Overlapped Interference Measurement Resources for CoMP Efficiency

The patent combines IMR allocation for multiple terminals into a unified resource pattern framework. By defining a common IMR pattern that can be shared across multiple terminals serving different TPs, the system achieves interference measurement capability without proportionally increasing resource overhead. The base station allocates IMR resources in a coordinated manner across multiple TPs, allowing terminals to measure interference from multiple transmission points using the same resource structure.

The IMR pattern defined in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables interference measurement for multiple terminals, supports CoMP operations across multiple TPs, and provides a universal resource allocation framework that can be applied regardless of the specific number of TPs or terminals in the system. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated resources for each terminal-TP pair.

The patent implements periodic interference measurement through periodically allocated IMR resources rather than continuous monitoring. Terminals activate their RF and baseband circuits only during designated IMR measurement occasions, which occur at regular intervals. This periodic measurement approach maintains CoMP performance by providing timely interference information while significantly reducing battery consumption by keeping circuits dormant between measurement periods.

The system enables terminals to perform self-service interference measurement using the allocated IMR resources. Terminals autonomously measure interference on the configured IMR resources and report channel state information back to the base station without requiring continuous network coordination or activation. This self-service mechanism reduces signaling overhead and allows terminals to manage their own measurement activities efficiently.