Separate Resource Patterns for Channel and Interference Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in macro eNB/RRH environments, face challenges in effectively estimating channels and interference, which hampers the efficient allocation of resources and overall performance, especially as demand for mobile broadband access increases.

Innovation Solution

The method involves signaling to a UE to measure channel state conditions using a first resource pattern for channel estimation and a second resource pattern for interference estimation, with the UE generating a channel state report that is used by the eNB to schedule resources, thereby improving resource allocation and interference management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single resource pattern is used for both channel estimation and interference estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the same resources cannot simultaneously provide accurate channel and interference information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource pattern complexityVSAvoidchannel estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the resource pattern into two separate patterns: a first resource pattern dedicated to channel estimation and a second resource pattern dedicated to interference estimation. This segmentation allows each pattern to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the first pattern containing reference signals for channel estimation and the second pattern containing null resources for interference measurement, thereby resolving the contradiction between complexity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If separate resource patterns are used for channel estimation and interference estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage and signal multiple resource patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference estimation precisionVSAvoidresource pattern management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the resource patterns with multi-functionality in mind. The first resource pattern serves both as a channel estimation resource and provides a basis for deriving the second interference estimation pattern. The eNB signals both patterns to the UE, which then uses the first pattern for channel estimation and the second pattern for interference estimation, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision while managing complexity through structured signaling.

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

3Measurement precision

If pilot symbols are transmitted continuously, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but interference levels increase due to persistent pilot contamination from neighboring cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidinterference from pilot contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the interference measurement function from the channel estimation process by introducing a separate second resource pattern with null resources. These null resources are specifically designed to measure interference without containing channel estimation signals, thereby eliminating pilot contamination interference while maintaining channel estimation accuracy through the dedicated first resource pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2673928B1Method and apparatus for enabling channel and interference estimations in macro/RRH system
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2673928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2673928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2673928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects disclosed herein relate to channel and interference estimations in a multiple transmission point environment including an eNB and RRHs. In the disclosed aspects, one or more transmission points can signal to a UE to measure channel state conditions based on a first and a second resource pattern. The UE may receive the signaling and perform interference estimation based at least in part on the first resource pattern, and channel estimation based at least in part on the second resource pattern. The UE may generate a channel state report based on the interference and channel estimations, and transmit the channel state report to a transmission point. The eNB may employ the received channel state report in scheduling one or more resources for use by the UE, and may select or adjust network traffic on the first and the second resource pattern, to affect the resulting channel and interference estimation.