Signalling multiple sets of communication parameters for enhanced coordinated multipoint operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in joint transmission CoMP operations due to less than ideal backhaul, which reduces system throughput and hinders effective coordination between base stations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing MIMO layer specific and codeword specific communication configurations, where base stations transmit different layers or codewords dynamically indicated to user equipment (UE), including configurations such as CSI power offset, CSI subframe sets, codebook restrictions, and rate matching, enabling efficient channel feedback and interference management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If joint transmission CoMP operations are implemented, then system throughput can be improved, but coordination between base stations becomes difficult when backhaul is less than ideal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication configuration into multiple parameter sets (PQI 0, PQI 1, PQI 2, PQI 3) that can be independently configured and signaled. Each parameter set contains specific transmission parameters that can be selectively applied, allowing base stations to coordinate without requiring complete synchronization of all parameters. This segmentation enables modular configuration management that reduces coordination overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of multiple parameter sets through higher layer signaling (RRC) before actual data transmission. The base stations pre-configure different parameter sets with various transmission parameters, and the UE is provided with indicators (PQI) to select from these pre-configured sets. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time coordination during data transmission, reducing the burden on backhaul links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameter sets are configured for CoMP operations, then transmission flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal parameter set structure where each PQI (Parameter Set Indicator) points to a configuration set containing multiple types of parameters (CRS pattern, MBSFN configuration, NZP CSI-RS pattern, ZP CSI-RS pattern, PDSCH RE mapping). This multi-functional parameter set design allows a single indicator to convey multiple configuration aspects simultaneously, reducing the need for separate signaling for each parameter type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces PQI (Parameter Set Indicator) as an intermediary that mediates between the multiple parameter sets and the UE. Instead of directly signaling all parameter details, the base station transmits compact PQI indicators (0-3) that reference pre-configured parameter sets. This intermediary mechanism compresses the signaling overhead while maintaining full access to the detailed parameter configurations stored in the UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If dynamic indication of communication configuration is implemented, then channel state information reporting is improved, but processing complexity at UE increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information reportingVSAvoidUE processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE measures channel state information based on the indicated parameter set and reports back to the base station. The dynamic indication of communication configuration (through PQI) enables the UE to adapt its measurements and reports to the current transmission parameters, improving the relevance and precision of CSI feedback. The base station uses this feedback to further optimize parameter set selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3430732B1Signalling multiple sets of communication parameters for enhanced coordinated multipoint operation
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3430732B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3430732B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3430732B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layer specific and codeword specific communication configurations to communicate with multiple base stations. For example, multiple base stations may be configured to provide coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmissions to the UE. One or more of the base stations may transmit a set of communications configurations to the UE that includes at least one MIMO layer specific or codeword specific configuration. The UE may then receive a dynamic indication of which communication configuration to use during a specific time period. The UE may then communicate with one or more of the base stations using the indicated configuration during the specified time period.