Dynamic Uplink Resource Allocation in LTE Subframes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE, face inefficiencies in dynamically allocating uplink resources, leading to suboptimal utilization due to static configurations of sounding reference signal transmissions, which can result in collisions with uplink data communications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic resource allocation mechanism where base stations indicate whether a portion of a communication frame is to be used for uplink data communications or reference signal transmissions, allowing for flexible scheduling based on the number of active users and channel conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static configuration of SRS transmission opportunities is used, then collision between uplink data and reference signals is avoided, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station determines in real-time whether to allocate resources for SRS transmission or uplink data based on current channel conditions and traffic demands. This replaces the static configuration with a dynamic mechanism that adapts to changing system conditions, allowing resources to be flexibly switched between reference signal transmission and data transmission to avoid collisions while maximizing utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the allocation parameter (resource type) dynamically based on conditions. When SRS transmission is needed, resources are allocated for reference signals; when not needed, the same resources are reallocated for uplink data. This parameter switching mechanism resolves the contradiction by adapting resource allocation to actual system needs rather than maintaining a fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If resources are allocated for SRS transmission in all subframes, then reference signal quality is maintained, but uplink data transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference signal qualityVSAvoiduplink data transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by dynamically switching resource allocation between SRS and uplink data based on actual needs. Instead of continuously allocating resources for SRS in all subframes regardless of necessity, the system maintains reference signal quality only when needed while continuously optimizing uplink data transmission efficiency by utilizing resources for data when SRS is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The allocation parameter is changed dynamically based on channel conditions and traffic demands. When channel conditions warrant reference signal transmission, resources are allocated for SRS; otherwise, resources are reallocated for uplink data. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by adapting resource allocation to actual system needs rather than maintaining a fixed configuration that sacrifices data efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If dynamic resource allocation is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station utilizes its existing scheduling capabilities and channel state information to make autonomous decisions about resource allocation. The system serves itself by using available network information (channel conditions, traffic demands, active user count) to dynamically determine resource allocation without requiring additional complex external control mechanisms, thereby improving efficiency while limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic resource allocation mechanism leverages the base station's existing multi-functional capabilities in scheduling and resource management. The same scheduling infrastructure that handles downlink resources is extended to uplink dynamic allocation, allowing the system to improve resource utilization efficiency while reusing existing control plane functions rather than introducing entirely new complex mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3491763B1Techniques for dynamically allocating uplink resources in wireless communications
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3491763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3491763B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3491763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects described herein relate to communicating in a wireless network. Downlink control information having a dynamic resource allocation indicator can be received from a serving access point. It can be determined whether the dynamic resource allocation indicator indicates at least one symbol in a subframe is for uplink data communications or reference signal transmission. Uplink data communications can be transmitted using the at least one symbol based at least in part on the determination that the dynamic resource allocation indicator indicates the at least one symbol in the subframe is for the uplink data communication, though a broadcasted reference signal configuration may indicate otherwise. Numerous other aspects are provided.