CSI-RS Mapping Structure Idle Resource Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high-load, high-moving speed wireless communication scenarios, the existing CSI-RS mapping structures for beam sweeping in NR MIMO systems lead to significant waste of resources due to idle time-frequency resources not being utilized, especially as the number of transmission and reception beams increases.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves utilizing idle resource elements in the P2 and P3 procedures of the CSI-RS mapping structure by transmitting data and/or control information, thereby improving the utilization of time-frequency resources. This is achieved by determining idle resource elements and configuring the CSI-RS mapping structure to allow for the transmission of data and/or control information in the P2 and P3 procedures, where only transmission beam sweeping or reception beam sweeping is performed, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of transmission beams and reception beams is increased to handle high-load scenarios, then the beam sweeping coverage and system capacity are improved, but the number of idle resource elements increases and resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam sweeping coverageVSAvoidresource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling idle resource elements to serve dual purposes: maintaining their original function for beam sweeping while simultaneously carrying downlink data or control information. This allows the same time-frequency resources to fulfill multiple communication functions, thereby improving overall resource utilization without compromising beam sweeping performance

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource element utilization by transitioning idle resource elements from a non-functional state to an active state carrying additional information. By modifying the usage parameter of these resources, the system achieves better spectral efficiency and reduces waste while maintaining the original beam sweeping operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the existing CSI-RS mapping structure is used for beam sweeping, then the beam management function is achieved, but idle time-frequency resources are not utilized causing resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam management functionVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the beam sweeping function with data transmission function by combining idle resource elements with downlink data or control information. This consolidation allows both functions to coexist in the same time-frequency resources, improving productivity without affecting the reliability of beam management operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If idle resource elements are used for transmitting data and control information, then resource utilization is improved, but the complexity of resource allocation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by allowing the system to automatically identify and utilize idle resource elements without requiring complex manual configuration. The network device autonomously determines which resource elements are idle and allocates them for additional data or control information transmission, reducing the burden on external configuration while improving resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3637651B1Apparatus and method in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3637651B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3637651B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3637651B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An apparatus and a method in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to: determine an idle resource element in a P2 process and/or a P3 process based on a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) mapping structure, wherein only a transmission beam is scanned in the P2 process, only a reception beam is scanned in the P3 process, and the idle resource element refers to a resource element which is not occupied by a CSI-RS in an OFDM symbol occupied by the CSI-RS; and when the P2 process and/or the P3 process is carried out, control a base station so that same uses the idle resource element to send data and/or control information to a user equipment.