LTE Inactive State Uplink Resource Allocation for Multi-Packet Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transmission methods in LTE systems can only support single packet data transmission, leading to increased signaling overhead and power consumption when handling multiple consecutive packet data transmissions, as terminals often need to switch between connected and idle states.

Innovation Solution

A new data transmission method that allows continuous transmission of multiple packet data by enabling terminals to remain in an inactive state and using RRC resume requests with indication information to manage uplink transmission resources dynamically, reducing the need for frequent state changes and optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If terminals switch between connected and idle states for multiple consecutive packet data transmissions, then data transmission can be performed, but signaling overhead and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures uplink transmission resources for the terminal in the inactive state, allowing the terminal to perform multiple uplink transmissions without transitioning to connected state. This preliminary resource allocation eliminates the need for frequent state switching and reduces power consumption while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic resource allocation mechanism where the network device can flexibly grant uplink transmission resources to terminals in inactive state based on actual transmission needs. The resource allocation is adapted to the number of packets to be transmitted, enabling efficient energy utilization without compromising transmission productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If terminals switch between connected and idle states for multiple consecutive packet data transmissions, then data transmission can be performed, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The network device sends pre-configured uplink transmission resource information to the terminal before the terminal needs to transmit data. This preliminary action includes resource grants that enable multiple transmissions without requiring the terminal to repeatedly request resources or switch states, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the resource allocation and management functions from the connected state transition process and implements them directly in the inactive state. By taking out the state switching requirement and replacing it with in-state resource management, the signaling overhead is reduced while data transmission productivity is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If only single packet data transmission is supported, then system complexity is reduced, but transmission efficiency decreases for multiple packets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation process into multiple independent grants that can be applied to multiple packets. Instead of requiring a single connected state transition for all transmissions, the system divides the transmission task into multiple smaller units that can be handled independently in the inactive state, improving efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inactive state is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only maintains connectivity but also supports multiple uplink transmissions with pre-configured resources. This multi-functionality allows the same state to handle both single and multiple packet transmissions efficiently, improving productivity without requiring additional complex states or mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3962230B1Data transmission method and apparatus, network device, and terminal
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3962230B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3962230B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3962230B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A data transmission method and apparatus, a network device, and a terminal are provided. The method includes: receiving first indication information sent by a terminal by a target base station, where the first indication information is configured to indicate a number of packet data to be sent by the terminal and/or whether the packet data to be sent exists; and sending first configuration information to the terminal by the target base station, where the first configuration information is used by the terminal to determine at least one uplink transmission resource corresponding to at least one of the packet data to be sent.