Dynamic Beam Assignment via Channel Quality Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing channel performance due to channel variations and interference, as existing beamforming systems use fixed beam patterns that are not dynamically updated based on individual user devices, leading to suboptimal signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) and reduced system capacity.

Innovation Solution

The method involves monitoring channel quality indicators (CQI) to select appropriate scheduling techniques such as space division multiplexing (SDM), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, and opportunistic beamforming, and using these indicators to assign user devices to the most suitable beams or update the beam pattern dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed beam patterns are used in beamforming systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) is not optimized and system capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidSINR optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed beam patterns to dynamic beam patterns that are continuously adjusted based on real-time channel quality indicators (CQI) reported by user devices. The base station dynamically selects and switches between different beam patterns to optimize SINR for each user device, allowing the system to adapt to changing channel conditions while maintaining implementation feasibility through automated CQI-based control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed beam patterns are used, then the device complexity is low, but the system capacity is reduced due to suboptimal beam assignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming system complexityVSAvoidsystem capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user devices continuously report channel quality indicators (CQI) to the base station. Based on this feedback, the base station dynamically adjusts beam assignments and selects optimal beam patterns, enabling the system to maximize capacity by assigning beams according to actual channel conditions rather than using fixed patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different beam patterns based on CQI values. The base station modifies beam selection, direction, and configuration parameters in response to reported channel quality, allowing dynamic optimization of system capacity without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If beamforming is used to enhance signal quality, then the SINR is improved within beam coverage area, but the beams are not dynamically updated based on individual user devices leading to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSINR enhancementVSAvoidbeam adaptability to user devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the beamforming system dynamic by continuously adjusting beam patterns based on real-time CQI feedback from user devices. Instead of static beam assignments, the system dynamically selects and switches between multiple beam patterns to optimize SINR for each individual user device, enhancing adaptability while maintaining SINR enhancement benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1872487B1Channel quality reporting for adaptive sectorization
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP1872487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1872487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1872487B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses and methodologies are described that enhance performance in a wireless communication system using beamforming transmissions. According to one aspect, the channel quality is monitored. Channel quality indicators can be used to select a scheduling technique, such as space division multiplexing (SDM), multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) transmission and opportunistic beamforming for one or more user devices. In addition, the CQI can be used to determine the appropriate beam assignment or to update the beam pattern.