Method and apparatus for reference signal measurements in wireless systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless systems face challenges in reducing reference signal overhead to minimize interference and power consumption at transmission/reception points while maintaining effective channel estimation and measurement capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to selectively use cell-specific reference signals (CRSs) for channel estimation and measurements, optimizing their transmission to reduce unnecessary interference and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cell-specific reference signals (CRSs) are transmitted continuously for channel estimation and measurements, then channel estimation accuracy and measurement capabilities are maintained, but reference signal overhead increases causing unnecessary interference to neighboring TRPs and increased power consumption at TRP

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidinterference to neighboring TRPs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of cell-specific reference signals instead of continuous transmission. The CRS are transmitted at specific intervals (e.g., every 10, 20, or 40 subframes) based on configuration parameters. This periodic action maintains channel estimation accuracy by providing regular reference opportunities while significantly reducing reference signal overhead and interference to neighboring transmission/reception points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability in CRS transmission by allowing the network to configure different periodicities and patterns based on channel conditions, traffic requirements, and interference scenarios. The transmission behavior can be dynamically adjusted through RRC signaling and DCI indicators, enabling the system to optimize between measurement accuracy and interference reduction in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If cell-specific reference signals (CRSs) are transmitted continuously for channel estimation and measurements, then channel estimation accuracy and measurement capabilities are maintained, but power consumption at transmission/reception points increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption at TRP
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By transmitting CRS periodically rather than continuously, the patent enables TRPs to enter low-power states during intervals when reference signals are not transmitted. The periodic transmission schedule (configurable through parameters like period and offset) allows power management while ensuring measurements are performed at regular intervals to maintain adequate channel estimation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If reference signal transmission is reduced to minimize interference and power consumption, then interference to neighboring TRPs and power consumption are reduced, but channel estimation and measurement capabilities may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference to neighboring TRPsVSAvoidchannel estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adaptation mechanisms where the CRS transmission configuration (periodicity, pattern, resources) can be adjusted based on channel conditions, traffic requirements, and measurement needs. This dynamic approach ensures that when interference reduction is prioritized, the transmission pattern is optimized to maintain adequate measurement capabilities, and when measurement accuracy is critical, the system can increase CRS density or change the pattern to preserve estimation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the CRS configuration (such as altering periodicity, resource allocation, or transmission power) to balance interference reduction and measurement accuracy. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system can adapt to different operational scenarios, ensuring that measurement precision remains adequate while minimizing reference signal overhead and interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3437242B1Method and apparatus for reference signal measurements in wireless systems
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3437242B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3437242B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3437242B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for receiving downlink control information (DCI) that may include an indication of a reference measurement resource (RMR), receiving an indication of a measurement configuration, and receiving an indication of a feedback resource configuration. A measurement report based on the indication of an RMR, an indication of a measurement configuration, and an indication of a feedback resource configuration may be generated and may be transmitted to a network device.