Dynamic Uplink Downlink Resource Sharing Control Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource allocation for control channels, particularly in LTE systems, where differing payload sizes for uplink and downlink allocations lead to inefficient use of physical resources, requiring separate allocation trees and increased overhead.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves mapping and interleaving physical control channel signaling resources in time and frequency within dedicated OFDM symbols, allowing for a dynamic division between uplink and downlink allocations, optimizing resource utilization by distinguishing between resource regions for each allocation type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate allocation trees are used for uplink and downlink allocations, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but control channel overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol channel overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges uplink and downlink allocation information into a single control channel structure with a unified allocation tree. Instead of maintaining separate allocation trees for UL and DL, the invention combines them into one shared structure that dynamically allocates resources for both directions, thereby reducing control channel overhead while preserving allocation accuracy through a single standardized tree mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control channel is designed with universal allocation information that can serve both uplink and downlink purposes. The allocation tree structure is made multi-functional, capable of representing resource allocations for both UL and DL transmissions through a single unified framework, eliminating the need for redundant separate allocation structures.

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

2Productivity

If physical resources are dynamically shared between uplink and downlink, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but control channel complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol channel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource sharing between uplink and downlink by making the control channel allocation flexible and adaptable. The allocation tree can dynamically adjust the portion of physical resources assigned to UL or DL based on current network conditions and traffic demands, allowing efficient resource utilization while maintaining a manageable control structure through standardized dynamic allocation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of resource allocation dynamically by modifying the allocation tree structure and resource distribution parameters based on UL/DL traffic requirements. This allows the system to adapt resource utilization efficiency while controlling complexity through parameter-based management rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If separate control channels are allocated for uplink and downlink, then resource allocation clarity is improved, but physical resource efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation clarityVSAvoidphysical resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines uplink and downlink control information into a single unified control channel allocation structure. This merging maintains resource allocation clarity through a standardized unified tree that clearly delineates UL and DL allocations while improving physical resource efficiency by eliminating redundant separate control channel structures and enabling shared physical resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2109973B1Apparatus, method and computer program product providing dynamic sharing of resources between uplink and downlink allocations for separately coded users
Publication Date: 2013.01.02 NOKIA CORP
  • EP2109973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2109973B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2109973B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Apparatus, methods and computer program products operate an electronic device to generate downlink allocation information and uplink allocation to be signaled to other electronic devices operative in a wireless communications system; and to operate radio apparatus to signal the downlink allocation information and uplink allocation information in a control channel, wherein the downlink allocation information is signaled in a downlink allocation portion of the control channel and the uplink allocation information is signaled in an uplink allocation portion of the control channel. In a variant, apparatus, methods and computer program products operate an electronic device to receive downlink and uplink allocation information signaled in a control channel by a wireless communications system, wherein the control channel is divided into a downlink allocation portion used for downlink allocation information and an uplink allocation portion used for uplink allocation information; to receive control channel division information indicating which portion of the control channel corresponds to the downlink allocation portion and which portion corresponds to the uplink allocation portion; and to search for downlink allocation information in the downlink allocation portion and uplink allocation information in the uplink allocation portion.