TDD Subframe Configuration Adaptation for LTE Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE/LTE-A TDD systems, dynamic adjustments to uplink-downlink subframe configurations by the base station are not communicated in real-time to user equipment (UE), leading to communication disruptions as the UE relies on semi-static system messages, which are updated infrequently, causing delays in adapting to changing service loads.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically adjust the uplink-downlink subframe configuration by the base station, ensuring seamless communication by maintaining an intersection of subframes with the original configuration, allowing the UE to use the timing relationship of the initial configuration, thus ensuring transparent adjustments to the UE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the base station dynamically adjusts the uplink-downlink subframe configuration to adapt to changing service loads, then the system flexibility and performance are improved, but the UE cannot obtain real-time configuration information through semi-static system messages, causing communication disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink-downlink subframe configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the base station sends indication information about the dynamically adjusted subframe configuration to the UE. This feedback loop ensures that the UE receives real-time updates on configuration changes, allowing it to adapt its transmission timing accordingly and maintain reliable communication despite dynamic adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the previously semi-static system message into a dynamic configuration mechanism. The base station can now adjust the uplink-downlink subframe configuration in real-time based on service load changes, and these dynamic changes are communicated to the UE through indication information, enabling the system to adapt flexibly while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If the system uses semi-static system messages to notify UE of subframe configuration, then the UE can obtain configuration information, but the update period is long causing delays in adapting to changing service loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information deliveryVSAvoidconfiguration update time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a periodic action mechanism where the base station sends indication information about subframe configuration changes at appropriate intervals. This periodic notification ensures that the UE receives configuration updates in a timely manner, eliminating the delays associated with long update periods while maintaining systematic information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the base station prepare and send indication information about upcoming configuration changes before they take effect. This allows the UE to advance its configuration update process, reducing the time loss and enabling faster adaptation to changing service loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2685640B1Communication method and device used in time division duplex system
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2685640B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2685640B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2685640B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention, relating to the field of communications technologies, provide a communication method and device used for a time division duplex system, which are invented for effectively ensuring the normal communication between a base station and a user equipment. The communication method includes: adjusting a first uplink-downlink subframe configuration to a second uplink-downlink subframe configuration, where there is an intersection between subframes corresponding to the second uplink-downlink subframe configuration and subframes corresponding to the first uplink-downlink subframe configuration, where the intersection is a set of subframes having a same subframe index and a same subframe type, and the intersection includes at least one uplink subframe and at least one downlink subframe; and communicating, by the user equipment, according to a timing relationship same as a timing relationship corresponding to the first uplink-downlink subframe configuration, with the base station in the at least one uplink subframe and the at least one downlink subframe comprised in the intersection. The present invention is applicable to wireless communication systems.