Coexistence Manager for In-Device Interference Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communications apparatuses with multiple radio access technologies (RATs) face interference issues due to simultaneous operation in adjacent frequency bands, leading to in-device coexistence (IDC) interference, which existing solutions do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A communications apparatus with a coexistence manager that determines whether to activate a protection scheme and transmits a message to a second wireless network to prevent IDC interference by coordinating sub-frame configurations, specifically using a predetermined time within a special sub-frame to activate the protection scheme, thereby minimizing interference between radio modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio access technologies operate simultaneously in adjacent frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but in-device coexistence interference occurs between radio modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-RAT communication capabilityVSAvoidIDC interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coexistence manager determines whether to activate a protection scheme and transmits a message to a second wireless network at a predetermined time before the interference occurs. This preliminary action coordinates sub-frame configurations and activates protection mechanisms in advance, preventing IDC interference before it can affect communication quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A coexistence manager acts as an intermediary component that manages and coordinates between multiple radio modules operating different RATs. It determines protection scheme activation and transmits coordination messages to networks, mediating the interaction between radio modules to prevent interference while maintaining multi-RAT functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a protection scheme is activated to prevent IDC interference, then communication quality is maintained, but throughput may degrade due to restricted transmission opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection scheme activation is dynamic rather than static. The coexistence manager determines whether to activate the protection scheme based on current communication conditions and coordinates with network timing. This dynamic approach allows the system to activate protection only when necessary, maintaining communication quality while minimizing throughput degradation by avoiding unnecessary transmission restrictions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If radio modules operate without coordination, then device complexity is reduced, but interference management capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio module configurationVSAvoidinterference control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coexistence manager provides multi-functional capability by performing multiple tasks: determining protection scheme activation, calculating predetermined transmission times, coordinating sub-frame configurations, and managing interference prevention. This universal component handles all interference management functions across different RATs, providing comprehensive interference control without requiring separate complex coordination mechanisms for each radio module pair

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

Data Source

PatentEP2995168B1Methods for preventing in-device coexistence interference and communications apparatus utilizing the same
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 HFI INNOVATION INC
  • EP2995168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2995168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2995168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for preventing in device coexistence (IDC) interference of a communications apparatus including at least a first radio module providing a first wireless communications service in a first wireless network in compliance with a first protocol and a second radio module providing a second wireless communications service in a second wireless network in compliance with a second protocol, the method includes: determining whether a protection scheme for preventing IDC interference is to be performed; determining a predetermined time to activate the protection scheme when the protection scheme is determined to be performed; and transmitting a predetermined message to the second wireless network at the predetermined time to activate the protection scheme.