MCNS has provided its expertise for the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) in Stockholm. 3GPP specifications and TDocs play a vital role in assisting patent offices and examiners by serving as authoritative references for mobile communication standards. They help identify prior art, ensuring that patents meet the criteria of novelty and inventiveness. By offering detailed technical definitions and documenting standardization processes, these documents enable accurate evaluation of patent claims against industry benchmarks. They also prevent overlaps with existing innovations, fostering a robust intellectual property landscape. Moreover, alignment with 3GPP standards ensures that patented technologies are market-relevant and compliant with global telecom ecosystems, enhancing their applicability and value.
Key Objectives and Considerations
3GPP specifications and TDocs are crucial for patent offices and examiners for several reasons. MCNS has presented and explained thoroughly to the PRV Patent Examiners the importance of 3GPP Release 18 and 19 5G Advanced technology and the corresponding features. This project is crucial for PRV since the 3GPP specifications serve as authoritative references for standardized technologies in mobile communications, ensuring that patents are assessed against globally accepted benchmarks.
TDocs, which include technical discussions and contributions, provide a comprehensive record of prior art. This helps patent examiners determine whether an invention is novel or has already been disclosed within the standardization process. Moreover specifications offer detailed technical definitions and use cases, enabling patent examiners to accurately evaluate the claims’ feasibility and alignment with industry standards.
RAN1 was tasked with 17 topics over a period of 18 months starting from Q2 of 2022 until Q3 of 2023. Some of these topics were enhancements to existing RAN1 features (e.g. MIMO, coverage enhancement, RedCap) while some were relatively new to the group (e.g. AI/ML, network energy savings, duplex evolution, low power wake up signal).
Figure 1. 3GPP RAN1 Release 18 tasks vs timeline
Among other topics of interest, MCNS has exploited the MIMO enhancements and the AI/ML contribution of 3GPP Release 18.
Rel-18 MIMO continues the enhancement on multi-antenna technology which has been a key component of NR since Release 15, focusing on 4 key areas: Channel State Information (CSI), multi-Transmission and Reception Points (TRP), uplink and reference signals. CSI for high/medium UE velocities and coherent-Joint Transmission (JT). Uplink was enhanced to facilitate multi-panel uplink transmission and up to rank 8 transmission. To better support multi-TRP deployments, unified Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) framework which was introduced in Rel-17 for single-TRP use case was expanded to multi-TRP use case and two TAs are supported. Uplink/downlink DeModulation Reference Signal (DMRS) was enhanced to support up to 24 orthogonal ports for MU-MIMO while Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) gets better randomize interference among different TRPs.
Figure 2. 3GPP RAN1 Release 18 MIMO topic Enhancement
Rel-18 was the first release in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) was studied in RAN1 and despite the potential for a large amount of RAN1 work, the study focused on only three representative use cases: CSI feedback, beam management, and positioning. For each use case, RAN1 studied the benefits of augmenting the air interface with features enabling AI/ML based algorithms for enhancing performance and/or reducing overhead. In addition, extensive study was done on the AI/ML framework that includes defining stages of AI/ML related algorithms, various levels of collaboration between UE and gNB, lifecycle management, and necessary dataset(s). The RAN1 study was extended for an extra quarter to ensure proper study on all three Rel-18 use cases. The work will lay the foundation for future normative work on AI/ML and for additional studies on other use cases.
Figure 3. 3GPP Rel-18 AI/ML Related Study/Work Items
Project Conclusion
The 3GPP Release 18 introduces a transformative set of features that underscore the evolving landscape of mobile communications, with significant implications for patent submissions related to AI/ML applications, MIMO enhancements, and energy efficiency. These advancements are critical for patent examiners, providing context and benchmarks for evaluating the novelty and applicability of patent claims.
In the realm of AI/ML, Release 18 emphasizes use cases like Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), Coverage and Capacity Optimization (CCO), Conditional Handover (CHO), and Lower Layer Mobility (LTM). MDT leverages AI/ML for real-time and predictive network data analytics, enabling more accurate coverage maps and reduced operational costs. CCO utilizes machine learning algorithms to predict and mitigate capacity bottlenecks, while CHO improves handover performance by pre-configuring potential target cells. LTM integrates AI for ultra-fast mobility decisions, ensuring low latency and seamless connectivity. These features highlight the growing role of AI/ML in optimizing network operations and enhancing user experiences.
MIMO enhancements are another pivotal focus, with improvements aimed at multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) and massive MIMO in both sub-6 GHz (FR1) and mmWave (FR2) bands. Release 18 introduces advanced beam management techniques, dynamic beamforming, and adaptive transmission schemes to improve spectral efficiency and capacity. These innovations are critical for meeting the demands of ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive IoT (mIoT), presenting opportunities for novel patentable solutions.
Energy efficiency is addressed through features like dynamic energy-saving modes, AI-driven power optimization, and efficient beam utilization in massive MIMO systems. Release 18 also introduces new mechanisms for optimizing power consumption in idle and connected states, aligning with global sustainability goals. Patent submissions targeting energy-efficient network operations and green communications can leverage these advancements for relevance and innovation.
For patent examiners, these 3GPP advancements provide a comprehensive framework to evaluate the technical and market relevance of new inventions. Release 18 serves as a benchmark for aligning patent claims with state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring that submissions meet the demands of modern telecom standards and innovations.
Customer related Web links:
Source: https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/ran1-rel18
Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV, https://www.prv.se/sv/)
