Time-Frequency Slicing for Burst Separation in Wireless Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless transmission systems, such as those using time-division multiplexing (TDM), often result in wasted capacity due to reserved slots not being fully utilized, limiting the number of services that can be provided in digital broadband broadcast networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of time-frequency slicing (TFS) with variable time shifting and cyclic shifting of RF channels, allowing for dynamic allocation of frame capacity between physical layer pipes (PLPs) and dividing frames into subframes to optimize data transmission, enabling more efficient use of transmission capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If time-division multiplexing (TDM) is used to divide channel capacity between services, then transmission capacity can be allocated to multiple services, but reserved slots are not completely filled resulting in wasted transmission capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of servicesVSAvoidwasted transmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the slot allocation flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts slot assignments based on actual service bit rate requirements, allowing services to expand or contract their allocated capacity in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by enabling multiple services to share capacity adaptively while ensuring slots are fully utilized according to actual demand, eliminating wasted capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of slot allocation from fixed to variable. By allowing the bit rate and slot size to be adjusted based on actual service requirements rather than being predetermined, the system can optimize capacity utilization. This parameter change enables the resolution of the contradiction by matching allocated capacity to actual service needs, preventing both capacity waste and inability to support multiple services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If TDM capacity is reserved according to maximum bit rate to guarantee stream fits, then service reliability is improved, but most of the time reserved slots are not completely filled resulting in wasted capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice stream guaranteeVSAvoidwasted transmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic slot allocation that adapts to actual service bit rate requirements rather than reserving capacity based on maximum possible rates. The system continuously monitors and adjusts slot assignments to match real-time service demands, ensuring reliability through adequate capacity allocation while eliminating the waste that occurs when services use less than their reserved capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows services to effectively self-regulate their capacity usage through the dynamic allocation mechanism. Each service's actual bit rate requirements drive the slot assignment, allowing the system to automatically optimize capacity distribution without over-reservation. This self-service approach ensures services receive adequate capacity for reliable operation while preventing capacity waste from excessive reservations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If systems are identified to more completely fill reserved TDM slots, then transmission capacity utilization is improved, but it is still desirable to provide a system by which transmission capacity can be further increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacity utilizationVSAvoidnumber of services
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a fully dynamic slot allocation system that continuously adapts to service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve near-perfect capacity utilization by matching slots to actual service needs, while simultaneously enabling support for more services through efficient capacity sharing. The dynamic nature allows flexible reconfiguration that maximizes both utilization and service count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a flexible slot allocation framework that can serve multiple services with varying requirements. The same dynamic allocation mechanism universally applies to all services, allowing the system to optimize capacity utilization across the entire service portfolio while supporting a high number of diverse services. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the system capable of both high utilization and high service count simultaneously.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2238798B1System and method for burst separation and extended interleaving length
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2238798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2238798B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2238798B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method includes allocating frame capacity between physical layer pipes dividing a frame and physical layer pipes into a plurality of subframes, wherein each subframe carries one burst from each physical layer pipe; selectively time shifting the plurality of bursts such that a defined time shift exists between corresponding bursts in each subframe within the frame; and appending the subframes after each other in a sequence. Each frame may include two or more radio frequency channels, each radio frequency channel including subframes. The method may further include selectively time shifting one or more of the radio frequency channels such that a defined time shift exists between corresponding radio frequency channels in each frame; and for any subframes of a radio frequency channel which have been selectively shifted beyond the end of the frame, cyclically shifting such subframes to the beginning of the frame.