Concurrent Uplink Buffered Unit Request Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing uplink buffered unit requests from multiple terminals, leading to increased traffic and reduced network performance due to sequential transmission of requests, which can be improved by enabling concurrent transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for concurrent transmission of uplink buffered unit requests using multi-user MIMO/FDMA protocols, where access points and stations transmit requests simultaneously based on clear-to-transmit frames and scheduling mechanisms to reduce airtime and enhance network efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sequential transmission of buffered unit requests is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to increased transmission time and reduced network efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple buffered unit requests from different terminals are merged into a single concurrent transmission opportunity. The access point aggregates these requests and schedules them to be transmitted simultaneously over the same channel, reducing total transmission time and improving network efficiency without requiring separate dedicated channels for each terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic scheduling where the access point periodically opens transmission opportunities for buffered unit requests. Terminals are scheduled in periodic time slots to transmit their requests concurrently, creating a rhythmic pattern of transmission that optimizes channel utilization while maintaining manageable protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of time

If concurrent transmission of buffered unit requests is enabled, then productivity is improved through reduced transmission time, but device complexity increases due to advanced scheduling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission timeVSAvoidscheduling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling transmission opportunities for buffered unit requests before the actual transmission occurs. Clear-to-transmit frames are sent in advance to inform terminals of upcoming transmission slots, allowing terminals to prepare their requests and reducing on-the-fly scheduling complexity during active transmission periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the access point monitors transmission outcomes and adjusts future scheduling decisions accordingly. Based on feedback from transmitted requests and channel conditions, the access point optimizes the timing and allocation of concurrent transmission opportunities, balancing the reduction of transmission time with manageable scheduling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3238490B1Methods and apparatus for enhanced power save protocol
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3238490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3238490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3238490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for enhanced power save protocol are provided. In one aspect, a message to two or more stations is transmitted, the message requesting the two or more stations to transmit buffered unit requests concurrently at a specified time. The buffered unit requests are then received concurrently from each of the stations.