Terminal Uplink Timing Configuration for RIS Multi-TRP Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increase in Line of Sight (LOS) paths due to the introduction of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) and Multi-TRPs in next-generation radio communication systems often results in fixed Timing Advance (TA) values being inadequate, leading to suboptimal transmission timing adjustments for uplink signals within the same cell.

Innovation Solution

A terminal with a control unit capable of configuring different timing values for each uplink signal or transmission panel, based on reference signals, spatial relations, and downlink control information, to accommodate varying LOS paths and improve transmission timing accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed timing value is used for all uplink signals in the same cell, then the system structure remains simple, but the transmission timing cannot be adjusted appropriately when LOS paths increase due to RIS and Multi-TRP

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming adjustment adaptabilityVSAvoidtiming value configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single timing value into multiple timing values, where each timing value is associated with specific reference signals or transmission panels. This allows different LOS paths to have appropriate timing adjustments while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured association rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different timing values to different reference signals or transmission panels based on their specific characteristics and LOS path properties. Each timing value is optimized for its associated reference signal or panel rather than using a uniform timing value for all signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple timing values are configured for different uplink signals, then transmission timing accuracy improves, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission timing accuracyVSAvoidcontrol unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit determines which timing value to apply based on received reference signals and downlink control information. The system continuously monitors signal characteristics and adjusts timing value selection accordingly, improving accuracy while managing complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit autonomously selects the appropriate timing value based on the reference signal and downlink control information without requiring manual configuration. The system self-adjusts timing parameters based on detected signal characteristics, reducing control complexity while maintaining high timing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If timing values are configured based on reference signals and spatial relations, then LOS path accommodation improves, but the signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLOS path accommodationVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple timing values associated with different reference signals and spatial relations before actual transmission. The control unit prepares the timing value selection logic in advance, so that during transmission, it only needs to match the current reference signal to the appropriate timing value rather than calculating everything in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240340826A1Terminal, radio communication system, and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2024.10.10 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US20240340826A1 patent drawing
  • US20240340826A1 patent drawing
  • US20240340826A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal transmits an uplink signal through an uplink and controls transmission timing of the uplink signal. The terminal configures different timing values for each of a plurality of uplink signals transmitted within the same cell.