Variable HARQ Timing Profiles for Latency Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, such as LTE, rely on fixed HARQ timing relations, which are inflexible and lead to increased air interface latency and power consumption, particularly in scenarios with varying requirements, limiting their suitability for next-generation wireless systems.

Innovation Solution

Introducing variable HARQ feedback timing and operation, allowing for configurable time intervals between downlink and uplink transmissions, and retransmissions, enabling flexible HARQ timing profiles that adapt to different user equipment capabilities and use cases, thereby optimizing processing times and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If fixed HARQ timing relations are used in wireless communication systems, then system simplicity and ease of implementation are maintained, but air interface latency and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair interface latencyVSAvoidHARQ timing configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic HARQ timing profiles that allow flexible adjustment of time intervals between downlink and uplink transmissions. Instead of fixed timing relations, the system enables variable processing times adapted to different UE capabilities, thereby reducing air interface latency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized profile definitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameters of HARQ operations by defining multiple HARQ timing profiles with different time interval configurations. This allows the system to optimize latency by selecting appropriate timing parameters based on UE processing capabilities and service requirements, rather than using a single fixed timing configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If fixed HARQ timing relations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to inability to optimize processing times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidHARQ timing configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic power optimization by allowing UEs to select from multiple HARQ timing profiles based on their processing capabilities and current operational state. This dynamic adaptation reduces power consumption by avoiding unnecessary processing and transmissions, while the standardized profile framework keeps implementation complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes power consumption by enabling parameter changes in HARQ timing configurations. Different timing profiles with varying time intervals allow the system to extend processing times when possible, reducing the frequency of transmissions and associated power consumption, while maintaining the ability to switch to shorter timings when performance is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable HARQ timing profiles are introduced to optimize processing times, then adaptability to different UE capabilities improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to UE capabilitiesVSAvoidHARQ timing profile management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HARQ timing configuration into multiple discrete profiles, each optimized for different UE capabilities and service requirements. This segmentation allows the system to provide high adaptability by selecting the appropriate profile, while keeping individual profile definitions simple and manageable, thus controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal HARQ timing profiles that can serve multiple purposes and different UE types. These profiles are designed to be broadly applicable across various scenarios, providing high adaptability without requiring complex custom configurations for each UE, thereby managing system complexity through standardized multi-functional solutions.

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

4Loss of time

If configurable time intervals between downlink and uplink transmissions are introduced, then latency is reduced, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces processing time by introducing dynamic, configurable intervals between downlink and uplink transmissions through HARQ timing profiles. The implementation complexity is managed by providing standardized profile definitions and automated selection mechanisms, allowing the system to benefit from flexible timing without requiring complex manual configurations or processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3127263B1Method, apparatus and computer program product for hybrid automatic repeat request timing in communications system
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3127263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3127263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3127263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is disclosed comprising defining a hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ profile for a user terminal among a plurality of HARQ profiles available. In an embodiment, the HARQ profile indicates a first time interval between downlink transmission being received in the terminal and corresponding uplink control information being expected to be transmitted from the terminal, and a second time interval between the uplink control information being transmitted from the terminal and corresponding downlink retransmission at earliest being expected to be received in the terminal. In another embodiment, the HARQ profile indicates a third time interval between uplink transmission being received in a base station and corresponding downlink information being expected to be transmitted from the base station, and a fourth time interval between the downlink information being transmitted from the base station and corresponding uplink retransmission at earliest being expected to be received in the base station.