ProSe Operation on Non-Serving Carrier via Dynamic Gap Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack procedures and requirements for ProSe operation on non-serving carriers, making it difficult for UE to synchronize and perform ProSe operations due to different timing and location of serving and non-serving carriers, leading to inefficiencies and interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network node determines whether a target cell on a non-serving carrier is known or unknown to the UE and configures appropriate gap configurations, allowing the UE to perform ProSe operations efficiently by adjusting gap durations (delta-T2 or delta-T4) for synchronization and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE performs ProSe operation on non-serving carrier without prior synchronization, then the operation can be enabled on non-serving carriers, but the synchronization timing and frequency accuracy may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProSe operation capability on non-serving carrierVSAvoidsynchronization timing and frequency accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network node configures the UE with gap information indicating a time gap before the ProSe operation. The UE uses this gap period to perform synchronization to the non-serving carrier frequency before the actual ProSe operation begins, ensuring proper timing and frequency alignment without delaying the ProSe operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The time gap is segmented into distinct phases: a first time gap for downlink synchronization (acquiring timing and frequency from DL signals) and a second time gap for uplink synchronization (acquiring timing from UL signals). This segmentation allows the UE to perform synchronized ProSe operation on non-serving carrier frequencies with improved timing and frequency accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the network configures measurement gaps for inter-frequency measurements, then the UE can perform measurements on non-serving carriers, but the interruption time for serving cell communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability on non-serving carrierVSAvoidinterruption time for serving cell communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network node dynamically configures the gap information based on the specific ProSe operation requirements and UE capability. The gap duration and timing are adapted to minimize interruption to serving cell communication while providing sufficient time for synchronization and ProSe operation on the non-serving carrier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The UE performs synchronization during the configured gap before ProSe operation begins, eliminating the need for separate measurement gaps. This preliminary synchronization action reduces subsequent interruption time while maintaining measurement capability on non-serving carriers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UE performs cell search and measurements on non-serving carriers, then the UE can identify and synchronize to target cells, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell identification and synchronization capabilityVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UE autonomously determines whether to perform cell search and measurements on non-serving carriers based on the configured gap information and ProSe operation requirements. The UE performs synchronization only when and where needed, avoiding unnecessary measurements and reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to identify and synchronize to target cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11889438B2Prose operation on non-serving carrier frequency

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method (300) performed in a network node is disclosed for enabling ProSe operation for a wireless device on a non-serving carrier. The network node serves the wireless device on a cell on a serving carrier. The method (300) comprises: determining (310) whether a target cell on a non-serving serving carrier, on which the wireless device is to perform ProSe operation, is known or unknown to the wireless device, and configuring (320, 330) the wireless device with a first gap configuration for the case that the target cell on the non-serving carrier is known to the wireless device, and with a second gap configuration for the case that the target cell on the non-serving carrier is unknown to the wireless device. A method in a wireless device, a network node, a wireless device, computer programs and computer program products are also disclosed.