HARQ Buffer Management for Dynamic Subframe Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing Hybrid Automatic Repeat and Request (HARQ) buffers during dynamic subframe changes, particularly in adapting resource allocations to varying traffic loads in LTE systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that support dynamic resource changes by allowing HARQ schemes to adjust subframe configurations, with the reception end and transmission end communicating changes through signaling, and managing soft buffer sizes based on the maximum number of HARQ processes, enabling efficient operation across different subframe configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic subframe configuration changes are implemented to adapt to varying traffic loads, then system adaptability and resource utilization improve, but HARQ buffer management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubframe configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidHARQ buffer management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting subframe configuration parameters (such as subframe direction and HARQ process numbers) based on traffic load conditions. When traffic patterns change, the system modifies these parameters to optimize resource utilization while maintaining HARQ buffer compatibility through group-based configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating HARQ buffer configurations that work across multiple subframe configurations within the same group. A single HARQ buffer can serve multiple subframe configurations, reducing the need for separate buffer management for each configuration and thereby simplifying overall system complexity.

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

2Productivity

If subframe configuration is dynamically changed to match traffic patterns, then resource utilization improves, but HARQ process continuity may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidHARQ process continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing subframe configurations into distinct groups where configurations within each group share compatible HARQ buffer requirements. This segmentation allows dynamic switching between configurations within a group while maintaining HARQ continuity, as the buffers are designed to accommodate all configurations in their assigned group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible switching between subframe configurations within the same HARQ buffer group based on real-time traffic conditions. The system can dynamically adjust subframe directions and allocations while ensuring that the HARQ buffer capacity and structure remain compatible across all configurations in the group, thus maintaining process continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If HARQ buffer size is increased to support more HARQ processes, then system capacity improves, but device memory requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ process capacityVSAvoidbuffer memory size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing HARQ buffers that can serve multiple subframe configurations simultaneously through group-based allocation. Instead of requiring separate buffers for each configuration, a single buffer can handle multiple configurations within its group, effectively increasing system capacity without proportionally increasing memory requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements merging by combining the functionality of multiple HARQ buffers into a unified buffer structure that handles configurations from the same group. This consolidation allows the system to support more HARQ processes across different configurations while utilizing shared buffer resources, thereby reducing total memory requirements compared to having separate dedicated buffers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2750318B1Method of operating an HARQ buffer for a dynamic sub-frame change and an apparatus for same
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2750318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2750318B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2750318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of supporting a Hybrid Automatic Repeat and request (HARQ) scheme of a reception end for supporting a dynamic resource change in a wireless communication system. In particular, the method includes the steps of receiving a change message for changing a currently applied first subframe setting to a second subframe setting from a transmission end, and transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the transmission end according to the second subframe setting, wherein a plurality of subframe settings including the first and second subframe settings are divided into one or more groups, the first and second subframe settings belongs to an identical group, and the HARQ scheme is applied according to the group-specific maximum number of HARQ processes and a soft buffer size for each HARQ process when the subframe setting is changed according to the change message.