User Equipment Assisted MIMO Downlink Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heterogeneous multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication systems face challenges in providing high data rates and reliability across a wide area network, especially in adverse channel conditions and high user density scenarios, with existing systems often relying on a single communication mode that can lead to suboptimal service for devices with varying mobility and channel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A unified coordinated MIMO network that dynamically partitions resources between coordinated multi-point (CoMP) and alternative downlink data transmission modes, using metrics like device mobility, channel state information, and network congestion to select the best operating regime for each user equipment, allowing for CoMP mode when conditions are suitable and switching to alternative modes for reliability in adverse conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single communication mode is used in heterogeneous MIMO systems, then system complexity is reduced, but service quality and data rates become suboptimal for devices with varying mobility and channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice quality for varying device conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between CoMP and non-CoMP transmission modes based on real-time channel conditions, device mobility, and network load. The network controller determines the appropriate mode for each user equipment and signals it via RRC reconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions without maintaining complex simultaneous support for all modes at every node

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network is segmented into CoMP-capable cells and non-CoMP cells, with the capability to dynamically assign users to different transmission modes. This segmentation allows the system to provide optimized service for different device conditions while keeping the overall system architecture manageable through clear functional divisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If CoMP mode is used in adverse channel conditions, then reliability is improved, but system complexity and resource coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliability in adverse conditionsVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transmission mode parameter based on channel condition parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio, device mobility, and network load. When adverse conditions are detected, the network controller switches affected users to CoMP mode with coordinated transmission from multiple cells, while maintaining simpler non-CoMP operation in favorable conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

A network controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates CoMP operations between multiple cells. This centralized coordination entity manages the complexity of multi-cell coordination by making centralized decisions about which users receive CoMP service and configuring the appropriate transmission parameters, thereby reducing the coordination burden on individual base stations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission modes are supported simultaneously, then adaptability to different device conditions is improved, but processing overhead and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic mode selection where the network controller determines the optimal transmission mode based on current channel conditions and device characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high adaptability by switching modes as needed while avoiding the continuous processing overhead of supporting all modes simultaneously for all users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If CoMP mode is deployed across the network, then high data rates are achieved for suitable devices, but network resource requirements and infrastructure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rate for suitable usersVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies CoMP transmission locally to specific user equipment based on their channel conditions, mobility characteristics, and service requirements, rather than deploying it network-wide. This localized application allows high data rates for suitable users while avoiding the infrastructure complexity and resource requirements for the entire network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11711118B2Methods and systems for determining downlink data mode

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 GLOBALSTAR INC

AI summary

Aspects of this disclosure relate to user equipment assisted multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) downlink configuration. Features are described for a user equipment determination of a desired transmission mode and/or active set of serving nodes for wireless communication service(s). The user equipment may submit a request for the desired mode and/or nodes to a network controller such as a baseband unit. The user equipment may subsequently receive a configuration for the requested wireless communication service(s).