SC-PTM MBMS Scheduling via Time-Domain Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MBMS scheduling methods are inadequate for single-cell transmission, as they cannot dynamically schedule services on the PDCCH of each subframe, differing significantly from multi-cell MBMS scheduling and unicast services.

Innovation Solution

Implementing time-domain scheduling information for SC-PTM MBMS, where the eNB sends frequency-domain scheduling information on a PDCCH, scrambled with an RNTI, indicating the position of a time-domain subframe, allowing UE to perform blind detection and receive MBMS on a PDSCH based on the read scheduling information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MBMS scheduling information is transmitted semi-statically on MCCH, then network resource utilization is improved, but the ability to dynamically schedule services on each subframe is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoiddynamic service scheduling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments MBMS scheduling into two parts: semi-static scheduling information transmitted on MCCH for resource efficiency, and dynamic subframe-level scheduling indicators transmitted on PDCCH for adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve resource utilization improvement and dynamic scheduling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic scheduling indicators on PDCCH that can change each subframe, enabling the system to adapt to varying service requirements in real-time while maintaining the semi-static MCCH structure for resource efficiency. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction between static resource allocation and dynamic service needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If MBMS notification messages are sent periodically on PDCCH, then UE power consumption is reduced through selective reception, but scheduling flexibility for single-cell transmission is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidsingle-cell scheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments notification mechanisms into periodic MBMS notification messages for power-saving selective reception, and subframe-specific PDCCH scheduling indicators for single-cell flexibility. This dual-layer segmentation enables both low power consumption and high scheduling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic MBMS notification messages to preliminarily inform UEs about upcoming scheduling changes, allowing UEs to enter low-power states between notifications. This preliminary action maintains scheduling flexibility while minimizing UE power consumption through selective reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If time-domain scheduling information is transmitted to indicate subframe positions, then scheduling precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling position indication accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting detailed time-domain scheduling information only where needed (in single-cell MBMS contexts requiring precise subframe positioning), while relying on semi-static MCCH information for general scheduling. This localized precision reduces overall signaling overhead while maintaining necessary accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transmits partial scheduling information semi-statically on MCCH and supplements only the necessary time-domain position indicators dynamically on PDCCH. This partial action approach provides sufficient scheduling precision without the excessive overhead of transmitting complete scheduling information dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3244644B1Method and system for implementing service scheduling, base station, and user equipment

Publication Date: 2020.10.07 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

Disclosed are a method, system, evolved Node B (eNB) and User Equipment (UE) for implementing service scheduling. The method includes: an eNB sends time-domain scheduling information of Single Cell-Point To Multipoint (SC-PTM) Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) to a UE, the time-domain scheduling information is used for indicating a position of a time-domain subframe where the MBMS is located, and a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) of the time-domain subframe includes frequency-domain scheduling information of the MBMS. A UE receives time-domain scheduling information, performs blind detection at a position of a time-domain subframe indicated by the time-domain scheduling information, determines a PDCCH including frequency-domain scheduling information of MBMS, and reads the frequency-domain scheduling information on the PDCCH. The UE receives the MBMS on a Physical Downlink Share Channel (PDSCH) on the basis of the read frequency-domain scheduling information.