Low Latency Resource Allocation in Wireless Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, such as LTE, face challenges in achieving low latency due to the limitations of traditional transmission time intervals (TTIs), which hinder efficient resource allocation and increase latency as demand for mobile broadband access grows.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a low latency communication technology that utilizes shorter TTIs, such as symbol-based or subframe-slot TTIs, and allocating resources in a manner that includes generating and determining low latency resource blocks (RBs) within existing RB groups, allowing for more frequent and efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional TTI (transmission time interval) is used in LTE systems, then resource allocation is simplified and system compatibility is maintained, but latency increases and communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the traditional TTI structure into shorter time intervals, dividing the 1ms subframe into multiple slots or mini-slots. This segmentation enables more frequent resource allocations and reduces latency by allowing faster transmission and reception of data packets, while maintaining compatibility with existing LTE frameworks through structured division of time resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic TTI length adjustment, allowing the system to switch between different TTI durations (e.g., 1ms, 0.5ms, or shorter) based on traffic conditions and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation optimizes latency for time-sensitive applications while maintaining efficient resource utilization for other traffic types, resolving the contradiction between reduced latency and system-wide complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If shorter TTIs are implemented to reduce latency, then communication speed improves, but resource allocation complexity increases and processing overhead grows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple short TTIs into aggregated resource allocations where possible, combining several smaller time intervals into larger allocation units when traffic patterns allow. This merging reduces the number of individual scheduling decisions required, lowering processing overhead while still benefiting from the reduced latency capability of shorter TTIs when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces periodic resource allocation patterns for certain traffic types, where resources are allocated at regular intervals rather than through continuous dynamic scheduling. This periodic approach reduces processing overhead by predicting and pre-allocating resources for periodic traffic flows, while maintaining the ability to use shorter TTIs for aperiodic or time-sensitive traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If frequent resource allocations are made to support lower latency, then communication responsiveness improves, but system overhead increases and resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidsystem overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different resource allocation frequencies and TTI lengths to different users, services, or traffic types based on their specific requirements. Time-sensitive services receive more frequent allocations with shorter TTIs, while best-effort traffic uses longer TTIs with less frequent allocations. This localized differentiation improves responsiveness for critical traffic while reducing overall system overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes resource allocation parameters such as TTI length, allocation frequency, and resource block size based on channel conditions, traffic load, and service requirements. By adapting these parameters in real-time, the system achieves high responsiveness when needed while minimizing overhead during periods of lower demand or better channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3398280B1Techniques for allocating resources in low latency wireless communications
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3398280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3398280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3398280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects described herein relate to allocating resources in wireless communications. A subset of resource block (RB) groups configured for a legacy wireless communication technology having a first transmission time interval (TTI) can be determined, where the first TTI is based on one subframe in duration, and where each RB group in the subset of RB groups includes one or more RBs. A resource allocation for a low latency communication technology having a second TTI, the second TTI being less than one subframe in duration, can be determined where the resource allocation including one or more low latency RBs in the subset of RB groups. Data can be communicated over resources in the one or more low latency RBs, the low latency RBs being based on the second TTI, and the resources being associated with the resource allocation.