Resource Element Patterns for Channel and Interference Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in CoMP environments, face challenges in effectively enabling channel estimation and interference estimation, which are crucial for optimizing resource allocation and improving spectral efficiency in LTE and other multi-access technologies.

Innovation Solution

The method involves signaling specific resource patterns to user equipment (UE) for channel and interference estimation, allowing the UE to perform measurements and generate reports that are used by the eNB to determine optimal resource allocation, utilizing distinct resource element patterns for channel and interference estimation within CoMP environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate resource patterns are used for channel estimation and interference estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel and interference estimation accuracyVSAvoidresource pattern configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the resource element patterns into separate first and second patterns, where the first pattern is dedicated to channel estimation and the second pattern is dedicated to interference estimation. This segmentation allows the UE to perform measurements on distinct resource elements, improving measurement precision by avoiding contamination between channel and interference measurements, while the structured segmentation approach actually reduces overall system complexity by providing clear measurement guidelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If multiple resource patterns are signaled to UE, then channel state reporting accuracy is improved, but information overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state information accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a mapping relationship between the first resource pattern and the second resource pattern, allowing a single resource pattern configuration to serve dual purposes. The UE can derive the second pattern (for interference estimation) from the first pattern (for channel estimation) through the established mapping, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining the ability to perform both channel and interference measurements accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2673929B1Method and apparatus for enabling channel and interference estimations in macro/RRH system
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2673929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2673929B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2673929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects disclosed herein relate to channel and interference estimations in a coordinated multi-point (CoMP) environment. In the disclosed aspects, an eNB may be equipped to signal an identifier indicating a plurality of resource patterns, each associated with a resource pattern group, and each including a first resource element pattern for channel estimation and a second resource element pattern for interference estimation. The UE may be equipped to receive the signaling and perform channel estimation based at least in part on the first resource element pattern, and interference estimation based at least in part on the second resource pattern generate at least one channel state report based on the channel and interference estimations, and transmit at least one channel state report to an eNB. The eNB may determine one or more resources for use by the UE based on the at least one received channel state report.