HARQ Timing Models for Uplink Coordinated Multi-Point Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) systems in coordinated multi-point transmission and reception for mobile networks face challenges in coordinating network elements due to insufficient time for backhaul link signaling, which affects the proper coordination and successful reception of uplink data packets.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of asynchronous and synchronous HARQ timing models, which include extending the HARQ process indices and adjusting the timing based on backhaul loading, allows for variable and flexible coordination between network elements, enabling efficient communication even under heavy backhaul conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If current HARQ systems are used for coordinated multi-point transmission, then the system structure remains simple, but the coordination time between network elements is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic HARQ timing adjustment by introducing multiple timing models (asynchronous and synchronous) that can be selected and configured based on backhaul conditions. The HARQ timing is made flexible rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt coordination time to actual network conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between sufficient coordination time and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter of HARQ operations by extending the HARQ process indices and adjusting timing based on backhaul loading conditions. This parameter adjustment allows sufficient time for backhaul signaling while maintaining system functionality, resolving the time sufficiency issue without requiring fundamental system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If backhaul link signaling time is extended to allow proper coordination, then coordination reliability improves, but system latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination reliabilityVSAvoidsystem latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic HARQ timing structures with defined periods for initial transmission, acknowledgment, and retransmission. By establishing regular periodic patterns in the timing model, the system ensures reliable coordination intervals while maintaining predictable and controlled latency, preventing unbounded delay increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary timing configuration and backhaul condition assessment before actual data transmission begins. By pre-configuring HARQ timing parameters and assessing backhaul loading in advance, the system establishes reliable coordination frameworks upfront, allowing efficient execution during actual operation without excessive latency during data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If synchronous HARQ timing is used, then timing predictability improves, but adaptability to varying backhaul conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to backhaul conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal HARQ timing framework that encompasses both synchronous and asynchronous models, allowing the system to function in multiple modes depending on conditions. The extended HARQ process indices and configurable timing parameters enable the same system to provide timing stability when needed while adapting to varying backhaul conditions, achieving multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous HARQ timing with extended process indices is implemented, then adaptability to backhaul loading improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to backhaul loadingVSAvoidHARQ process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HARQ process into multiple independent timing models (synchronous, asynchronous, and extended asynchronous variants) that can be independently configured and managed. By dividing the overall HARQ functionality into separable timing components, the system achieves high adaptability to different backhaul conditions while keeping each segment's complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2478658B1Method and system for hybrid automatic repeat request operation for uplink coordinated multi-point signaling
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2478658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2478658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2478658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for hybrid automatic repeat request operation for uplink coordinated multi-point signaling, the method in one embodiment sending a data packet from a user equipment to a plurality of network elements; waiting for a control indication from at least one of the plurality of network element; and retransmitting the data packet to the plurality of network elements if the control indication specifies retransmission is required.