CN1943138A - Method and apparatus for scheduling and synchronizing a multimedia broadcast/multicast service - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication system (100) provides, via a serving Node B (123), scheduling information required by a user equipment (UE) (102) to determine a start time for each Node B of multiple Node Bs (120, 123, 126) with respect to a multicast, by each Node B of the multiple Node Bs, of soft combinable MBMS data. The UE may then use the scheduling information to synchronize a soft combining of the MBMS data received by the UE via each of the multiple Node Bs, even when the multicasts via the multiple Node Bs are not synchronized. However, while the multicasts of frames of data associated with an MBMS service by different Node Bs need not be synchronized, synchronized multicasts are preferable for soft combining. Therefore, the communication system further provides for a synchronization by a network controller (130) of the multicasts of the MBMS data by the multiple Node Bs.

Description

Be used to dispatch method and apparatus with the synchronized multimedia broadcasting/packet service

The title that the application's request was submitted on January 5th, 2005 is the priority of the provisional application sequence number 60/641,503 of " METHOD ANDAPPRATUS FOR SCHEDULING AND SYNCHRONIZING AMULTIMEDIA BROADCAST/MULTICAST SERVICE ".

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to wireless packet data communication system, especially, the present invention relates to the scheduling of multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service in the packet data communication system with synchronously.

Background technology

Universal mobile telecommunications service (UMTS) standard is provided for the compatibility standard of cellular mobile telecommunication system.The UMTS standard guarantees can obtain communication service when the subscriber equipment of operating (UE) is operated in the UMTS system in according to the system of this index formation.In order to ensure compatibility, radio system parameters and data transmission procedure are specified by this standard, comprise managing those by the digital control message of air interface exchange and the agreement of bearer services.

The UMTS standard in 3GPP TS 25.344 (third generation collaborative project technical specification 25.344) v0.5.0,3GPP TS 23.246v1.1.0,3GPP TS 23.846v6.1.0,3GPP TS 25.331v5.6.0 and 3GPP TS 25.346v6.3.0, provide by the UMTS communication system to service is provided by this system and be scheduled to should business UE carry out the regulation of multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business).The MBMS business is provided for to preengaging the typically MBMS data of Internet protocol (IP) data packet format of UE multicast.In order to guarantee not waste the air interface resource of UMTS communication system, this system at first estimates in the sub-district that the MBMS data are provided as recipient's quantity of preengaging UE.Based on estimated recipient's quantity, the radio network controller (RNC) that is included in the UMTS foundation structure determines to set up point still is established to each recipient to multiple spot (PTM) communication channel point-to-point (PTP) communication channel in the sub-district.

When RNC determine in a plurality of sub-districts each (promptly, when setting up the PTM communication channel each in a plurality of respective nodes B), RNC can be by forward access channel (FACH) the multicast MBMS data of each sub-district then, and FACH is mapped to the Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (S-CCPCH) of this sub-district.Then, can merging data stream by the UE of the S-CCPCH reception same MBMS data flow of each in a plurality of Node B.By merging each data flow that receives from a plurality of Node B, can obtain sizable system gain.Yet in order to obtain the benefit of soft merging, UE is the MBMS data that receive via each Node B in a plurality of Node B of this UE synchronously.

Therefore, need a kind of UE of permission method and apparatus of the MBMS data that receive via each Node B in a plurality of Node B of this UE synchronously.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram according to the wireless communication system of the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is according to the logical flow chart of the embodiment of the invention by the typical soft merging of Fig. 1 subscriber equipment execution.

Fig. 3 is the logical flow chart of the method for a plurality of embodiment according to the present invention, and wherein, the communication system of Fig. 1 provides schedule information by this method to the subscriber equipment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is the typical sequential chart according to each frame that is associated stream in the embodiment of the invention and a plurality of Node B.

Fig. 5 is according to being carried out by Fig. 1 communication system of the embodiment of the invention, with determine with a plurality of Node B in each soft logical flow chart that merges time method start cycle that is associated or is associated with the area of coverage or down link.

To be diagram detect the typical sequential chart be used for a plurality of Node B each or the soft merging zero-time that is associated with the area of coverage or down link according to the embodiment of the invention to Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 is the typical sequential chart of diagram according to the method for the embodiment of the invention, and wherein, the network controller of Fig. 1 can synchronous a plurality of Node B by this method.

Fig. 8 carries out logical flow chart with synchronous a plurality of Node B according to the embodiment of the invention by the network controller of Fig. 1.

Embodiment

Needs for the method and apparatus of handling the MBMS data that a kind of UE of permission is received by each Node B in a plurality of Node B by UE synchronously, all schedule informations that communication system provides subscriber equipment (UE) to need by single serving node B are with definite soft zero-time that merges the MBMS data about all other Node B in a plurality of Node B by each Node B multicast in a plurality of Node B.Then, this UE in addition can also can use when asynchronous via the multicast of a plurality of Node B schedule information come this UE synchronously via a plurality of Node B in the soft merging of each MBMS data that receive.Yet although do not need the synchronous Frame that is associated with the MBMS business by the different nodes B multicast, for soft merging, synchronous multicast is better.Therefore, this communication system further regulation by network controller synchronously by a plurality of Node B multicasts can soft merging the MBMS data.

Usually, embodiments of the invention comprise a kind of method of the schedule information that is used to provide relevant with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business).This method is included on each Node B of a plurality of Node B and sets up the multicast of MBMS business and will be sent to subscriber equipment about the schedule information of each Node B in a plurality of Node B via a Node B in described a plurality of Node B.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a kind of method that the schedule information relevant with media broadcast/multicast service (MBMS business) is provided.This method is included in the multicast of setting up the MBMS business on each Node B of a plurality of Node B, wherein, described a plurality of Node B comprise serving node B and adjacent node B, determine about adjacent node B zero-time, in conjunction with zero-time determine with special time be designated by the designator of the zero-time of adjacent node B multicast MBMS business, via serving node B can soft merging the Transmission Time Interval (TTI) of transmission be sent to subscriber equipment and this designator be sent to subscriber equipment via serving node B.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a kind of method that is used for determining about the zero-time of multicast multimedia broadcasting/packet service (MBMS business).This method comprises via serving node B reception designator and Transmission Time Interval (TTI) size, and determine zero-time and TTI size about adjacent Node B based on the designator that receives and TTI size, wherein, this designator is designated zero-time by adjacent node B multicast MBMS business with special time.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a kind of network controller that the schedule information relevant with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) is provided.This network controller be configured on each Node B of a plurality of Node B, to set up the MBMS business multicast and via a Node B in described a plurality of Node B will be about a plurality of Node B in the schedule information of each Node B be sent to subscriber equipment.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a kind of network controller that the schedule information relevant with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) is provided.This network controller is configured to set up the multicast of MBMS business on each Node B of a plurality of Node B, wherein, described a plurality of Node B comprises serving node B and adjacent node B, definite zero-time about adjacent node B, determines the zero-time designator in conjunction with zero-time, wherein, the zero-time designator corresponding to start frame, via serving node B can soft merging the TTI size of transmission be sent to subscriber equipment and the zero-time designator be sent to subscriber equipment via service node.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a kind of subscriber equipment of operating (UE) in wireless communication system, wherein, transmit multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) via each the Node B multicast in a plurality of Node B, and wherein, described a plurality of Node B comprises serving node B and adjacent node B.This subscriber equipment is determined the zero-time by adjacent node B multicast, and possible the zero-time that this subscriber equipment is configured multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) transmission in conjunction with adjacent node B is determined the zero-time designator, received corresponding to about the zero-time designator of the zero-time of adjacent node B with based on determining zero-time about adjacent node B by the definite zero-time designator of this UE with by the zero-time designator of this UE reception.

