Terminal Pathloss Estimation Through Active-Duration Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

In future radio communication systems, the method of counting pathloss estimations is not clear, leading to inappropriate pathloss estimation, which can lower throughput and deteriorate communication quality.

Innovation Solution

A terminal with a receiving section to receive pathloss reference signals and a control section to count the number of active durations of these signals within a specific period, ensuring the number does not exceed a specific value for accurate pathloss estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the number of pathloss estimations is restricted without a clear counting method, then the system complexity is reduced, but pathloss estimation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpathloss estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pathloss estimation process by defining distinct active duration periods for each pathloss reference signal. The terminal counts the number of active durations separately and applies different estimation methods based on the count value, creating a structured approach that balances complexity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation by changing the pathloss estimation method based on the counted number of active durations. When the count exceeds a threshold, the terminal switches to an alternative estimation approach, allowing the system to maintain accuracy under varying conditions without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If pathloss estimation is performed without a clear counting method, then the ease of operation is improved, but communication quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary counting of active durations before executing pathloss estimation. By pre-determining the number of active reference signals, the terminal can select the appropriate estimation method in advance, ensuring both operational simplicity and reliable communication quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback by using the counted number of active durations to adjust the estimation approach. The terminal continuously monitors the active duration count and adapts its estimation method accordingly, maintaining communication quality through automatic adjustment without complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the number of active durations is not counted, then the processing time is reduced, but pathloss estimation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidpathloss estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time domain into distinct active duration periods for each pathloss reference signal. By counting these segmented periods, the terminal obtains accurate information about signal availability without requiring continuous monitoring, thus maintaining precision while limiting processing time overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by counting only the necessary active durations required for accurate estimation rather than continuously monitoring all possible reference signals. This selective counting approach provides sufficient accuracy information without excessive processing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12375244B2Terminal, radio communication method, and base station
Publication Date: 2025.07.29 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US12375244B2 patent drawing
  • US12375244B2 patent drawing
  • US12375244B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving section that receives information indicating one or more pathloss reference signals, and a control section that counts the number of active durations of the one or more pathloss reference signals in a specific period, based on the information and performs, while not assuming that the number is greater than a specific value, pathloss estimation.