Wireless Mode Switching Control for Cell Edge Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless devices lack the ability to dynamically change operational modes in response to changing signal quality and environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and increased interference, especially for cell edge users.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows mobile devices to dynamically switch between operational modes, such as full duplex and half-duplex, based on signal quality metrics and user proximity to interference sources, using a base station's control circuit to manage mode changes and optimize transmission parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual mode selection or device-initiated mode changes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing signal conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to signal qualityVSAvoidmode change complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station measures signal quality metrics (such as SINR) of uplink signals from the wireless device and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate operational mode, then communicates the mode selection back to the device. This feedback loop enables adaptive mode changing without requiring complex decision-making logic in the wireless device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The base station acts as an intermediary that centralizes the mode selection intelligence. Instead of the wireless device making complex mode decisions, the base station receives signal quality measurements, determines the optimal mode, and instructs the device on what mode to use, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hard shutdown of previous communication is required for mode changes, then mode switching reliability is improved, but communication continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidcommunication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary mode determination based on signal quality measurements before initiating mode changes. By pre-determining the target mode and preparing the mode change instruction, the system can execute mode transitions more smoothly with minimal disruption to ongoing communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic mode changing where the operational mode can be adjusted in real-time based on current signal conditions without requiring complete communication termination. The mode change is executed as a controlled transition rather than a hard shutdown, allowing for smoother handover between modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If fixed operational mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but performance under varying conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidmode control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station continuously monitors signal quality metrics and uses this feedback to dynamically select the most appropriate operational mode for current conditions, optimizing transmission efficiency without requiring the wireless device to implement complex mode selection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (such as duplexing mode, modulation scheme, or coding rate) based on signal quality conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically through base station control, the system achieves high transmission efficiency across varying channel conditions while keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3232509B1System and method for controlling a wireless device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 APPLE INC
  • EP3232509B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3232509B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3232509B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method, comprising: at a mobile device; setting the mobile device to operate in a first operational mode that is a default mode for sending association requests to a base station; sending an association request to the base station while operating in the first operational mode; receiving a first mode control instruction from the base station operating in the first operational mode, wherein the first mode control instruction includes an instruction for the mobile device to switch to a second operational mode; setting the mobile device to operate in the second operational mode; sending additional signals to the base station while operating in the second operational mode; and receiving a second mode control instruction from the base station.