Can the present invention be described more fully with reference to figure 1-8.Fig. 1 is the block diagram of wireless communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.Communication system 100 comprises a plurality of Node B 120,123 and 126 (illustrating three).Each Node B 120,123,126 operationally is coupled to network controller 130, preferably, and coupling radio network controller (RNC); Yet, in another embodiment of the present invention, Node B 120,123, one or more in 126 can be coupled to different network controllers, and wherein, each such network controller is coupled to other network controller.When Node B 120, when one or more in 123 and 126 are coupled to the different network controller of the network controller that is coupled with other network node B, here can think total all such network controllers of quoting to quoting of network controller 130, because function described herein can distribute in the middle of such network controller.Each Node B 120,123 and 126 provides radio communication service via separately air interface 110,113 and 116 to the corresponding area of coverage (for example sector of sub-district or sub-district).Here with a plurality of Node B 120,123 and 126 and network controller 130 be referred to as wireless access network (RAN) 140.

Each air interface 110,113 and 116 comprise down link (DL) 112 separately, 115 and 118, wherein, down link has a plurality of descending logics and transmission channel, comprise at least one broadcast channel, at least one Traffic Channel and at least one control channel, these descending logics and transmission channel can be mapped to one or more in a plurality of down physical channels, and a plurality of downlink physical channel comprise at least one Common Control Channel, at least one dedicated channel and at least one pilot channel.Each air interface 110,113 and 116 further comprise up link (UL) 111 separately, 114,117, wherein, up link has up logic and transmission channel, comprises access channel, at least one Traffic Channel and at least one control channel, and these up logics and transmission channel can be mapped to one or more in a plurality of uplink physical channels.

Communication system 100 further comprises at least one subscriber equipment (UE) 102 (illustrating), for example, but be not limited to cell phone, radio telephone, the PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) of (RF) ability that has radio frequency or the radio modem that provides RF to insert to the same digital terminal equipment of for example kneetop computer (DTE).UE 120 is positioned at by service node (that is the Node B 123 in a plurality of Node B) to be provided in the area of coverage of service.UE 102 except the MBMS of soft merging serving node B 123 transmission, can also soft merging from the MBMS transmission of one or more adjacent node B (for example in the Node B 120 and 126 one or more).

UE 102 predetermined and can receive with show audio frequency, video and/or with the relevant data of the multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service that provides by communication system 100 (MBMS business), the MBMS business has been stipulated the distribution of MBMS data to UE.At 3GPP TS 25.344 (third generation collaborative project technical specification 25.344) v0.5.0,3GPP TS 23.246v1.1.0,3GPP TS 23.846v6.1.0, describe the MBMS business in detail among 3GPP TS 23.331v5.6.0 and the 3GPP TS 25.346v6.3.0, this standard and report are incorporated into this by reference thus, and the copy of this standard and report can obtain from 3GPP by the Internet, perhaps 3GPP Organization partners ' Publications Offices (the routedes Lucioles from the Mobile CompetenceCentre 650,06921 Sophia-Antipolis Cedex, France) the middle acquisition.

Communication system 100 further comprises the support node 150 that is coupled to network controller 130.Support node 150 typically comprises one or more GPRS serving GPRS support nodes (SGSN), and each SGSN is coupled to one or more Gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN).Yet the precision architecture of support node 150 depends on the operator of communication system 100, and is not critical to the present invention.Although do not illustrate, communication system 100 may further include other well-known network element, for example, and broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) or gateway.

Communication system 100 comprises that further the MBMS content that is coupled to support node 150 via data network 152 (for example, IP network) provides device 154, for example, and the IP multicast server.As providing by communication system 100 and by the part of UE 102 predetermined MBMS business, the MBMS content provides device 154 to send the typically MBMS data of IP packet form via support node 150, controller 130, serving node B 123 and one or more adjacent node B 120 and 126 UE 102 to reservation.

In UE 102 and the controller 130 each comprises processor 104,132 separately, for example, and one or more microprocessors, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), their combination or other such equipment well known by persons skilled in the art.Processor 104 and 132 particular operations/functions and UE 102 and controller 130 particular operations/functions separately are stored in separately at least one memory device 106 that is associated with processor by execution respectively, software instruction in 134 or routine come to determine respectively, wherein, memory device 106,134 storages can be by the data and the program of respective processor execution, and this memory device 106,134 for example is random access storage device (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM) and/or read-only memory (ROM) or their equivalent.For the MBMS transmission of UE 102 soft merging from a plurality of Node B, at least one memory device 106 of UE 102 further comprises soft merging buffer 108, soft merging buffer 108 storages are from a plurality of Node B 120, the MBMS data that each Node B in 123 and 126 receives (or " soft information ") are till the soft merging of same MBMS data that these data and other Node B from described a plurality of Node B can be received.

Preferably, embodiments of the invention are realized in UE 102 and controller 130, more particularly, realize with at least one memory device 106,134 software program and the instruction interior and that carried out by processor 104,132 separately that is stored in separately.Yet, one of those of ordinary skills recognize that the embodiment of the invention alternatively can realize in hardware, hardware for example is integrated circuit (IC), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (ASIC) or the like, such as the ASIC that realizes in one or more in Wireless Telecom Equipment UE 102 and transceiver 123.Based on the disclosure, those skilled in the art will just can easily make and realize such software and/or hardware under situation about need not too much test.

Preferably, communication system 100 is professional (UMTS) communication systems of universal mobile telecommunications system according to 3GPP (third generation collaborative project) or WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)) standard operation, 3GPP or WCDMA standard are provided for the compatibility standard of UMTS air interface, thereby these standards all are incorporated into this.These standards are described the radio telecommunications system operating protocol in detail in 3GPP (third generation collaborative project) TS (technical specification) 23.246, TS 22.146, TS 25.346 and TS 29.846, providing of radio system parameters, call handling process and broadcasting-multicast service is provided, promptly, multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS), thus these standards all are incorporated into this.In the same UMTS communication system of communication system for example 100, communication channel comprises logic and/or the transmission channel (orthogonal code typically) that is mapped to physical channel (frequency bandwidth typically).

