Configurable Resource Block Group Size for Flexible Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE-A system's fixed resource scheduling granularity is inadequate to meet the diverse requirements of different services in the new radio (NR) system, which has a significantly larger bandwidth, leading to excessive overheads and limited scheduling flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamically configuring the size of the first frequency domain resource unit, such as a resource block group (RBG), based on configuration information, including predefined correspondence between RBG size and subband, frequency band, numerology, or subcarrier identifiers, allowing flexible scheduling to accommodate various service needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the RBG size is increased to reduce overheads in large bandwidth systems, then resource allocation overheads are reduced, but scheduling granularity is limited and flexible scheduling cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation overheadsVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the RBG size configurable and adjustable rather than fixed. The base station can dynamically configure different RBG sizes for different users or service types through RRC signaling, allowing the system to adapt scheduling granularity to specific needs while maintaining efficient resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of RBG size from a fixed value to a configurable parameter. By introducing multiple possible RBG size values and allowing configuration through signaling, the system can optimize between overhead reduction and scheduling flexibility depending on service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the RBG size is kept small to maintain scheduling granularity, then flexible scheduling can be performed, but resource allocation overheads become excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling granularityVSAvoidresource allocation overheads
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different RBG sizes to be configured for different users or service types within the same cell. Small-packet users can be assigned larger RBG sizes to reduce overhead, while large-packet users requiring fine-grained scheduling can be assigned smaller RBG sizes, optimizing both overhead and flexibility locally for each user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a fixed resource scheduling granularity is used, then system complexity is reduced, but different service requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidservice requirement coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a unified resource allocation framework that can accommodate multiple service types with different granularity requirements. The same RBG configuration mechanism serves both overhead reduction and flexible scheduling needs, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate allocation schemes for different services.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3567954B1Method and device for resource allocation in communication system
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3567954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3567954B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3567954B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A resource allocation method and a device in a communications system are provided. The method includes: determining, by a terminal, a size of a first frequency domain resource unit based on configuration information, where the configuration information includes predefined first configuration information, or the configuration information includes second configuration information sent by a base station to the terminal, or the configuration information includes the first configuration information and the second configuration information; and determining, by the terminal, a resource-allocation-related parameter based on the size of the first frequency domain resource unit. The terminal determines the size of the first frequency domain resource unit based on the predefined first configuration information, or determines the size of the first frequency domain resource unit based on the second configuration information indicated by the base station, or determines the size of the first frequency domain resource unit based on the second configuration information indicated by the base station and the first configuration information predefined by the terminal, to implement a configurable size of the first frequency domain resource unit, so that a resource allocation granularity can be flexibly configured in a scenario of a large bandwidth or a new application requirement, to meet different service requirements.