Base Station Scheduling via Terminal Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enhancing uplink transmissions in UMTS systems lack efficient mechanisms for scheduling commands from base stations to terminals, leading to suboptimal power level and data rate management, especially in scenarios like soft handover where multiple base stations are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the allocation of identifiers with priority rankings to terminals, allowing for customized power level and data rate adjustments based on scheduling commands, which include a validity period to automate reversion to default values, thereby reducing unnecessary command transmissions and optimizing resource planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scheduling commands are transmitted to all terminals to adjust power levels and data rates, then uplink transmission quality is improved, but downlink power consumption and radio resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling command transmission by introducing terminal-specific identifiers that allow the base station to selectively address individual terminals or groups of terminals. Instead of broadcasting to all terminals, the base station can target specific terminals requiring power adjustments, thereby reducing unnecessary downlink transmissions and saving power while maintaining uplink quality for affected terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where terminals automatically revert to default power levels when their scheduled time slot expires without receiving further commands. This self-service behavior eliminates the need for continuous base station interventions, reducing downlink power consumption while ensuring terminals maintain appropriate power levels during their active periods.
2Productivity
If scheduling commands are frequently transmitted to maintain optimal power levels, then uplink throughput is improved, but signaling overhead and base station processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-allocating time slots and default power levels to terminals before actual data transmission begins. Terminals are configured with identifier-based scheduling information in advance, allowing them to autonomously manage their power levels during allocated slots without requiring real-time base station processing for each transmission opportunity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-slot-based scheduling where terminals operate in structured intervals. Each terminal receives scheduling commands periodically corresponding to its allocated time slots, and automatically reverts to default behavior when slots expire. This periodic structure reduces the need for continuous base station intervention and simplifies processing compared to aperiodic or continuous command transmission.
3Loss of energy
If individual power level adjustments are made for each terminal, then power efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple terminals in soft handover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional identifier-based scheduling mechanism that serves multiple purposes simultaneously. The same identifier system manages both individual terminal power control and coordination during soft handover scenarios, eliminating the need for separate complex management systems. The base station can use identical signaling structures to address individual terminals, groups of terminals, or all terminals depending on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the identifier-based scheduling system that mediates between multiple base stations and terminals during soft handover. Rather than requiring direct complex coordination between base stations, the identifier system acts as an intermediary layer that translates and coordinates power control commands, simplifying the management of multiple terminals across different base stations.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more identifiers are set for each terminal and a priority ranking is allocated to each identifier to determine priority of one scheduling command relative to any other scheduling command. A data block is transmitted from the base station to the, or each, terminal, including the scheduling command and at least one identifier. Each terminal indicated by the identifier adapts its power level or data rate in accordance with the scheduling command.