Channel Estimation in Peer-to-Peer Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In peer-to-peer wireless communication systems, collisions between pilot signals from different devices can lead to interference, resulting in unreliable channel estimates and errors in signal strength measurement, which complicates resource selection and communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for channel estimation that identifies unreliable signal portions due to collisions, excludes them from energy calculations, and generates channel quality estimates using reliable sub-portions, allowing for accurate communication of channel information and suggested transmission rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices select from a large number of different sets of resources to reduce collision risk, then the probability of collision is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because collisions still occur and cause errors in signal strength measurement and channel estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource selection flexibilityVSAvoidchannel estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the received signal into multiple portions corresponding to different resource sets, and processes each segment separately to identify and exclude collided portions from channel estimation, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving resource selection flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of collisions into a beneficial detection mechanism by using the presence of collisions as identifiable markers that can be detected and excluded, transforming measurement errors into useful information for improving channel estimation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If pilot signals are transmitted on overlapping resources, then resource utilization is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference between pilot signals from different devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidchannel estimate reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that analyzes the received signal to identify portions affected by pilot signal interference, using signal characteristics as a mediator to distinguish between useful and harmful signal components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of signal processing by dynamically adjusting which signal portions are included in channel estimation based on detected collision characteristics, adapting the estimation process to the actual signal conditions rather than using a fixed approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2165491B1Methods and apparatus for channel estimation and rate feedback in a peer to peer network
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 QUALCOMM INC
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AI summary

Methods and apparatus for performing channel estimation and reporting back channel information or other information such as a suggested traffic transmission rate are described. A signal including a pilot signal of interest is received. Portions of the signal corresponding to the pilot signal are analyzed to determine if any of the portions, e.g., signal portions corresponding to individual tone symbols used to communicate the pilot signal, were subject to excessive interference, such as might be the result of collisions, rendering the signal portions unreliable. Signal sub-portions determined to be unreliable are excluded from a determination of the amount of pilot signal energy that was received. Signal interference is determined from a portion of the received signal on which the pilot signal was not transmitted. Channel information in the form of information and/or a suggested traffic rate may be reported back to the device which transmitted the pilot signal.