In another embodiment of the present invention, communication system 100 can be code division multiple access (CDMA) 2000 communication systems according to 3GPP2 (third generation collaborative project 2) standard operation.The 3GPP2 standard is provided for the compatibility standard of CDMA2000 air interface (1X and DO), and describes the radio telecommunications system operating protocol in detail, comprises radio system parameters, call handling process.The 3GPP2 standard has described in further detail broadcasting-multicast service, that is, broadcasting multicast service (BCMCS), provide.In 3GPP2 (third generation collaborative project 2) X.P0022, A.S00019, C.S0054 and S.R0083 standard, describe BCMCS in detail, thereby these standards all are incorporated into this, and the copy of these standards can by the Internet from 3GPP2 or obtain, perhaps can be from 3GPP2 Secretariat with administrative offices at 2500 WilsonBoulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22201 (USA) obtains.In yet another embodiment of the present invention, communication system 100 can be according to any other radio telecommunications system operation, for example, but be not limited to, time division multiple access (TDMA) communication system, wireless lan (wlan) communication system or OFDM (OFDM) communication system described as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electric Engineers) 802.xx standard (for example, 802.11,802.15,802.16 or 802.20 standards).

As mentioned above, the UE 102 predetermined MBMS business that provide by communication system 100.The MBMS business is provided for transmitting the MBMS data via multicast or unicast communication session to each subscriber, and wherein, the MBMS data typically present Internet protocol (IP) packet form.As known in the art, when communication system 100 has the MBMS data, so that provide MBMS business to subscriber, network controller 130 can be determined in each area of coverage (promptly, on each Node B 120,123,126) set up point to multiple spot (PTM) communication channel, perhaps in the area of coverage, be established to each recipient's point-to-point (PTP) channel.

As UE 102 just in soft merging from the MBMS of a plurality of Node B transmission, UE preserves MBMS Active Set or neighbor lists in described at least one memory device 106 of this UE.MBMS Active Set (or neighbor lists) comprise cell identifier and/or with serving node B 123 and one or more adjacent node B (for example Node B 120 and 126)) in each one or more logics, transmission and/or physical channel that is associated, pilot channel typically, for example, Common Pilot Channel (CPICH), wherein, described one or more adjacent node participates in the soft handover with UE, promptly, with the session of UE in can be related to simultaneously, and be to be used to switch or the possible both candidate nodes of UE re-selecting cell.As the part of soft handover, logic, transmission and/or physical channel that UE 102 monitoring are associated with each MBMS Active Set Node B.When UE initiatively participates in the MBMS session and during via the two or more reception MBMS data in the MBMS Active Set Node B, UE can increase transmitting gain and reduce error rate via the MBMS data that two or more MBMS Active Set Node B receive by soft merging.

With reference now to Fig. 2,, this Figure illustrates according to the embodiment of the invention logic flow Figure 200 by the typical soft merging of UE 102 execution.When network controller 130 determines that (204) a plurality of Node B are (promptly in the MBMS of UE 102 Active Set, Node B 120,123 and 126) set up point on each Node B in to multiple spot (PTM) communication channel, so that when providing same MBMS business (be called can soft merging professional and the Node B that can soft merging of MBMS) here by each such Node B, logic flow 200 beginnings (202).In response to determining to set up the PTM communication channel, network controller 130 assignment (206) on each Node B 120,123 and 126 is used for the PTM communication channel of multicast packet.Typically, the communication channel of this assignment comprises multicast channel, forward access channel (FACH) for example, and this multicast channel is mapped to public physic channel, for example, Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (S-CCPCH).Network controller 130 is notified to (208) reservation UE with the PTM communication channel of assignment, that is, UE 102, then via the PTM communication channel of each and assignment on each Node B in Node B 120,123 and 126 to UE multicast (210) MBMS data.When UE 102 each Node B from described a plurality of Node B 120,123 and 126 receives (212) MBMS data, this UE with storage (214) in soft merging buffer 108.When UE determines that (216) this UE has received and/or stored via Node B 120, in 123 and 126 each and down link separately 112,115, during the same number of frames of the 118 MBMS data that receive, UE merges (218) same number of frames that receive and/or storage, and logic flow finishes (220).

Provide to UE 102 can soft merging MBMS when professional, each in the Node B 120,123 and 126 further can provide other MBMS business to UE 102 and/or other UE that is positioned at this Node B area of coverage.Conversely, reservation UE can be scheduled to and the one or more receptions from Node B 120,123 and 126 about the MBMS data of other MBMS business.For UE 102 soft merging from a plurality of Node B (promptly, Node B 120,123 and 126) the MBMS data that each receives in about the same MBMS business, the same number of frames of the data that UE 102 must be synchronously receives via each Node B, so that UE when merging frame, know merge via Node B 120,123 and 126 in the same number of frames of each data that receive.For the frame of UE 102 synchrodatas, this UE must determine about the beginning from the soft merging cycle of the transmission of each in the Node B.

In order to promote 102 pairs of data of UE to carry out soft merging, communication system 100 is for UE provides schedule information, and this schedule information allows UE to determine when begin about the soft merging cycle of each in a plurality of Node B.With reference now to Fig. 3,, this figure illustrates the logical flow chart 300 according to a kind of method of the embodiment of the invention, and wherein, communication system 100 provides schedule information by this method to UE 102.When via each Node B in a plurality of Node B (that is, Node B 120,123 and 126) when UE 102 provides MBMS that (304) can soft merging professional, logical flow chart 300 beginnings (302).As the part of MBMS business, network controller 130 is via each same number of frames to UE 102 transmission MBMS data in Node B 120,123 and 126.When UE each from Node B 120,123 and 126 receives each frame of the MBMS data that are associated with the MBMS business, UE with storage in the soft merging buffer 108 of this UE.

In order to promote the MBMS data of soft merging by UE 102 storage, network controller 130 further transmits (306) and gives UE 102, UE 102 from network controller 130 receptions (308) about each schedule information a plurality of Node B.Preferably, network controller 130 transmits this schedule information via serving node B 123 and via the MBMS control channel (MCCH) of the down link 115 of air interface 113.Then, UE 102 can use the schedule information that is provided to determine that (310) are about a plurality of Node B 120, when the soft merging cycle of each Node B begins in 123 and 126, and based on the determined soft merging cycle about a plurality of Node B begin come synchronously (312) via each data that receive in a plurality of Node B.Logic flow 200 finishes (314) then.

Network controller 130 can provide schedule information one time for each MBMS business.Yet for more dispatching flexibility is provided, preferably, network controller 130 periodically provides schedule information.Can pre-determine and be used for the time cycle that schedule information is upgraded, for example, per 5 seconds once, and be kept at least one memory device 106 of UE 102 and network controller 130 this time cycle, in 134, perhaps network controller 130 time cycle that can will be used to dispatch renewal via the MCCH of the down link 115 of air interface 113 sends to UE 102 together with radio frequency (RF) carrier characteristics.Network controller 130 can be updated periodically the data dispatch that is used for the MBMS business then and the schedule information that will upgrade offers UE 102.

