Uplink Bandwidth Allocation with Channel Availability Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth allocation for multiple user uplink transmissions, leading to increased traffic and reduced throughput due to limited communication resources.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication that involves receiving an assignment of frequency bandwidth for uplink transmissions and determining whether a portion of the assigned bandwidth is unavailable, with selective transmission based on availability, ensuring efficient use of bandwidth by avoiding busy channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple terminals send uplink communications to the access point simultaneously, then data throughput increases, but the amount of traffic and interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission process into two distinct phases: a random access phase where terminals compete for channel access, and a scheduled phase where the access point assigns specific time slots and frequency resources to terminals. This segmentation reduces interference by organizing simultaneous transmissions into structured, non-conflicting time-frequency resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the access point adjusts time slot assignments and frequency bandwidth allocations based on real-time channel conditions, terminal buffer status, and traffic demands. This dynamic scheduling optimizes throughput while managing interference by adapting resource distribution to current system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the access point allocates fixed bandwidth to each terminal, then transmission reliability improves, but bandwidth utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidbandwidth utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic bandwidth allocation where the access point adjusts the frequency bandwidth assigned to each terminal based on channel conditions, traffic priority, and buffer status. Terminals receive guaranteed minimum bandwidth for reliable transmission while being able to utilize additional bandwidth when available, optimizing both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth allocation parameter dynamically based on system state. The access point monitors channel quality indicators and adjusts the frequency resources allocated to each terminal, transforming from static to adaptive parameter control to balance reliability and utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If terminals perform channel assessment before transmission, then interference is reduced, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs channel assessment in advance during the random access phase before the scheduled uplink transmissions. Terminals contend for channel access and perform clear channel assessment (CCA) before transmitting their data, ensuring the medium is clear before occupying resources, which reduces interference while managing delay through pre-scheduled transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3064006B1Methods and apparatus for multiple user uplink bandwidth allocation
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3064006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3064006B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for multiple user uplink are provided. In one aspect, method for wireless communication includes receiving an assignment of a frequency bandwidth for an uplink transmission of a station. The method further includes determining whether a portion of the assigned frequency bandwidth is unavailable for the uplink transmission. The method further includes selectively transmitting the uplink transmission based on whether the portion of the assigned frequency bandwidth is unavailable.