HARQ Process Configuration in MIMO Mode Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communications systems, the existing HARQ operation is hindered by incorrect configuration of HARQ processes during mode transitions between MIMO and non-MIMO modes due to the absence of 'HARQ Info' in radio resource control messages, leading to unknown behavior and inefficient data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating both 'HARQ Info' and 'MIMO parameters' into radio resource control messages, specifically the PHYSICAL CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION message, to ensure accurate configuration of HARQ processes and proper mode transitions, thereby preventing incorrect HARQ process numbers and enhancing transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the PHYSICAL CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION message includes only MIMO parameters without HARQ Info, then the message structure is simple, but the HARQ process configuration becomes incorrect during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage structureVSAvoidHARQ process configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines MIMO parameters and HARQ Info into a single PHYSICAL CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION message. This merging ensures that when the network switches between MIMO and non-MIMO modes, both the MIMO configuration and HARQ process configuration are updated together, preventing the mismatch that occurs when only MIMO parameters are included.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE transitions between MIMO and non-MIMO modes without proper HARQ configuration, then mode flexibility is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to unknown behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode transition flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the HARQ process number in advance within the PHYSICAL CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION message before the mode transition occurs. The network sends both MIMO parameters and HARQ Info together, so the UE is pre-configured with the correct HARQ process number for the target mode, eliminating the unknown behavior that would otherwise occur during mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the number of HARQ processes is not adjusted during MIMO mode transitions, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but data transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the network monitor the UE's MIMO operation status and send appropriate HARQ Info in the PHYSICAL CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION message. When the network detects that the UE is transitioning between MIMO and non-MIMO modes, it sends feedback containing the correct HARQ process number configuration, ensuring the UE maintains optimal transmission efficiency for the current mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2003809B1Method and apparatus for improving hybrid automatic repeat request operation in a wireless communications system
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 INNOVATIVE SONIC LTD
  • EP2003809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2003809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2003809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to avoid unknown behavior of a user equipment, the present invention provides a method of improving Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request, known as HARQ, operation for a network in a wireless communications system. The method includes adding a HARQ information information element, abbreviated to IE, and a Multi-Input Multi-Output, known as MIMO, parameters IE into a radio resource control message, wherein the radio resource control message is used by the network to assign, replace or release a physical channel used by the user equipment (302), and transmitting the radio resource control message to the user equipment (304).