Cell-Free MIMO Strategy Alignment With Selective Phase Error Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently aligning multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission strategies across access points, leading to suboptimal system performance and increased signaling overhead due to the need for detailed phase error and synchronization information.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining and aligning cell-free MIMO transmission strategies by recommending appropriate transmission strategies for each access point based on downlink reference signals, allowing for flexible hybrid MIMO transmissions and reducing signaling overhead by reporting phase error information selectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detailed phase error and synchronization information is reported for each access point, then transmission strategy alignment is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission strategy alignmentVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and reports only the necessary phase error information for access points using coherent joint transmission, rather than reporting all possible parameters for all access points. This selective extraction reduces signaling overhead while maintaining the reliability needed for transmission strategy alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by reporting phase error information only for a subset of access points (those using coherent joint transmission) rather than all access points. This partial reporting approach reduces signaling overhead while providing sufficient information for effective transmission strategy alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If cell-free MIMO transmission strategies are implemented, then system performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidtransmission strategy management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user equipment automatically determines and reports the appropriate transmission strategies for each access point based on downlink reference signals. This self-service approach enables complex cell-free MIMO transmission without requiring manual configuration, thereby improving system performance while managing device complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of access points by assigning different transmission strategies (coherent joint transmission, non-coherent joint transmission, spatial multiplexing) based on channel conditions and system requirements. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes system performance while the automation reduces the perceived complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission strategies are supported for different access points, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission strategy flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user equipment automatically determines the appropriate transmission strategy for each access point based on channel conditions and system requirements, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This self-service mechanism provides high adaptability across different transmission scenarios while maintaining ease of operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic transmission strategy selection where the system can adapt between coherent joint transmission, non-coherent joint transmission, and spatial multiplexing based on real-time channel conditions. This dynamic approach improves adaptability while the automated decision-making process maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260012229A1Solutions and signaling to enable cell-free multiple input multiple output transmission

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for enabling efficient cell-free MIMO transmissions. One method may include receiving a downlink reference signal, determining at least one cell-free multiple input multiple output transmission strategy associated with at least one access point based upon at least the downlink reference signal, and transmitting to a network entity at least one of the at least one cell-free multiple input multiple output transmission strategy and enabling information.