sTTI Resource Grant Indexing for Wireless Device Latency Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communications networks face challenges in achieving efficient resource allocation and reduced packet latency, particularly in supporting short subframes which are essential for improved performance and capacity, especially with the existing 1 ms fixed subframe structure and control signaling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting resource grants to wireless devices in a shortened transmission time interval (sTTI) frequency band, where the grant includes an index that identifies the position of resources within the sTTI frequency band, allowing for flexible control information size and efficient sharing of resources among multiple devices, thereby reducing overhead and enabling latency reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the existing 1 ms fixed subframe structure is used, then the control signaling mechanism is simple, but the packet latency cannot be reduced and network capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket latencyVSAvoidcontrol signaling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control information transmission by introducing a new DCI format (DCI format 6) specifically for sTTI scheduling, separate from the legacy DCI formats used for 1 ms subframes. This segmentation allows independent optimization of control signaling for short TTI operations without disrupting existing control mechanisms, enabling reduced packet latency while maintaining backward compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension in control signaling by defining DCI format 6 with a specific structure that includes an sTTI field and resource allocation fields optimized for short TTI. This dimensional change in the control information structure enables efficient scheduling of sTTI transmissions while keeping the overall control signaling framework manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If resource grants are transmitted for multiple wireless devices in sTTI frequency band, then resource utilization improves, but control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

DCI format 6 is designed as a universal control message that can schedule multiple wireless devices within the sTTI frequency band using a single grant structure. The format includes fields that can accommodate resource allocations for multiple devices, enabling one control message to serve multiple purposes and reduce overall control overhead while improving resource utilization

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of control information by introducing DCI format 6 with specific field configurations including an sTTI field and resource allocation fields optimized for sTTI. These parameter changes enable efficient representation of multiple device schedules within compact control messages, reducing control overhead while maintaining high resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If short subframes are implemented, then packet latency is reduced, but the existing control signaling cannot indicate scheduling in short subframes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket latencyVSAvoidcontrol signaling adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the control signaling adaptive by introducing DCI format 6 that dynamically handles sTTI scheduling requirements. The format includes flexible fields that can adapt to different sTTI configurations and resource allocation scenarios, enabling the control signaling to accommodate varying short subframe structures while achieving reduced packet latency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3437405B1Granting resources to a wireless device
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3437405B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3437405B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3437405B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for granting resources to a wireless device. A method is performed by a network node. The method comprises obtaining an indication for granting the resources to the wireless device. The method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, a grant for the resources in a transmission time interval (sTTI) frequency band. The grant comprises an index, and the index identifies a position of the resources within the sTTI frequency band.