Multi-Cell Multi-Point SU-MIMO Transmission for 4Rx UE Data Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication standards, particularly in LTE networks, are limited by 2Tx antennas at eNBs, restricting the number of transmission layers to two, which hampers the utilization of peak data rates for 4Rx UEs, especially in scenarios where eNBs do not require costly upgrades to 4Tx or 8Tx configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing multi-cell, multi-point SU-MIMO transmission schemes that allow UEs to receive transmission layers from neighboring cells with available downlink resources, using quasi co-location assumptions to spatially separate layers and enhance data rates without requiring additional antenna elements at eNBs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional single-point, single-cell MIMO transmission schemes are used with 2Tx antennas at eNB, then device complexity and deployment cost are reduced, but the number of transmission layers is limited to two, restricting peak data rate for 4Rx UEs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak data rateVSAvoidantenna configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission function across multiple eNBs, where each eNB transmits a subset of layers (e.g., one or two layers per eNB) to a single UE. This allows the UE to receive up to four layers total from multiple transmission points, achieving higher data rates without requiring each individual eNB to have complex 4Tx or 8Tx configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If 2Tx antenna configuration is maintained at eNBs, then deployment cost is reduced, but the number of transmission layers is limited to two, hampering utilization of peak data rates for 4Rx UEs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rate utilizationVSAvoidtransmission layer capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges transmission resources from multiple eNBs to serve a single UE. By coordinating transmissions from multiple 2Tx eNBs, the system combines their capabilities to provide up to four transmission layers to a 4Rx UE, effectively merging the transmission capacity of multiple simple nodes to achieve the performance of a single complex node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multi-cell, multi-point SU-MIMO transmission is implemented, then peak data rates for 4Rx UEs are boosted by enabling reception of up to four transmission layers, but network complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidnetwork coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordinating entity (such as a network controller or centralized processor) that manages the multi-cell, multi-point transmissions. This intermediary handles the complex coordination of multiple eNBs, resource allocation, and interference management, allowing individual eNBs to maintain simple 2Tx configurations while the network as a whole achieves four-layer transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4109773A1Methods, apparatuses, and systems for multi-point, multi-cell single-user based multiple input and multiple output transmissions
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 APPLE INC
  • EP4109773A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109773A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4109773A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and storage media for providing multi-cell, multi-point single user (SU) multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) operations are described. In embodiments, an apparatus may receive and process a first set of one or more independent data streams received in a downlink channel from a first transmission point. The apparatus may receive and process a second set of one or more independent data streams received in a downlink channel from a second transmission point. The apparatus may process control information received from the first transmission point or the second transmission point. The control information may include an indication of a quasi co-location assumption to be used for estimating channel characteristics for reception of the first set of one or more independent data streams or the second set of one or more independent data streams. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.