Flexible Resource Allocation for Wireless Frequency Hopping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies due to misalignment between resource block groups (RBGs) and narrowbands (NBs), leading to decreased downlink cell throughput and spectrum fragmentation, particularly in 4G LTE and 5G NR networks, which affects bandwidth utilization and user experience.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a flexible resource allocation mechanism that allows for wideband allocations and frequency hopping in wireless communication systems, where frequency hopping is applied based on parameters defined for narrowband allocations, enabling more efficient use of resources by aligning wideband allocations with narrowband boundaries and adjusting frequency hopping offsets to optimize resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wideband resource allocation is implemented, then system capacity and spectral efficiency are improved, but misalignment with narrowband boundaries causes resource utilization loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidresource utilization loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the frequency hopping offset based on the relationship between wideband resource allocation and narrowband boundaries. When misalignment is detected, the offset parameter is modified to realign resources, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving wideband allocation benefits and avoiding resource utilization loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic frequency hopping offset adjustment that adapts to different allocation scenarios. The system dynamically determines whether to apply frequency hopping and what offset value to use, based on real-time analysis of resource allocation alignment with narrowband boundaries, thus optimizing both system capacity and resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If frequency hopping is applied to wideband allocation, then spectral efficiency is enhanced, but misalignment with narrowband boundaries increases resource fragmentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors the alignment between wideband resource allocation and narrowband boundaries. Based on this feedback, the frequency hopping offset is adjusted to maintain proper alignment, thus enhancing spectral efficiency while preventing resource fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency hopping offset parameter dynamically based on alignment conditions. When misalignment is detected, the offset is adjusted to restore proper alignment between wideband resources and narrowband boundaries, resolving the contradiction between spectral efficiency enhancement and resource allocation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If flexible resource allocation is implemented, then user experience is improved through higher data rates, but complexity of resource management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively enabling frequency hopping offset adjustment only when misalignment is detected, rather than always applying complex resource management mechanisms. This approach maintains high data rates through flexible resource allocation while reducing unnecessary complexity in normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3847859B1Techniques for flexible resource allocation
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3847859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3847859B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3847859B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects described herein relate to techniques for frequency hopping for a wideband allocation in wireless communications. A wideband allocation of resources for transmitting uplink wireless communications can be determined, as well as a frequency hopping offset related to one or more narrowbands for transmitting uplink wireless communications. In addition, it can be determined whether to apply the frequency hopping offset to the wideband allocation in communicating data. The data can be communicated over resources related to the wideband allocation with the frequency hopping offset applied communicating, based on determining to apply the frequency hopping offset.