Dynamic Resource Type Updates in IAB Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional resource management techniques in wireless communications systems, particularly in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, lead to inefficient use of system resources due to half-duplex conflicts and unnecessary resource barring, especially when parent and child nodes attempt to use shared resources simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of techniques that allow child nodes to signal uplink messages for unused resources and request soft resource use, enabling more efficient control and utilization of soft resources, and optimizing time division multiplexing (TDM) to manage parent and child link resources effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional resource management techniques are used in IAB networks, then resource allocation is simplified, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to half-duplex conflicts and unnecessary resource barring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidresource control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource type updates where soft resources can be converted to hard resources based on real-time parent node resource utilization. The child node continuously monitors parent node resource usage and dynamically adjusts its resource type classifications, transforming static resource allocation into a flexible, adaptive system that responds to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the child node monitors parent node resource utilization and uses this information to determine whether to update soft resource types to hard resource types. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust resource allocation based on actual usage patterns, preventing both over-provisioning and under-provisioning of resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If soft resources are strictly controlled by parent nodes, then resource conflicts are reduced, but resource utilization deteriorates due to unnecessary barring when parent nodes do not utilize released resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidresource conflict avoidance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables child nodes to autonomously monitor parent node resource utilization and self-determine whether to convert soft resources to hard resources. This self-service mechanism allows child nodes to independently make resource allocation decisions based on observed parent node behavior, eliminating the need for continuous explicit parent node control while maintaining resource conflict avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state parameter of resources from static (fixed soft or hard classification) to dynamic (convertible between states). The resource type parameter can be changed from soft to hard based on parent node utilization patterns, allowing the system to adapt resource characteristics to match actual usage requirements and improve overall utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If child nodes cannot use parent node resources, then interference is minimized, but system efficiency deteriorates due to unused resources during TDM patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic resource sharing framework where child node access to parent node resources is not fixed but adapts based on real-time utilization conditions. During periods when parent nodes have unused capacity, child nodes can dynamically access these resources, transforming the system from a static exclusion model to a dynamic sharing model that maximizes resource utilization while managing interference through conditional access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3874658B1Techniques for updating resource types
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3874658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3874658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3874658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A parent access node may establish a first link with a child access node. In some cases, the parent access node may determine to release a resource of the first link. The parent access node may transmit downlink signaling indicating release of the resource. The child node may schedule a child link resource corresponding to the released resource. The child node may then communicate with a child node of its own in accordance with the scheduling of the child link resource. In some cases, the resource release indication may be associated with a one-time resource release, or with a semi-persistent release (e.g., until the parent node reclaims the released resources). In some examples, the child node may transmit an uplink message to request resources from the parent node (e.g., and the resource release may be based on the request).