Scheduling Request Triggering Mechanism for Uplink Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE uplink scheduling, the scheduler may overlook new high-priority data in user equipment (UE) transmit buffers due to the current SR mechanism, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased resource usage when periodically updating buffer status reports or using multi-bit SRs to convey priority information.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an SR triggering mechanism based on changes in the UE's transmit buffer status, such as arrival of higher-priority data, buffer size increase, or elapsed time, to ensure the scheduler is aware of updated buffer content without increasing SR channel overhead or requiring frequent buffer status reports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the scheduler uses a simple dedicated SR channel with single-bit scheduling requests, then the SR channel overhead is minimized and implementation is simple, but the scheduler cannot distinguish between different priority levels of data in UE buffers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSR channel complexityVSAvoidpriority information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The SR channel transitions from a static single-bit mechanism to a dynamic multi-bit mechanism where the number of bits transmitted depends on the buffer status changes detected by the UE. When buffer status changes occur, additional bits are transmitted to convey priority information, allowing the system to adapt between simplicity and information richness based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of SR channel capacity from fixed (1 bit) to variable (1-N bits) based on buffer status conditions. This allows the system to maintain simplicity when no priority differentiation is needed while providing enhanced information capability when buffer status changes require priority indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the UE periodically updates buffer status reports to keep the scheduler informed, then the scheduler is aware of buffer content, but this increases control signaling overhead and consumes UE power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer status information availabilityVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces continuous periodic buffer status reporting with event-triggered action. The UE monitors buffer status changes and only transmits SRs with priority information when actual changes occur, eliminating unnecessary periodic transmissions while maintaining scheduler awareness when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously detects buffer status changes and determines when SR transmission is necessary, eliminating the need for scheduler-initiated queries or fixed periodic reports. The UE serves its own information needs by triggering transmissions only when its buffer state changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the scheduler waits for buffer status reports to become aware of new data, then resource allocation can be optimized, but high-priority data may be overlooked or delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoiddata scheduling delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs preliminary detection of buffer status changes and proactively triggers SR transmissions before the scheduler would naturally discover the changes through periodic reports. This ensures the scheduler is immediately informed of new high-priority data arrivals, eliminating delays associated with waiting for scheduled report opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors its buffer status and provides real-time feedback to the scheduler through condition-triggered SR transmissions. This ensures the scheduler receives immediate feedback about buffer changes rather than relying on predetermined reporting intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3474592B1Methods and systems for scheduling resources in a telecommunication system
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 OPTIS CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP3474592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3474592B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3474592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to the scheduling of resources in a telecommunication system that includes a mobile terminal and base station. In one embodiment, the mobile terminal sends an initial scheduling request to a base station. Subsequently, the mobile terminal does not transmit a scheduling request to the base station unless and until a scheduling request triggering event is detected.