MU-MIMO Scheduling Based on UE Buffer Fullness

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation of Multi-User Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) in wireless communication systems consumes extensive processing and memory resources at the base station, necessitating a strategy to limit its application to situations where it has the most positive impact on spectral efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where the base station selects UEs for MU-MIMO service based on the fullness of their transmit buffers, prioritizing those with a threshold extent of data buffered for transmission, and limits MU-MIMO application to UEs with BSRs specifying greater than a predefined threshold quantity of data awaiting transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MU-MIMO is applied to multiple UEs simultaneously, then spectral efficiency is improved, but processing and memory resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing and memory resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station dynamically changes the parameter of MU-MIMO application by selecting which UEs to serve based on their buffer status. UEs with sufficient data buffers are selected for MU-MIMO service, while those with insufficient buffers are excluded. This parameter change optimizes the balance between spectral efficiency and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts MU-MIMO application based on real-time buffer status reports from UEs. The base station continuously monitors buffer levels and adapts its scheduling decisions, making the MU-MIMO application dynamic rather than static, thereby optimizing resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If MU-MIMO is applied to UEs with insufficient buffered data, then resource utilization is reduced, but spectral efficiency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoiddata volume in buffer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary assessment of UE buffer status before applying MU-MIMO service. By checking buffer status reports in advance and comparing them against threshold values, the base station pre-determines which UEs are suitable for MU-MIMO, ensuring that only UEs with sufficient data are selected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes feedback from Buffer Status Reports (BSRs) sent by UEs to the base station. This feedback mechanism allows the base station to continuously monitor data volumes in UE buffers and make informed decisions about MU-MIMO application, ensuring optimal spectral efficiency while avoiding service degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10313920B1Use of buffer fullness as basis to control application of MU-MIMO service

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC

AI summary

A method and system for controlling application of MU-MIMO. The disclosure provides for considering the quantity of data buffered for transmission over the air between the base station and each of various UEs, and selecting UEs to be subject to MU-MIMO service based on the quantity of data buffered. For example, a base station could prefer application of MU-MIMO for UEs that have more data buffered for transmission than other UEs. Or the base station could condition application of MU-MIMO to a pair of UEs on a determination that each UE of the pair has at least a threshold quantity of data buffered for transmission.