Relay Link Measurement Segmentation for Accurate Sidelink Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in extending device-to-network and device-to-device coverage, particularly in scenarios where traditional relay technologies are limited, such as in NR-based systems, and there is a need for enhanced QoS requirements and coverage extension.

Innovation Solution

Implementing layer-2 and layer-3 relay technologies for WTRU-to-NW and WTRU-to-WTRU communication, including relay selection criteria, QoS management, and upper layer operations for sidelink relaying, utilizing PC5 interfaces for direct communication between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If relay measurements are performed on serving cell and neighbor cell signals, then device-to-network coverage is extended, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to relay link interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into separate relay link measurements and direct cell measurements. The WTRU performs measurements on relay link reference signals separately from serving cell and neighbor cell signals, allowing independent evaluation and reporting of relay link quality versus cell signal quality, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while extending coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces relay link reference signals as an intermediary measurement object. These dedicated reference signals enable the WTRU to measure relay link quality independently, serving as a mediator between the relay function and the measurement system, thereby preventing relay interference from corrupting cell signal measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If relay technologies are implemented for coverage extension, then service continuity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal measurement framework that handles both direct cell measurements and relay link measurements through the same RRC signaling mechanisms and reporting structures. The network can configure measurement objects for serving cells, neighbor cells, and relay links using unified procedures, reducing the need for separate complex management systems while maintaining service continuity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of measurement objects, reporting configurations, and thresholds before actual measurements begin. The network pre-configures the WTRU with measurement parameters for both cell signals and relay links, establishing measurement filters and reporting criteria in advance, which simplifies real-time operation and reduces system complexity during active relay service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If QoS requirements are enhanced for relay communications, then communication quality is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial QoS enhancement by configuring specific measurement thresholds and reporting criteria tailored to relay scenarios rather than applying excessive QoS requirements to all communications. The network configures event-triggered reporting with optimized thresholds that provide sufficient quality for relay communications while avoiding over-provisioning that would waste resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as reporting thresholds, filtering coefficients, and measurement intervals based on relay link conditions and QoS requirements. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains communication quality for relay users while optimizing resource utilization by reducing unnecessary measurements and reports when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4278685B1Methods for relay measurements
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP4278685B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4278685B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4278685B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

As disclosed herein, there is one or more system, device, and/or method that addresses one or more of the following, but is not limited to: wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU)(s) configured to send sidelink radio link measurements to a base station (e.g., gNB); WTRU(s) configured to consider CBR/CR levels for starting performing measurements on neighbor links/cells; WTRU(s) configured to consider CBR/CR levels in conjunction with SL RSRP/RSRQ/RSNI thresholds for reporting measurements; WTRU(s) configured to report sidelink measurements in different ways depending on the measurements being performed using data or discovery signals; relay WTRU(s) configured to forward/report sidelink measurements to a gNB; handover commands in a relay scenario based on measurements at a remote WTRU.