Numerology-Based Scheduling Requests for Differentiated 5G Services

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE SR mechanism is inadequate for the diverse service requirements of 5G wireless communications, failing to provide differentiated scheduling for various services such as eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC, leading to inefficiencies in uplink resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting scheduling requests (SRs) that utilize numerology-based SR configurations, allowing the terminal device to select appropriate SR parameters based on the service type, and enabling the access network device to allocate uplink resources accordingly, thereby supporting differentiated scheduling for multiple services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single SR configuration is used for all services, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different service requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSR configuration complexityVSAvoidservice differentiation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single SR configuration into multiple SR configurations, each associated with different numerologies (subcarrier spacing values). This segmentation allows different services to use different SR configurations based on their requirements, resolving the contradiction between complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different SR configuration parameters (such as sr-PUCCH-ResourceIndex, sr-ConfigIndex) to different numerologies locally. Each numerology has its own optimized SR configuration, allowing local optimization for different service types without affecting other services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SR configurations are introduced for different services, then adaptability to service requirements is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice differentiation capabilityVSAvoidSR configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal SR configuration framework that works across multiple numerologies and service types. The base station configures multiple SR configurations that can be universally applied to different services (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) based on their numerology requirements, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages complexity by systematically varying key parameters (subcarrier spacing, SR periodicity, PUCCH resource indices) across different configurations. This parameter-based approach allows the system to handle multiple services through controlled parameter variations rather than fundamentally different configuration structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If SR resources are allocated without service differentiation, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but uplink resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation simplicityVSAvoiduplink resource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic SR resource allocation where the base station can assign different SR configurations to different services based on real-time requirements. The system dynamically selects which SR configuration to use based on the service type and current channel conditions, improving allocation efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3672347B1Scheduling request sending method and device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3672347B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3672347B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3672347B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides a method for transmitting a scheduling request SR. The method includes: sending, by an access network device, an SR configuration to a terminal device, where the SR configuration includes SR parameters corresponding to a plurality of wireless physical layer parameter numerologies. When there is to-be-sent uplink data, the terminal device selects, according to a preset policy, one SR parameter corresponding to a logical channel LCH on which the uplink data is located, and transmits an SR on an SR resource corresponding to the selected SR parameter, to request an uplink grant. Further, the terminal device requests the uplink grant with reference to a maximum number of SR transmission on the LCH and/or a maximum number of SR transmission of the terminal device in the SR configuration.