Inter-UE Cross-Link Interference Measurement via Subcarrier Spacing Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately measuring inter-user-equipment (inter-UE) cross-link interference (CLI) due to differences in subcarrier spacing (SCS) between user equipment (UEs), which affects the accuracy of reference signal measurements and subsequent interference mitigation.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network node identifies the SCS of a first UE associated with the transmission of a reference signal for CLI measurement and outputs a switching configuration for a second UE to switch to the same SCS for reception, enabling accurate CLI measurement by aligning the SCS for both UEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UEs use different subcarrier spacing (SCS) for communication, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but CLI measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidCLI measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling UEs to dynamically switch between different SCS configurations. The network can dynamically adjust the SCS of reference signals based on the operating conditions and UE capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement requirements while maintaining accuracy. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible when needed but precise when measurement is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the SCS parameter dynamically for different operations. When CLI measurement is needed, the network configures the measuring UE to use a first SCS that matches the reference signal transmission SCS. For normal communication, UEs can use their preferred SCS. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve both flexibility in communication and accuracy in measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If UE switches to match reference signal SCS for accurate measurement, then CLI measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCLI measurement accuracyVSAvoidUE configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network node provides configuration information to the UE about the reference signal transmission parameters. The UE uses this feedback to determine the appropriate SCS for measurement. This feedback loop simplifies the UE's task by providing clear instructions rather than requiring the UE to autonomously determine the correct SCS, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network node acts as an intermediary that manages the SCS coordination between different UEs. Instead of each UE independently determining the correct SCS, the network node provides centralized configuration information that mediates the complexity. This intermediary approach distributes the complexity management to the network side while keeping the UE side simpler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If network coordinates SCS for all UEs, then CLI measurement accuracy is improved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCLI measurement accuracyVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by coordinating SCS only for specific reference signal transmissions rather than uniformly for all communications. The network identifies when CLI measurement is needed and applies SCS coordination only in those specific cases, while allowing other communications to proceed with standard SCS configurations. This localized approach reduces overall network complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network management task into identification (detecting when CLI measurement is needed) and coordination (adjusting SCS for reference signals). By separating these functions and only coordinating SCS for specific measurement occasions rather than all communications, the network manages complexity efficiently while achieving the required measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240314596A1Inter-user-equipment cross-link interference measurement
Publication Date: 2024.09.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20240314596A1 patent drawing
  • US20240314596A1 patent drawing
  • US20240314596A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first user equipment (UE) may communicate using a first subcarrier spacing (SCS). The UE may switch from the first SCS to a second SCS for reception, from a second UE associated with the second SCS, of a reference signal for inter-UE cross-link interference (CLI) measurement. The UE may switch back to the first SCS after receiving the reference signal. Numerous other aspects are described.