HARQ Timing in Wireless Systems Using Super-Frame Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mobile communication systems, the HARQ retransmission delay is not constant due to varying ratios of DownLink (DL) to UpLink (UL) time slots, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and increased control overhead.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to maintain a constant HARQ retransmission delay by employing a super-frame structure that groups time slots into frames and sub-frames, with a predefined corresponding relation between uplink and downlink time slots, allowing for symmetric or asymmetric resource occupancy ratios, and using formulas to determine sub-frame indices for data burst transmission and feedback signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional HARQ scheme is used with varying DL/UL time slot ratios, then the system can support flexible resource allocation, but the HARQ retransmission delay becomes non-constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time slots into super-frames and frames, and further into downlink and uplink intervals with specific ratios (e.g., 5:3, 6:2). This segmentation allows the system to maintain flexible resource allocation while establishing a periodic structure that ensures constant HARQ retransmission delay. The segmented structure enables different DL/UL ratios to be managed systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing a super-frame structure that repeats periodically. Within each super-frame, the downlink and uplink intervals follow a consistent pattern with predetermined ratios. This periodicity ensures that the HARQ retransmission delay remains constant across multiple cycles, while still allowing flexible resource allocation within each period.
2Productivity
If the HARQ retransmission delay is made constant through super-frame structure, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a super-frame structure that can accommodate multiple DL/UL time slot ratios (e.g., 5:3, 6:2, 4:4) within a single framework. This multi-functional structure allows the system to maintain constant HARQ retransmission delay while supporting various resource allocation configurations, reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms for each ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the DL/UL time slot ratio to vary within the super-frame structure while maintaining overall periodicity. The system can change parameters such as the number of downlink and uplink intervals within a super-frame to adapt to different resource allocation needs, while the constant HARQ retransmission delay is maintained through the periodic nature of the structure.
3Reliability
If downlink sub-frames are monitored to ensure constant HARQ delay, then transmission reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the super-frame and frame structures with predetermined DL/UL time slot ratios and HARQ timing relationships. This preliminary setup allows the transmitter to know in advance when feedback signals are expected, enabling it to monitor only the necessary downlink sub-frames rather than continuously monitoring all possible sub-frames, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing the HARQ mechanism where the feedback timing is inherently determined by the super-frame structure itself. The transmitter uses the structured timing information from the super-frame configuration to automatically determine when to expect feedback, eliminating the need for additional complex monitoring mechanisms and reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable transmission.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A method of signal transmission/reception by a transmitter in a wireless mobile communication system is provided. The method includes determining a signal transmission/reception corresponding relation between a downlink and an uplink of the wireless mobile communication system, and transmitting and receiving signals to and from a receiver through at least one downlink sub-frame and at least one uplink sub-frame according to the determined signal transmission/reception corresponding relation.