Network-Controlled Repeater ON/OFF Control via Beam Indications

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for appropriate control mechanisms in communication apparatuses, particularly Network-controlled Repeaters (NCRs), to manage the on-off operations effectively to prevent deterioration in communication quality, interference, and excessive power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves implicit and explicit ON/OFF indication methods for NCRs, where the ON/OFF state is controlled based on beam indications or other communication control indications, ensuring coordinated operation with base stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If explicit ON/OFF indication is used for NCR operation control, then control precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ON/OFF indication with beam indication by using the same DCI format and resource allocation mechanism. The NCR operation state is indicated through the beam indication field, merging two control functions into a single signaling structure, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining control precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam indication mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it indicates both the beam direction for communication and the operational state (ON/OFF) of the NCR. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate signaling for ON/OFF control, reducing overall signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If NCR operation is continuously maintained, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic ON/OFF control of NCR operations based on scheduled beam indications. The NCR is activated only during specific time periods when beam indication signals are received, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining communication reliability during active periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors communication conditions and sends beam indication signals to activate NCR only when needed. This feedback-based control ensures NCR operates reliably when communication quality requires it while remaining inactive during good conditions to save power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If NCR operation is frequently switched, then adaptability to communication conditions is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to communication conditionsVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging ON/OFF control with beam indication in the same DCI signaling structure, the patent simplifies the control mechanism. The NCR device only needs to monitor beam indication signals to determine operation state, reducing control complexity while maintaining adaptability to changing communication conditions through the beam management process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4598084A1Communication device and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4598084A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4598084A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4598084A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This communication device comprises: a reception unit for receiving control information; and a control unit for performing on-off control of an operation executed on the communication device between a base station and a terminal on the basis of an instruction about the on-off control expressly or implicitly indicated by the control information.