Dynamic Uplink Downlink Configuration via EPDCCH Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE systems, terminals face challenges in being quickly notified of uplink and downlink configuration changes, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation, particularly in dynamic scenarios like small cells or home environments, where semi-static resource allocation affects efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a downlink control information format to carry uplink and downlink configuration information, allowing terminals to be notified without occupying extra physical layer resources and reducing delay, by configuring a specific RNTI and utilizing existing control information formats with adjustments to indicate configuration details.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If semi-static resource allocation is used via broadcast signaling, then resource allocation is simple to implement, but the notification delay is large and resource allocation efficiency deteriorates in dynamic scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidnotification delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from semi-static resource allocation to dynamic resource allocation by enabling the base station to flexibly adjust uplink and downlink subframe configurations in real-time based on actual traffic conditions, allowing the system to adapt dynamically rather than relying on fixed periodic updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new signaling mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the base station and terminal, using enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH) resources to transmit configuration information more efficiently than traditional broadcast signaling, thereby reducing notification delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If dynamic resource allocation is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but physical layer resources are consumed and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses existing EPDCCH resources and downlink control information formats for transmitting uplink-downlink configuration information, allowing these physical layer resources to serve multiple functions including both traditional control signaling and configuration notification, thereby avoiding additional resource consumption

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies existing downlink control information formats by adding or repurposing specific fields to carry uplink-downlink configuration information, changing the parameter structure of existing signals rather than introducing entirely new signaling mechanisms, thus reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If existing downlink control information formats are reused, then physical layer overhead is reduced, but the information carrying capacity may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical layer overheadVSAvoidinformation carrying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink control information into multiple fields, with specific fields designated for uplink-downlink configuration information while other fields maintain their traditional functions, allowing efficient packing of information without increasing overall overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds uplink-downlink configuration information within existing downlink control information structures, nesting the configuration data inside the control message framework already established in the system, thereby utilizing existing resource containers without adding external overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3026946B1Method for notifying and obtaining uplink/downlink configuration information, base station, and user equipment
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 ZTE CORP
  • EP3026946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026946B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3026946B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for notifying uplink and downlink configuration information. The method includes: a base station sending to a user equipment (UE) a downlink control information format, wherein the downlink control information format carries uplink and downlink configuration information used for indicating an uplink and downlink configuration