Uplink Resource Reconfiguration via Multi-Request Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern wireless communication environments with multiple transceivers operating on the same frequency band, existing technologies face challenges in rapidly adapting uplink resources to fluctuating channel conditions, particularly in scenarios where uplink signals are received with varying power at multiple transmission/reception points, limiting the benefits of coordinated multipoint transmission and increasing overhead in control channels.

Innovation Solution

The method involves assigning multiple request resources to terminal devices, where one resource is used for regular scheduling requests and another for changing or verifying uplink transmission resources, utilizing fast physical layer signaling to quickly reconfigure uplink transmission parameters such as demodulation reference signals, frequency/time hopping patterns, and channel quality indicators, allowing for dynamic adjustment of resources based on signal quality measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional uplink resource allocation methods are used, then resource allocation is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt quickly to fluctuating channel conditions and coordinated multipoint transmission scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to channel conditionsVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic uplink resource allocation by allowing terminal devices to select from multiple configured uplink request resources based on current channel conditions and coordination scenarios. The network can dynamically configure and reconfigure resource pools, and terminal devices dynamically select appropriate resources for different transmission points, enabling the system to adapt to fluctuating channel conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through structured resource pools and selection criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation by introducing multiple configurable uplink request resources with different properties (associated with different transmission points, different time-frequency resources). The network can reconfigure these resource pools and the terminal device can switch between different resources based on channel quality measurements and coordination requirements, thereby improving adaptability without fundamentally changing the allocation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple request resources are assigned for different purposes, then uplink transmission can be optimized for coordinated multipoint, but overhead in control channels increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol channel overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing uplink request resources that can serve multiple purposes. The same resource pool can be used for both initial access requests and for requesting changes to uplink transmission parameters. Different resources within the pool can be associated with different transmission points, allowing a single resource structure to handle both coordination and optimization functions, thereby improving uplink efficiency without proportionally increasing control channel overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs self-service by autonomously selecting appropriate uplink request resources from the configured pool based on measurements of channel conditions and identification of the serving transmission point. This self-selection mechanism reduces the need for extensive network control signaling, as the terminal device can independently determine which resource to use for different transmission purposes, thereby improving efficiency while limiting the increase in control channel overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If fast physical layer signaling is used for resource reconfiguration, then reconfiguration speed improves, but system complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration speedVSAvoidsignaling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource reconfiguration process into distinct phases: initial resource pool configuration via higher-layer signaling (RRC or MAC), followed by fast physical layer signaling for triggering reconfiguration. The terminal device maintains a stored pool of configured resources and can quickly switch between them using compact physical layer indicators, rather than transmitting full resource allocation messages. This segmentation enables fast reconfiguration speed while managing system complexity by separating slow configuration from fast activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network configures a pool of uplink request resources in advance, and subsequent fast physical layer signaling merely indicates selection from this pre-configured pool. The pre-configured resource pool acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between slow higher-layer configuration and fast physical layer reconfiguration, enabling rapid adaptation without requiring complex real-time negotiation or full resource description signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2742753B1Resource reconfiguration for uplink transmission
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2742753B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2742753B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2742753B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A solution for communicating about change in up-link transmission resources of a terminal device is provided. According to this solution, a terminal device is provided with a plurality of up-link transmission resource configurations and a plurality of different up-link request resources comprising at least a first resource and a second resource. The first resource may be used for a default use purpose of the request resource, while the second resource may be used in connection with changing the up-link transmission resources of the terminal device.