Radio Access Network Centralization for AGV Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomously guided vehicles in industrial environments face connectivity degradation and service disruptions due to inter-cell interference in radio access networks, which existing solutions fail to adequately address by not considering the dynamic movement of vehicles and varying interference levels.

Innovation Solution

A method to dynamically manage the centralization levels of network functions in base stations along the path of autonomously guided vehicles, using a network optimization unit to adjust the level of centralization of interfering base stations in real-time based on the vehicle's location and path, ensuring optimal connectivity and reducing inter-cell interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If inter-cell interference coordination is implemented between base stations, then inter-cell interference is reduced, but network complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the functional split configuration parameter between centralized and distributed operations. The system monitors interference levels and vehicle positions, then modifies the degree of centralization as a controllable parameter to optimize interference coordination while managing network complexity adaptively rather than through fixed complex architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the functional split configuration changeable in real-time based on current network conditions, vehicle positions, and interference levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to achieve interference coordination benefits only when and where needed, rather than maintaining permanent complex coordinated structures across all base stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If full centralisation of network functions is implemented, then inter-cell interference coordination is improved, but link capacity requirements become prohibitively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidlink capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing functional split where only certain network functions are centralized while others remain distributed. This selective centralization provides sufficient interference coordination capability without requiring the excessive link capacity that would be needed for complete centralization of all network functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments network functions into different categories that can be operated at different locations. By dividing network functions into centralized and distributed components, the patent reduces the link capacity burden compared to full centralization while maintaining adequate interference coordination through the centralized portion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If fixed functional split is used, then network operation is simplified, but connectivity degradation occurs for moving vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork operationVSAvoidconnectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the functional split configuration adaptive and changeable in real-time based on vehicle positions and network conditions. This dynamic approach maintains connectivity reliability for moving vehicles while keeping operational complexity manageable through automated adaptation rather than manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency planning is used to mitigate inter-cell interference, then spectrum reuse is avoided, but network flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interferenceVSAvoidnetwork flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the functional split configuration parameter in response to changing network conditions and vehicle positions. This enables the network to adapt flexibly to different scenarios without being constrained by fixed frequency plans, achieving interference mitigation through adaptive resource allocation rather than rigid spectrum assignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4451742A1Method to operate a mobile radio access network by a network optimizing unit, network optimizing unit, autonomously guided vehicle, radio network comprising a network optimizing unit
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4451742A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4451742A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4451742A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is related to a method to operate a mobile radio access network (1), by a network optimizing unit (3), wherein the mobile radio access network (1) comprises base stations (g) configured to operate in different levels of centralisation (cg) of network functions (NF). The method comprises the following steps. Receiving a path ( XAB) request message (4), requesting a provision of a path ( XAB) for an autonomously guided vehicle (v) by a network optimizing unit (3). Determining the path ( XAB) according to a predefined optimization method by the network optimizing unit (3). Sending a path message (5) comprising the path ( XAB) to the autonomously guided vehicle (v) by the network optimizing unit (3). Controlling sets (S) of interfering base stations (g) to operate in a predefined level of centralization for inter-cell interference reduction (cg) during the respective time frame of inter-cell interference.