HARQ Process Control via Transmission Resource Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in uplink power resource allocation and HARQ retransmission scheduling due to bandwidth and delay constraints, leading to susceptibility to signalling errors and suboptimal interaction between Layer 2 and Layer 3 nodes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a layer 1 mechanism using a transmission resource control channel, such as the E-AGCH, to control HARQ retransmission processes by transmitting specific bits that indicate whether a process should be activated or deactivated, allowing fast accommodation of transmission resource needs and reducing signalling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RNC-based packet scheduling is used to allocate uplink power resources, then resource allocation can be performed with centralized control, but bandwidth and delay constraints on RRC signalling interface prevent fast adaptation to instantaneous traffic variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation speed to traffic variabilityVSAvoidsignalling delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scheduling functionality by introducing a separate scheduling information element that can be transmitted independently of full RRC signalling. This allows the Node B to provide fast scheduling decisions (segmented from RNC control) while maintaining centralized resource management, thereby reducing signalling delay for traffic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary scheduling mechanism at the Node B level that acts as a mediator between RNC-based resource allocation and UE transmission. The scheduling information element transmitted on E-AGCH or E-RGCH channels enables fast adaptation without requiring direct RRC signalling between RNC and UE, thus reducing signalling delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conservative uplink power allocation is used to account for inactive users, then resource allocation maintains stability, but spectral efficiency decreases for high data rates and long release timer values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation stabilityVSAvoidspectral efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by enabling the Node B scheduler to adjust uplink power grants in real-time based on actual traffic conditions and release timer status. The scheduling information element allows the system to dynamically switch between conservative and aggressive allocation modes, optimizing spectral efficiency while maintaining stability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the Node B monitors uplink transmission status, buffer states, and release timer values, then adjusts scheduling decisions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain stability for inactive users while maximizing spectral efficiency for active high-data-rate transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If Layer 3 RRC signalling is used for HARQ process control, then comprehensive control capability is achieved, but bandwidth constraints and delay prevent fast activation of retransmission processes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHARQ process activation speedVSAvoidsignalling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the HARQ scheduling functionality from Layer 3 RRC signalling and places it at Layer 2 through the scheduling information element. This extraction allows fast HARQ process activation via physical channel signalling (E-AGCH/E-RGCH) without the overhead and delay of Layer 3 protocols, while maintaining comprehensive control capability through the Node B scheduler.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If distributed Node B scheduling is implemented for faster link adaptation, then spectral efficiency improves, but interaction between Layer 2 and Layer 3 nodes becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidLayer 2-Layer 3 interaction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scheduling functions of both Node B (Layer 2) and RNC (Layer 3) by implementing a hierarchical scheduling architecture. The Node B handles fast link adaptation and HARQ scheduling through the scheduling information element, while the RNC maintains overall resource management policy. This merging allows distributed scheduling benefits while coordinating Layer 2-Layer 3 interactions to avoid suboptimality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1872541B1Retransmission process control

Publication Date: 2017.08.16 SISVEL INT

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AI summary

This invention relates to signalling of control information related to retransmissions in a wireless communication network. According to one aspect of the invention, a method for controlling transmission over a wireless communication link is provided. The method comprises the step of indicating on a transmission resource control channel whether a HARQ retransmission process in a mobile station should be activated or deactivated.