Inter-Cell IRS Coordination for Cell-Edge Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Improving signal reception and reducing interference for user equipment at cell boundaries in wireless networks using intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) requires effective inter-cell coordination among multiple IRSs controlled by different base stations.

Innovation Solution

A method for inter-cell coordination involving channel measurements, measurement reports, and coordinated scheduling of IRSs to enhance signal quality and reduce interference, including joint data transmission and decoding across multiple base stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple IRSs are deployed to improve signal reception at cell boundaries, then signal quality is improved, but inter-cell interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidinter-cell interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of IRSs including reflecting patterns, time schedules, and beam directions to optimize signal reception while minimizing interference. The network controller dynamically adjusts these parameters based on channel conditions and interference levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report channel state information and interference measurements to the network controller, which then adjusts IRS configurations accordingly. This closed-loop control enables adaptive optimization of signal quality and interference management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If inter-cell coordination of IRSs is implemented to improve cell-edge UE performance, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell-edge UE performanceVSAvoidIRS coordination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary that coordinates multiple IRSs and base stations. This centralized controller simplifies the coordination complexity by managing IRS configurations, scheduling, and interference management across cells, rather than requiring direct peer-to-peer coordination between multiple entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network controller performs multiple functions including IRS configuration, channel estimation coordination, interference management, and scheduling. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single coordinating entity rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If channel measurements and measurement reports are used for IRS configuration, then signal quality optimization is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal quality optimizationVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial channel measurements and selective reporting where UEs measure only relevant channels and report only when necessary. The network controller requests measurements selectively based on current network conditions, reducing unnecessary signaling while maintaining optimization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary channel estimations and predictions to anticipate measurement needs. By pre-calculating expected channel conditions and preparing IRS configurations in advance, the system reduces the need for frequent real-time measurements and reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances signal reception and communication reliability for user equipment at cell boundaries by optimizing signal quality and reducing interference through coordinated IRS operation modes and scheduling.

Implementation Method 1

A reflecting element may comprise one or more meta-atoms. In order to improve the performance of wireless communication, the IRS controller may configure or reconfigure the IRS with different electronic signals so as to change the reflecting characteristics of the reflecting elements. Accordingly, the reflecting element may reflect incident signal to different directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250358665A1Method of inter-cell coordination for intelligent reflecting surface assisted wireless network and communication device using the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 ACER INC

AI summary

A method of inter-cell coordination for intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) assisted wireless network is provided. The method includes: receiving mode information corresponding to a first intelligent reflecting surface and a second intelligent reflecting surface; performing a channel measurement according to the mode information to generate a measurement report; transmitting the measurement report to a serving base station; and performing data transmission via the first intelligent reflecting surface and the second intelligent reflecting surface configured according to the measurement report.