexity and implementation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement gap control function from the network side and relocates it to the UE side. Instead of the network managing measurement gaps based on static capability reporting, the UE independently manages measurement gap status based on its real-time Layer 1 configuration. This extraction simplifies network signaling by removing the need for complex dynamic capability negotiation, while enabling granular control and adaptability at the UE level without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a method comprises receiving, by a network node, a first level capability about measurement gap needed or not for a user equipment. The method further comprises transmitting, by the network node, a pre-configured measurement gap pattern, in response to the reported first level capability indicates that the user equipment needs a measurement gap. The method further comprises receiving, by the network node, status of the pre-configured measurement gap pattern is changed by the user equipment.