Dynamic Subframe Bundling Control for LTE Spectral Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subframe bundling techniques in wireless communication systems, such as LTE, are inefficient for medium data rate services like web browsing, as they reduce spectral efficiency due to semi-static configuration and are not suitable for dynamically alternating packet sizes, leading to reduced performance, especially at cell edges.

Innovation Solution

A method to dynamically adjust subframe bundling by generating and sending control information that is partially inconsistent with standard bundling definitions, allowing for dynamic modification of modulation and coding schemes, and physical resource block allocations, enabling flexible switching between bundling and non-bundling states based on packet sizes and transmission conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If subframe bundling is applied to all packets to increase uplink coverage, then coverage is improved, but spectral efficiency is severely reduced for medium data rate services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink coverageVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subframe bundling by introducing a bundling indicator in uplink grant signaling that enables the UE to switch between bundled and non-bundled transmission modes on a per-transmission basis. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying packet sizes and channel conditions, applying bundling only when necessary for coverage enhancement while maintaining spectral efficiency for other transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bundling parameter from a semi-static configuration to a dynamically controllable parameter through the introduction of a bundling indicator in the uplink grant. This allows the bundling state to be adjusted based on packet size, channel quality, and service requirements, optimizing both coverage and spectral efficiency by selecting the appropriate transmission mode for each specific transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If subframe bundling is configured semi-statically to simplify system operation, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to dynamically alternating packet sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidpacket size adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the semi-static bundling configuration into a dynamic control mechanism by introducing a bundling indicator in the uplink grant signaling. This allows the system to maintain simple baseline configuration while enabling real-time adaptation to varying packet sizes and transmission requirements through dynamic indicators provided to the UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If TTI bundling is used for power limited UE transmissions to extend coverage, then coverage is improved, but transmission period increases which complicates handover and subframe configuration changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage extensionVSAvoidtransmission period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic switching between bundled and non-bundled transmission modes, allowing the system to use bundling temporarily for power-limited transmissions requiring coverage extension, while maintaining the flexibility to switch to non-bundled modes when channel conditions improve or during handover scenarios, thus reducing the duration of extended transmission periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2949174B1Subframe bundling
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 HMD GLOBAL
  • EP2949174B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2949174B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2949174B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to subframe bundling in a system where subframe bundling is based on a set of bundling definitions. Control information is provided for at least one communication device configured to provide subframe bundling such that the control information is generated to be at least partially inconsistent with the set of bundling definitions. The control information is signaled to the at least one communication device to adjust the state of subframe bundling and/or size of subframe bundled transmission in accordance with a predefined rule by the at least one communication device. When the device receives the information, is determines that received control information is inconsistent with the set of bundling definitions. In response to the determination, the device can adjust the state of subframe bundling and/or size of subframe bundled transmission.