UE-Assisted Uplink Resource Modification for Configured Grants

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially in 5G NR uplink, there is a need to efficiently manage uplink resources when user equipment (UE) does not have data to transmit, to reduce control overhead and enhance resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

The UE determines an upcoming absence of uplink data and transmits a message to the network to adjust resources associated with configured grants, allowing for the release, suspension, or skipping of resources, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If configured grants are continuously allocated for periodic uplink transmissions, then uplink resource availability is improved, but control overhead increases when UE has no data to transmit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink resource availabilityVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of configured grant resources based on UE data availability. The network can activate, suspend, or release configured grants through MAC CE signaling, allowing the system to adapt resource allocation to actual transmission needs rather than maintaining static periodic allocations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where UE reports buffer status and data availability to the network. This feedback enables the network to make informed decisions about whether to maintain, suspend, or release configured grants, optimizing resource usage based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If configured grants are maintained for periodic transmissions, then transmission readiness is improved, but energy consumption increases when data is absent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission readinessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by allowing configured grants to be suspended for defined periods when UE has no data. Instead of continuous resource maintenance, the system uses periodic activation/suspension cycles based on data availability, reducing energy consumption during idle periods while maintaining transmission readiness when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If configured grants are allocated for uplink transmission, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but flexibility decreases when transmission patterns change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission pattern flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where configured grants can be activated, suspended, or released based on changing transmission requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain efficient resource allocation for active transmissions while adapting quickly to pattern changes through network-controlled adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of configured grants (activation status, periodicity, resource allocation) based on UE data availability and transmission needs. By dynamically adjusting these parameters through MAC CE signaling, the system maintains both efficiency and flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4104592B1Techniques for user equipment (UE) assisted uplink resource modification in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4104592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4104592B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4104592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to user equipment (UE) assisted uplink resource modification. In one implementation, a UE may determine an upcoming absence of uplink data for transmission on an uplink communication channel to a network entity during a period defined by a configured grant, and transmit a message to the network entity to trigger adjustment of at least one resource associated with the configured grant. In another implementation, a network entity may receive a message from a UE representing an upcoming absence of uplink data on an uplink communication channel during a scheduled period defined by a configured grant, and adjust at least one resource associated with the configured grant in response to receiving the message.