Flexible Scheduling for Limited Signal Processing in Cellular Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing low-cost, low-power Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices for cellular communication that comply with modem standards while managing bandwidth and throughput requirements is challenging due to disproportionate scaling and limited signal processing capabilities, which existing methods fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A flexible scheduling method that acquires the signal processing capability of wireless communication devices and adjusts time-frequency resource allocation based on this capability, allowing for varying time intervals between communication occasions to optimize resource usage and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If MTC devices are designed with low cost and low power consumption, then device volume and power efficiency improve, but signal processing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scheduling parameters adjustable based on device capability. The network node dynamically adapts the time interval between communication occasions and frequency span of allocated resources according to the signal processing capability of each MTC device, allowing low-power devices to operate within their capabilities while maintaining system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters (time interval between communication occasions and frequency span of allocated resources) to match device capabilities. By adjusting these parameters based on acquired signal processing capability information, the system enables low-cost MTC devices to communicate effectively without requiring full-capability signal processing hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If standard cellular communication requirements are fully implemented, then compliance and throughput improve, but device cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated scheduling treatment based on device type. MTC devices receive customized scheduling with adjusted time intervals and frequency spans tailored to their specific capabilities, while other devices continue to use standard scheduling, allowing each device type to operate optimally for its intended application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by allocating only the necessary portion of communication resources to MTC devices based on their actual needs and capabilities. Rather than requiring full bandwidth and throughput capabilities, the system allocates reduced frequency spans and adjusted time intervals that are sufficient for MTC applications, lowering device requirements and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of manufacture

If flexible scheduling is implemented to accommodate limited signal processing capability, then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but scheduling complexity at the network node increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice costVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node acquire signal processing capability information from MTC devices in advance, before resource allocation. This pre-acquired information allows the network node to pre-calculate appropriate time intervals and frequency spans, simplifying the scheduling process rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments during communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2747507B1Scheduling for devices with limited signal processing capability
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2747507B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2747507B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2747507B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

A method of a network node of a cellular communication system adapted to communicate with a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method comprises acquiring a signal processing capability of the wireless communication device, scheduling one or more first time-frequency resources of a first occasion of communication for transmission to the wireless communication device based on the acquired signal processing capability, and determining a length of a time interval between the first and a second occasion of communication between the network node and the wireless communication device based on the acquired signal processing capability. The method further comprises transmitting data to the wireless communication device during the first occasion using the scheduled first time-frequency resources, and performing an operation of communication between the network node and the wireless communication device during the second occasion of communication. Scheduling the one or more first time-frequency resources and determining the length of the time interval based on the acquired signal processing capability comprises, if the acquired signal processing capability does not fulfill a signal processing capability requirement, determining the length of the time interval such that a first length is selected if the scheduled one or more first time-frequency resources have a first frequency span and a second length is selected if the scheduled one or more first time-frequency resources have a second frequency span, where the first length exceeds the second length and the first frequency span exceeds the second frequency span.