In one embodiment of the invention, " particular coverage area " or " Node B " embodiment, the transmission delay between adjacent coverage area or Node B (or " skew ") is constant, and no matter what the MBMS business that is provided is.Therefore, needn't comprise independently skew by network controller 130 for each MBMS business to the schedule information that UE 102 transmits.Instead, by comprising transmission delay (adjacent node B skew) that is used for each adjacent node B 120,126 and the service dispatching information that is used for each MBMS business to the schedule information that UE 102 transmits by network controller 130.Preferably, be used for the service dispatching information of each MBMS business so comprise again be used for the MBMS business the reference zero-time (preferably, the zero-time relevant) with the business that on serving node B 123, provides, with scheduling duration of this business (promptly, the duration in cycle of the schedule information that is provided can be provided, for example, with radio frames or Transmission Time Interval (TTI) is unit), wherein, with reference to zero-time preferably is unit with the radio frames, for example, origin cell system frame number (SFN) index, this index from 0 to 4095 changes perhaps initial connection frame number (CFN) index.

The transmission delay that provides for each adjacent node B provides delay between the identical services corresponding to the reference zero-time that the MBMS business is provided (for example, the zero-time of MBMS business on serving node B 123) and by adjacent node B.From another viewpoint, the zero-time and the delay between the zero-time of identical services on the serving node B of MBMS business in the service dispatching information that provides is provided the transmission delay that provides for each adjacent node.Because " particular coverage area " embodiment supposition transmission delay between adjacent coverage area or Node B be constant (promptly, approximately equate), and no matter what the MBMS business that is provided is, therefore only need be each adjacent node B 120,126 provide a delay, and only need provide a zero-time for each MBMS business.

In addition, when identical MBMS business be used in a plurality of Node B 120,123 and 126 or the area of coverage that is associated on during soft merging, preferably, in the described a plurality of Node B or the area of coverage each dispatching cycle length or the duration (that is, but whole frames of application schedules information) identical.Otherwise control lag easily.In other words, for can be soft can and the professional shared same physical channel of MBMS, they must have identical length dispatching cycle.Therefore, preferably, the Node B 120,123,126 that each can soft merging is used the identical scheduling duration, and only need provide a scheduling duration for each MBMS business.

During each dispatching cycle or modification cycle, keep approximately constant in the transmission delay between the Node B.Then, serving node B 123 can or be revised periodic broadcasting in each dispatching cycle and be used among the adjacent node B 120,126 new delay or the offset information of each, together with new service dispatching information.Based on the skew that provides about the service dispatching information of each MBMS business with for each Node B that provides, UE 102 can determine when the MBMS business that detection is provided by each Node B 120,123,126 in each respective coverage areas.By each the MBMS business that determines when that detection is provided by each Node B 120, UE 102 can be synchronously via transmission and these transmission of soft merging of the identical information of each the same MBMS business that receives in the Node B.

In another embodiment of the present invention, " specific transactions " embodiment, for all can soft merging the MBMS business, the transmission delay between Node B may be different.Therefore, provide instead of each adjacent node B to postpone and for each MBMS business provides single zero-time and scheduling duration, network controller 130 can provide can soft merging to each the professional and specific service dispatching information of Node B of MBMS.In other words, in the embodiment of this " specific transactions ", network controller 130 is via serving node B 123 and preferably transmit to UE 102 via the MCCH of down link 115, and for each dispatching cycle and modification cycle, the transport service schedule information, this service dispatching information is included on each Node B 120,123,126 the specific zero-time that each can soft merging MBMS business.In addition, in order to promote soft merging, preferably, the Node B 120,123,126 that each can soft merging is used the identical scheduling duration.Therefore, service dispatching information may further include in the particular schedule duration of each MBMS business on each Node B 120,123,126, perhaps can include only a scheduling duration that is used for each MBMS business.

In this " specific transactions " embodiment, provide which MBMS business in the MBMS business according to all Node B, can be different in the transmission delay between each in a plurality of Node B 120,123,126.In other words, in a MBMS business is provided in the zero-time that is associated with first node B and Section Point B (promptly, initial radio frame number, for example SFN) between transmission delay or skew can be different from the 2nd MBMS business is provided with zero-time that first node B and Section Point B are associated between delay or skew.Yet, although can change according to the MBMS that providing is professional, should be limited in based on the size of the soft merging buffer of UE with the MBMS business in delay between each zero-time that is associated.In other words, preferably, transmission delay that is associated with each MBMS business or skew are enough little, with the soft merging of size that allows the limited soft merging buffer 108 of UE 102 usefulness from Node B 120,123, the same MBMS data of each reception in 126.Full-size by restriction transmission delay or skew, given MBMS data transmission block in the time cycle at down link 112,115, transmission on each in 118, like this, received MBMS data block can be stored and merge to the soft merging buffer 108 of UE 102.

For MBMS business that can not soft merging, promptly, for 102 of UE via a plurality of Node B 120,123,126 or the area of coverage that is associated in Node B or the business that receives of the area of coverage, each Node B or the different areas of coverage can use different parameters their different MBMS business of multicast on identical S-CCPCH, and wherein, different parameters comprises the relative delay between the different business.Do not need to limit such delay, because there is not the finite size of soft merging buffer here.

In order to help to understand the principle of " specific transactions " embodiment, and be not intended to limit by any way the present invention, the example sequential chart 400 of the frame stream of each in a plurality of Node B is provided among Fig. 4, this sequential chart is based on (for example being used for first node B, Node B 123) and " specific transactions " of the frame of Section Point B (for example, Node B 126) scheduling.In Fig. 4, receive the soft merging of UE (that is, UE 102) by each some MBMS business that provide among first node B (that is, Node B 123) and the 2nd B (that is, Node B 126).For example, each in Node B 123 and the Node B 126 provides MBMS professional 1 and 6.Other MBMS business that each provides in not soft merge node B 123 and the Node B 126.For example, have only Node B 123 that MBMS business 2 and 3 is provided, and have only Node B 126 that MBMS professional 4 and 6 is provided.Therefore, when UE 102 subscribes one or more among the MBMS professional 1 and 6, the soft merging of UE is each data that receive from Node B 123 and Node B 126, and when UE 102 subscribed one or more among the professional 2-5 of MBMS, then UE was with not soft merging MBMS data.

