Dynamic Reception Point Role Assignment for Uplink Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication networks lack efficient methods for dynamically collecting uplink traffic from multiple reception points and dynamically controlling their participation in user equipment (UE)-specific routing, leading to inefficient data forwarding and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and network entity that dynamically configure and reconfigure the roles of reception points based on signal quality, allowing for varying levels of involvement in data reception and forwarding, including measurement reporting and payload handling, to optimize UE-specific uplink data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple reception points continuously forward uplink data to ensure reliable data collection, then data reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata forwarding reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic role assignment where reception points transition between different operational states (measurement-only, measurement-and-forwarding, full-participation) based on real-time signal quality assessments. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable data collection when needed while reducing energy consumption when signal conditions permit fewer reception points to be active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of reception points based on measured signal quality metrics. When signal quality exceeds thresholds, reception points are reassigned to lower-power states; when quality degrades, they are activated or increased to higher participation levels, thereby adapting energy consumption to actual communication needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If all reception points participate in uplink data reception to improve data collection efficiency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink data collection efficiencyVSAvoidrouting control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reception point population into distinct functional groups based on their signal quality metrics: measurement-only reception points, measurement-and-forwarding reception points, and full-participation reception points. This segmentation simplifies the overall system complexity by creating manageable subsets with defined roles rather than requiring complex coordination among all reception points simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different reception points are assigned different levels of participation based on their local signal quality characteristics. Reception points with superior signal quality assume more active roles in data forwarding, while those with weaker signals perform only measurements or limited functions, optimizing the overall system productivity without requiring uniform complex control across all nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If reception points are dynamically reconfigured based on signal quality to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidrole adaptation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs periodic signal quality assessments and role reassignments at defined intervals or triggered by specific events. This periodic action allows reception points to adapt their roles in response to changing conditions while maintaining predictable operational patterns, balancing energy efficiency improvements with the system's adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where reception points report measured signal quality metrics to the controlling entity, which then adjusts roles accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to changing channel conditions, improving energy efficiency while maintaining the necessary adaptability through rule-based decision making rather than requiring complex real-time reconfiguration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3758405B1Controlling uplink traffic received by multiple base stations
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 IPCOM GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3758405B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3758405B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3758405B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a method of controlling a mobile communication network, the method comprising, an uplink controlling entity, in response to reception quality measurement reports sent by a plurality of reception points within the mobile communication network following a transmission of data by a user equipment device, the reception quality measurement reports being responsive to the reception of the transmission, configuring the reception points within the mobile communication network such that each of the multiple reception points is configured to exhibit a participation behaviour with respect to at least one of subsequent measurement reporting and payload reporting with regard to transmissions from the user equipment device, the participation behaviour being dependent on the reception quality measurement report.