Relay Station Selection for 5G Path Capacity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, there is a challenge in selecting the optimal relay stations to maximize communication path capacity while minimizing delay, especially in non-regenerative relay scenarios where existing methods fail to efficiently manage propagation delays and interference.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and method that calculates and optimizes the selection of relay stations based on radio wave propagation characteristics, setting propagation delay times to ensure that relayed signals are not delayed longer than the guard interval, thereby maximizing communication path capacity and minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If relay stations are selected to expand cell coverage area, then communication network coverage is improved, but communication path capacity decreases due to increased propagation delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell coverage areaVSAvoidcommunication path capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the propagation delay parameter for relayed signals to optimize the trade-off between coverage area and communication path capacity. By controlling the delay parameter within specific bounds (not exceeding guard interval), the system expands coverage while maintaining acceptable capacity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The relay station selection and delay management is performed dynamically based on current channel conditions and traffic requirements. The controller continuously evaluates propagation characteristics and adjusts relay configurations to adapt to changing network conditions, balancing coverage expansion with capacity maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If non-regenerative relay is used to reduce delay, then communication delay is minimized, but relay station selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication delayVSAvoidrelay station selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements feedback mechanisms by evaluating propagation characteristics between communication stations and relay stations, then using this information to make informed relay selection decisions. This feedback-driven approach simplifies the selection process compared to exhaustive search methods while achieving optimal delay-performance trade-offs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of relay station candidates based on propagation characteristics before actual relay operations. By pre-assessing suitable relay stations and their optimal delay parameters, the system reduces real-time selection complexity while maintaining low delay performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If relay stations are deployed to improve network coverage, then communication reach is extended, but signal interference increases due to multiple propagation paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reachVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different propagation delay parameters to different relay stations based on their local propagation characteristics and distance from communication stations. This localized optimization allows multiple relay paths to coexist with reduced interference, as each relay's signal is timed appropriately for its specific path conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful effect of multiple propagation paths into a benefit by using constructive interference principles. By carefully controlling propagation delays, signals from multiple relay paths arrive in phase or near-phase, transforming what could be interference into signal reinforcement that extends effective coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4333323A1Communication system, controller, and communication method
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4333323A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4333323A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4333323A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A communication system includes a first communication station (2, 4), one or more relay stations (3) to be communicable with the first communication station (2, 4), a second communication station (2, 4) to be communicable with the first communication station (2, 4) via any of the relay stations (3) or without via any of the relay stations (3) and a controller (1). The controller (1) determines the relay station (3) serving as an interposition in communications between the first communication station (2, 4) and the second communication station (2, 4) to maximize the communication path capacity between the first communication station and the second communication station under a predetermined constraint condition, the communication path capacity being calculated based on radio wave propagation characteristics between the first communication station (2, 4) and each of the relay stations (3), the characteristics between each of the relay stations (3) and the second communication station (2, 4), and the characteristics between the first communication station (2, 4) and the second communication station (2, 4).