MBSFN Sub-frame Resource Allocation for LTE MBMS Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE networks, User Equipment (UE) may not correctly receive Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) when the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) sub-frame resource allocation exceeds the Common Sub-frame Period (CSP), leading to incorrect allocation of MBSFN sub-frame resources for each MCH and MBMS, resulting in failed service acquisition.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves determining and notifying the UE of the allocation manner for MBSFN sub-frame resources to each MCH and MBMS within the MCH, even when the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) sub-frame resource allocation exceeds the CSP, ensuring correct resource allocation and scheduling by employing distributed or continuous resource allocation strategies, and indicating sub-frame resources in the Multicast Channel (MCH) Scheduling Information (MSI).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the MBMS sub-frame resource allocation exceeds the Common Sub-frame Period (CSP), then more MBMS services can be supported, but the UE cannot correctly receive the MBMS services due to allocation confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMBMS sub-frame resource allocationVSAvoidUE service reception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MBMS sub-frame resource allocation by introducing a new parameter 'mbsfn-SubframeAllocation' that divides the allocation into multiple parts. When the total allocation exceeds the CSP, the system splits the allocation across different CSP boundaries, with each segment being independently managed and indicated to the UE through separate signaling, thus preventing allocation confusion while supporting larger total allocations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the resource allocation by introducing the concept of multiple CSP periods. Instead of allocating all sub-frames within a single CSP period, the system extends the allocation across multiple CSP periods, using the time dimension to resolve the conflict between supporting large allocations and maintaining UE reception accuracy within each period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the MCH Scheduling Period (MSP) is extended beyond the CSP, then more scheduling flexibility is achieved, but the resource allocation management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveScheduling flexibilityVSAvoidResource allocation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the relationship between MSP and CSP parameters through higher-layer signaling before actual resource allocation occurs. The system pre-establishes the mapping rules and allocation patterns, so that when MSP exceeds CSP, the UE already has the necessary information to correctly interpret the allocation without real-time complex calculations, thus reducing management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary parameter 'mbsfn-SubframeAllocation' that mediates between the MSP and CSP time periods. This intermediary acts as a bridge, translating the extended MSP allocation into UE-comprehensible segments that align with CSP boundaries, thereby simplifying the management complexity while preserving scheduling flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3182782B1Subframe resource allocation and processing method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP3182782B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3182782B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP3182782B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

Provided are methods and devices for allocating and processing sub-frame resources. In the methods, under the condition that a Multicast Channel (MCH) Scheduling Period (MSP) exceeds a Common Sub-frame allocation Period (CSP), an allocation manner for allocating Multicast Broadcast over Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) sub-frame resources to each MCH and a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) in the MCH is determined; and the allocation manner is notified to User Equipment (UE). According to the technical solutions provided above, under the condition that the MSP exceeds the CSP, MBMS resource scheduling may be implemented, the UE may be ensured to correctly receive a required MBMS, and user experiences may be improved.