In addition, as shown in Figure 4, for all MBMS business, the transmission delay between Node B 123 and Node B 126 (or skew) is inequality.In other words, although Node B 123 and Node B 126 the two all provide professional 1 and 6, it is more Zao than Node B 126 that Node B 123 is sent MBMS business 1, and that Node B 126 is sent MBMS business 6 is more Zao than Node B 123.Therefore, according to " specific transactions " of the present invention embodiment, network controller 130 can preferably provide the following schedule information that is associated with Node B 123 via serving node B (also being Node B 123 in this example) to UE 102:

The initial SFN of the professional 1-of MBMS is 423, and the cycle is 6, and Transmission Time Interval (TTI) is 20 milliseconds (ms);

The initial SFN of the professional 2-of MBMS is 425, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms);

The initial SFN of the professional 3-of MBMS is 426, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms); With

The initial SFN of the professional 6-of MBMS is 428, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms).

In addition, network controller 130 can preferably provide the following schedule information that is associated with Node B via serving node B 123 again to UE 102:

The initial SFN of the professional 1-of MBMS is 451, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms);

The initial SFN of the professional 4-of MBMS is 453, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms);

The initial SFN of the professional 5-of MBMS is 454, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms); With

The initial SFN of the professional 6-of MBMS is 455, and the cycle is 6, and TTI is 20 milliseconds (ms);

Because the professional 2-5 of not soft merging MBMS, professional 2-5 can maybe cannot be scheduled, and can maybe cannot send UE to, and this depends on the designer of communication system 100.Yet, the MBMS business of not soft merging can not be taken and professional identical TTI that will soft merging, like this, the scheduling of the MBMS business of not soft merging may be restricted a little.

In " particular coverage area " of the present invention and " specific transactions " these two embodiment, based on the schedule information that offers UE 102, UE can identify different MBMS business, therefore professional and each down link 112 with each MBMS can not read, the situation that 115,118 transformats that are associated merge designators (TFCI) which business of soft merging of making decision.Although UE 102 still can use TFCI, preferably, for all Node B/down links, via a plurality of can soft merge node B 120, the employed transformat of same MBMS data that each provides in 123,126 is identical, so that will soft merging data.By using a transformat for all Node B/down link, detect for TFCI, realize other robustness, the selection that is provided for the TFCI bit basically merges gain.In one embodiment of the invention, guarantee that wherein the TFCI bit is identical, UE 102 can soft merging TFCI bit, to obtain more gain.Yet different down links can have different transformats and merge collection (TFCS), thereby is may be difficult by the same TFCI of all down links selections of soft merging with identical transformat merging.Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, UE 102 can not suppose that all down links have identical TFCI, therefore, and can not soft merging TFCI bit.

The advantage that " specific transactions " embodiment is better than " particular coverage area " embodiment is: communication system 100 can be by allowing different nodes B 120 when multiplexing different business on same physical channel, 123,126 provide these different business to save the communication resource in identical time slot, more precisely, sign indicating number resource.The shortcoming of " specific transactions " embodiment is: when transmitting to UE 102 when being used for schedule information that all can soft merge node B 120,123,126, it consumes more overhead than " particular coverage area " embodiment.Yet the expense that the schedule information signaling that relates in " specific transactions " embodiment consumes is little, and possible per second has only the hundreds of bit.For example, can determine to provide " specific transactions " scheduling needed many bits according to following equation (in fact, many variable will be constant constant):

$\left(\underset{i=1}{\overset{M}{\mathrm{\Σ}}}({\mathrm{\α}}_i+{\mathrm{\β}}_i+\underset{j=1}{\overset{N}{\mathrm{\Σ}}}{\mathrm{\δ}}_{i,j})\right)\×f$

Wherein:

M will revise the average of periodic scheduling business at each;

α _iBe to be used for the bit number that initial SFN represents, SFN from 0 to 4095,12 bit;

β _iBe the bit number of representing (representing) duration that is used to dispatch, and depend on maximum data rate, dispatching cycle, TTI length and the spreading factor of supporting with radio frames or TTI.For 1 second dispatching cycle, 20 milliseconds of TTI, six (6) bits are enough;

N is that its multicast is by the quantity of the area of coverage of soft merging or Node B (for MBMS, the 10th, appropriate value);

δ _{I, j}Be that notice is in service coverage (or Node B) and adjacent coverage area (or Node B for the professional i of MBMS _j) between needed bit number of time difference (representing) with radio frames.Suppose no more than 1.28 seconds delay, 7 bits can be enough;

F is the inverse of dispatching cycle.Suitable hypothesis is dispatching cycle identical with the modification cycle (about 5 seconds), thereby specified f=0.2.

For example, suppose N=10, M=10, f=5s, δ _{I, j}=7, expense is 10* (6+12+10*7)/5=176 bit/per second so.Can be by the maximum delay between the air interface that is limited in the different areas of coverage (or Node B) or by representing δ with TTI instead of wireless frame _{I, j}Further reduce this expense.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, UE 102 can be only based on the only Node B or the area of coverage (preferably, the serving node B 123 or the area of coverage that is associated) soft merging zero-time be identified for each adjacent node B 120,126 or the soft merging zero-time of the area of coverage that is associated.Developing the MBMS standard, this MBMS standard needs RAN 40 that the maximum regularly difference (being received by UE) of different down links is set to one (1) TTI and adds one (1) time slot.Therefore, UE 102 can use and be used for a Node B, serving node B 123 (or the area of coverage that is associated or down link 115) for example, the soft merging cycle starting point together with maximum regularly difference come together to determine other can soft merge node B (promptly, adjacent node B 120 and 126) or the zero-time in the soft merging cycle of the area of coverage that is associated or down link 112,118.

With reference now to Fig. 5,, this figure provides according to still a further embodiment by UE 102 and carries out logical flow chart 500 with the method for determining the soft merging time cycle that can soft merging adjacent node B (for example Node B 120 or 126) (the perhaps related area of coverage or down link 112,118).When RAN 104 (more particularly, network controller 130) in Node B 120, set up in 123 and 126 each multicast of (504) MBMS business and UE 102 via serving node B 123 when network controller 130 receives (506) and is used for providing the schedule information of MBMS business by this serving node B 123, logical flow chart 500 beginnings (502).This schedule information comprises the professional zero-time and the scheduling duration (for example quantity of radio frames or TTI) that is used for serving node B 123 that is used for radio frames (for example SFN index or CFN index) expression.

As the part of MBMS business, RAN 140 (preferably, network controller 130) will transmit (508) in the Node B 120,123 and 126 each with the professional relevant MBMS Frame of this MBMS, and send UE 102 to via these Node B.When UE 102 received (510) MBMS Frame, UE was stored in the frame that receives in the buffer 108 of this UE.In addition, because RAN 140 knows, therefore determine that (512) are by each adjacent node B 120, the correct zero-time or the start frame of the 126 MBMS Frames that send to UE 102, RAN 140 (especially then, network controller 130) or Node B determine that (514) are used for each adjacent node B 120,126 zero-time designator, the neighbor cell start indicator (NCSI) (being called NCSI hereinafter) of Node B preferably, wherein, this designator is with directly related by the zero-time (or start frame) of the MBMS business of Node B multicast and identify this zero-time (or start frame).

