Multi-Sector MIMO Interference Cancellation for Wireless Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems, such as EV-DO, HSPA, and LTE, limit access terminals to receiving data from only a single sector on a single carrier at a time, restricting simultaneous data reception from multiple sectors and inefficiently managing sector selection based solely on signal quality without considering load or interference.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for multi-carrier capable terminals to receive independent data streams from multiple sectors on the same carrier using multi-link radio link protocol (RLP), with interference cancellation techniques to decode data streams from multiple sectors simultaneously, allowing for improved data throughput without additional bandwidth or power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If access terminals receive data from only a single sector on a single carrier at a time, then the system complexity is reduced and the terminal implementation is simplified, but the data throughput is limited and sector selection efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidterminal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data reception process by allowing the terminal to receive independent data streams from multiple sectors simultaneously on the same carrier. Each sector's data stream is processed separately through dedicated receiving paths, enabling parallel data acquisition from multiple sectors without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary interference cancellation by having the terminal first receive and store signals from multiple sectors before decoding. The terminal cancels interference from one sector's data stream before decoding another sector's stream, preparing the signal in advance to enable simultaneous multi-sector reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If access terminals use traditional single-sector reception, then the implementation is simpler, but the ability to optimize sector selection based on load and interference is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesector selection optimizationVSAvoidreception system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal reports sector selection information and receives acknowledgments from the network. The system uses this feedback to dynamically optimize sector selection based on real-time conditions including load and interference, allowing adaptive adjustment of reception parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the reception system dynamic by enabling the terminal to flexibly select which sectors to receive from based on current network conditions. The system can adjust the number of active sectors, the timing of interference cancellation, and the decoding sequence dynamically rather than following a fixed single-sector pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple data streams are received simultaneously from multiple sectors, then data throughput increases, but interference between sectors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful interference between simultaneous sector transmissions into a beneficial feature by using interference cancellation techniques. The terminal receives signals from multiple sectors, identifies the interference patterns, and actively cancels them out, transforming the previously harmful interference into manageable signal components that can be processed together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If the terminal decodes data streams sequentially after interference cancellation, then decoding accuracy improves, but the time required for data reception increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoiddata reception time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous data reception by receiving signals from multiple sectors simultaneously while performing interference cancellation and decoding operations. The terminal continuously processes data streams from different sectors in an overlapping manner, ensuring that useful data acquisition continues without interruption despite the sequential decoding steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8953520B2Method and apparatus for inter-sector MIMO

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An apparatus for wireless communication is disclosed that includes a processing system configured to communicate with a plurality of sectors in an active set; and receive independent data streams from the plurality of sectors on the same carrier. A method for performing the process is also disclosed herein.