5G UE URLLC Traffic Handling During Measurement Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Measurement gaps in 5G NR communication systems can introduce delays that exceed the latency constraints of Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) requirements, particularly when the measurement gap duration is longer than the allowed latency threshold.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting latency-sensitive traffic and performing transmission or reception during configured measurement gaps, either instead of or in addition to signal strength measurements, by shortening switching times and configuring communication resources to avoid resource switching, and using different subsets of antennas for measurement and transmission/reception based on link quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If measurement gaps are configured for UE to perform measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strength measurementVSAvoidmeasurement gap duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement gap configuration based on traffic conditions. When URLLC traffic is detected, the measurement gap is shortened or suspended. When normal traffic prevails, the original measurement gap configuration is maintained. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the measurement system flexible enough to prioritize latency-critical traffic while preserving measurement capabilities during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time parameter of measurement gap configuration dynamically. The measurement gap duration is adjusted from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be shortened or suspended based on URLLC traffic detection. This parameter change enables the system to reduce measurement gap duration when latency is critical, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If communication resource switching is performed during measurement gap, then adaptability is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth part switchingVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control to bandwidth part switching operations. When URLLC traffic is detected, the switching operation is suspended or delayed. When no URLLC traffic is present, switching proceeds normally. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt resource allocation while avoiding latency penalties when low-latency communication is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary detection of URLLC traffic before allowing bandwidth part switching to occur. By detecting the presence of latency-sensitive traffic in advance, the system can prevent switching operations that would cause unacceptable latency. This preliminary anti-action protects against the harmful effect of switching-induced delays while preserving adaptability when conditions allow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If measurement gap is extended to cover switching time, then reliability is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement completionVSAvoidtotal measurement gap duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement gap duration based on whether bandwidth part switching is required. When switching is needed, the measurement gap is extended to accommodate the switching time. When switching is not required, the measurement gap is shortened. This dynamic approach ensures measurement reliability only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary latency extensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3804451B1Methods and apparatus for ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) during measurement gap
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3804451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3804451B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3804451B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to handling latency-sensitive traffic, in Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) for example, during measurement gaps. Latency-sensitive traffic is detected at a user equipment (UE), and transmission or reception associated with the latency-sensitive traffic is performed at the UE during a time period in which a measurement gap has been configured for the UE to perform measurement of received signal strength. The transmission or reception may be performed instead of or in addition to the measurement. Other embodiments that involve shortening measuring times and shortening or avoiding switching times associated with communication resource switching, for example, are also disclosed.