LTE Special Subframe ECCE Configuration for Uplink Resource Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems, specifically in LTE, lack detailed procedures for communication using downlink and uplink physical channels, including PDSCH, EPDCCH, and PUCCH, which hampers efficient radio resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device and base station device configuration that sets a UL-DL configuration using a common RRC message, determining the number of enhanced control channel elements in the enhanced physical downlink control channel based on whether a subframe is a special subframe, with specific configurations for DwPTS, GP, and UpPTS regions, to optimize channel usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible subframe is used for traffic adaptation in TD-LTE, then the adaptability of uplink-downlink resource allocation is improved, but the complexity of communication procedures increases due to lack of specific protocols for physical channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic adaptation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of subframe configuration by introducing a special subframe structure with three distinct regions (DwPTS, GP, UpPTS) and dynamically adjusting the number of enhanced control channel elements (ECCEs) based on whether the subframe is special or not. This allows traffic adaptation while maintaining clear procedural rules for physical channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the subframe into three distinct regions (DwPTS for downlink, GP for guard period, UpPTS for uplink) and further segments the control channel elements based on subframe type. This segmentation provides clear boundaries and specific procedures for each region, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the number of enhanced control channel elements is dynamically adjusted based on subframe type, then the efficiency of radio resource usage is improved, but the complexity of determining uplink control channel resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradio resource efficiencyVSAvoidresource determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes preliminary rules for determining ECCE quantities based on subframe classification. The base station pre-configures which subframes are special subframes, and both the base station and terminal device follow predetermined procedures for resource determination, eliminating the need for complex dynamic negotiations during communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different qualities (numbers of ECCEs) to different parts (subframe types) of the system. Special subframes have ECCE quantity set to 0, while non-special subframes have ECCEs configured according to standard procedures. This localized differentiation optimizes resource usage without requiring complex system-wide reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If specific procedures are defined for physical channels in special subframes, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control signaling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol signaling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complexity of special subframe handling by creating a dedicated subframe type with explicit procedures. Instead of adding complex rules to all subframes, the patent isolates special subframe handling into a separate, well-defined category with specific rules for ECCE configuration, PDSCH, EPDCCH, and PUCCH, thereby improving reliability without uniformly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10455550B2Terminal device operating with a special subframe including three regions, base station device operating with a special subframe including three regions, and communication method operating with a special subframe including three regions

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 SHARP KK

AI summary

A first UL-DL configuration configured by using a common RRC message is set; it is determined whether or not the number of enhanced control channel elements in one enhanced physical downlink control channel set in a subframe is set to 0 in a case where an index of an uplink control channel resource is determined, based on whether or not the subframe is a predetermined special subframe in the first UL-DL configuration; a second UL-DL configuration indicated by downlink control information which is transmitted on a physical downlink control channel is set; and in a case where the second UL-DL configuration is set, determination is performed based on whether or not the subframe is the predetermined special subframe in the second UL-DL configuration.