Flexible Subframe Scheduling for LTE Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The traffic adaptation technology using flexible subframes in LTE wireless communication systems is not fully established, limiting efficient communication by dynamically adjusting the ratio of uplink to downlink resources based on traffic demands.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a base station and mobile station device communication system that utilizes flexible subframes, allowing for dynamic configuration as either uplink or downlink subframes based on traffic requirements, enabling efficient communication by scheduling PUSCH and SRS transmissions within these subframes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traffic adaptation technology using flexible subframes is implemented, then packet throughput is improved, but the technology is not completely established causing communication reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket throughputVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subframe configuration where flexible subframes can be dynamically assigned as uplink or downlink subframes based on traffic conditions. The base station determines the subframe type and notifies mobile stations, enabling adaptive resource allocation that improves throughput while maintaining reliable communication through controlled dynamic reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of subframe direction (uplink/downlink) for flexible subframes based on traffic adaptation requirements. By dynamically changing this parameter and notifying mobile stations through system information or dedicated signaling, the system achieves both high throughput and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible subframes are used for dynamic resource allocation, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to incomplete technology establishment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic subframe configuration where the direction of flexible subframes can be changed based on traffic conditions. This dynamic approach provides resource allocation flexibility while managing system complexity through standardized procedures for determination and notification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes flexible subframes multi-functional, allowing them to serve as either uplink or downlink subframes depending on traffic requirements. This universal usage maximizes resource allocation flexibility while avoiding the need for separate dedicated subframe configurations for different traffic types.

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

3Ease of operation

If mobile station regards flexible subframe as downlink subframe by default, then communication simplicity is maintained, but uplink transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoiduplink transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic determination of flexible subframe direction at the mobile station. Instead of a fixed default, the mobile station dynamically identifies whether a flexible subframe is for uplink or downlink based on notifications from the base station, maintaining simplicity while enabling efficient uplink transmission when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base station provides feedback or notification to mobile stations about the intended use of flexible subframes. This feedback mechanism ensures that mobile stations can correctly interpret subframe direction without complex autonomous decision-making, maintaining ease of operation while improving uplink transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2869628B1Base station device, mobile station device and wireless communication method to process system information block
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SHARP KK
  • EP2869628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2869628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2869628B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A base station device and a mobile station device efficiently communicate by using a flexible subframe. When a physical uplink shared channel and a sounding reference signal are not scheduled in a first flexible subframe, and at least the physical uplink shared channel is scheduled in a second flexible subframe immediately following the first flexible subframe, the mobile station device monitors a downlink grant which is used for scheduling the physical downlink shared channel in the first flexible subframe, and receives the physical downlink shared channel except for a last part in a time domain, in the first flexible subframe, based on the detected downlink grant.