Multi-Transport Block Link Adaptation for LTE Services

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LTE/LTE-A systems are unable to effectively manage multiple services with different demands simultaneously, leading to deterioration in transmission quality and throughput, as they can only apply one type of link adaptation per subframe, which compromises communication when multiple services are provided.

Innovation Solution

A user terminal and radio base station configuration that allows for the transmission and reception of multiple transport blocks in the same component carrier, layer, and transmission time interval, using downlink control information to control these processes, enabling separate link adaptations for each service and optimizing resource allocation and HARQ control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If one type of link adaptation is applied per subframe in conventional LTE/LTE-A systems, then the system structure remains simple and easy to manage, but transmission quality and throughput deteriorate when multiple services with different demands are provided simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate multiple servicesVSAvoidtransmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the link adaptation configuration by introducing separate configuration indices (first LA configuration index and second LA configuration index) that can independently control different transport blocks. This allows different link adaptation parameters to be applied to different services simultaneously within the same subframe, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and multi-service adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If one type of link adaptation is applied per subframe in conventional LTE/LTE-A systems, then the control mechanism remains simple, but throughput reduces when multiple services are provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to provide multiple servicesVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic link adaptation by allowing the eNB to independently adjust link adaptation parameters for different transport blocks based on real-time channel conditions and service requirements. The separate configuration indices enable dynamic optimization of throughput for each service type (e.g., eMBB, eURLLC, eMTC) without being constrained by a single unified configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If separate link adaptations are implemented for multiple services, then transmission quality and throughput improve, but the system complexity and device configuration become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidterminal configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by extending the existing link adaptation mechanism to handle multiple services through additional configuration indices rather than creating entirely separate control paths. The terminal uses the same basic procedures for receiving and applying link adaptation configurations, but now can process multiple configuration sets simultaneously, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high transmission quality.

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

4Productivity

If separate link adaptations are implemented for multiple services, then throughput and service appropriateness improve, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages control system complexity by introducing additional parameters (configuration indices) rather than fundamentally changing the control architecture. The eNB and terminal exchange these indices through existing signaling mechanisms, allowing sophisticated multi-service link adaptation while reusing the established control framework, thus improving throughput without proportionally increasing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3910844A1User terminal, radio base station, and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3910844A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910844A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3910844A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

According to the present invention, appropriate communication can be carried out even if a plurality of services are applied. A user terminal includes a receiving section configured to receive downlink control information (DCI) in regard to transmission and/or reception of a transport block (TB); and a control section configured to control, based on the DCI, transmission and/or reception of a plurality of TBs in the same CC (Component Carrier), the same layer and the same TTI (Transmission Time Interval).