Multi-cell Beamforming Vector Calculation for Heterogeneous Network Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous networks, existing beam selection methods are inadequate due to differences in SINR distribution across cells, and the performance of existing methods is limited by the number of antennas and node density, particularly affecting edge users and low-power nodes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for forming a multi-cell beam based on a signal and weighted interference leakage ratio, dynamically adjusting interference leakage to achieve an optimal balance between system performance and interference avoidance by calculating beam forming vectors that maximize signal intensity and minimize weighted interference leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional beam selection methods are used in heterogeneous networks, then the system can maintain simplicity in beam forming, but the performance is limited by differences in SINR distribution across cells and antenna quantity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to heterogeneous networkVSAvoidbeam forming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by computing beam forming vectors separately for each cell based on their specific SINR distributions and channel conditions. Each cell's beam forming strategy is optimized locally rather than using a uniform approach across the heterogeneous network, allowing adaptation to different network conditions while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making beam forming vectors time-varying and adaptive to changing channel conditions and interference environments. The beam forming vectors are dynamically computed based on current channel state information and updated periodically, allowing the system to adapt to temporal variations in the heterogeneous network environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the number of antennas is increased to improve beam forming performance, then the system capacity and interference management improve, but the device complexity and node density limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidantenna quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing beam forming vectors based on channel state information and SINR parameters rather than simply increasing antenna count. The solution changes the mathematical parameters of beam forming computation to achieve better performance with existing hardware constraints, particularly for edge users and low-power nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by computing beam forming vectors that replicate optimal signal transmission patterns across multiple antennas and cells. The beam forming computation creates virtual copies of the transmitted signal with optimized spatial characteristics, achieving diversity gain and interference management without requiring excessive physical antennas at each node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Area of stationary object

If beam forming is optimized for low-power nodes, then the coverage range and cell splitting gain improve, but the interference leakage to other cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage rangeVSAvoidinterference leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies blessing in disguise by converting the harmful interference leakage into a beneficial signal through coordinated beam forming. The beam forming vectors are designed to direct signals toward intended receivers while nulling or reducing interference in directions of other cells. What would be harmful interference is transformed into useful signal energy by precise spatial filtering and coordination across cells.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary by introducing coordinated beam forming computation as a mediator between transmission and reception. The beam forming vectors act as an intermediary transformation that processes the transmitted signal to simultaneously achieve coverage extension and interference reduction. This intermediary computation layer reconciles the conflicting goals of expanding coverage and minimizing interference leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3185435B1Multi-cell beamforming method and device
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ZTE CORP
  • EP3185435B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3185435B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3185435B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a method and device for forming a multi-cell beam. The method includes: a beam forming vector bq of each coordination cell in a heterogeneous network is calculated according to a principle of maximizing a signal intensity of a coordination cell scheduling user and minimizing a weighted interference leakage of the coordination cell scheduling user to other coordination cell scheduling users; and the beam forming vector bq of corresponding coordination cell is updated according to a calculation result, to enable each coordination cell to transmit data to a corresponding scheduling user according to updated beam forming vector bq. Based on the beam forming vector obtained through the method of the disclosure, data transmission can realize an optimum balance between system performance and interference avoidance, improve an effectiveness of interference management, and further increase a system capacity of a low-power node.