In order to limit NCSI in the size aspect the bit, NCSI only need distinguish those and drop on possible zero-time or MBMS Frame in " the merging window " around the zero-time on the Serving cell.The possible zero-time that has limited quantity in merging window is because UE must know when new data block will be sent out.The indication of W-CDMA standard will send the time cycle (it is called as Transmission Time Interval or " TTI ") of data block, and only allow to begin on the even-multiple radio frames of the radio frames quantity in TTI of each data block on the given transmission channel." merging window " is the window of time or frame, that is, the zero-time of the MBMS business that provides schedule information from serving node B 123 adds a time slot to adding/subtract one (1) individual TTI.One of those of ordinary skills know (and by be conspicuous with reference to figure 6), and three (3) the individual possible zero-times that are used for adjacent node B 120,126 can drop in " merging window " at the most.Therefore, dibit can be used for representing NCSI.Because RAN 140 determines NCSI, wherein, this NCSI is mapped to the NCSI that is determined by UE 102, but in " merging window ", be unique for each frame, therefore, RAN can use identical algorithm to determine NCSI with UE, and can further derive NCSI from the information unique to each such frame (for example, frame number).For example, RAN 140 can the following is each adjacent node B 120,126 definite NCSI:

The initial indication of neighbor cell=(CFN_Start (i)/and Max_TTI_Size}) mod 4

Wherein, CFN_Start (i) is the frame number corresponding to zero-time/start frame, and Max_TTI_Size is maximum TTI on can the S-CCPCH of soft merging.Then, network controller 130 is NCSI that each adjacent node B 120,126 determine to UE 102 transmission (516) and UE from network controller reception (518) via serving node B 123.

In UE 102 sides, based on the schedule information of serving node B (more particularly, the zero-time that is provided) and the maximum TTI size of using by communication system 100 on can the S-CCPCH of soft merging (Max_TTI_Size), this UE for each can soft merging adjacent node B 120,126 (area of coverage that perhaps is associated or down links) are determined (520) one or more possible zero-times of representing with radio frames, and combination produces one or more possible zero-times that are used for each adjacent node B 120,126 together from the frame that this Node B receives.Each possible zero-time that is used for adjacent node B is relevant with the frame of the MBMS data that transmitted by this Node B.For example, UE can use the restriction that begins on the even-multiple to data block radio frames quantity in TTI to determine possible zero-time/frame, thereby UE 102 can determine to satisfy the CFN of following equation:

CFN?mod?Max_TTI_Size＝0

Wherein, " mod " expression is divided by by mould.

Because in the transmission delay between each among serving node B (that is, Node B 123) and the adjacent node B (that is, Node B 120,126), RAN 140 may be defined as each adjacent node B and determine a plurality of possibility zero-times.Yet, by being defined as adjacent node B 120,126 possible the zero-times of determining are limited to the interior possible zero-time of " merging window " (promptly the zero-time that provides from serving node B 123 is to adding/subtract one (1) individual TTI) are provided, can be each adjacent node B 120,126 determine the possible zero-time of minimum numbers (that is, at the most three (3) individual).

At least one each in may zero-time that UE 102 is combined into that each adjacent node B 120,123 determines is further determined (522) NCSI, thinks that each Node B produces at least one NCSI.Preferably, UE 102 uses the algorithm identical with RAN 104 (the initial indication of neighbor cell=(CFN_Start (i)/{ Max_TTI_Size}) mod4) when determining NCSI, like this, determine to be aligned.

Then, by coupling UE 102 in conjunction with Node B one or more may zero-times in the NCSI of each one or more NCSI that determine and the Node B that receives from RAN 140, UE 102 is that each adjacent node B 120,126 determines (524) soft merging zero-time.Logic flow 500 finishes (526) then.

In order to help reader understanding's principle of the present invention, and be not intended to limit by any way the present invention, Fig. 6 by UE (for example provides diagram according to the method for describing in the logical flow chart 500, UE 102) detect each adjacent node B 120, the typical sequential chart of soft merging zero-time 126 (area of coverage that perhaps is associated or down links 112,118)).In Fig. 6, Max_TTI_Size=8.In Fig. 6, the soft merging zero-time that thick line expresses possibility, thinner line represents that the starting point of frame, arrow represent the soft merging zero-time of each Node B 120,123 and 126.In addition, in Fig. 6, possible soft merging zero-time or start frame and non-possible start frame are designated as M (N), and wherein, M preferably, is preferably CFN corresponding to the radio frame number of frame, and N is the NCSI that calculates for this frame.

As described in Figure 6, about serving node B 123, the starting point in soft merging cycle is CFN 32.UE 102 know can soft merging adjacent node B 120 and 126, in other words, down link 112 and 118, and can be that each the adjacent node B or the area of coverage calculate possible soft merging zero-time.Because network must be with transmitting synchronous to a TTI that can soft merging, so UE102 calculates possible the zero-time in " merging window ", and wherein, extremely how early " merging window " than current service Node B or the area of coverage TTI or a late TTI.

As described in Figure 6, for Node B 120, possible zero-time or frame 112 and 120 all drop on and merge in the window.UE 102 calculates the NCSI that is used for each possibility zero-time/frame, and therefore, possible zero-time/frame 112 is associated with the NCSI of value for " 2 ", and may be associated with the NCSI of value for " 3 " by zero-time/frame 120.Therefore, in Fig. 6, these of Node B 120 may zero-time/frames be expressed as 112 (2) and 120 (3).

For 126, one of Node B may zero-times or the zero-time/frame of frame (that is, zero-time/frame 224) and serving node B 123 accurately mate, therefore, three may zero-time or frame 216,224,232 all drop in the merging window of Node B 123.UE 102 calculates the NCSI that is used for each possibility zero-time/frame, therefore may be associated with the NCSI of value by zero-time/frame 216 for " 3 ", possible zero-time/frame 224 is associated with the NCSI of value for " 0 ", and may be associated with the NCSI of value for " 1 " by zero-time/frame 232.Therefore.These possibility zero-time/frames with Node B 126 in Fig. 6 be expressed as 216 (3), 224 (0) and 232 (1).

For solve with Node B 120 and 126 in each the relevant uncertainty of correct zero-time, the NCSI that network controller 130 will be used for each this Node B sends UE102 to.Among one or more NCSI that the NCSI indication that is provided by RAN is determined for each Node B 120,126 by UE which is corresponding to correct zero-time.For example, for Fig. 6, network controller 130 will be the value of Node B 120 that the NCSI of " 0 " sends UE 102 to for the value of the NCSI of " 2 " and Node B 126.By the NCSI that is provided by RAN is provided, UE 102 can determine that the zero-time/frame of Node B 120 is 112, and the zero-time/frame of Node B 126 is 224.

