Dynamic D/U Ratio Adjustment via Mute Intervals in TDD Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless TDD systems face challenges in dynamically adapting the downlink-to-uplink (D/U) resource allocation ratio due to system-wide synchronization requirements, leading to inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation and capacity loss when changing traffic conditions or service types, as they often necessitate synchronized shut-downs and fixed D/U ratios across all base stations and mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically change the D/U allocation ratio by introducing mute intervals within the frame structure, allowing for flexible adjustment of uplink and downlink capacities without synchronized shut-downs, and using explicit signaling to manage these changes, enabling multiple D/U ratios in a wireless communication system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If system-wide synchronization is implemented to change D/U ratio, then all base stations can change allocation uniformly, but synchronized shut-downs occur causing capacity loss and service interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of D/U ratio across base stationsVSAvoidsystem capacity during transition
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the D/U ratio transition process by introducing mute intervals that allow individual base stations to change their allocation independently rather than requiring simultaneous system-wide changes. This segmentation enables continuous service while achieving uniformity over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic D/U ratio adjustment where base stations can transition from fixed synchronized allocation to flexible independent allocation. The mute interval mechanism enables dynamic changes without requiring system-wide synchronization, allowing continuous adaptation to varying traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed D/U ratio is used across all base stations, then system synchronization is maintained, but bandwidth efficiency decreases when traffic conditions vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem synchronizationVSAvoidbandwidth efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed D/U ratio into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted independently by each base station based on local traffic conditions. The mute interval mechanism enables this dynamic adjustment while maintaining system coordination through signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows each base station to have its own optimized D/U ratio based on local traffic conditions rather than enforcing a uniform system-wide ratio. This local optimization improves bandwidth efficiency while the mute interval mechanism maintains overall system coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If synchronized shut-down is implemented to change D/U ratio, then allocation change is achieved system-wide, but user traffic is interrupted during transition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change D/U ratioVSAvoidcontinuous user service
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mute intervals as preliminary transition periods before the actual D/U ratio change is implemented. During these mute intervals, base stations prepare for the allocation change while maintaining service continuity, preventing traffic interruption that would occur with synchronized shut-downs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous user service during D/U ratio transitions by eliminating synchronized shut-downs. The mute interval mechanism allows allocation changes to occur without interrupting user traffic, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the transition process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2245894B1Dynamic adjustment of downlink/uplink allocation ratio in TDD wireless systems
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 ZTE (USA) INC
  • EP2245894B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2245894B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2245894B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Techniques, apparatuses, and systems for dynamically changing downlink and uplink allocations can include operating a base station under time division duplexing to communicate with one or more mobile devices using a frame structure, adjusting a downlink-uplink ratio to change an allocation between uplink and downlink data capacities in the frame structure, determining a mute interval based on the adjusted downlink-uplink ratio, generating mute information based on the mute interval to identify the one or more areas of the frame structure effected by the allocation change, and transmitting the mute information to the one or more mobile devices.