IP Library Granted Patent US 11,503,581
Granted Patent B2
US 11,503,581 · App. 17/110,897 · Granted Nov 15, 2022

Almost blank subframe in carrier aggregation

Inventor: Esmael Dinan (McLean, VA)
Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
H04W72/042H04H20/33H04L5/0048H04W16/06H04W16/32H04W52/143H04W52/346H04W52/60H04W72/0413H04W72/0446H04W72/1226H04L5/0007H04W48/12H04W52/244H04W88/02H04W88/08
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,503,581
App. No.
17/110,897
Granted
Nov 15, 2022
Kind
B2
Abstract

Aspects are described for use in wireless communications. A subframe allocation bitmap may indicate multiple subframes. The indicated subframes may correspond to Almost Blank Subframes. Measurement subframe allocation bitmaps may indicate measurement subframes. A first measurement subframe allocation bitmap may exclude subframes indicated by the subframe allocation bitmap. A second measurement subframe allocation bitmap may exclude the measurement subframes indicated by of the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

Claims (116)

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, configure a base station to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to a wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the base station to periodically receive, from the wireless device, channel state information for one or both of:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, configure a base station to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third and eighth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to a wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

7. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the base station to periodically receive, from the wireless device, channel state information for one or both of:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, configure a base station to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, and eighth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to a wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the base station to:

transmit, based on a decrease in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames; or

transmit, based on an increase in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third and eighth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the base station to periodically receive, from the wireless device, channel state information for:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, configure a base station to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to a wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the base station to:

transmit, based on a decrease in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames; or

transmit, based on an increase in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third and eighth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the base station to periodically receive, from the wireless device, channel state information for:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

19. A system comprising:

a base station; and

a wireless device;

wherein the base station is configured to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to the wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe; and

wherein the wireless device is configured to:

receive the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; and

receive the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

21. The system of claim 19 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

22. The system of claim 19 , wherein the wireless device is further configured to periodically transmit, to the base station, channel state information for:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

23. A system comprising:

a base station; and

a wireless device;

wherein the base station is configured to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third and eighth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to the wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe; and

wherein the wireless device is configured to:

receive, the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; and

receive, the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

24. The system of claim 23 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

25. The system of claim 23 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

26. The system of claim 23 , wherein the wireless device is further configured to periodically transmit, to the base station, channel state information for:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

27. A system comprising:

a base station; and

a wireless device;

wherein the base station is configured to:

transmit a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, and eighth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to the wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe; and

wherein the wireless device is configured to:

receive, the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; and

receive, the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

28. The system of claim 27 , wherein the base station is further configured to:

transmit, based on a decrease in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames; or

transmit, based on an increase in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third and eighth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames.

29. The system of claim 27 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

30. The system of claim 27 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

31. The system of claim 27 , wherein the wireless device is further configured to periodically transmit, to the base station, channel state information for:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

32. A system comprising:

a base station; and

a wireless device;

wherein the base station is configured to:

transmit, a first message comprising a subframe allocation bitmap indicating a plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a plurality of frames;

transmit, to the wireless device, a first measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a first plurality of measurement subframes, of a primary carrier, that are not the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes;

transmit, to the wireless device, a second measurement subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of measurement subframes, of the primary carrier, different from the first plurality of measurement subframes; and

transmit, a first Almost Blank Subframe at a power level that is lower than during a subframe that is not an Almost Blank Subframe; and

wherein the wireless device is configured to:

receive, the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; and

receive, the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

33. The system of claim 32 , wherein the base station is further configured to:

transmit, based on a decrease in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of second, fourth, seventh, and ninth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames; or

transmit, based on an increase in traffic load by an amount greater than a first value, a third message comprising a second subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes, wherein the second plurality of Almost Blank Subframes consists of third and eighth subframes of each frame in a second plurality of frames.

34. The system of claim 32 , wherein the first Almost Blank Subframe consists essentially of a common reference signal in a control region.

35. The system of claim 32 , wherein the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap excludes the plurality of Almost Blank Subframes.

36. The system of claim 32 , wherein the wireless device is further configured to periodically transmit, to the base station, channel state information for:

one or more subframes indicated in the first measurement subframe allocation bitmap; or

one or more subframes indicated in the second measurement subframe allocation bitmap.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 5, 2021
From: DINAN, ESMAEL H
To: OFINNO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 055822/0437 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 5, 2021
From: OFINNO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
To: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
Reel/Frame 055822/0439 →
Continuity (10)
Continuation 16456391 · Jun 28, 2019
Continuation 15898328 · Feb 16, 2018
Continuation 15406009 · Jan 13, 2017
Continuation 15072418 · Mar 17, 2016
Continuation 14574709 · Dec 18, 2014
Continuation 13662544 · Oct 29, 2012
Provisional Application 61553184 · Oct 29, 2011
Provisional Application 61553183 · Oct 29, 2011
Provisional Application 61553188 · Oct 29, 2011
Related Publication 20210195564A1 · Jun 24, 2021