In a word, communication system 100 is provided for via a serving node B (promptly, Node B 123) provide UE (promptly, UE 102) needed all schedule informations, to determine a plurality of Node B (promptly, Node B 120,123 and 126) all other Node B in (that is Node B 120 and 123) about each Node B multicast in these a plurality of Node B can soft merging the zero-time of MBMS data.By the schedule information that provides all to need via a Node B, UE only need monitor a link to obtain schedule information.Like this, allow UE dormancy and conserve battery power more because with a plurality of Node B in independent scheduling on each down link that is associated will impel UE to wake up more continually.Even via the multicast of a plurality of Node B not by in synchronous, UE also can use schedule information to come synchronously this UE via the soft merging of the MBMS data that each receives in a plurality of Node B.

In one embodiment of the invention, " particular coverage area " or " specific Node B " embodiment, the transmission delay between adjacent coverage area or Node B (or " skew ") is approximate identical, and no matter what MBMS business that provides.Therefore, the schedule information that sends UE to does not need to comprise the independent offset that is used for each MBMS business.As an alternative, network controller (that is, network controller 130) can transmit schedule information that comprises the transmission delay of each adjacent node B in a plurality of Node B and the service dispatching information that is used for each MBMS business to UE.Be used for the service dispatching information of each MBMS business and then comprise the reference zero-time that is used for this MBMS business again and the scheduling duration of this MBMS business.

In another embodiment of the present invention, " specific transactions " embodiment, for all MBMS business, the transmission delay between a plurality of Node B can be inequality.Therefore, replace providing the zero-time and the scheduling duration of the delay of each adjacent (non-service) Node B and each MBMS business, network controller can provide can soft merging to each the service dispatching information that MBMS is professional and Node B is specific, this service dispatching information comprises each MBMS business specific zero-time on each Node B in a plurality of Node B.In order to help soft merging, preferably, each Node B in a plurality of Node B is used the identical scheduling duration.Therefore, this service dispatching information may further include each MBMS business particular schedule duration on each Node B in a plurality of Node B, perhaps can include only a scheduling duration that is used for each MBMS business.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, network controller can transmit the schedule information that only relates to a Node B (serving node B) to UE.Based on the schedule information that is provided, UE can determine that the one or more of each non-service node Node B may zero-time in a plurality of Node B.For each non-serving node B, network controller further transmits identifier (NCSI) to UE, and which the possibility zero-time in one or more other possibility zero-times of this identifier sign be the correct zero-time that is used for providing via this Node B the MBMS business.Based on the designator that receives, UE can determine to provide via each non-serving node B the zero-time of MBMS business.

The above embodiment of the present invention does not need synchronously by different nodes B 120,123,126 multicasts with the professional relevant Frame of MBMS.In other words, based on the schedule information that offers UE 102, this UE can be identified for the zero-time in the soft merging cycle of each down link 112,115,118 and respective nodes B 120,123,126.Then, UE 102 can determine the frame poor (for example SFN difference or CSN are poor) between can two Node B of soft its multicast of merging and merge from the transmission block of each Node B reception based on the SFN difference.Like this, UE 102 can be simply from a plurality of down links 112,115 and 118 with each of corresponding Node B 120,123 and 126 in select TTI, to carry out soft merging based on schedule information.

Yet, in " particular coverage area " and " specific transactions " embodiment, preferably, the restriction different nodes B is to the time difference between the multicast of same MBMS frame, so that the soft merging buffer 108 of UE 102 can not store with soft merging from a plurality of can soft merge node B 120,123 and 126 in the possibility minimum of each MBMS data that receive.Therefore, communication system 100 further is provided for synchronously the same MBMS business by each multicast in can the Node B 120,123 and 126 of soft merging.

With reference now to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8,, diagram is measured and locking phase neighbors B (for example, Node B 123 and 126) according to embodiment of the invention network controller 130) between the process of frame number poor (for example, SFN is poor).Preferably, carry out synchronously according to the node synchronizing process of the suitable definition of in 3GPP TS 25.402, describing in detail, thereby the full content of this standard is incorporated into this.By (promptly synchronously, limit the variation in transmission time) by adjacent node B 120,123, the MBMS business of each multicast in 126, network controller 130 can guarantee that transmission delay or the skew between the Node B is enough little, so that soft merging transmission block will can not exceed the buffer sizes of the soft merging buffer 108 of UE 102.

Fig. 7 is the typical sequential chart 700 of diagram according to a kind of method of the embodiment of the invention, and network controller 130 can synchronous a plurality of Node B (for example, Node B 123 and Node B 126) by this method.Fig. 8 is according to the logical flow chart of the embodiment of the invention by network controller 130 synchronous a plurality of Node B.When setting up (804) MBMS business and network controller 130 (for example by first node B, Node B 123) Fu Wu first area of coverage and (for example by Section Point B, when Node B 126) setting up (806) wireless carrier in each in Fu Wu second area of coverage, logical flow chart 800 beginnings (802).Then, the node synchronizing process of network controller 130 execution and Node B 123 and Node B 126.

Part as synchronizing process, network controller 130 be first node B (promptly, Node B 123) and Section Point B (promptly, Node B 126) each in determines that (808) arrive the Node B frame number (BFN) that Node B is associated with transmission block, and this transmission block is gone up at certain network controller 130 frame number (RFN) and sent.Here it is, and RFN-BFN is poor, and it is that in first and second Node B 123,126 each is determined by network controller 130 also.Typically, use DL node synchronous control frame to come measure R FN-BFN poor.If this control frame sends by the transport vehicle that is used for the MBMS business, then for the transmission block that sends by transport vehicle, the RFN-BFN difference will be identical.

For example, as shown in Figure 7, network controller 130 is being used for the time point T1-1 of Node B 123, and T2-1, T3-1 and T4-1 go up the frame number information that obtains.Similarly, network controller 130 is being used for the time point T1-2 of Node B 126, T2-2, and T3-2 and T4-2 go up the information that obtains frame number.With T1, T2, each among T3 and the T4 is measured as the frame number (RFN or BFN) corresponding to the 0.125ms incremental time.For example,, suppose that T1-1 is 1471.125, and supposition T2-1 is 29445.625 for Node B 123.In other words, the transmission block that network controller 130 usefulness RFN 1471.125 send arrives Node B 123 at BFN 29445.625, causes 27974.500 time difference or frame number poor (RFN-BFN is poor).For Node B 126, network controller 130 arrives Node B 126 with the transmission block that RFN 1467.75 sends at T2-2BFN 40030.125 at T1-2.Like this, the RFN-BFN difference for Node B 126 is 38542.375.It is poor to simplify RFN-BFN by the unit that this unit is converted to 10ms.So, the RFN-BFN of Node B 123 difference is 2797, and the RFN-BFN difference of Node B 126 is 3856.

