Multi-Cell Precoding for Interference Management in MIMO Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-cell MIMO systems, traditional interference suppression methods are ineffective in commercial cellular networks due to complex interference among cells, particularly in downlink systems, leading to reduced system capacity.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for multi-cell precoding that divides users into center and edge users, using different precoding methods and introducing a collaborative distance to optimize channel interference management through clustering and game theory principles, ensuring effective interference suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional interference suppression methods (soft frequency multiplexing, sectoring, spread spectrum) are used in multi-cell MIMO systems, then implementation is straightforward, but interference suppression effectiveness is poor due to complex inter-cell interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidinterference suppression effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments users into center users and edge users based on their location within cell clusters, and applies different precoding strategies to each segment. Center users use diagonalization-based precoding while edge users use collaborative precoding, allowing the system to address the complex interference problem differently for different user groups rather than using a uniform traditional approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the concept of collaborative distance to define local regions (cell clusters) with specific interference characteristics. Within each local region, users experience different interference levels, so the system applies locally optimized precoding strategies rather than global uniform processing, improving interference suppression for edge users in specific local contexts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If MIMO technology is deployed in commercial cellular systems, then system capacity is improved, but inter-cell interference becomes very complex and processing capacity at terminals is limited

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a collaborative distance parameter as an intermediary that quantifies the interference relationship between cells. This intermediary enables the system to manage complex inter-cell interference by providing a measurable metric that guides precoding decisions, reducing the processing burden on terminals while maintaining high system capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing approach by introducing collaborative distance as a key parameter that determines precoding strategy. By adjusting precoding vectors based on collaborative distance and user location, the system optimizes capacity while managing complexity through parameter-driven decision-making rather than complex real-time processing at terminals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If different precoding methods are applied to center users and edge users, then interference suppression is improved, but system complexity increases due to user classification and collaborative distance calculation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference suppressionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary user classification into center and edge users, and pre-calculates collaborative distances before actual data transmission. This preliminary action organizes the complex processing tasks in advance, reducing real-time complexity while maintaining effective interference suppression through pre-planned precoding strategies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2521283B1Method and device for implementing multi-cell precoding
Publication Date: 2016.01.20 ZTE CORP
  • EP2521283B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2521283B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2521283B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for implementing multi-cell precoding. Users can be divided into center users and edge users according to areas, and the divided center users and edge users are processed by adopting different precoding methods. The method and apparatus of the present invention make the users located at the edge of the cell cluster and in the center of the cell cluster can be distinguished to be processed, thereby greatly optimizing and improving the rate of the entire multi-cell MIMO system; and make the interference received by the target user at users of the multi-cell edge has a clear definition and a measurement method. The aforementioned characteristics can guarantee to achieve an effective suppression for the communication interference in a heterogeneous network.