Radio Access Technology Measurement Control for Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

User equipment (UE) in wireless telecommunications systems face challenges in efficiently handoff between different radio access technologies (RATs) due to varying radio conditions, leading to potential service disruptions and resource wastage in measuring unnecessary RATs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for UE to measure radio conditions of available RATs based on prioritized or preferred lists, allowing for seamless handoff to a more suitable RAT when conditions deteriorate, optimizing battery usage and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UE measures radio conditions of all available RATs, then handoff reliability is improved, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandoff reliabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary actions by providing measurement control information that pre-specifies the sequence and criteria for RAT measurements. This allows the UE to measure radio conditions systematically according to a predetermined plan rather than randomly or exhaustively, reducing unnecessary measurements while ensuring reliable handoff when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different RATs are measured with different qualities or depths based on their priority and availability. The system applies local quality by measuring higher-priority RATs more thoroughly while potentially using less thorough measurement for lower-priority RATs, optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If UE measures all available RATs regardless of priority, then handoff suitability is improved, but resource wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandoff suitabilityVSAvoidresource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement process is segmented into prioritized stages. The system divides RAT measurement into segments based on priority levels, measuring high-priority RATs first and only proceeding to lower-priority RATs if necessary. This segmentation prevents wasting resources on measuring all RATs when a suitable high-priority RAT is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by measuring only the necessary portion of available RATs based on priority criteria. Instead of exhaustively measuring all RATs, the UE performs partial measurement focused on high-priority options, avoiding excessive action on low-value targets while still ensuring adequate handoff suitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If UE follows prioritized RAT measurement list, then battery usage is optimized, but measurement completeness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery usageVSAvoidmeasurement completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement control information includes feedback mechanisms where the network monitors measurement results and can adjust the measurement sequence or criteria dynamically. This feedback loop ensures that measurement completeness is maintained by adapting to changing network conditions while still following the prioritized list to optimize battery usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2046078B1Measurement control for handover from one radio access technology to another
Publication Date: 2012.05.02 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2046078B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2046078B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2046078B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A method is provided for measuring at least one radio condition of each of a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs) 302, 304. The method includes specifying a sequence of the RATs 302, 304, and measuring at least one radio condition of a first RAT 302 in the sequence before measuring at least one radio condition of a second RAT 304 in the sequence.