Broadcast Network Frequency Reuse via Time Slot Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional broadcast network planning using different frequencies for adjacent regions is inefficient in terms of spectral usage, as it often results in unnecessary interference mitigation measures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of channel estimation techniques combined with time slot assignment, allowing adjacent regions to use the same frequency while employing a MIMO de-mapping scheme to separate and manage interferers, ensuring that a receiver can handle the number of signals it receives without exceeding its de-mapping capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If different frequencies are used for adjacent regions, then interference between regions is reduced, but spectral efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between regionsVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements time slot assignment where adjacent regions transmit on the same frequency in different time slots. This periodic time-division approach allows frequency reuse while preventing simultaneous interference, resolving the contradiction between reducing interference and improving spectral efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from spatial frequency separation (different frequencies for adjacent regions) to temporal separation (different time slots). By adding the time dimension to the resource allocation, the system achieves both interference mitigation and improved spectral efficiency through MIMO techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the same frequency is used in adjacent regions, then spectral efficiency improves, but interference between regions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidinterference between regions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Time slot assignment creates periodic transmission patterns where regions alternate their transmission times. This ensures that while frequencies are reused (improving spectral efficiency), interference is controlled through temporal separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces channel estimation and MIMO de-mapping schemes as intermediary processing steps. These techniques act as mediators that enable the receiver to separate and manage multiple simultaneous signals from adjacent regions using the same frequency, thus allowing frequency reuse without excessive interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple frequencies are used for full coverage, then interference is controlled, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference controlVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single frequency serve multiple regions through time slot assignment and MIMO techniques. This multi-functional use of frequency resources reduces the total number of frequencies needed, thereby simplifying network planning and reducing complexity while maintaining interference control

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

Data Source

PatentEP3298709B1Broadcast network
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 BRITISH BROADCASTING CORP
  • EP3298709B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3298709B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3298709B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5(c)

AI summary

A method of operating a wireless network operating on a single frequency across a geographical area involves dividing the network into regions and arranging that the transmission of signals in subsets of adjacent regions on the same frequency is such that a receiver does not receive signals from more regions than can be separated using demapping techniques. The transmission method evolves a pattern of time slots such that the number of adjacent regions of a subset of regions transmitting simultaneously on a single frequency is less than the number of signals that each receiver is capable of demapping. The demapping arrangements may include MIMO techniques, constellation schemes, QAM.