SPS Configuration with Non-Integer Periodicities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in configuring Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS), Configured Scheduling (CS), and Configured Grant (CG) due to non-integer relationships between packet generation periodicity and scheduling unit durations, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and increased latency in applications like factory automation.

Innovation Solution

The system configures SPS, CS, or CG based on a non-integer relationship between packet generation periodicity and scheduling unit duration by rounding to the nearest integer, using multiple periodic configurations, or determining transmission occasions based on rational numbers and offsets to align packet transmission with scheduling units, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If SPS/CS/CG is configured based on integer number of scheduling units, then resource allocation is simplified and scheduling is easier, but packet transmission latency increases and resource allocation efficiency decreases when packet periodicity has non-integer relationship with scheduling unit duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling configurationVSAvoidpacket transmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation by introducing rational numbers to express packet periodicity. Instead of using only integer multiples of scheduling units, the system now supports rational number configurations (e.g., 3/2 slots, 5/4 slots) that can precisely match non-integer packet periodicities. This allows the scheduling configuration to adapt to arbitrary periodicity requirements while maintaining a structured parameter system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the system to flexibly adapt scheduling configurations based on actual packet periodicity requirements. The network device can dynamically determine appropriate rational number configurations and offset values to align SPS/CS/CG transmissions with packet generation timing, enabling the system to handle varying periodicity demands without being constrained to fixed integer intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If SPS/CS/CG uses fixed integer-based periodicity, then scheduling unit alignment is achieved, but resource allocation efficiency decreases due to mismatch with actual packet generation periodicity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling unit alignmentVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the scheduling parameter system from integer-only to rational number-based representation. By expressing periodicity as ratios (numerator/denominator), the system can precisely represent non-integer intervals while maintaining mathematical rigor. This parameter expansion enables exact matching between packet periodicity and scheduling intervals, eliminating the mismatch that causes resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the scheduling interval into smaller granular units based on the denominator of the rational number. For example, a 3/2 slot periodicity is segmented into half-slot intervals, allowing precise alignment with packet generation timing. This segmentation enables the system to maintain stable scheduling unit alignment at a finer granularity level, improving resource utilization without sacrificing alignment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple SPS configurations are used to cover different periodicities, then packet transmission accuracy improves, but system complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transmission timing accuracyVSAvoidscheduling configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal scheduling framework that handles both integer and non-integer periodicities through a unified rational number representation. Instead of requiring separate configuration mechanisms for different periodicity types, the system uses a single versatile parameter system (numerator, denominator, offset) that can express any periodicity requirement. This multi-functional approach maintains high timing accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized configuration systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by not creating multiple configurations for different periodicities, but rather creating a single configuration template with flexible rational number parameters that can adapt to any periodicity. Instead of having separate SPS configurations for 1-slot, 2-slot, 3-slot periodicities, the system uses one configurable template where the periodicity is defined by rational numbers, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Productivity

If SPS/CG is configured with non-integer periodicity support, then resource allocation efficiency improves and latency reduces, but configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces rational number parameters (numerator, denominator, offset) as extensions to the existing SPS/CG configuration framework. These parameter changes enable non-integer periodicity support while building upon the existing configuration structure. The network device configures these additional parameters through standard signaling mechanisms, achieving improved resource allocation efficiency without fundamentally redesigning the entire configuration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3854162B1SPS for signaling with non-integer periodicities
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3854162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3854162B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3854162B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The apparatus identifies a first periodicity for packet generation or packet transmission. A base station provides a UE with a configuration for a Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS), a Configured Scheduling (CS), or a Configured Grant (CG) based on a non-integer relationship between the first periodicity and a duration of a scheduling unit in which the SPS, the CS, or the CG is scheduled. Then, the apparatus transmits or receives communication based on the received configuration.