NR-U Measurement Object Merging for Dual-Connectivity Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in defining clear measurement object (MO) merging rules for NR unlicensed spectrums, particularly in scenarios involving dual connectivity with licensed and unlicensed bands, leading to unclear network expectations and inefficient UE measurements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves defining new techniques for NR-U MO merging by considering additional parameters such as CCA, SMTC, and Q values, allowing for the alignment of SFN-s and slot boundaries to determine if MOs can be merged, thereby optimizing UE reporting and network configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple objects are scheduled separately on different component carriers, then each object can be managed independently, but the overhead for scheduling and control signaling increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent object managementVSAvoidScheduling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple measurement objects into a single measurement object group that can be scheduled together on a single component carrier. This consolidation reduces the number of separate scheduling decisions and control signals needed, thereby reducing scheduling overhead while maintaining the ability to manage multiple objects through the unified group structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement object group serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables independent management of multiple objects while providing a unified scheduling interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both granular object control and reduced scheduling complexity through a single mechanism.

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

2Device complexity

If measurement objects are merged into a single object group, then scheduling overhead is reduced, but the ability to independently manage each object decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveScheduling overheadVSAvoidIndependent object management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement object group into individual measurement objects that retain their independent identities and management capabilities. Each object within the group can be independently configured and managed, while the group itself provides a unified scheduling interface, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a single component carrier is used for multiple objects, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but the risk of interference and collision between objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveResource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidInterference risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation within the measurement object group, where resources are dynamically assigned to different objects based on current channel conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic approach allows efficient resource utilization while minimizing interference through adaptive resource assignment rather than static allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor channel conditions and object performance, using this information to adjust resource allocation and scheduling decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high resource utilization while detecting and mitigating potential interference issues between objects sharing the same component carrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4165897B1Measurement objects merging for NR unlicensed spectrums
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 APPLE INC
  • EP4165897B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4165897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4165897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure describes techniques for NR-U MO merging in EN-DC and NR-DC embodiments, with consideration of additional parameters including different Q values and RSSI Measurement Timing Configuration (RMTC) configurations.