Transmission Mode Switching Node Using SINR Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for transmission mode switching in wireless communication, such as adaptive MIMO schemes, face complexity and accuracy issues due to high computational burdens and oversimplification of propagation scenarios, leading to inefficient downlink transmission in wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A node and method for transmission mode switching that configures an initial transmission mode and switches between open-loop spatial multiplexing and single-layer beamforming based on channel quality metrics and predefined thresholds, using link-level simulations to determine optimal switching points and maintain high spectrum efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If adaptive MIMO transmission scheme is used with condition number calculation for transmission mode switching, then transmission accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to high computational burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state identification accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous channel state space into discrete categories (R1, R2, R3 regions) based on SINR thresholds. Instead of calculating condition numbers for continuous optimization, the system divides the decision space into manageable segments with predefined thresholds, reducing computational complexity while maintaining adequate accuracy for transmission mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the computationally expensive condition number calculation with simpler, cheaper metrics such as SINR measurements and predefined threshold comparisons. These simpler metrics can be computed rapidly and discarded after each transmission mode decision, avoiding the heavy computational burden of eigenvalue decomposition while still enabling effective adaptive transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If conventional transmission mode switching method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to insufficient adaptation to complex propagation environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddownlink transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission mode switching that adapts to changing channel conditions in real-time. The system continuously monitors SINR and channel quality indicators, dynamically adjusting transmission parameters (rank, precoding, modulation) according to current propagation conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to complex and time-varying environments without requiring overly complex static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key transmission parameters (transmission rank, precoding matrix, modulation scheme) based on measured channel conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to SINR thresholds and channel quality reports, the system achieves better adaptation to complex propagation environments while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized parameter sets defined in the communication protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If link level simulations are performed for determining switching thresholds, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive simulation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold determination accuracyVSAvoidsimulation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs link level simulations in advance during system design and configuration phases to establish optimal SINR thresholds for transmission mode switching. These pre-determined thresholds are then stored and reused during actual operation, eliminating the need for real-time simulations. This preliminary action ensures accurate threshold values are available immediately when needed for transmission decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses results from comprehensive link level simulations to create simplified lookup tables and predefined threshold values that can be quickly applied during operation. Instead of repeating complex simulations in real-time, the system copies the essential insights from simulations into compact threshold tables that guide transmission mode selection instantly, maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing computation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2727393B1Node and method for transmission mode switching for downlink transmission in downlink channel
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2727393B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2727393B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2727393B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention discloses a node for transmission mode switching for downlink transmission in a downlink channel (100), comprising: a configuring unit (110) adapted to configure an initial transmission mode for the downlink transmission as a default transmission mode; a deriving unit (120) adapted to derive channel quality metric (CQM) of the downlink channel; a first determining unit (130) adapted to determine a first predefined threshold on the basis of link level simulation of a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode; and a first switching unit (140) adapted to switch the transmission mode from the initial transmission mode to the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode on the basis of the CQM and the first predefined threshold. The present invention provides a simple, direct and efficient approach for transmission mode switching for downlink transmission in a downlink channel on the basis of available feedback from UE (or other kinds of terminals if appropriate) and/or link adaptation decisions from eNB (or other kinds of base stations if appropriate), provides high peak rate while maintaining cell coverage, and provides a proprietary solution without any impact on protocol/standard or UE implementation.