Uplink Processing Techniques for Reduced Uplink Timelines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing uplink timelines, particularly for high-priority communications like ultra-reliable, low-latency communications (URLLC), where conventional methods delay transmission due to processing overhead, preventing UEs from meeting latency requirements.

Innovation Solution

Initiating uplink transmission processing at the user equipment (UE) prior to receiving an uplink grant, using identified transmission parameters to prepare data packets at higher layers such as the MAC or RLC layer, and implementing shorter retransmission timelines to ensure successful transmission within a predetermined latency budget.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional uplink transmission methods are used, then processing overhead is reduced, but uplink timeline is extended and latency requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink timelineVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by initiating uplink transmission processing at the UE before receiving the uplink grant. The UE prepares data packets at higher layers (MAC or RLC layer) in advance using identified transmission parameters, so that when the grant is received, transmission can occur with minimal additional processing time, thereby reducing the overall uplink timeline and latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If uplink transmission processing is initiated prior to receiving uplink grant, then uplink timeline is reduced, but processing resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidprocessing resources at UE
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs preliminary processing of uplink data packets before receiving the uplink grant, preparing them at the MAC or RLC layer using identified transmission parameters. This advance preparation enables faster transmission when the grant is received, improving productivity while managing processing resources through efficient pre-processing rather than intensive real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If shorter retransmission timelines are implemented, then latency budget is met, but reliability requirements become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretransmission timelineVSAvoidsuccessful transmission probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing data packets in advance before the uplink grant is received. This pre-processing ensures that when retransmission is needed, the UE can quickly retransmit the already-prepared data within the shorter retransmission timeline, meeting latency requirements while maintaining reliability through the use of predetermined transmission parameters and efficient resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3861815B1Uplink processing techniques for reduced uplink timelines in wireless communications
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3861815B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3861815B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3861815B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described in which uplink timelines may be reduced by initiating, at a user equipment (UE), uplink transmission processing prior to receipt of an uplink grant for an uplink communication. A UE may identify one or more uplink transmission parameters associated with a reduced uplink transmission timeline for an uplink communication, and use the uplink transmission parameters to initiate processing of the uplink communication prior to receiving an uplink grant from a base station. The uplink transmission parameters may allow for packet preparation at a higher layers (e.g., at a medium access control (MAC) layer or radio link control (RLC) layer) to be started or completed prior to receipt of the uplink grant.