Variable Size Buffer Status Reports for Wireless Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing uplink resources due to the finite network resources and diverse types of User Equipment (UE) devices, leading to suboptimal allocation and utilization of Buffer Status Reports (BSR) in Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of variable size and variable number Buffer Status Reports (BSRs) that allow for encoding priority class bitmaps and buffer sizes, enabling more precise reporting of logical channel and logical channel group statuses, which are then used by Base Stations to allocate resources based on Quality of Service (QoS) classes and radio bearers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fixed-size Buffer Status Reports are used, then the reporting structure is simple, but the resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to inability to support multiple priority classes and QoS levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidBSR structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The BSR is segmented into multiple parts, each corresponding to different priority classes or logical channel groups. Each segment contains buffer status information for specific priority levels, allowing the system to report status for multiple QoS classes simultaneously while maintaining a structured format that balances detail with manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to the BSR structure by incorporating priority class indicators and QoS level identifiers alongside traditional buffer size information. This multi-dimensional approach allows the same BSR mechanism to convey both the quantity of data and its priority classification, enabling efficient resource allocation without requiring separate reporting channels for each priority level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If variable size BSRs are implemented to support multiple priority classes, then the precision of buffer status reporting improves, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer status reporting precisionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The BSR structure is made dynamic and adaptive, allowing the size and composition of the report to vary based on the number of active priority classes and logical channel groups. The mechanism selectively includes or excludes certain segments depending on current network conditions and QoS requirements, achieving high precision reporting only when needed while reducing processing overhead during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of the BSR including its size, the number of priority classes reported, and the level of detail for each logical channel group. These parameters are adjusted dynamically based on network conditions, QoS requirements, and buffer status, allowing the system to optimize between precision and processing complexity by transmitting only the necessary information at each moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed buffer status information is reported for all logical channels, then the resource allocation accuracy improves, but the BSR size and transmission overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidBSR size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and reports only the most relevant buffer status information based on current network conditions and QoS requirements. Instead of transmitting complete status for all logical channels uniformly, the mechanism selectively extracts and includes only those channels and priority levels that require immediate attention or have significant buffer status changes, thereby reducing BSR size while maintaining allocation accuracy for critical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial reporting by providing detailed buffer status information for high-priority logical channels and aggregated or simplified status for lower-priority channels. This partial action approach ensures that resource allocation accuracy is maintained for critical communications while reducing overall BSR size by using less detailed reporting for non-critical data streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3498002B1Buffer status reporting methods and procedures
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 APPLE INC
  • EP3498002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498002B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3498002B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Buffers status reporting methods and procedures for supporting a variable number of priority classes, and variable sizes for buffer status fields.