Subframe Scheduling Method Reducing Control Signalling Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE/LTE-A systems, dynamic scheduling results in high control signalling overheads and resource occupation, while semi-static scheduling lacks flexibility, especially in scenarios like Small Cell and multi-user, multi-packet services, where control channel capacity is a limiting factor.

Innovation Solution

A subframe scheduling method that differentiates between single-subframe and multi-subframe scheduling through DCI formats or search spaces, allowing for flexible configuration of scheduling parameters and ACK/NACK feedback across multiple subframes, reducing control signalling overheads and improving resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic scheduling is adopted, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but control signalling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol signalling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple subframe scheduling operations into a single DCI message. Instead of sending separate DCI for each subframe, the system combines scheduling information for multiple subframes (including new data and retransmissions) into one control message, thereby reducing control signalling overhead while maintaining scheduling flexibility through the bundled multi-subframe grants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If semi-static scheduling is used, then control signalling overhead is reduced, but scheduling flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signalling overheadVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements into semi-static scheduling by enabling the DCI to indicate different transmission types (new data vs. retransmission) and configure multiple subframes dynamically. The system allows flexible adjustment of scheduling parameters within the multi-subframe structure, making the scheduling adaptable to changing channel conditions and traffic requirements while maintaining reduced signalling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If Transmission Time Interval bundling is adopted, then uplink transmission reliability is improved, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission reliabilityVSAvoidspectrum efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TTI bundling approach by allowing selective application to different subframes within the bundled group. Instead of treating all subframes uniformly, the system can identify and handle retransmission subframes separately, enabling more efficient resource allocation and improving spectrum efficiency while maintaining the reliability benefits of bundling for critical transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2914043B1Subframe scheduling method and system, network device and terminal
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP2914043B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2914043B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2914043B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Disclosed is a subframe scheduling method, which includes: a network side configures a transmission mode, wherein the transmission mode includes at least a multi-subframe scheduling transmission way; the network side selects a corresponding control information format according to the transmission mode, transmits Downlink Control Information (DCI) corresponding to the control information format, and then performs subframe scheduling according to the DCI. Further disclosed are a subframe scheduling system, a network device and a terminal. By means of the disclosure, the multi-subframe scheduling can be used under the condition in which user channel state information is relatively stable, thereby being able to reduce control signalling overheads, save system resources and improve the scheduling flexibility.