Asymmetric MTC Region Allocation for HARQ Collision Avoidance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile broadband networks are not optimized for machine-type communication (MTC) requirements, leading to issues such as resource collisions during Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment and non-acknowledgment feedback in asymmetric allocation of uplink and downlink MTC regions.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an evolved Node B (eNB) and user equipment (UE) configured to identify and allocate specific resources for HARQ ACK/NACK feedback based on asymmetric allocation of MTC regions, preventing resource collisions by signaling parameters through radio resource control signaling or broadcast transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If asymmetric allocation of uplink and downlink MTC regions is implemented, then MTC communication requirements are better met, but resource collisions occur during HARQ feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMTC communication requirementsVSAvoidHARQ feedback communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MTC regions into distinct uplink and downlink regions with asymmetric allocation, allowing independent optimization of each direction to meet specific MTC requirements while avoiding resource collisions through separate resource pools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (specific resource allocation and signaling protocols) that mediates between the asymmetric uplink/downlink requirements and the HARQ feedback needs, ensuring proper resource mapping and collision avoidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing mobile broadband network design is used, then human-type communication performance is optimized, but MTC-specific requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHuman-type communication performanceVSAvoidMTC communication support

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by allocating different numbers of uplink and downlink MTC regions based on specific MTC service requirements, deviating from the symmetric design of existing networks to achieve better MTC performance while maintaining human communication capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic configuration of MTC region allocation, allowing the network to adaptively adjust the number and distribution of uplink and downlink MTC regions based on varying MTC service demands while preserving existing human communication performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3216153B1System and method to address resource collision for asymmetric region allocation

Publication Date: 2023.08.23 APPLE INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a communication between a user equipment (UE) and an evolved Node B (eNB). An eNB may allocated uplink and downlink regions associated with machine-type communication (MTC) to a UE. The allocation of uplink and downlink regions may be asymmetric. The eNB may identify parameters based on this asymmetric region allocation to avoid resource collision during communication of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) or negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback between the eNB and the UE. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.