UE Reception of Multicast Transmissions via Dynamic Gap Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) with limited hardware and software resources faces challenges in simultaneously receiving unicast and multicast/broadcast transmissions from different cells, due to limitations in receiver and transmitter chains.
Innovation Solution
The UE receives information about the transmission schedule from the second cell and determines if the scheduled transmissions can be received within the limits set by the gap configuration of the first cell. If not, the UE sends an indication to the second cell, which modifies its transmission schedule to enable reception within the available gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE attempts to receive both unicast and multicast/broadcast transmissions simultaneously from different cells, then the service coverage and communication capability are improved, but the hardware resource requirements and device complexity increase beyond what limited-capability UEs can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time-domain resource allocation where the network schedules unicast and multicast/broadcast transmissions in different time slots or gaps. The UE dynamically switches between receiving unicast transmissions from a first cell and multicast/broadcast transmissions from a second cell based on the scheduled gap configuration, allowing limited-capability UEs to support multiple transmission types without requiring simultaneous multi-receiver hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic gap configurations where the UE periodically switches between cells to receive different transmission types. By configuring periodic on-duration and gap periods, the network ensures that the UE can periodically receive multicast/broadcast transmissions from the second cell while maintaining unicast connectivity with the first cell, resolving the contradiction through time-division periodic operation
2Device complexity
If the UE uses a single receiver chain to receive transmissions from one cell, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously receive transmissions from multiple cells is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single receiver chain dynamically configurable through network-controlled gap patterns. The network configures the UE with specific on-duration and gap periods that allow the single receiver to dynamically switch between receiving unicast transmissions from the first cell and multicast/broadcast transmissions from the second cell, achieving multi-cell reception capability through time-division switching rather than simultaneous parallel reception
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver chain is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of receiving both unicast and multicast/broadcast transmissions from different cells by switching its reception target based on the configured gap pattern. This universal receiver design eliminates the need for dedicated separate receiver chains while maintaining the ability to support multiple transmission types through software-controlled time-division multiplexing
3Productivity
If the network schedules transmissions without considering UE gap configuration, then the transmission schedule flexibility is maintained, but the UE cannot receive transmissions within its available time gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its gap configuration and reception capability to the network. The network uses this feedback information to adjust and optimize the transmission schedule, ensuring that multicast/broadcast transmissions are scheduled during the UE's available on-duration periods. This closed-loop feedback system ensures both transmission scheduling efficiency and reliable reception by aligning network scheduling with actual UE availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary configuration of gap patterns and on-duration parameters before actual transmission scheduling. The network pre-configures the UE with gap configuration information including on-duration, gap period, and offset values, allowing the UE to prepare its reception timing in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when transmissions are scheduled, the UE is already positioned to receive them reliably within its available time windows
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method at a user equipment, comprising: receiving information of transmission schedule from a second cell, wherein the apparatus is capable of receiving from one cell at a time; determining, based on the received transmission schedule, that transmissions from the second cell cannot be received within limits set by a gap configuration of a first cell, wherein the apparatus is in radio resource control (RRC) connected state with respect to the first cell; transmitting to the second cell an indication that the transmissions from the second cell cannot be received based on the transmission schedule; and receiving information of a modified transmission schedule from the second cell.