eMBMS Service Scheduling via Dynamic Subframe Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Enhanced Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (eMBMS) technology faces challenges in resource allocation efficiency, particularly in scenarios with varying cell bandwidths and low traffic demands, leading to suboptimal use of system capacity, especially in public safety and Internet of Things/Internet of Vehicles applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for service scheduling that allocates multiple eMBMS services to a multicast subframe, generating a multicast channel scheduling information message based on multiplexing information, and mapping these services to a physical signal within a scheduling period, optimizing symbol allocation and reducing resource waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If one transmission block occupies all MBSFN resources of a subframe, then the service can be transmitted in a simple manner, but the resource utilization is low when the service payload is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling simplicityVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multicast subframe by introducing a subframe indication field that divides the subframe into different resource allocation modes. Mode 0 uses all MBSFN resources for one transmission block, while Mode 1 segments resources to match the actual service payload size, thereby reducing resource waste when payload is small while maintaining scheduling simplicity through the unified indication mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by using the subframe indication field to switch between different resource allocation modes based on service requirements. The network can dynamically select Mode 0 or Mode 1 for each subframe according to the actual payload size, achieving adaptive resource utilization that balances scheduling simplicity with resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system bandwidth of different cells is different, then each cell can operate independently, but the service carrying capacity varies significantly across cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell independenceVSAvoidservice carrying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the capacity variation across cells with different bandwidths by introducing flexible parameter configuration. The subframe indication field and resource allocation modes allow each cell to adapt its resource usage parameters according to its bandwidth characteristics, enabling cells to operate independently while optimizing their service carrying capacity based on local conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If multiple eMBMS services are multiplexed in the same subframe, then the system capacity increases, but the scheduling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple eMBMS services into the same multicast subframe using a unified scheduling mechanism. The subframe indication field provides a compact way to indicate resource allocation for multiple services, combining them in the time-frequency domain while maintaining relatively simple scheduling management through the standardized indication format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a single subframe is used as the basic scheduling unit, then the scheduling is simple, but the resource allocation flexibility is insufficient for varying service demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling operationVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains the simplicity of single-subframe scheduling as the basic unit while introducing dynamic flexibility through the subframe indication field. This field enables the system to adaptively switch between different resource allocation modes (Mode 0 and Mode 1) within each subframe, providing the needed flexibility for varying service demands without complicating the fundamental scheduling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3672289B1Service scheduling method and device
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 ZTE CORP
  • EP3672289B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3672289B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4-1
  • EP3672289B1 patent drawingFigure 4~4-3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and a device for implementing service scheduling, including: pairing multiple enhanced multimedia broadcast multicast services (eMBMSs) and allocating same to a single multicast subframe; generating, according to multiplexing information of the multiple eMBMSs, a multicast channel scheduling information (MSI) message; and mapping, according to the MSI message, the multiple eMBMSs into a physical signal within a scheduling period.