Heterogeneous Base Station Control Information Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous radio communication deployments, low-power base stations have limited transmission output power for control information, restricting radio terminal connectivity and inadequate load distribution among base stations.

Innovation Solution

A radio communication system where a high-power base station transmits control information to radio terminals on designated timing, and switches transmission destinations based on channel quality, using inter-base station communication to ensure effective data transfer and load balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a low-power base station is installed in the cell of a high-power base station to distribute load, then the load distribution is improved, but the transmission output power of control information from the low-power base station is limited, restricting radio terminal connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distributionVSAvoidtransmission output power of control information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The high-power base station acts as an intermediary by transmitting control information on behalf of the low-power base station to radio terminals. The low-power base station sends control information to the high-power base station, which then forwards it to the radio terminal, enabling the radio terminal to communicate with the low-power base station using the high-power base station's stronger transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control information transmission function is segmented between two base stations: the low-power base station generates and sends control information to the high-power base station, while the high-power base station handles the actual transmission to radio terminals. This segmentation allows each base station to operate within its power capabilities while achieving the overall goal of expanded connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If control information is transmitted only by the low-power base station, then the system complexity is reduced, but the number of radio terminals that can perform radio communications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidradio terminal connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The high-power base station performs multiple functions: it maintains its own radio terminals while also serving as a transmission intermediary for the low-power base station's control information. This multi-functionality allows the system to expand connectivity without adding dedicated transmission infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The high-power base station serves as a mediator between the low-power base station and radio terminals, enabling control information to reach terminals that would otherwise be unable to receive it due to the low-power base station's limited transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the high-power base station transmits control information on behalf of the low-power base station, then radio terminal connectivity is improved, but the inter-base station communication requirement increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio terminal connectivityVSAvoidinter-base station communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control information transmission paths of both base stations are merged through the high-power base station, which receives and forwards control information from the low-power base station to its connected radio terminals, creating a unified communication pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3442308B1Radio communication system, low-power base station, high-power base station, radio terminal, and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3442308B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3442308B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3442308B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radio communication system (1) is provided with a high-power base station (200), a radio terminal (300) which is located within a macro cell (C2) formed by the high-power base station (200), and a low-power base station (100) which has a lower transmission output power than the high-power base station (200). The low-power base station (100) sends, to the high-power base station (200), control information needed for the radio communication between the radio terminal (300) and the low-power base station (100); the high-power base station (200) sends, to the radio terminal (300), the control information received from the low-power base station (100); and the radio terminal (300) performs radio communication with the low-power base station (100) by using the control information received from the high-power base station (200).