User Terminal Dynamic DL Sounding Reference Signal Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LTE systems' DL sounding method, which uses predetermined subframes and reference signals, lacks flexibility and scalability in future radio communication systems that employ dynamic subframe utilization.

Innovation Solution

A user terminal with a receiving section for measurement reference signals, a transmission section for channel state information (CSI), and a control section that controls reception based on downlink control information (DCI) in the same subframe, enabling dynamic scheduling of DL sounding reference signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If predetermined subframes and reference signals are used for DL sounding, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility with existing LTE systems, but the system lacks flexibility and scalability in future radio communication systems with dynamic subframe utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and scalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the DL sounding reference signal reception to be controlled dynamically through DCI in the same subframe. The control section switches between predetermined subframe-based reception and dynamic DCI-based reception, allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes (static and dynamic) without requiring completely separate systems, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a receiving section and control section that can operate in multiple modes: using predetermined subframes for backward compatibility with existing LTE systems, and using dynamic DCI-based control for flexibility in future systems. This universal design allows the same hardware to serve both legacy and advanced requirements, addressing the adaptability-complexity trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic subframe utilization is employed, then the system achieves better scalability and power saving performance, but the existing DL sounding method fails to provide adequate flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidease of DL sounding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust its DL sounding method based on the operational mode. The control section autonomously determines whether to use predetermined subframes or dynamic DCI-based control, and the receiving section adapts accordingly without requiring manual configuration or complex external control, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the receiving section and control section to support both predetermined subframe-based and dynamic DCI-based DL sounding methods. This advance preparation ensures that when dynamic subframe utilization is activated, the system can immediately switch to the appropriate mode without requiring additional configuration or complex real-time decision-making, preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If DL sounding is performed using predetermined locations, then the measurement process is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic subframe utilization patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic subframe utilizationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DL sounding reference signal reception control dynamic rather than static. The control section receives DCI in the same subframe and adjusts the receiving section's behavior accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic subframe utilization patterns. This dynamic control mechanism resolves the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by using a unified control structure that handles both static and dynamic cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10879984B2User terminal, radio base station and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2020.12.29 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US10879984B2 patent drawing
  • US10879984B2 patent drawing
  • US10879984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is designed to perform DL sounding adequately in future radio communication systems. The user terminal of the present invention has a receiving section that receives a measurement reference signal, a transmission section that transmits channel state information (CSI) which is generated using the measurement reference signal, and a control section that controls reception of the measurement reference signal based on downlink control information (DCI) received in a same subframe as that of the measurement reference signal.