Dynamic UL-DL Reconfiguration via Reference Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in dynamically reconfiguring uplink and downlink allocations, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for system-wide synchronization and long delays in adapting to changing traffic loads, which affects communication capacity and user traffic.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mechanism that allows for dynamic reconfiguration of uplink and downlink allocations using physical layer signaling, enabling flexible UL-DL configurations and maintaining backward compatibility for legacy UEs, by utilizing special subframes and separate timing configurations for PDSCH and PUSCH operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If system-wide synchronization is used for reconfiguring uplink and downlink allocations, then system stability is maintained, but reconfiguration speed and adaptability to changing traffic loads deteriorate due to long delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reconfiguration process by introducing a reference configuration that separates the reconfiguration signaling from actual resource allocation changes. This allows the system to maintain synchronization stability while enabling faster, more flexible reconfiguration through independent signaling channels that don't require complete system-wide coordination for each change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring reference configurations that define the relationship between downlink and uplink subframes. These reference configurations are established in advance through signaling, allowing the system to quickly adapt to changing traffic loads by activating pre-defined reconfiguration patterns without requiring lengthy real-time negotiation and coordination procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic reconfiguration is implemented to adapt to changing traffic loads, then communication flexibility and efficiency improve, but system complexity increases due to additional signaling and coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary reference configuration that mediates between the base station's traffic load requirements and the user equipment's resource allocation. This reference configuration acts as a standardized interface that simplifies the signaling process, allowing dynamic reconfiguration without requiring complex direct coordination between all system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing changes in specific parameters of the reference configuration, such as the timing relationships between downlink and uplink subframes. By focusing parameter changes on specific aspects of the configuration rather than complete reconfiguration, the system achieves flexibility while controlling complexity through targeted, incremental modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If reconfiguration signaling is transmitted to user equipment, then reconfiguration capability is enabled, but transmission time and system capacity are reduced during the reconfiguration process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary reference configuration information rather than complete resource allocation details. This selective signaling approach enables reconfiguration capability while minimizing transmission time and capacity consumption by sending only the essential parameters needed for the reconfiguration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by transmitting reference configurations that can be reused and applied to multiple reconfiguration scenarios. Instead of sending detailed instructions for each reconfiguration event, the system transmits reusable reference patterns that user equipment can replicate and apply, significantly reducing the time and capacity required for repeated reconfiguration signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2807888B1Devices for reconfiguring uplink and downlink allocations
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SHARP KK
  • EP2807888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2807888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2807888B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A User Equipment (UE) for reconfiguring uplink and downlink (UL-DL) allocations is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE determines whether at least one subframe is convertible over a default Time Domain Duplexing (TDD) UL-DL configuration. If at least one subframe is convertible, then the UE determines a first reference UL-DL configuration and a second reference UL-DL configuration. The UE also sends any hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information corresponding to a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) based on the first reference configuration. The UE further determines a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) schedule based on the second reference UL-DL configuration. The UE additionally receives any hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information corresponding to a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the second reference UL-DL configuration.