Relaxed Cell Detection for UE Battery Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks, the current inter-frequency cell discovery methods rapidly drain user equipment (UE) battery power due to standardized measurement gap patterns optimized for macro cell deployments, rather than offloading scenarios, which does not account for the varying cell sizes and frequencies in HetNet deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provides a relaxed cell detection mechanism for user equipment (UE) during inter-frequency cell detection in heterogeneous networks, where the serving cell indicates relaxed detection criteria based on load conditions and Quality of Service (QoS), allowing the UE to discard some measurement gaps and extend cell detection time, thereby reducing battery power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If standardized measurement gap patterns are used for inter-frequency cell discovery, then cell detection speed is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement gap pattern adaptive rather than static. The network configures different measurement gap patterns based on UE capability, speed state, and deployment scenario. Fast measurement gap pattern is used when quick cell detection is needed, while relaxed measurement gap pattern is used when power saving is prioritized, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between speed and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of measurement gap patterns based on different conditions. The network configures measurement gap periodicity, gap length, and quantity of gaps according to UE capability information, speed state, and scenario type. This parameter adaptation allows optimization of both cell detection performance and power consumption for different operational contexts
2Productivity
If frequent inter-frequency measurements are performed, then offloading opportunities are improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating measurement requirements based on UE characteristics and scenario types. Different measurement gap patterns are configured for different UE capability levels, speed states, and deployment scenarios. This localized optimization ensures that each UE receives measurement configuration appropriate to its specific context, balancing offloading opportunities with power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selectively performing measurements only when necessary. The network determines whether to configure measurement gaps based on whether offloading is actually beneficial for the UE. In some cases, relaxed measurement patterns are configured that perform fewer measurements than the standardized pattern, achieving sufficient offloading opportunity while reducing power consumption
3Loss of time
If measurement gap periodicity is reduced, then cell detection time is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes measurement gap periodicity dynamic by configuring different periodicities based on UE capability and scenario. The network can set shorter periodicity (e.g., 40ms) for fast detection scenarios and longer periodicity (e.g., 80ms or more) for power-saving scenarios. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between detection speed and power consumption
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method and system for minimizing the battery power consumption of user equipment (UE) during inter-frequency cell detection in a heterogeneous network is disclosed. A serving cell in the heterogeneous network provides a relaxed cell detection indication to the UE on a specified frequency for cell detection. The UE applies the relaxed cell detection for detecting the cells on the specified frequency. During inter-frequency cell detection on specified frequency, the UE discards some normal measurement gaps. The inter-frequency cell detection is delayed as compared to normal cell detection time requirement using the normal measurement gaps. The UE deactivates the relaxed detection indication, upon detecting the inter-frequency cell and performs the continuous RSRP and RSRQ measurements for detected inter-frequency cell using all the normal measurement gaps to meet normal measurement accuracy and measurement reporting requirement.