Base Station Reference Signal Overhead Reduction via Dynamic Beam Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of beams transmitted by a gNB increases, the overhead associated with transmitting reference signals also increases, leading to a higher possibility of transmitting beams in directions where UE does not exist, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic reference signal transmission mechanism where the gNB transmits a notification indicating measurement using a dynamic reference signal, allowing the UE to perform position-related measurements using this signal, thereby reducing the need for continuous transmission of reference signals in all directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the gNB transmits reference signals using multiple beams to cover the coverage area, then the coverage area is improved, but the overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidoverhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling reference signals to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. Specifically, reference signals transmitted for channel state information (CSI) measurement are also utilized for positioning measurement. This allows the same reference signal resources to fulfill both communication quality assessment and location determination functions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated positioning reference signals and lowering overall overhead while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of CSI measurement and positioning measurement into a unified process. The UE performs both channel state information extraction and positioning calculation using the same received reference signals. This consolidation eliminates redundant signal transmissions and combines multiple measurement objectives into a single reference signal framework, directly addressing the overhead issue while preserving coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If the gNB transmits more beams to cover all directions, then the coverage area is improved, but the possibility of transmitting beams in directions where UE does not exist increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports measurement results and location information back to the gNB. Based on this feedback, the gNB can identify which beams are actually being received and utilized by UEs, and adjust or deactivate beams pointing in directions where no UE exists. This feedback loop enables dynamic beam management that reduces energy waste from unnecessary transmissions while maintaining coverage in directions where UEs are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic beam management where the gNB can adjust beam transmission based on actual UE locations and channel conditions. Rather than continuously transmitting all beams, the system dynamically activates or deactivates specific beams based on real-time measurement data and UE feedback, optimizing energy utilization while maintaining comprehensive coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240430841A1Terminal, base station, and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US20240430841A1 patent drawing
  • US20240430841A1 patent drawing
  • US20240430841A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal comprises: a reception unit that receives a reference signal used for a purpose other than a measurement related to a position of terminal; and a control unit that performs the measurement related to the position of terminal using the reference signal.