LTE Measurement Report Management for Invalid Subframes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, especially in LTE-A systems with carrier aggregation, managing invalid reference subframes poses challenges for efficient channel state information feedback, leading to increased uplink overhead and potential misalignment between base stations and user equipment due to interference and differing duplex configurations among component carriers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting LTE measurement reports on an uplink that manage invalid reference subframes by transmitting reports for component carriers with valid subframes while omitting reports for those with invalid subframes, using a processor to configure and prioritize reporting based on subframe validity, thereby reducing uplink overhead and maintaining alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If measurement reports are transmitted for all component carriers including those with invalid reference subframes, then complete channel state information feedback is provided, but uplink overhead increases and network alignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information feedback completenessVSAvoiduplink overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the measurement report transmission for component carriers with valid reference subframes from those with invalid reference subframes. Only reports for component carriers with valid reference subframes are transmitted, while reports for component carriers with invalid reference subframes are omitted. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing unnecessary report transmissions that contribute to uplink overhead while preserving essential channel state information feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If measurement reports are transmitted for all component carriers including those with invalid reference subframes, then complete channel state information feedback is provided, but misalignment between base station and user equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information feedback completenessVSAvoidnetwork alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by separating component carriers into two groups: those with valid reference subframes and those with invalid reference subframes. Measurement reports are only transmitted for the first group, ensuring that the base station and user equipment remain aligned in their understanding of which component carriers have valid channel state information. This prevents misalignment and maintains network reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Quantity of substance

If measurement reports are omitted for component carriers with invalid reference subframes, then uplink overhead is reduced, but channel state information feedback completeness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink overheadVSAvoidchannel state information feedback completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of report transmission validity by evaluating the reference subframe status for each component carrier. Based on this parameter change, the system selectively transmits or omits measurement reports. This parameter-based selection resolves the contradiction by ensuring that reports are only transmitted when they contain meaningful channel state information, thus reducing uplink overhead without sacrificing essential feedback completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If measurement reports are selectively transmitted based on reference subframe validity, then uplink efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink efficiencyVSAvoidreport management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes (reference subframe validity evaluation) to control report transmission selectively. This approach improves uplink efficiency by avoiding unnecessary report transmissions while managing system complexity through a clear, rule-based mechanism. The complexity is kept manageable by using a straightforward validity check rather than complex decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3142408B1System and method for managing invalid reference subframes for channel state information feedback
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3142408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3142408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3142408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method transmits long term evolution (LTE) measurement reports on an uplink. The method manages invalid reference subframes in a multicarrier configuration. The managing can be implemented by transmitting measurement reports for component carriers with valid reference subframes; and omitting measurement reports for at least one component carrier with an invalid reference subframe.