Poor based on the RFN-BFN of each in first and second Node B 123,126, network controller 130 can determine that the BFN of (that is, between the transmission of the transmission of first node B 123 and Section Point B 126) between (810) first and second areas of coverage is 1059.Then, network controller 130 can come synchronous (812) MBMS business by each transmission among first node B 123 and the Section Point B 126 based on determined BFN difference.For example, suppose,, be set to X by the initial SFN of the MBMS business of soft merging for first area of coverage or Node B 123.Network controller 130 can be set to X+1059 to the initial SFN in the interior identical services of second area of coverage (in other words, Node B) then.Logical flow chart 800 finishes (814) then.

Communication system 100 provide by UE synchronous receive via the MBMS data of each multicast in a plurality of Node B to this UE so that UE can soft merging data, and further provide by network controller synchronously by the MBMS data of a plurality of Node B multicasts.

Although illustrate and described the present invention especially with reference to its specific embodiment, it will be understood to those of skill in the art that and make various changes under the situation of the scope of the invention that can in not departing from following claim, set forth and substitute its unit with equivalent.Therefore, think that specification and accompanying drawing are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and all such distortion and replacement are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The solution of benefit, other advantage and problem has been described about specific embodiment above.Yet, the solution of these benefits, advantage, problem and can impel and produce any benefit, advantage or solution or impel its more significant any unit (or a plurality of unit) not to be interpreted as arbitrarily or key, essential or necessary feature or the unit of all authority requirement.As used herein, term " comprises " or its any distortion is intended to cover not exclusive comprising, like this, the process, method, article or the equipment that comprise a series of unit not only comprise those unit, but can comprise other unit that process that clearly do not list or this, method, article or equipment are intrinsic.In addition, unless otherwise noted, as first and second, the use (if any) of the relational language of top and bottom or the like only is used for an entity or action separate with another entity or active region, and may not need or hint at such entity or this relation or in proper order of any reality between moving.

Claims (21)

1. method that the soft merging schedule information relevant with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) is provided comprises:

Set up the multicast of MBMS business on each Node B in a plurality of Node B; With

Transmit the soft merging schedule information that is used for described a plurality of each Node B of Node B to subscriber equipment via a Node B in a plurality of Node B.

2. described method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said a plurality of Node B comprise at least one adjacent node B, and wherein, soft merging schedule information comprises the transmission delay of at least one adjacent node B.

3. described method as claimed in claim 2, wherein soft merging schedule information further comprises service dispatching information, this service dispatching information comprises the scheduling duration of reference zero-time He this business of this business.

4. described method as claimed in claim 1, wherein soft merging schedule information comprises the service dispatching information for the specific MBMS business of each Node B in a plurality of Node B.

5. described method as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the zero-time of each Node B in synchronous described a plurality of Node B, so that limit the transmission delay between these a plurality of Node B.

6. method that the soft merging schedule information relevant with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) is provided comprises:

Set up the multicast of MBMS business on each Node B in a plurality of Node B, wherein said a plurality of Node B comprise serving node B and adjacent node B;

Be identified for the zero-time of adjacent node B;

Determine special time is designated designator by the zero-time of the MBMS business of adjacent node B multicast;

Transmitting to subscriber equipment via serving node B can be by the Transmission Time Interval size of the transmission of soft merging; With

Transmit this designator via serving node B to subscriber equipment.

7. described method as claimed in claim 6 further comprises the indication that transmits the zero-time of MBMS business on serving node B via serving node B to subscriber equipment.

8. described method as claimed in claim 6 is wherein in conjunction with the one or more described designators of determining the specific zero-time of sign in the zero-time and the maximum transmission time size of space.

9. described method as claimed in claim 6 wherein derives the zero-time designator from the information of sign start frame.

10. method that is used for determining the multicast zero-time of multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) comprises:

Receive designator and Transmission Time Interval (TTI) size via serving node B, this designator is designated special time the zero-time of adjacent node B multicast MBMS business; With

Be identified for zero-time and the TTI size of adjacent node B based on the designator that receives and TTI size.

11. as method as described in the claim 10, the zero-time that wherein is identified for adjacent node B comprises:

Determining can be by the maximum TTI size of the TTI size of the transmission of soft merging;

Be identified for the possible zero-time of adjacent node B based on maximum TTI size;

In conjunction with may zero-time determining the zero-time designator; With

The zero-time designator that zero-time designator of determining based on UE and UE receive is identified for the zero-time of adjacent node B.

12. network controller, the soft merging schedule information that is associated with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) is provided, wherein this network controller is configured to set up on each Node B in a plurality of Node B the multicast of MBMS business, and transmits the soft merging schedule information that is used for described a plurality of each Node B of Node B to subscriber equipment via a Node B in a plurality of Node B.

13. as network controller as described in the claim 12, wherein said a plurality of Node B comprise at least one adjacent node B, and wherein, soft merging schedule information comprises the service dispatching information of transmission delay and the MBMS business of at least one adjacent node B.

14. as network controller as described in the claim 13, wherein soft merging schedule information further comprises service dispatching information, this service dispatching information comprises the scheduling duration of reference zero-time He this business of this business.

15. as network controller as described in the claim 12, wherein soft merging schedule information comprises the service dispatching information for the specific MBMS business of each Node B in a plurality of Node B.

16. as network controller as described in the claim 12, wherein this network controller further is configured to the zero-time of each Node B in described a plurality of Node B synchronously, so that limit the transmission delay between these a plurality of Node B.

17. network controller, the schedule information that is associated with multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) is provided, wherein this network controller is configured to set up on each Node B in a plurality of Node B the multicast of MBMS business, wherein, described a plurality of Node B comprises serving node B and adjacent node B; Be identified for the zero-time of adjacent node B; Determine the zero-time designator in conjunction with this zero-time, wherein, this zero-time designator is corresponding to start frame; Transmitting to subscriber equipment via serving node B can be by the Transmission Time Interval size of the transmission of soft merging; With transmit this zero-time designator via serving node B to subscriber equipment.

18. as network controller as described in the claim 17, wherein this network controller is further configured to transmit the indication of the zero-time of MBMS business on serving node B to subscriber equipment via serving node B.

19., wherein from the information of sign start frame, derive the zero-time designator as network controller as described in the claim 17.

20. subscriber equipment (UE) of in wireless communication system, determining the zero-time of adjacent node B multicast, this wireless communication system comprises the multimedia broadcast/group broadcast service (MBMS business) that transmits via each the Node B multicast in a plurality of Node B, wherein said a plurality of Node B comprises serving node B and adjacent node B, and wherein, this subscriber equipment is configured to:

Possible zero-time in conjunction with the MBMS of adjacent node B emission is determined the zero-time designator;

Receive the zero-time designator corresponding with the zero-time of adjacent node B; With

The zero-time designator that zero-time designator of determining based on UE and UE receive is identified for the zero-time of adjacent node B.

21. as subscriber equipment (UE) as described in the claim 20, wherein UE determines that the definite zero-time designator of the zero-time designator that receives by coupling UE and UE is identified for the zero-time of adjacent node B.

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