Communication Apparatus Dynamic Frequency Band Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual Connectivity in communication systems poses challenges as terminals may not be capable of receiving or transmitting signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously, lacking a mechanism to dynamically switch between connecting to a master eNB and a secondary eNB based on traffic requirements.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and base station apparatus that dynamically switch between frequency bands on a per-subframe basis, using specification information to determine when to communicate with a master eNB or a secondary eNB, allowing for efficient allocation of communication resources based on real-time and best-effort traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Dual Connectivity is implemented with master eNB and secondary eNB operating simultaneously, then communication capacity and data offloading are improved, but terminal complexity and signal reception capability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between master eNB and secondary eNB based on traffic conditions. The terminal can flexibly switch connection targets without fixed handover procedures, allowing the system to adapt communication paths dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high capacity utilization through multiple base stations while keeping terminal complexity manageable through dynamic rather than static multi-connection management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the terminal by allowing frequency band switching between master and secondary eNBs. The terminal can operate on different frequency bands depending on which base station it connects to, optimizing communication performance. This parameter flexibility enables improved communication capacity while avoiding the need for complex simultaneous multi-frequency reception capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the terminal switches between frequency bands for master eNB and secondary eNB, then simultaneous signal reception capability requirements are reduced, but communication timing coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception capabilityVSAvoidcommunication timing coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal reports its reception status and the base stations adjust their transmission timing accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic timing coordination without requiring complex pre-synchronization procedures. The system adapts timing based on actual reception conditions, simplifying the terminal's operation while maintaining coordinated communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary configuration of switching patterns and timing information before actual data transmission begins. The terminal is pre-configured with switching schedules and the base stations are pre-coordinated with transmission timing, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination during active communication. This preliminary setup reduces operational complexity while enabling flexible frequency band switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3030005B1Communication device, method for controlling same, base station device, method for controlling same, and program
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 KDDI R&D LAB INC
  • EP3030005B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3030005B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3030005B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A communication apparatus performs communication in a manner such that communication with a first base station apparatus using a first frequency band and communication with a second base station apparatus using a second frequency band are switched on a per-subframe basis, obtains, from the first base station apparatus, specification information that specifies a subframe in which the first frequency band should be used and a subframe in which the second frequency band should be used among a plurality of subframes included in one or more frames, and performs control on the basis of the specification information to communicate with the first base station apparatus in the subframe in which the first frequency band should be used and with the second base station apparatus in the subframe in which the second frequency band should be used.