MTC Transport Block Scheduling Interval Based on UE Capability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring transport block scheduling intervals in Machine Type Communication (MTC) UE fail to account for varying data processing capabilities, leading to unfair treatment of UEs with smaller or larger buffers, and do not fully utilize the potential of UEs with larger buffers.

Innovation Solution

Determine a transport block scheduling interval based on the current capability information of MTC UE, sending scheduling information through a PDCCH to configure the interval flexibly, supporting single-to-multiple TB scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a small transmission interval is specified at physical layer, then the control channel overhead is reduced and radio interface utilization is improved, but UEs with smaller buffer are affected and fairness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio interface utilizationVSAvoidfairness to UE with small buffer
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the TB scheduling interval configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. The base station can dynamically adjust the interval based on UE buffer capabilities, allowing the system to optimize for radio interface utilization when UEs have large buffers while maintaining fairness when UEs have small buffers. This is achieved through capability indication messages from UE to base station and corresponding scheduling decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of TB scheduling interval from a fixed physical layer specification to a configurable parameter that can be adjusted based on UE capabilities. By introducing capability indication parameters (such as capability flags or buffer size indicators) and making the scheduling interval a configurable parameter rather than a fixed constant, the system can adapt to different UE types and optimize both productivity and fairness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a larger transmission interval is specified, then UEs with larger buffer can fully utilize their capacity, but UEs with smaller buffer are unfairly treated and data processing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of UE with large bufferVSAvoiddata processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different TB scheduling intervals tailored to different UE capabilities. Instead of using a uniform interval for all UEs, the system identifies individual UE buffer capabilities through capability indication messages and assigns appropriate intervals - larger intervals for UEs with large buffers to maximize their utilization, and smaller intervals for UEs with small buffers to maintain processing efficiency. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the TB scheduling interval based on real-time UE capability information. Through capability indication messages exchanged between UE and base station, the system can adjust scheduling parameters on-the-fly, allowing UEs with large buffers to benefit from larger intervals while preventing degradation of productivity for UEs with small buffers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed TB scheduling interval is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot accommodate different data processing capabilities of various MTC UE

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidsupport for different UE capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UE population into different capability categories through capability indication messages. By dividing UEs into groups based on their buffer capabilities (e.g., capable of handling larger intervals vs. requiring smaller intervals), the system can apply different scheduling strategies to different segments. This segmentation approach maintains implementation simplicity through standardized capability reporting while achieving adaptability through differentiated scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by creating a scheduling framework that can handle multiple UE capability types through a unified capability indication mechanism. The base station uses the same capability indication message structure and scheduling procedure for all UEs, but the system universally supports different interval configurations based on reported capabilities. This multi-functional approach maintains simplicity while accommodating diverse UE types.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3836455B1Method and apparatus for configuring and determining transmission block scheduling interval, and base station
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3836455B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3836455B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3836455B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for configuring a transport block scheduling interval, methods and apparatuses for determining a transport block scheduling interval, base stations, user equipment, and computer-readable storage media. A method of configuring a transport block scheduling interval includes: if scheduling of current machine type communication (MTC) user equipment (UE) is in a preset type, determining a corresponding transport block scheduling interval based on current capability information of the current MTC UE, and sending scheduling information to the current MTC UE through a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The current capability information includes a parameter indicating a distinctive scheduling processing capability level of the current MTC UE. The scheduling information includes the determined transport block scheduling interval. According to the examples of the present invention, configuring a TB scheduling interval flexibly can be effectively realized, and thereby to support a single-to-multiple TB scheduling for the MTC UE.