Selective Measurement Configuration for CoMP in Heterogeneous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, existing CoMP schemes require UEs to perform extensive measurements for selecting the best beam/cell/transport format, leading to increased processing needs and high signaling loads, which is not efficient, especially since not all UEs benefit from coordination due to varying interference scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method to selectively configure wireless communication devices for measurement configuration based on signal strength and quality reports, determining which devices should provide measurement reports on received power from serving and neighbor cells, using CSI/CQI reports and other metrics to identify potential beneficiaries of CoMP, thereby reducing unnecessary measurement processing and signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If all UEs are configured to perform extensive measurements for CoMP, then measurement precision and coordination accuracy are improved, but processing load and signaling load increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring measurement events selectively based on UE-specific interference conditions. Instead of uniform measurement configuration for all UEs, the system evaluates individual UE scenarios (e.g., proximity to cell edges, interference levels) and applies measurement configuration only where beneficial, thereby maintaining measurement precision for affected UEs while reducing overall processing load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by activating measurement events for only a subset of UEs that meet specific interference criteria. The network evaluates interference conditions and configures measurement events (such as A3, A5 events) only for UEs experiencing severe interference, rather than for all UEs, thus reducing unnecessary processing and signaling while maintaining adequate measurement precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If measurement events are configured for all UEs, then coordination accuracy is improved, but signaling load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination accuracyVSAvoidsignaling load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring measurement configuration to specific UE interference conditions. The network evaluates individual UE scenarios and configures measurement events only for those experiencing severe interference, thereby maintaining coordination accuracy for affected UEs while reducing overall signaling load by avoiding unnecessary configuration for other UEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by activating measurement events for only a subset of UEs that meet specific interference criteria. The system configures measurement reporting for UEs where it provides benefit, rather than for all UEs, thus reducing signaling load while maintaining adequate coordination accuracy where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Area of stationary object

If Cell Range Expansion is applied to increase small cell coverage, then coverage area is improved, but downlink interference from Macro cell increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiddownlink interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting measurement configuration parameters (such as event thresholds, reporting intervals) based on UE-specific interference conditions and channel state information. This allows the system to optimize the balance between coverage extension and interference management by adapting measurement events to current network conditions rather than using fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3357273B1Measurement control of wireless communication devices for cell range extension
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3357273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3357273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3357273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for selecting wireless communication devices for measurement configuration in a wireless communication network (1) comprises a step of obtaining (S10) at least one report on signal strength and/or signal quality from a wireless communication device (20) in the wireless communication network (1). The method further comprises a step of determining (S20) whether or not to select the wireless communication device (20) for measurement configuration, where the measurement configuration comprises configuring the wireless communication device (20) to provide measurement reports on received power from serving cells and neighbour cells in the wireless communication network (1), and where the step of determining (S20) is based on the at least one obtained report on signal strength and/or signal quality.