LTE CoMP Transmission Mode Configuration via RRC Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current LTE system does not support Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) transmission, as it lacks the necessary configuration modes and signaling mechanisms to enable CoMP functionality, limiting its implementation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves extending existing transmission modes in the LTE system to support CoMP by using radio resource control (RRC) signaling to configure CoMP cooperating sets and channel state information feedback, and modifying downlink control signaling formats (DCI formats) to include multi-user information fields, enabling coordinated scheduling/coordinated beamforming and joint processing schemes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transmission modes (Mode 1-9) are used in LTE Release 8-10, then single-point transmission functionality is supported, but CoMP (coordinated multipoint transmission) cannot be configured or implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCoMP configuration capabilityVSAvoidtransmission mode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends existing transmission modes (Mode 8 and Mode 9) to support both conventional single-point transmission and CoMP transmission. By making these modes multi-functional, the system can configure CoMP without introducing entirely new transmission mode structures, thus resolving the contradiction between CoMP adaptability and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic switching between single-point transmission and multi-point CoMP transmission through extended transmission modes. The system can adaptively select between different transmission points and CoMP schemes (JT, FCS, CS/CB) based on channel conditions and user requirements, achieving CoMP configuration capability while maintaining flexible operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If transmission modes are extended to support CoMP with multi-point transmission, then CoMP functionality is enabled, but downlink control signaling formats must be modified to include multi-user information fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-point transmission supportVSAvoiddownlink control signaling format
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink control information (DCI) by introducing specific DCI formats (2B, 2C, 2D) for different CoMP transmission modes. Each DCI format is tailored to specific CoMP schemes (JT, FCS, CS/CB), allowing controlled complexity management while supporting multi-point transmission functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies existing DCI formats by adding or modifying specific parameters such as multi-user information fields, precoding information fields, and resource allocation fields. These parameter changes enable CoMP functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing LTE control signaling structures, balancing functionality enhancement with complexity control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2701428B1Configuring coordinated multipoint transmission
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP2701428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Provided is a method for configuring coordinated multipoint transmission (CoMP) of the present invention. The method includes: providing a transmission mode to support CoMP and, at a base station (eNB), configuring the transmission mode to support CoMP to a user terminal (UE) by radio resource control (RRC) signaling. According to the method of the present invention, it becomes possible to configure CoMP so that the LTE system can support the CoMP function.