Dynamic HARQ Timing Management for 5G UE Capability Categories

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3G and 4G wireless communication networks have static and inflexible HARQ timing, which does not adapt to varying device capabilities and service requirements, limiting the ability to manage HARQ response timing and resources dynamically in next-generation networks like 5G.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically or semi-statically manage HARQ response timing and resources based on user equipment (UE) capability categories, allowing for advanced or delayed HARQ responses within predetermined slots, using a semi-static configuration and RRC procedures to allocate resources and adjust timing according to UE capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static and predefined HARQ timing is used in current 3G and 4G networks, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying device capabilities and service requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ timing adaptabilityVSAvoidHARQ timing management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic HARQ timing management where the timing between data transmission and HARQ response is no longer fixed but can be adjusted based on UE capability categories and service requirements. The network can dynamically configure different timing values for different UEs or services, transforming the static HARQ timing system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the HARQ timing parameter from a fixed value to a configurable parameter that can take different values based on UE capability categories. By introducing capability categories with different timing parameters and allowing dynamic selection among them, the system achieves adaptability while managing complexity through standardized parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If fixed HARQ response timing is implemented in FDD or TDD networks, then timing predictability is ensured, but flexibility to optimize for different services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ process efficiencyVSAvoidHARQ response delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different HARQ timing characteristics to different UE capability categories or service types. Instead of using a uniform timing value for all UEs and services, the system configures localized timing parameters tailored to specific UE capabilities or service requirements, allowing optimization for each category while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification of UEs into capability categories before HARQ timing configuration. By determining UE capability categories in advance and pre-configuring appropriate timing parameters for each category, the system prepares optimal timing settings beforehand, enabling efficient HARQ processing without real-time decision delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If UE-dependent HARQ timing management is implemented, then service optimization for diverse device types is achieved, but signaling overhead and configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ response reliabilityVSAvoidHARQ timing configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments UEs into distinct capability categories based on their HARQ response capabilities. By dividing the heterogeneous UE population into standardized groups (e.g., Category 1, Category 2, etc., each with specific timing characteristics), the system manages complexity through segmentation while still providing UE-dependent optimization for each category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal capability categories that can apply to multiple UEs with similar characteristics. Each capability category serves as a universal template that can be assigned to any UE matching its profile, allowing the system to handle diverse device types through a limited set of standardized configurations, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3523908B1Dynamic hybrid automatic repeat request timing management
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3523908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3523908B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3523908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) may be categorized into one or more capability categories based on its ability to generate hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) responses within a predetermined delay or slot. HARQ timing management may consider a UE capability category that is UE dependent. The UE may provide a HARQ response different (i.e., advancing or delaying HARQ timing) than the specified or default HARQ response timing of the UE's category with some limitations and constraints. A constraint is a condition in which one or more operation parameters of the UE do not satisfy or meet a predetermined level or setting.