Coverage-Enhancing Spatial Filters for Reliable Multi-Device Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in configuring multi-device transmission (MDT) via coverage enhancing devices (CEDs) due to significant power or efficiency losses and difficulty in reliably configuring MDT, particularly for certain UE locations.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to facilitate MDT by obtaining a message indicative of a CED's capability to output incident signals into multiple or single output spatial directions, using reconfigurable spatial filters, and employing techniques such as time division multiplexing and spatial filter selection to optimize power distribution and link quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-device transmission is configured via coverage enhancing devices, then multiple UEs can be served simultaneously, but significant power or efficiency losses occur for certain UE locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spatial filter configuration adaptive and changeable. The system dynamically selects between different spatial filter configurations (MDT mode and non-MDT mode) based on real-time link quality measurements and UE locations, allowing the CED to optimize its operation for each specific scenario rather than using a fixed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the CED by switching between different spatial filter modes. The system modifies the spatial filter configuration parameter based on link quality metrics, transitioning between MDT mode (for better coverage) and non-MDT mode (for better power efficiency), thereby optimizing the balance between productivity and energy loss
2Area of stationary object
If MDT spatial filters are used to serve multiple UEs, then coverage area is expanded, but configuration reliability becomes difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the first communication node continuously monitors link quality metrics and uses this information to determine whether to activate MDT spatial filters. The system receives feedback about channel conditions and adjusts its configuration accordingly, ensuring reliable operation by only deploying MDT when link quality thresholds are met
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of link quality before activating MDT mode. By evaluating channel conditions in advance and only initiating MDT configuration when prerequisites are satisfied, the system avoids unreliable configurations and ensures that spatial filter changes are implemented only under favorable conditions
3Loss of energy
If dynamic selection of spatial filters is implemented, then power losses are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple spatial filter settings at the CED, including both MDT mode and non-MDT mode configurations. These pre-established filter sets are stored and ready for rapid switching, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing the operational complexity of dynamic selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spatial filter configuration into distinct, manageable modes (MDT mode and non-MDT mode) with separate filter sets for each. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by handling each mode independently rather than managing all possible configurations as a single complex problem
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and overhead-efficient multi-device transmission by dynamically activating MDT, improving data throughput and ensuring quality of service for multiple communication nodes.
Implementation Method 1
An RRD can be implemented by an array of antennas that can reflect incident electromagnetic waves/signals
Implementation Method 2
The array of antennas can be semi-passive. Semi-passive can correspond to a scenario in which the antennas can impose a variable phase shift
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples of the disclosure pertain to multi-device transmission via a coverage enhancing device such as a reconfigurable reflective device. Spatial filters are used at the coverage enhancing device that support a count of input spatial directions that is different than a count of output spatial directions.