Dynamic Spectrum Aggregation and MIMO Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of spectrum aggregation in wireless communication systems increases the number of channels allocated for communication, straining resources compared to MIMO communication, and requires high-bandwidth filters or FFTs to handle dispersive channels effectively.

Innovation Solution

The communication system selectively uses spectrum aggregation mode and MIMO mode based on traffic volume, with a channel selection unit classifying channels into groups and allocating them to branches to optimize resource usage, and a control unit switching between modes to manage congestion and ensure high throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spectrum aggregation is used to increase the number of channels allocated for communication, then throughput is improved, but resource strain increases compared to MIMO communication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidresource strain
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between spectrum aggregation mode and MIMO mode based on real-time traffic volume conditions. The base station monitors traffic volume and selectively activates spectrum aggregation when traffic volume exceeds a threshold, while using MIMO when traffic volume is lower, thereby dynamically optimizing resource utilization and throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different communication modes (spectrum aggregation vs. MIMO) based on traffic conditions. This parameter change allows the system to adapt resource allocation strategies - using more channels in spectrum aggregation mode when needed, and fewer channels in MIMO mode when sufficient, thus managing resource strain while maintaining throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If high-bandwidth filters or FFTs are used to handle dispersive channels in spectrum aggregation, then channel handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel handling capabilityVSAvoidfilter or FFT complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic mode switching where the system transitions between spectrum aggregation mode (requiring high-bandwidth filters/FFT) and MIMO mode (using standard bandwidth processing) based on traffic volume. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use complex high-bandwidth processing only when necessary, reducing average device complexity while maintaining channel handling capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2471326B1Wireless communication device and method
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2471326B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2471326B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2471326B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communication system, using wireless base stations, and other devices, such as a relay node, interoperate with using spectrum aggregation and MIMO. Traffic usage is detected and based on channel utilization relative to capacity, spectrum aggregation is chosen over MIMO under certain conditions. On the other hand, under higher channel utilization system components switch to MIMO modes of operation to reduce demand on channel use, while providing good throughput for communications stations.