Network Node Interference Estimation via Subband CSI Processes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radio communications networks, especially in coordinated systems, efficiently assessing and prioritizing interference hypotheses/scenarios is challenging due to the need for fast and accurate interference measurements, particularly when multiple interfering transmission points are involved, leading to outdated measurements and reduced system performance.

Innovation Solution

The network node systematically evaluates interfering transmission points by replacing wideband interference information with CSI information based on UE measurements, allowing for accurate estimation of interference contributions from key transmission points, which are then used for scheduling and transmission configuration optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wideband interference information is used for interference measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy is low and measurements become outdated quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of measurement processVSAvoidaccuracy of interference measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of interference measurement from wideband (low frequency resolution) to subband-specific (high frequency resolution) measurements. By configuring multiple CSI processes with different subband settings and combining their results, the system achieves both measurement simplicity and high accuracy, resolving the contradiction between ease of measurement and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple interfering transmission points are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive interference assessment is achieved, but the complexity of evaluating and prioritizing interference hypotheses increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of interference assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of interference hypothesis evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interference measurement process into multiple independent CSI processes, each measuring a specific interfering transmission point or interference scenario. By dividing the overall interference assessment into manageable segments and then combining the results through prioritization rules, the system achieves comprehensive interference assessment while keeping each individual measurement simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple CSI processes with different interference hypotheses before actual data transmission. The network node prepares interference measurement resources and configurations in advance, allowing for systematic evaluation and prioritization of interference scenarios without adding real-time complexity during active communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If fast fading and interference patterns are captured accurately, then system performance is enhanced, but the measurement and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of fast fading captureVSAvoidmeasurement and processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring CSI processes to be measured and reported at specific periodic intervals. This allows the system to capture fast fading and interference patterns at multiple time points systematically, achieving accurate temporal characterization without continuous measurement overhead. The periodic structure balances measurement accuracy with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3127265B1A method for estimating signal quality of transmission to a user equipment from a transmission point
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3127265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3127265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3127265B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method performed by a network node (110) for enabling transmissions to a user equipment, UE (121), from transmission points, TPs, in a coordination cell area (101-105, 07) in a radio communications network (100) is provided. The network node (110) configures two or more TPs in the coordination cell area (101-105, 107) not currently serving the UE (121) to transmit signals on interference measurement, IM, resources of two or more Channel State Information, CSI, processes of the UE (121) according to three or more different interference states. The network node (110) then receives, from the UE (121), CSI reports based on the transmitted signals on the IM resources of the two or more CSI processes of the UE (121). After receiving the CSI reports, the network node (110) estimates one signal quality value for each of the three or more different interference states of the transmitted signals and at least one further signal quality value corresponding to at least one interference state that is not part of the three or more different interference states of the transmitted signals based on the received CSI reports of the two or more CSI processes. A network node (110) for enabling transmissions to a UE (121) from TPs in a coordination cell area (101-105, 107), a computer program and a carrier are also provided.