UE Inter-Frequency Cell Detection Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous network deployments, the current inter-frequency measurement gap patterns designed for macro cell scenarios lead to rapid battery drain in user equipment (UE) due to continuous scanning for pico cell offloading opportunities, especially in dense cell deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that minimize battery power consumption by sending background scan configurations to UE based on cell density, allowing inter-frequency cell detection during inactive Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, using a long periodicity measurement gap, and reconfiguring normal measurement gaps upon cell detection, thereby reducing unnecessary power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous scanning for pico cell offloading opportunities is performed using standardized measurement gap patterns, then offloading opportunities are maximized, but battery power consumption increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the UE to perform inter-frequency measurements only during specific measurement gaps rather than continuously. The measurement gaps are periodically configured with specific periodicity (e.g., 40ms or 80ms), allowing the UE to scan for pico cells only during these designated time windows while remaining in normal operation during other periods, thus significantly reducing battery power consumption while still capturing offloading opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the measurement gap configuration adaptive based on network conditions and UE state. The network can dynamically adjust measurement gap periodicity, duration, and positioning based on traffic conditions, UE mobility state, and pico cell density. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize between power saving and offloading opportunity based on current network conditions.
2Reliability
If inter-frequency measurements are performed using standardized measurement gap patterns, then cell detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases in dense deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying measurement gap parameters (periodicity, duration, positioning) based on deployment density. In dense pico cell deployments, the network can configure shorter measurement gap periodicity to improve detection probability, while in sparse deployments, longer periodicity is used to save power. The measurement gap duration and frequency allocation are also adjustable parameters that optimize the trade-off between detection reliability and power consumption for different deployment scenarios.
3Reliability
If measurement gap periodicity is reduced to improve pico cell detection probability, then detection reliability improves, but time for other operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement process into distinct measurement gaps separated by normal operation periods. Each measurement gap is a segmented time window dedicated to inter-frequency scanning, allowing the UE to perform pico cell detection during these specific segments while maintaining normal data transmission and reception during other segments. This segmentation enables the system to achieve reliable detection without continuously sacrificing time for other operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for minimizing battery power consumption of user equipment (UE) during inter-frequency cell discovery in heterogeneous network is disclosed. UE receives background scan configuration for specified frequency from the network and performs the background scan for detecting inter-frequency cell. The UE detects an inter-frequency cell on the frequency indicated in the background scan configuration, during the inactive time of DRX cycle. Further, UE indicates the physical cell identity of the detected cell to the network. Then the UE activates the normal measurement gap provided previously or the network configures normal measurement gap to the UE if not provided previously. Further, UE performs Reference signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) measurements of the detected cell. Then the UE reports these measurements to the network when the measurement report event condition is satisfied and the network handovers the UE to the detected cell.