Multiple H-ARQ Processes for Simultaneous Transport Block Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional H-ARQ schemes in wireless communication systems, such as LTE and HSPA+, are limited to transmitting only one transport block per Transmission Time Interval (TTI via a single H-ARQ process, which is insufficient for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) processes, especially with the introduction of physical resource-dependent link adaptation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enable simultaneous transmission of multiple transport blocks per TTI using multiple H-ARQ processes, where each transport block is processed independently with its own H-ARQ process, and associated control information is sent to the receiver to manage successful or unsuccessful receipt feedback for retransmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single H-ARQ process is used to transmit one transport block per TTI, then the signaling mechanism remains simple and manageable, but the system cannot support multiple transport blocks per TTI and achieves limited throughput

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidH-ARQ signaling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the H-ARQ signaling mechanism into multiple independent processes, where each process handles a specific transport block. This segmentation allows multiple TBs to be transmitted simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular process handling, directly resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple TBs and keeping signaling simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to the H-ARQ mechanism by implementing parallel H-ARQ processes operating simultaneously within the same TTI. This dimensional expansion from single-process sequential handling to multi-process parallel handling enables multiple TB transmissions while organizing complexity through structured process management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple transport blocks are transmitted per TTI via multiple H-ARQ processes, then system capacity and throughput are improved, but the conventional single H-ARQ signaling mechanism becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidsignaling mechanism adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal H-ARQ signaling framework that can adapt to both single and multiple TB transmissions per TTI. The signaling mechanism is designed to be multi-functional, handling various scenarios including single TB, multiple TBs, new transmissions, and retransmissions through a unified process management approach, thereby improving adaptability while supporting enhanced system capacity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic H-ARQ signaling mechanism where the number of active H-ARQ processes can vary flexibly based on system conditions, channel quality, and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the signaling mechanism to scale from one to multiple processes as needed, resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple TBs and maintaining signaling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If independent H-ARQ processes are assigned to each transport block, then error handling and link adaptation are improved, but the control information overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror handlingVSAvoidcontrol information overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges common control information elements across multiple H-ARQ processes to reduce overhead. By identifying and combining redundant signaling elements while maintaining independent error handling capabilities for each TB, the system achieves improved reliability without proportionally increasing control information overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template-based control information structures where common elements are defined once and copied across multiple H-ARQ processes. This copying approach with selective customization allows independent error handling for each TB while minimizing redundant control information transmission, effectively resolving the overhead issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2518928B1Method and system for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request processes per transmission time interval
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 INTERDIGITAL TECH CORP
  • EP2518928B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2518928B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and system for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) processes per transmission time interval (TTI) are disclosed. A transmitter and a receiver include a plurality of H-ARQ processes to transmit and receive multiple transport blocks (TBs) simultaneously per TTI. The transmitter generates a plurality of TBs and assigns the TBs to multiple H-ARQ processes. The transmitter sends control information for the TBs and H-ARQ processes associated with the TBs to the receiver. The transmitter then sends the TBs using multiple H-ARQ processes simultaneously per TTI. After receiving the TBs, the receiver sends feedback to each of the TBs indicating successful or unsuccessful receipt of each of the TBs to the transmitter.