Channel Access Pattern Allocation for Wireless Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In uncoordinated wireless communication systems sharing the same frequency band, there is a high risk of interference due to the lack of synchronization and coordination, leading to potential collisions and reduced network performance.

Innovation Solution

A base station and endpoint system that generates and uses network-specific channel access patterns, determined by a number sequence generator, to allocate frequency and time resources uniquely, minimizing overlap with other systems and ensuring interference-free communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If networks use the same frequency band without coordination, then frequency band utilization is improved, but interference between networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band utilizationVSAvoidinterference between networks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band is segmented into multiple frequency channels, and the time domain is segmented into time slots, creating a two-dimensional resource grid. Each network is assigned unique hopping patterns that segment the resource usage in both frequency and time dimensions, reducing overlap and interference while maintaining high overall utilization of the available spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic frequency hopping where networks continuously switch between different frequency channels according to predetermined hopping patterns. This dynamic allocation allows networks to adaptively share the frequency band over time, minimizing persistent interference while maximizing resource utilization across the entire band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If networks use different hopping patterns to avoid interference, then interference avoidance is improved, but the complexity of pattern coordination increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

Each network independently generates and executes its own hopping pattern based on simple parameters (frequency channel, time slot, hopping sequence). The system does not require complex centralized coordination or real-time negotiation between networks. Each network self-manages its resource allocation by following its assigned pattern, significantly reducing coordination complexity while maintaining effective interference avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls interference by changing key parameters of the hopping patterns including frequency channel offsets, time slot assignments, and hopping sequences. By carefully selecting and varying these parameters, networks achieve orthogonal or near-orthogonal resource usage patterns that minimize overlap without requiring complex coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a large number of hopping patterns are available, then the probability of collision between networks is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision probabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system increases the effective number of available hopping patterns by introducing a second dimension (time slots) in addition to frequency channels. This creates a two-dimensional resource space where patterns are defined by combinations of frequency and time parameters. The total number of unique patterns becomes the product of frequency channels and time slots, exponentially increasing pattern availability without proportionally increasing system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3991339B1Efficient signaling of hopping patterns in assigned resources
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3991339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3991339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3991339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments provide a base station of a communication system, the communication system communicating wirelessly in a frequency band that is used by a plurality of communication systems for communication, the base station being designed to transmit a signal, the signal containing information regarding a channel access pattern, the channel access pattern indicating a frequency- and/or time-hop-based allocation of resources, which allocation can be used for the communication of the communication system, at least some of the resources of the channel access pattern being assigned to a competition-free period, the signal also containing control information for controlling access to the resources of the competition-free period.