Signature Sequence Signaling for Shared Spectrum Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coexistence mechanisms for multiple systems in shared spectra, such as Wi-Fi's carrier sense mechanism, are inadequate due to increased technological diversity, leading to coexistence issues and limitations in accommodating new technologies with different communication mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A technology-neutral signature sequence or waveform is used for resource reservation, scheduling, and coordination among disparate systems, enabling them to detect each other's presence and share the spectrum, even if they operate on different radio access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Wi-Fi's carrier sense mechanism is used for coexistence in shared spectrum, then access control is provided for unlicensed bands, but coexistence issues arise due to technological diversity and inability to accommodate new technologies with different communication mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with new technologiesVSAvoidcoexistence performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a technology-neutral signature sequence or waveform as an intermediary signaling mechanism that sits between different radio access technologies. This mediator enables systems operating on different RATs to detect each other's presence and coordinate resource usage without requiring direct compatibility between their native communication protocols, thus resolving the coexistence issue while maintaining adaptability to new technologies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal signature sequence mechanism that serves multiple functions across different systems: it acts as a presence indicator, resource reservation signal, and coordination mechanism simultaneously. This universal approach allows the same signaling structure to be used by various technologies (LTE, Wi-Fi, future systems) in the shared spectrum, improving both coexistence performance and technological versatility

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

2Reliability

If technology-specific preambles are used for resource reservation, then system-specific signaling is achieved, but restrictive technology restrictions are imposed and compatibility with new technologies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource reservation accuracyVSAvoidtechnology neutrality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces technology-specific preambles with a universal signature sequence that can be used by any system in the shared spectrum. This universal structure maintains reliable resource reservation through its designed correlation properties and detection mechanisms, while simultaneously enabling technology neutrality by not being tied to any specific RAT, thus allowing new technologies to接入 without requiring new preamble designs

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

3Productivity

If multiple different systems share the spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but coexistence issues and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinterference between systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where systems transmit signature sequences that serve as presence indicators to other systems. Receiving systems detect these sequences and provide feedback by adjusting their resource allocation and access decisions accordingly. This continuous feedback loop enables multiple systems to share the spectrum efficiently while dynamically avoiding interference through mutual awareness of resource usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The signature sequence acts as an intermediary signaling layer that enables coordinated resource sharing among multiple systems. By detecting these intermediary signals, systems can identify which time-frequency resources are currently in use by other technologies and avoid transmitting on those resources, thus maintaining high spectrum utilization while minimizing inter-system interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3520542B1Signature sequence-based signaling and allocation of resources of a shared spectrum
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3520542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to wireless communication systems configured to share a shared spectrum with one or more other systems (e.g., other operator networks utilizing the same radio access technology, and/or other networks utilizing different radio access technologies). Coexistence between the different systems on the shared spectrum may be provided by utilizing a technology-neutral signature waveform such as a signature sequence or discovery signal. The signature sequence may be used for resource reservation, scheduling, and coordination among disparate systems operating on a shared spectrum. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.