NR Wake-Up Signal Scheduling for Low-Power Layer-3 Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The continuous wake-up and operations of terminal baseband functions for layer-3 measurements in current NR systems lead to high energy consumption and reduced energy saving effects, necessitating a method to reduce measurement complexity and frequency while maintaining accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of wake-up signals for layer-3 measurements, where a first node determines a threshold value and performs first-type measurements to establish a time length for periodic second-type measurements, optimizing measurement frequency and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If layer-3 measurement is performed continuously in NR system, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurement by determining a measurement time length based on wake-up signal detection results, replacing continuous measurement with periodic measurement at intervals equal to the determined time length. This allows the UE to perform measurements only at specific periodic intervals rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy through appropriately timed measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary wake-up signal detection before performing full layer-3 measurement. The UE first detects wake-up signals in a target wake-up signal set, and based on the detection result, determines whether to proceed with the actual measurement. This preliminary action filters out unnecessary measurements, reducing energy consumption while ensuring measurements are performed only when needed for accurate results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If measurement frequency is increased, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the measurement time length based on wake-up signal detection results and DRX cycle configurations. The measurement interval is not fixed but adapts to network conditions and DRX parameters, allowing the system to optimize the balance between measurement accuracy and energy consumption dynamically rather than using a static measurement frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter (time length between measurements) based on wake-up signal detection and SMTC configurations. By adjusting the measurement interval parameter according to detected wake-up signals and network configuration, the system achieves variable measurement frequency that balances accuracy requirements with energy saving goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If wake-up signal is used for layer-3 measurement, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wake-up signals, originally designed for a different purpose, to also drive layer-3 measurement decisions. This multi-functional use of the wake-up signal mechanism allows the same signal to control both wake-up behavior and measurement timing, reducing the need for separate measurement triggering mechanisms and actually simplifying the overall system while saving energy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the wake-up signal detection result to determine the measurement time length and subsequent measurement timing. The detection outcome feeds back into the measurement decision process, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts measurement behavior based on actual signal conditions, reducing complexity through intelligent adaptation rather than complex predefined schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If measurement time length is extended, then energy saving is improved, but measurement responsiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy savingVSAvoidmeasurement responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the measurement time length based on wake-up signal detection results and DRX cycle configurations rather than using a fixed extended interval. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to extend measurement intervals for energy saving when conditions permit, while maintaining shorter intervals when rapid measurement response is needed, thus balancing energy saving with measurement responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic measurement with the period (time length) determined by wake-up signal characteristics and SMTC parameters. This periodic approach with adaptively determined periods allows the system to achieve extended intervals for energy saving while maintaining responsiveness through appropriately timed periodic measurements that align with network signaling patterns and DRX cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4654677A1Method used in node for wireless communication and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 APOGEE 5G GLOBAL LLC
  • EP4654677A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4654677A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4654677A1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

Disclosed in the present application are a method used in a node for wireless communication and an apparatus. A node first receives a first information block, the first information block being used for determining a first threshold value; with regard to a wake-up signal in a target wake-up signal set, the node then executes a first-type measurement, the target wake-up signal set comprising at least one wake-up signal; the first-type measurement executed for the wake-up signal in the target wake-up signal set being used for determining a first measurement result, and the relationship between the first measurement result and the first threshold value being used for determining a first time length; in a time interval of which the length is equal to the first time length, the first node at least performs a second-type measurement once, the first-type measurement and the second-type measurement being different; and the first time length being related to an SMTC of the first node. The present application can improve measurement modes in energy saving scenarios, thereby improving the overall performance of systems.