Base Station Joint Scheduling for Multiple UEs in Same Interval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face limitations in scheduling data transmission for multiple user equipment (UEs) in the same scheduling interval, leading to delays and inefficiencies, particularly in states like CELL_PCH and URA_PCH, where UEs with dedicated H-RNTIs cannot have their logical channels scheduled simultaneously, resulting in prolonged data delivery and potential user experience issues.

Innovation Solution

The method involves extending the HS-DSCH DATA FRAME TYPE3 to include a flag or indicator (MUI) that allows a base station to schedule data for multiple UEs in the same scheduling interval, enabling simultaneous transmission of control and data channels like DCCH, DTCH, and PCCH, and even ETWS information within a single DRX cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data for multiple UEs is scheduled in separate scheduling intervals, then each UE can be reliably served, but the overall data transmission efficiency deteriorates and delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate scheduling operations into a single joint scheduling interval. The base station transmits joint control information containing scheduling data for multiple UEs simultaneously, allowing them to be served in one scheduling interval rather than sequentially. This combining of scheduling operations directly improves productivity while reducing the time loss associated with multiple sequential scheduling intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If control information for multiple UEs is transmitted separately, then each UE can decode its control information accurately, but the frame structure complexity increases and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information decoding accuracyVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal joint control information structure that serves multiple UEs simultaneously. A single control information format contains fields that can address multiple UEs with different H-RNTIs, allowing the same control channel to perform the function of multiple separate control channels. This multi-functional approach maintains decoding accuracy while reducing frame structure complexity and resource waste.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control information is segmented into different fields within a single joint structure. Each UE can identify and decode only the relevant segment corresponding to its H-RNTI, while ignoring other segments. This segmentation allows multiple UEs to share the same control channel efficiently, maintaining individual decoding accuracy without requiring separate control information transmissions for each UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If UEs with dedicated H-RNTIs are scheduled in different DRX cycles, then scheduling conflicts are avoided, but the number of DRX cycles increases and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling conflict avoidanceVSAvoidDRX cycle duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic H-RNTI assignment where UEs can be temporarily assigned dedicated H-RNTIs for specific joint scheduling intervals. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively manage H-RNTI allocation, enabling multiple UEs to share the same DRX cycle when needed while maintaining scheduling conflict avoidance through proper H-RNTI management. The duration of action is reduced as UEs can be served within the same DRX cycle rather than requiring multiple sequential cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3022980B1Methods and apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3022980B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3022980B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3022980B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method comprises receiving information at a base station for a plurality of user equipment, said information comprising respective data for a plurality of user equipment, said respective data to be transmitted in a same scheduling interval, and causing said respective data to be transmitted in the same scheduling interval.