Multi-Cell Scheduling Resource Allocation via Carrier Indication Bitmap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP networks face challenges in efficiently managing resource allocation for data and control transmissions across multiple cells, leading to increased control overhead and reduced scheduling flexibility, especially with the growing complexity of wireless systems and diverse spectrum usage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of mechanisms for multi-cell scheduling, including a carrier indication bitmap, BWP indication, UL/SUL indicator, frequency domain resource allocation, and time domain resource allocation, to optimize DCI payload size and reduce control overhead while maintaining scheduling flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-cell scheduling is implemented to manage resource allocation across multiple cells, then scheduling flexibility and network performance are improved, but control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling mechanism is segmented into separate fields within the DCI structure: a carrier indication bitmap for identifying target cells, BWP indication fields for bandwidth part selection, and resource allocation fields for time and frequency domain scheduling. This segmentation allows efficient multi-cell scheduling while controlling the size of individual control elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DCI structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates carrier information through the bitmap, specifies bandwidth parts, and provides time-domain and frequency-domain resource allocation all within a single control information element, reducing overall control overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If detailed resource allocation mechanisms are provided for multiple cells, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but DCI payload size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidDCI payload size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different levels of detail to different aspects of resource allocation based on local requirements. The carrier indication bitmap uses compact bit-level information for cell identification, while time and frequency domain allocations use optimized field sizes appropriate for each dimension, avoiding uniform detailed allocation throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism provides detailed allocation information only where necessary - including full time-domain and frequency-domain resource allocation fields when needed, but using more compact representations (like bitmaps) for cell identification, thereby reducing overall payload size while maintaining sufficient allocation precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240251401A1Resource allocation for multiple component carrier transmissions

Publication Date: 2024.07.25 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus and system of providing resource allocation for PDSCH and/or PUSCH transmissions with multi-cell scheduling are described. For multi-cell scheduling, one or more of a carrier indicator, bandwidth part (BWP) indication, UL/SUL indicator, frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) and/or time domain resource allocation (TDRA) may be provided by a NG-RAN node to a UE. In some cases, a carrier indication bitmap may be provided in downlink channel information to indicate single or multi-cell scheduling, as well as the scheduled cells.