Carrier Assignment via Multi-Bitmap Allocation for TBF Data Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assigning carriers to Temporary Block Flows (TBFs) in mobile communication systems, such as GPRS and EDGE, are limited in efficiently allocating one or multiple carriers, particularly when assigning resources to multiple TBFs, leading to inefficiencies in peak and average data rates.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a structured assignment message with first and second timeslot allocation bitmaps to dynamically assign one or two carriers to each TBF, allowing for flexible carrier allocation between a mobile station and a base station, enabling efficient resource management and improved data rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the prior art assignment message structure is used with a single timeslot bitmap, then the message structure is simple, but only one carrier can be assigned per TBF which limits carrier assignment flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier assignment flexibilityVSAvoidassignment message structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single timeslot allocation bitmap is segmented into multiple bitmaps (first timeslot allocation bitmap and second timeslot allocation bitmap), where each bitmap corresponds to a different carrier. This segmentation allows independent configuration of timeslot resources on each carrier, enabling flexible carrier assignment to different TBFs while maintaining a structured and manageable message format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The assignment message structure is extended from a single-dimension (one bitmap) to a multi-dimensional structure by introducing multiple timeslot allocation bitmaps corresponding to different carriers. This dimensional expansion enables the system to assign different carriers to different TBFs, providing carrier-level granularity in resource allocation while preserving the hierarchical organization of the message structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple carriers are assigned to multiple TBFs using the prior art method, then carrier allocation is simple, but the peak and average data rates are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidcarrier assignment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different timeslot allocation bitmaps are assigned to different carriers based on their specific requirements. Each carrier can have its own customized timeslot allocation pattern, allowing optimal resource distribution across carriers. This local optimization enables high-data-rate TBFs to be assigned to carriers with better channel conditions while maintaining simple allocation on other carriers, thereby maximizing overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically assigns carriers and timeslot allocations to TBFs based on current network conditions and service requirements. The assignment message can flexibly configure different numbers of carriers and different timeslot patterns for different TBFs, enabling the system to adapt to varying data rate demands and optimize throughput dynamically rather than using a fixed allocation scheme.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the assignment message includes multiple timeslot allocation bitmaps for multiple carriers, then carrier assignment flexibility is improved, but the message size and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier assignment capabilityVSAvoidassignment message size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The timeslot allocation bitmap structure is designed to be universal and reusable across multiple carriers. The same bitmap format and interpretation rules apply to each carrier's allocation, allowing the system to handle an arbitrary number of carriers using a consistent message structure. This universality enables flexible carrier assignment while avoiding the need for completely different message formats for different scenarios, thereby controlling message size growth.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2403179B1Method and system for assigning carriers to a mobile station
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2403179B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2403179B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for assigning carriers to a mobile station includes:.the mobile station receives an assignment message from a base station for assigning part or all of two carriers to at least one TBF, and then the mobile station resolves the assignment message and send data to the base station according to the resolving result. With the method for assigning carriers to an MS, one carrier and/or multiple carriers can be assigned to one or more than one TBF between an MS and a BS through the assignment message.