Cross-RAT Reference Signal Decoding to Reduce DSS Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DSS specifications result in increased overhead due to separate transmission of synchronization signals for LTE and NR terminals, reducing available resources for data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A terminal is designed to receive reference signals of a first RAT and decode data signals of a second RAT using precoder information, allowing for shared use of reference signals across different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to reduce overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate synchronization signals are transmitted for LTE and NR terminals, then synchronization reliability is improved, but system overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsystem overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of separate synchronization signals for LTE and NR into a single unified reference signal. The base station transmits one reference signal that serves both LTE terminals and NR terminals for synchronization purposes, eliminating the need for duplicate signal transmissions and reducing overall system overhead while maintaining synchronization capability for both RATs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference signal is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes across different Radio Access Technologies. A single reference signal structure is configured to provide synchronization services for both LTE and NR terminals simultaneously, making the signal multi-functional and reducing the total number of signals required in the system

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

2Quantity of substance

If reference signals are shared between LTE and NR, then overhead is reduced, but signal compatibility becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoverheadVSAvoidsignal compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring reference signals with RAT-specific parameters in specific regions or contexts. The base station can configure different cyclic shifts, orthogonal cover codes, or resource element patterns for LTE versus NR while using a shared reference signal structure, allowing each RAT to extract appropriate characteristics locally without requiring completely separate signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to enable a single reference signal to serve multiple RATs. By dynamically adjusting parameters such as cyclic shift values, orthogonal cover code assignments, or resource allocation patterns based on the target RAT type, the system maintains signal compatibility while adapting to different technological requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12549957B2Terminal and communication method
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US12549957B2 patent drawing
  • US12549957B2 patent drawing
  • US12549957B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal includes a reception unit configured to receive a reference signal of a first RAT (Radio Access Technology) and a data signal of a second RAT; and a control unit configured to decode the data signal based on precoder information applied to the reference signal and to the data signal.