UE Reference Signal Reuse for Beam Measurement Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The overhead and power consumption associated with the transmission of reference signals increase as the number of beams transmitted by User Equipment (UE) increases, particularly in user-centric cell configurations, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential transmission in directions without a base station.
Innovation Solution
The UE and base station are configured to transmit and receive reference signals for purposes other than physical layer reception quality measurement, using a second reference signal for such measurements, allowing the omission of unnecessary transmissions and reducing overhead and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of beams transmitted by the UE increases to cover the coverage area in user-centric cell configuration, then the coverage area is adequately covered, but the overhead and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling reference signals to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. Specifically, reference signals transmitted for purposes other than physical layer reception quality measurement (such as beam management, channel estimation, or synchronization) are also utilized for physical layer reception quality measurement. This allows the same reference signal resources to fulfill multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement signals and thereby reducing power consumption and overhead while maintaining adequate coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of reference signals used for non-measurement purposes with those used for physical layer reception quality measurement. By combining these functions into a single reference signal transmission framework, the system avoids redundant transmissions. The UE transmits reference signals for various purposes, and the base station performs both the original intended measurements and physical layer reception quality measurements using these same signals, thus reducing overall transmission overhead and power consumption.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of beams transmitted by the UE increases to cover the coverage area, then the coverage area is adequately covered, but the overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling reference signals to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. Specifically, reference signals transmitted for purposes other than physical layer reception quality measurement (such as beam management, channel estimation, or synchronization) are also utilized for physical layer reception quality measurement. This allows the same reference signal resources to fulfill multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement signals and thereby reducing power consumption and overhead while maintaining adequate coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of reference signals used for non-measurement purposes with those used for physical layer reception quality measurement. By combining these functions into a single reference signal transmission framework, the system avoids redundant transmissions. The UE transmits reference signals for various purposes, and the base station performs both the original intended measurements and physical layer reception quality measurements using these same signals, thus reducing overall transmission overhead and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reference signals are transmitted for purposes other than measurement, then additional functionality is provided, but unnecessary transmissions may occur in directions without a base station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station provides information to the UE about its location and the presence of base stations in different directions. The UE uses this feedback information to intelligently determine transmission directions and timing for reference signals, avoiding transmissions in directions where no base station is present. This feedback-driven approach ensures that the enhanced functionality of multi-purpose reference signal transmission does not result in wasteful energy consumption toward empty directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reference signal transmission behavior adaptive rather than static. The UE dynamically adjusts its transmission pattern based on real-time conditions, including the location of base stations, channel conditions, and measurement requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between providing enhanced functionality through multi-purpose reference signals and avoiding energy waste by transmitting only when and where base stations are present to receive them.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal comprises: a transmission unit that transmits a reference signal used for a purpose other than a measurement related to a reception quality in a physical layer; and a control unit that assumes the measurement related to the reception quality in the physical layer is performed using the reference signal.