Virtual Resource Pre-allocation for IoT Control Overhead Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current resource allocation schemes in cellular mobile communication networks are inefficient for services with low data volume and unfixed periods, leading to excessive control overhead and resource waste, particularly in Internet of Things applications such as smart power grids.

Innovation Solution

The method involves grouping user equipment and pre-allocating virtual resources, which are activated only when needed, allowing for efficient data interaction and reducing control overhead by scheduling in groups rather than individually.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic scheduling is used for services with low data volume and unfixed periods, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but control overhead increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring virtual resources for user equipment before actual data transmission is needed. The base station pre-allocates virtual resource blocks and configures corresponding physical resources, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the resources are already prepared and can be activated immediately without requiring detailed dynamic scheduling signals for each transmission opportunity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments resource allocation into two distinct layers: virtual resources (pre-configured logical resource blocks) and physical resources (actual time-frequency resources). This segmentation allows the control signaling to operate at the virtual resource level with coarser granularity, reducing the amount of control overhead while maintaining the ability to dynamically allocate physical resources when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If semi-persistent scheduling is used for services with periodical data arrival, then control overhead is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases for services with unfixed periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol overheadVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic activation and deactivation of pre-configured virtual resources. Unlike semi-persistent scheduling which allocates resources periodically regardless of actual data needs, this invention allows the base station to dynamically activate specific virtual resources for specific user equipment based on actual data arrival patterns. When data arrives, the corresponding virtual resources are activated; when no data is present, resources remain inactive and can be reallocated, thus adapting to unfixed period services while maintaining low control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-configured virtual resources serve multiple functions: they can be allocated to different user equipment at different times, activated and deactivated dynamically based on service requirements, and reused across multiple transmission opportunities. This multi-functionality allows the same resource configuration to serve both periodic and aperiodic services efficiently.

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

3Device complexity

If fixed resource allocation is used for exclusive user use, then resource allocation simplicity is improved, but resource utilization efficiency worsens due to resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service through the activation mechanism where user equipment can autonomously activate its pre-configured virtual resources when data needs to be transmitted or received, without requiring detailed dynamic scheduling signals for each activation. The base station simply needs to send a compact activation indication, and the UE independently manages the resource activation and deactivation, reducing overall system complexity while improving resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2790359B1Method and device for data exchanging
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP2790359B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2790359B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2790359B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for data exchanging, and relates to communication technology. The embodiments of the present application includes: pre-allocating virtual resource to user terminals, and activating the virtual resource in case of need, so user terminals can use the pre-allocated resource to exchange data with network side. When inactive, the virtual resource can allocated to other users. For small data, irregular service, pre-allocation of virtual resource and activating it in case of need, can improve efficiency of use of resource. Meanwhile, dividing users into groups and scheduling by groups can reduce control overhead.