Cyclic Correlation Window for Cellular Round Trip Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating round trip delays in cellular communication systems using a fixed correlation window result in increased self noise and decreased accuracy, particularly when minimizing the size of the signature receiving time slot.

Innovation Solution

A method that optimizes the signature receiving time slot size by using a cyclic correlation process with a fixed correlation window, employing CAZAC sequences and cyclic extensions to accurately determine round trip delays while minimizing interference with scheduled traffic data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a fixed correlation window is used to minimize the size of the signature receiving time slot, then the time slot size is reduced, but the self noise generated by the correlation process increases and round trip delay estimation accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignature receiving time slot sizeVSAvoidround trip delay estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the correlation window size adaptive rather than fixed. The correlation window dynamically adjusts its size based on the detected round trip delay value, allowing the system to minimize the signature receiving time slot for small delays while expanding the window for larger delays to maintain estimation accuracy. This resolves the contradiction by making the window size variable according to actual channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of correlation window size based on the detected round trip delay. By adjusting this key parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between time slot minimization and estimation accuracy. The correlation window size is modified as a function of the measured delay, allowing the system to adapt to different propagation conditions and resolve the trade-off between slot size and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a sliding correlation window or comb correlating architecture is used, then round trip delay estimation accuracy is maintained, but the signature receiving time slot size cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveround trip delay estimation accuracyVSAvoidsignature receiving time slot size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic correlation window that adapts its size based on the detected round trip delay, replacing the need for sliding windows or comb architectures. This dynamic approach allows the system to use a fixed, minimized time slot while achieving accurate estimation by adjusting the window size according to the actual delay value detected within that slot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the correlation process into two stages: first, a coarse detection phase using a minimized fixed time slot to identify the rough delay position; second, a refined estimation phase using an adaptive correlation window sized according to the detected delay. This segmentation allows the system to minimize the overall time slot while maintaining accuracy through staged processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the accuracy of round trip delay estimation while maintaining a minimized signature receiving time slot size, reducing self noise and improving synchronization in cellular communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

When using a usual correlation process in time domain the size of the signature receiving time slot cannot be minimized while limiting the self noise generated by the correlation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrelation process:

Data Source

PatentEP1852981B1Method to estimate multiple round trip delays attached to cellular terminals from a RACH signal received within a dedicated time slot multiplexed onto an uplink traffic multiplex frame.
Publication Date: 2009.10.14 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC R&D CENTRE EUROPE BV
  • EP1852981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1852981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1852981B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The method for estimating a propagation round trip delay, existing between a base station and a terminal, and comprised within a predetermined round trip delay range, comprises the following steps: transmitting from the base station on a downlink a start order signal (30) to the terminal, after reception by the terminal of the end of the start order signal, sending a signature signal from the terminal to the base station on a uplink, receiving at the base station within a signature receiving time slot (28) the signature signal (34, 38, 42), processing at the base station the received signature signal to provide a round trip delay information. The processing step comprises a cyclic correlation step performed within a fixed correlation time window (54) by using a unique reference sequence (48).