Coexistence Mode Handover for In-Device Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face significant challenges in managing coexistence interference between different radio technologies, such as LTE, ISM, and GNSS, deployed on the same device, leading to performance degradation and unacceptable disruption in services like voice communications due to lack of effective Radio Resource Management mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and system that uses signaling and information elements to establish coexistence mode handover procedures, including a 'keeping time' parameter, to prevent handovers to interfering network nodes and separate LTE and non-LTE signaling in time, thereby avoiding interference and ping-pong effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio technologies (LTE, ISM, GNSS) are deployed on the same device to support smart connected devices, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but in-device coexistence interference occurs causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidperformance degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operation of multiple radio technologies by introducing a coexistence mode that divides time resources into separate intervals for LTE and non-LTE components. This temporal segmentation prevents simultaneous operation that causes interference, allowing each radio technology to operate in dedicated time slots while maintaining overall device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If LTE and non-LTE components operate concurrently to support various services, then service coverage and adaptability are improved, but coexistence interference arises between adjacent frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidcoexistence interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by establishing a coexistence mode with periodic time intervals where LTE and non-LTE components alternately operate. The network node configures periodic patterns that switch between LTE-only intervals and non-LTE-only intervals, ensuring that interfering components are never active simultaneously while maintaining continuous service coverage through the periodic cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If handover procedures are used to avoid interfering network nodes, then interference avoidance is improved, but ping-pong effects occur causing frequent handovers between nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference avoidanceVSAvoidping-pong handovers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node proactively configure a coexistence mode indication and keeping time parameter before handover decisions are made. This preliminary configuration prevents ping-pong effects by establishing predetermined rules that restrict handovers during keeping time intervals, so the user equipment does not need to repeatedly switch between interfering network nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If filter technology is used to address coexistence interference, then interference reduction is improved, but terminal filters do not provide sufficient rejection on adjacent channel interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference reductionVSAvoidrejection performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using network-level coordination and time-division multiplexing as a mediator between interfering radio components. Instead of relying solely on terminal filters, the network node acts as an intermediary that configures coexistence modes and schedules radio operations to avoid interference, providing additional layers of protection beyond what terminal filters can achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2676486B1Method and apparatus for avoiding in-device coexistence interference with keeping time update for handover
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2676486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2676486B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2676486B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, system and device are provided for avoiding in-device coexistence interference between different radio technologies deployed in adjacent bands on the same device by providing coexistence mode handover procedures which establish an updateable "keeping time" parameter to prevent premature switch back or handover to an interfering network node after handoff.