Uplink Buffer Status Reporting in Multiflow Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face challenges in managing uplink data flow and reporting in multiflow operations, particularly in dynamically controlling data flow and prioritizing logical channels across multiple network nodes with varying quality of service requirements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of bearer level splitting and packet level splitting techniques for uplink reporting, where user equipment (UE) associates logical channel groups with nodes for independent reporting or groups buffers into a common pool for unified reporting, using scaling coefficients to optimize data transmission based on available data and network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If bearer level splitting is used for uplink reporting, then uplink flow control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink flow controlVSAvoidreporting management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the uplink reporting process into bearer-level segments. Each bearer is assigned to specific logical channel groups (LCGs), and BSR reports are generated separately for each bearer based on its specific buffer status. This segmentation enables independent flow control for each bearer, improving uplink flow control performance while managing complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If packet level splitting is used for uplink reporting, then reporting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereporting efficiencyVSAvoidbuffer management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation at the packet level by dividing the buffer status reporting into packet-level units. Each packet or group of packets is tracked individually, and BSR reports are generated based on packet-level buffer status. This enables more granular and efficient reporting, allowing the system to report only when necessary and at the appropriate level of detail, thereby improving reporting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple BSR reports are generated for multiple component carriers, then uplink reporting accuracy is improved, but overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer status reporting accuracyVSAvoidreporting overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by generating BSR reports selectively rather than continuously for all component carriers. Reports are generated only when buffer status changes meet certain thresholds or when specific triggering conditions are met. This partial reporting approach maintains accurate buffer status information where needed while reducing overall reporting overhead by avoiding redundant reports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of reporting frequency and granularity based on buffer status conditions. When buffer status is stable, reporting frequency is reduced; when buffer status changes significantly, reporting frequency increases. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high reporting accuracy when necessary while minimizing overhead during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If logical channel groups are associated with multiple nodes, then adaptability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in node associationVSAvoidbuffer status tracking difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by associating specific logical channel groups with specific nodes rather than allowing arbitrary many-to-many associations. Each LCG is mapped to one or more designated nodes, creating a structured and manageable association pattern. This segmentation simplifies the detection and measurement of buffer status by establishing clear relationships between LCGs and nodes, reducing the complexity of tracking buffer status across multiple associations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3043614B1Buffer status reporting and logical channel prioritization in multiflow operation
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3043614B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3043614B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3043614B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Uplink reporting and logical channel prioritization in multiflow operation is described. In some embodiments, uplink reporting for multiflow operation utilizes bearer level splitting where the UE associates bearers or logical channel groups (LCGs) with cells for uplink reporting. In some embodiments, uplink reporting for multiflow operation utilizes packet level splitting where the UE groups buffers for all LCGs into a common pool for uplink reporting. In packet level splitting embodiments, the UE may perform uplink reporting based on the total amount of data available for transmission in the common buffer pool or by applying scaling coefficients associated with the serving cells. Some embodiments manage mapping of logical channel payloads to uplink grants for multiflow operation.