Wireless Uplink Grant Priority for URLLC and eMBB Collisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing intra-UE data collisions and prioritizing transmissions for diverse traffic profiles, particularly in scenarios involving different latency and reliability requirements within a single communications device, such as those associated with URLLC and eMBB services.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of network-directed priority indicators in downlink control messages, such as DCI, to determine the priority of logical channels for transmission, allowing for explicit or implicit prioritization of uplink data based on communication parameters, thereby resolving conflicts and optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing wireless communication systems use conventional resource allocation methods, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to efficiently manage intra-UE data collisions and prioritize transmissions for diverse traffic profiles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to manage intra-UE data collisions and prioritize transmissionsVSAvoidcomplexity of resource allocation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network-directed priority indicators as an intermediary mechanism in downlink control messages to mediate between the network and UE for priority determination. This intermediary approach allows the network to directly control priority without requiring complex UE-based decision logic, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space by introducing explicit priority indicators in downlink control messages. This parameter change enables the system to distinguish between different traffic types (URLLC vs eMBB) and apply appropriate priority levels, improving the system's ability to handle diverse traffic profiles without requiring fundamental architectural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports diverse traffic profiles with different latency and reliability requirements, then service versatility is improved, but the complexity of handling resource conflicts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for diverse traffic profilesVSAvoidcomplexity of handling resource conflicts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different logical channels based on their traffic characteristics. URLLC traffic receives higher priority than eMBB traffic, allowing the system to handle diverse traffic profiles with differentiated treatment. This localized differentiation simplifies conflict resolution by providing clear priority rules for each traffic type rather than requiring complex global optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the uplink data transmission process into different logical channels with distinct priority levels. By segmenting traffic into URLLC and eMBB categories with separate priority handling, the system can manage resource conflicts more effectively. The MAC layer then multiplexes these segmented channels according to their priority, reducing the complexity of handling mixed traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the system uses implicit prioritization methods, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of transmission priority deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of transmission priority determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of priority indication mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network-directed priority indicators as an explicit intermediary signal in downlink control messages. This intermediary mechanism provides precise priority information directly from the network to the UE, eliminating ambiguity in priority determination. The explicit indicator serves as a mediator that conveys priority information without requiring complex inference or interpretation at the UE end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3909374B1Communications device, infrastructure equipment and methods
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3909374B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3909374B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3909374B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of transmitting data by a communications device in a wireless communications network, the method comprising receiving a first downlink control message comprising an indication of a first dynamic grant allocating first uplink communications resources for transmission of data by the communications device, receiving a second downlink control message, the second downlink control message comprising an indication of a second dynamic grant allocating second uplink communications resources for transmission of data by the communications device, determining that the second uplink communications resources comprise at least a portion of the first uplink communications resources, determining that the first uplink communications resources are associated with a higher priority than the second uplink communications resources, and in response to the determining that the first uplink communications resources are associated with a higher priority than the second uplink communications resources, transmitting a transport block using the first uplink communications resources.