Relay Node Uplink Control via Cross-Carrier Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Relay nodes in communication systems face challenges in transmitting uplink control information due to subframe configuration restrictions, particularly when primary cells have restricted uplink transmission, limiting the ability to communicate effectively between relay nodes and donor eNodeB.

Innovation Solution

Implementing subframe partitioning configurations across multiple component carriers or serving cells, allowing relay nodes to transmit uplink control information on secondary serving cells and utilizing cross-carrier scheduling with timing offset values to manage subframe restrictions, enabling efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If subframe partitioning is applied to primary cell uplink transmissions, then interference between relay node backhaul and access links is reduced, but uplink control information transmission capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiduplink control information transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the uplink control information transmission across multiple component carriers (primary cell and secondary cell), allowing segmentation of the control plane functionality. This enables the relay node to transmit uplink control information on the secondary cell when the primary cell is restricted, while still benefiting from subframe partitioning on the primary cell to reduce interference between backhaul and access links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary cell acts as an intermediary carrier that provides alternative uplink control information transmission path when the primary cell is restricted. The cross-carrier scheduling mechanism mediates between the primary cell's subframe partitioning requirements and the need for continuous uplink control information transmission, allowing the relay node to maintain communication reliability without compromising interference reduction on the primary cell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If carrier aggregation with multiple component carriers is implemented, then communication flexibility and capacity are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements cross-carrier scheduling where a single scheduling cell can schedule resources on multiple served cells, creating a universal control mechanism that simplifies the management of multiple component carriers. The relay node uses unified uplink control information transmission across carriers rather than separate control channels for each carrier, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining the flexibility benefits of carrier aggregation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2702718B1Carrier aggregation with subframe restrictions
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP2702718B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2702718B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2702718B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Embodiments contemplate enabling relay node uplink control information transmission on an interface between a relay node and a donor eNodeB (DeNB) in one or more subframes. Embodiments contemplate techniques to avoid restrictions on uplink transmissions on a cell (perhaps due to subframe configuration), such as on a primary cell, where the restrictions may make relay node uplink control information transmission difficult (if not impossible) on the interface between a relay node and a donor eNodeB (DeNB). Embodiments also contemplate that resources on the interface between the relay node and the donor eNodeB may be scheduled across one or more component carriers or serving cells.