Uplink Reporting Aggregation for Inter-Band TDD Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face limitations in flexibility and efficiency due to the restricted uplink reporting capabilities, particularly in inter-band carrier aggregation scenarios where different time division duplex (TDD) uplink-downlink configurations are used across cells, leading to inefficiencies in ACK/NACK multiplexing and reporting.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces methods for user equipment (UE) and evolved Node B (eNB) to select and aggregate uplink subframes across cells with different UL-DL configurations, using reference cells and association regions to balance and distribute ACK/NACK information, allowing for more flexible and efficient uplink reporting by aggregating and de-aggregating information based on defined associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional uplink reporting methods are used in inter-band carrier aggregation with different TDD configurations, then system complexity is reduced, but flexibility and efficiency of uplink reporting deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink reporting process by introducing reference cell concepts and association region definitions. Different cells are grouped into association regions based on their TDD configurations, allowing independent handling of each region while maintaining overall system coordination. This segmentation enables flexible reporting without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference cells as intermediary elements that mediate between cells with different TDD configurations. The reference cell provides a common reference point for timing and configuration, enabling coordinated uplink reporting across multiple bands and configurations without direct complex interactions between all cells.
2Productivity
If ACK/NACK information is aggregated across multiple cells with different TDD configurations, then reporting efficiency is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides ACK/NACK information aggregation into separate association regions based on TDD configuration groups. Each region aggregates information independently according to its specific configuration requirements, then reports are coordinated through reference cells. This segmented approach improves efficiency by allowing parallel processing while managing complexity through regional isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential association regions where cells with identical TDD configurations are grouped together. Within each region, information aggregation follows uniform rules and timing relationships, simplifying the management complexity. The reference cells provide consistent reference points across regions, maintaining equipotential conditions for coordinated reporting.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate uplink reporting is maintained for each cell, then configuration simplicity is preserved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges uplink reporting resources by allowing multiple cells to share common uplink subframes through association regions. Cells within the same association region can aggregate their ACK/NACK information and report on shared uplink resources, improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining configuration simplicity through reference cell-based coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal reference cells that serve multiple functions: providing timing references, defining association regions, and coordinating reporting across different TDD configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simple cell-specific configurations while achieving efficient resource utilization through the universal reference framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) for reporting information is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE selects a reference cell having a reference uplink-downlink (UL-DL) configuration. The UE also selects a first uplink subframe from the reference cell. The UE further selects a first subframe set from a first cell having a first UL-DL configuration. The first UL-DL configuration is different than the reference UL-DL configuration. The UE additionally determines a first set of associations between the first subframe set and the first uplink subframe. The UE further aggregates information corresponding to the reference cell and information corresponding to the first cell based on the first set of associations to produce aggregated information. The UE also reports the aggregated information on an uplink reporting cell.