EGPRS Channel Multiplexing During Discontinuous Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, the discontinuous transmission mode of mobile stations leads to wasted bandwidth as channels become idle, preventing other mobile stations from accessing them, which is inefficient for real-time and interactive data communications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that multiplexes traffic from a second mobile station onto the channel portion when a first mobile station enters discontinuous transmission mode, using a Real-Time Fast Associated Control Channel (RTFACCH) mechanism to ensure quick re-allocation of the channel to the first mobile station upon resuming transmission, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a mobile station enters discontinuous transmission mode to save power and reduce interference, then energy consumption and interference are reduced, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates because the channel becomes idle and unavailable to other mobile stations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbandwidth utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the idle channel resources of a mobile station in DTX mode with the data traffic needs of another mobile station. The first mobile station's dedicated channel is merged with the second mobile station's packet data traffic during idle periods, allowing simultaneous use of the same physical channel for different purposes without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the dedicated channel serve multiple functions: it maintains its primary function for real-time voice traffic when needed, while simultaneously serving as a shared resource for packet data traffic during idle periods. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the channel to adapt its purpose based on current traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If a dedicated channel is allocated to ensure quick re-allocation for real-time traffic resumption, then re-allocation speed is improved, but channel flexibility deteriorates because other mobile stations cannot access the channel during idle periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel re-allocation speedVSAvoidchannel accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic channel allocation mechanism where the channel assignment changes based on the traffic state of the first mobile station. When in DTX mode, the channel dynamically switches to accommodate the second mobile station's data traffic. When the first mobile station resumes transmission, the channel dynamically re-allocates to it, maintaining speed while improving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic monitoring of the first mobile station's transmission state to trigger channel re-allocation. The system periodically checks whether the mobile station is in active or DTX mode and adjusts channel assignment accordingly, enabling both quick re-allocation and flexible sharing during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If packet data traffic is multiplexed onto a dedicated channel during idle periods, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but traffic quality differentiation deteriorates because real-time and packet traffic share the same channel without distinction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidtraffic quality differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel usage into distinct time periods based on the first mobile station's transmission state. During active periods, the channel is dedicated to real-time traffic with full quality assurance. During DTX periods, the channel is segmented to accommodate packet data traffic, maintaining quality differentiation through temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controlling entity that acts as an intermediary between the two traffic types. This intermediary manages the channel allocation, ensures real-time traffic gets priority when needed, and coordinates packet data transmission during idle periods, thereby maintaining quality differentiation while enabling bandwidth sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7586949B1Interleaving data over frames communicated in a wireless channel

Publication Date: 2009.09.08 APPLE INC

AI summary

A mobile communications system includes a radio access network, such as an Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EGPRS) network, in which mobile stations are able to enter into a discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode. During DTX mode of a first mobile station that is allocated a channel portion (e.g., a time slot of a frame), the radio access network is able to multiplex traffic from another mobile station onto the same channel portion. A mechanism is provided to enable the first mobile station to send a request for re-allocation of the channel portion. The request includes a real-time fast access associated control channel (RTFACCH) resource request message (RTRRM). In response to the RTRRM, the radio access network sends an RTFACCH resource assignment message (RTUAM). An interleaving scheme is also provided for half-rate mobile stations, in which one set of traffic frames are interleaved over plural bursts according to a first algorithm and a second set of traffic frames are interleaved over plural bursts according to a second algorithm.