Distributed Multipoint Equalization for CoMP Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission in wireless communication systems faces challenges in achieving optimal channel gains, especially in deployments with weaker transmitters and varying interference sources, where centralized scheduling techniques increase complexity and backhaul overhead.

Innovation Solution

A multipoint equalization (MPE) framework is introduced, enabling distributed scheduling decisions for CoMP transmission, reducing complexity and backhaul utilization by allowing nodes to independently schedule and compute transmission parameters based on channel state information (CSI) from user equipment (UEs), with data transmission occurring between a serving node and a subset of backhaul reporting nodes in a maximum of two backhaul hops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centralized scheduling techniques are used for CoMP transmission, then coordination among base stations is improved, but system complexity and backhaul overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination performanceVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized scheduling function into distributed scheduling units at each base station. Each base station independently performs scheduling decisions based on local channel state information, eliminating the need for complex centralized coordination while maintaining CoMP transmission reliability through distributed cooperation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each base station autonomously performs scheduling decisions and transmission parameter computation using locally available channel state information from UEs. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on centralized scheduling entities, reducing system complexity while maintaining coordinated transmission capabilities through direct base station cooperation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If centralized scheduling techniques are used for CoMP transmission, then coordination among base stations is improved, but backhaul overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination performanceVSAvoidbackhaul overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the scheduling decision-making function from the centralized controller and places it at individual base stations. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive backhaul communication for scheduling coordination, reducing backhaul overhead while maintaining effective coordination through direct transmission parameter sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complete centralized coordination for all scheduling decisions, the patent implements partial distributed scheduling where each base station makes independent scheduling decisions based on local UE channel state information. This partial action approach reduces backhaul requirements while maintaining sufficient coordination for CoMP transmission effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If distributed scheduling is implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination effectiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling complexityVSAvoidcoordination effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces transmission parameters as intermediary elements that mediate between distributed scheduling decisions and coordinated transmission effectiveness. Each base station computes transmission parameters locally based on its scheduling decisions and UE channel state information, then shares these parameters with cooperating base stations to ensure coordinated transmission without requiring complex centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where base stations continuously monitor UE channel conditions and transmission effectiveness, then use this feedback to adjust local scheduling decisions and transmission parameters. This feedback loop ensures that distributed scheduling remains effective by adapting to changing channel conditions while maintaining coordination through iterative parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2467957B1Multipoint equalization framework for coordinated multipoint transmission
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2467957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2467957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2467957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Providing for a multipoint equalization (MPE) framework for coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission in wireless communication is described herein. The disclosed MPE framework involves distributed scheduling decisions for CoMP transmission, reducing complexity of scheduling coordination as compared with centralized scheduling techniques that coordinate scheduling decisions for multiple network base stations. Further, the MPE framework involves distributed computation of CoMP transmission coefficients, relying on a maximum of two backhaul hops to obtain information for the computation, and disseminate the transmission coefficients. The disclosed MPE framework shows substantial gains in various network deployments over conventional CoMP techniques.