TRP Beam Reconfiguration for Multi-TRP Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially those using beamforming techniques, interference between multiple transmit/receive points (TRPs) communicating with a single electronic device is a significant issue due to signal reflections, leading to leakage and interference, which limits system performance even at high signal-to-noise ratios.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first TRP estimates the angles of departure for both its intended and interference signals by receiving uplink pilot signals from an electronic device, allowing it to reconfigure its transmission beam to minimize interference with signals from a second TRP, and the electronic device assists by transmitting additional uplink pilot signals to help estimate these angles and manage interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If beamforming techniques are used to provide wider coverage area and high data rates, then signal power decreases quicker and interference between TRPs increases, but system capacity and coverage are improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference between TRPs
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the electronic device transmit uplink pilot signals in multiple directions before the actual data transmission. The first TRP uses these preliminary pilot signals to estimate angles of departure for both intended and interference signals, allowing the beamforming configuration to be optimized in advance to minimize interference while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the electronic device transmits uplink pilot signals and the first TRP receives these signals to estimate channel characteristics. Based on these estimates, the first TRP reconfigures its transmission beam to reduce interference with second TRP signals, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple TRPs transmit signals to enhance data rates, then system capacity increases, but signal reflections cause leakage and interference at the electronic device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidsignal leakage and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The uplink pilot signals transmitted by the electronic device serve as intermediaries that carry information about the channel characteristics and signal directions. These pilot signals allow the first TRP to indirectly understand the interference conditions without directly observing the interference, enabling the TRP to adjust its beamforming to minimize harmful signal leakage while maintaining high data rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters such as the angle of departure for beamforming by reconfiguring the transmission beam based on estimated angles from uplink pilot signals. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between maintaining high data rates from multiple TRPs and reducing signal leakage and interference caused by reflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device receives signals from multiple TRPs, then system diversity is improved, but interference management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem diversityVSAvoidinterference management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs self-service by autonomously transmitting uplink pilot signals in multiple directions to assist the first TRP in estimating channel characteristics and interference angles. This self-service approach distributes the interference management complexity from the TRP side to the device side, where the device has direct knowledge of its reception conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3837773B1Method and system for managing interference in multi TRP systems
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3837773B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3837773B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3837773B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing interference in a communication network include transmitting a first downlink signal (50) from a first transmit/receive point (TRP) (46) to an electronic device (14) using a beam (62). The electronic device (14) can also receive a second downlink signal (52) from a second TRP (48), where a portion (54) of the first downlink signal (50) from the first TRP (46) interferes with the second downlink signal (52). The first TRP (46) then receives a series of uplink pilot signals (66, 68) from the electronic device (14). Using the received uplink pilot signals (66, 68), the first TRP (46) can then estimate the angle of departure (AoD) for the intended signal (first downlink signal (50)), and the AoD for the interference signal (54). The first TRP (46) can then reconfigure the beam (62) used to transmit the first downlink signal (50) based on the estimated AoDs for the intended signal and interference signal to manage the interference effect that the first leakage signal (54) has on the second downlink signal (52).