Coordinated Multipoint Reference Signal Configuration via RRC Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-Advanced CoMP systems, configuring user equipment (UE) to effectively deliver channel state information between transmission points is challenging, necessitating efficient RRC signaling and CSI reference signal configuration to reduce interference and enhance signal strength.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of RRC signaling and CSI reference signal configuration techniques, including non-zero power and zero power CSI-RS resources, interference measurement resources, and subframe configurations, allows UEs to measure and feedback channel state information, enabling coordinated scheduling and joint transmission among multiple transmission points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RRC signaling and CSI reference signal configuration are implemented for CoMP, then channel state information sharing and feedback are optimized, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information sharingVSAvoidRRC signaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the CoMP measurement set into multiple indexed CSI processes, where each process corresponds to a specific transmission point or hypothesis. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex multi-point coordination by dividing it into separate, independently configurable measurement processes, each with its own CSI-RS resources and feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of indexing for CSI processes that goes beyond traditional single-cell measurements. By adding process indices and associating them with specific CoMP measurement sets and transmission points, the system creates a multi-dimensional configuration space that enables precise control over channel state information collection across multiple spatial points.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple indexed CSI processes are configured for CoMP measurement sets, then channel state information accuracy improves, but configuration and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information accuracyVSAvoidCSI process configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the overall channel state information measurement task into multiple segmented CSI processes, each dedicated to a specific transmission point or interference hypothesis. This segmentation enables precise measurement for each point while maintaining organized configuration management through systematic indexing and association with CoMP measurement sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing configurable indices for CSI processes, association parameters linking processes to CoMP measurement sets, and resource configuration parameters for CSI-RS. These parameter variations enable the system to adapt measurement precision to different CoMP scenarios while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through structured parameter relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If non-zero power and zero power CSI-RS resources are configured, then interference measurement capability improves, but resource configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference measurement capabilityVSAvoidresource configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments interference measurement resources into distinct non-zero power CSI-RS resources and zero power CSI-RS resources, each serving specific measurement purposes. This segmentation allows the system to configure different resource types with appropriate parameters for their specific functions, improving interference measurement capability while maintaining organized resource management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces CSI process indices as intermediaries that link different resource configurations (non-zero power CSI-RS, zero power CSI-RS) to specific measurement objectives. These indices act as mediators that coordinate resource allocation across multiple transmission points and interference scenarios, reducing the complexity of direct resource configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9572063B2Reference signal configuration for coordinated multipoint
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 APPLE INC
  • US9572063B2 patent drawing
  • US9572063B2 patent drawing
  • US9572063B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Coordinated Multipoint (CoMP) involves multiple transmission points or cells coordinating their individual transmissions so that a target user equipment (UE) experiences enhanced signal reception and/or reduced interference. In order to optimally implement downlink CoMP, a serving cell needs to obtain channel state information (CSI) for the downlink channels from the multiple transmission points to the UE. This disclosure deals with radio resource control (RRC) signaling for configuring the UE to obtain and report CSI for those downlink channels.