Wireless Device Cell Search via Network Node Position Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G network deployments, the scarcity of reference signals and minimal broadcast of system information makes it difficult for wireless devices to search for cells and system information, especially when they lack knowledge about the new radio access technology (RAT) transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device connected via a first RAT transmits data to a network node to determine its position, which then provides a set of parameters for cell or system information search in a second RAT, allowing the device to perform an efficient search based on these parameters, which can be adapted for successful detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If reference signals are minimized in 5G network to improve energy efficiency and reduce interference, then network energy efficiency is improved, but the ability of wireless devices to search for cells and system information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy efficiencyVSAvoidcell search difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary actions by determining the wireless device's position and proactively providing a parameter set for cell search and system information search before the device actually needs to search. This preparatory provision of search parameters reduces the difficulty of cell search while maintaining minimized reference signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A parameter set acts as an intermediary between the minimized reference signals and the wireless device's cell search function. This parameter set, provided through the first RAT connection, enables the device to perform efficient cell search in the second RAT without requiring extensive reference signal transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If system information broadcast is minimized in 5G network to increase capacity and reduce interference, then network capacity is increased, but the ease of operation for wireless devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsystem information access ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary action by determining device position and providing a parameter set that includes system information search parameters before the device needs to access system information. This allows devices to efficiently locate and access system information through dedicated transmissions rather than extensive broadcasting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

System information is delivered in a localized and targeted manner to individual UEs based on their position and needs, rather than universal broadcasting. The parameter set provides location-specific system information parameters, making the system information access more efficient and easier for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If reference signals are reduced and repetition periods are extended to improve network efficiency, then network efficiency is improved, but the reliability of cell detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy lossVSAvoidcell detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary action by determining device position and providing a parameter set that includes accurate search parameters for cell detection. This preparation ensures that devices can reliably detect cells with fewer reference signal repetitions, maintaining detection reliability while reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical approach of increasing reference signal repetitions with an information-based approach. By providing a comprehensive parameter set including search space configurations and system information parameters, the system achieves reliable cell detection through better information guidance rather than more signal repetitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10516991B2Wireless device, network node, and methods and computer programs for the same

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided a method of a wireless terminal arranged to operate in a communication network including communication capabilities according to a first radio access technology, RAT, and a second RAT with the wireless terminal. The method comprises transmitting data to a network node of the communication network or connected to the communication network via a connection using the first RAT. The data enables the network node to determine information about a position of the wireless terminal. The method further comprises receiving a set of parameters from the network node via the connection using the first RAT. The set of parameters is related to any of cell search and system information search for the second RAT. The method further comprises performing cell search or system information search for the second RAT based on the set of parameters. A network node for providing the set of parameters is also disclosed, as well as such wireless device, network node, and computer programs for implementing the methods in such wireless device and network node.