On-Demand UE Physical Layer Reporting for Low-Latency Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face increased latency due to the use of higher layer measurement reports, which involve extended processing and transmission times, particularly in coordinated configurations like dual connectivity (DC) and carrier aggregation (CA), leading to inefficiencies in coordinating communications with secondary base stations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing physical layer reporting by user equipment (UE) to generate and transmit reports directly at the physical layer, reducing processing and transmission times by bypassing higher layer processing, thus enabling faster decision-making for coordinated configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If higher layer measurement reports are used for coordinated configurations, then comprehensive measurement data can be obtained, but latency increases due to extended processing and transmission times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data comprehensivenessVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement reporting process into two distinct types: physical layer reports for fast latency-critical measurements and higher layer reports for comprehensive but less time-sensitive measurements. This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate reporting type based on the specific measurement needs, thereby reducing latency for time-critical operations while preserving measurement comprehensiveness where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces physical layer reporting as an intermediary mechanism between the measurement process and the base station. This intermediary enables rapid transmission of essential measurement data without requiring full higher layer processing, thus reducing latency while still providing sufficient information for coordinated configuration decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If higher layer processing is used for measurement reports, then thorough analysis can be performed, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis thoroughnessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic reporting mechanism where the UE can switch between physical layer reporting and higher layer reporting based on the specific measurement scenario and timing requirements. For time-critical coordinated configurations, the system dynamically uses physical layer reports with reduced processing, while for less time-sensitive measurements, it uses comprehensive higher layer analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters of measurement reports by introducing a new physical layer report type with modified processing characteristics. This physical layer report uses simplified processing parameters compared to higher layer reports, enabling faster generation and transmission while still providing essential measurement information for coordinated configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If physical layer reporting is implemented, then latency is reduced, but processing complexity at the physical layer increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidphysical layer processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement data elements needed for coordinated configurations and presents them in a simplified format at the physical layer. By taking out only the critical measurement information rather than performing complete higher layer analysis, the system reduces latency while keeping physical layer processing complexity manageable through focused data extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3834463B1On-demand physical layer reporting by a ue
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3834463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3834463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3834463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A first base station may transmit a request for a user equipment (UE) to provide a physical layer report for a second base station. The second base station may be a base station of a dual connectivity configuration, a deactivated base station of the carrier aggregation configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE. The UE may measure transmissions of the second base station and generate, at the physical layer of the UE, a physical layer report based on the measurements. The UE may transmit the physical layer report to the first base station.