Multi-Numerology Scheduling for URLLC and eMBB Resource Sharing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems struggle to efficiently accommodate both low latency and latency tolerant UEs using the same time-frequency resources, particularly in scenarios where ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) coexist, as existing methods fail to provide adequate scheduling and resource allocation strategies.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves configuring different numerologies for distinct bandwidth partitions and using scheduling information to allocate resources efficiently, allowing for both low latency and latency tolerant communications to share the same resources by employing a bitmap-based resource allocation mechanism that accounts for pre-emption and dynamic adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the same time-frequency resources are shared by both low latency UEs and latency tolerant UEs, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts, each configured with different numerologies suitable for different service types. This segmentation allows low latency URLLC traffic and latency tolerant eMBB traffic to be handled with appropriate parameters simultaneously, resolving the scheduling complexity issue while maintaining resource sharing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station can dynamically assign different bandwidth parts and numerologies to different UEs or different resource blocks within the same time slot. This dynamic approach enables flexible adaptation to varying traffic demands while maintaining efficient resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple numerologies are configured for different bandwidth parts, then adaptability for different service types is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different service typesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource allocation framework where a single downlink control information message can allocate resources across multiple bandwidth parts with different numerologies. This multi-functionality allows the same scheduling mechanism to handle both URLLC and eMBB traffic efficiently without requiring separate scheduling systems

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

Solution Approach 2:

Different bandwidth parts are configured with locally optimized numerologies tailored to specific service requirements. For example, smaller subcarrier spacing may be used for eMBB in certain bandwidth parts while larger subcarrier spacing is used for URLLC in other bandwidth parts, allowing each service type to operate with optimal parameters in its designated region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If dynamic resource allocation is implemented for low latency traffic, then latency is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to pre-emption of scheduled resources

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary resource allocation for eMBB traffic in the downlink control information, reserving specific resource blocks before URLLC traffic arrives. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly pre-empt only the necessary resources for low latency traffic while maintaining the scheduled resources for other UEs, thus reducing latency without completely compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors the impact of pre-emption on scheduled transmissions and adjusts future resource allocation decisions accordingly. This feedback loop helps maintain reliability by learning from past pre-emption events and optimizing resource allocation patterns to minimize negative impacts on latency tolerant traffic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3494748B1Systems and methods for scheduling and resource allocation with one or multiple numerologies
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3494748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494748B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3494748B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods of transmitting and receiving resource allocations, and transmitting and receiving on the basis of such resource allocations, are provided. Scheduling information is transmitted from a network to a user equipment to schedule a downlink transmission resource, the scheduling information comprising a first field that schedules a first resource allocation and a second field that schedules resources for a second resource allocation. The first and set of resouces may be a first set of M symbols, and the second set of resources may be L--M symbols, where there are L symbols in a scheduling period. One of the sets of resources may be subject to pre-emption while the other set is not. The two sets of resources may use different numerologies, for example using different sub-carrier spacings.