JP5461625B2 - Method and system for transmitting content to multiple users of a mobile communication network - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the field of mobile radio communications, and more particularly to the transmission of information content, particularly multimedia content, to mobile phone network users. The present invention can be applied in a mobile network using a packet-switched radio interface based on a packet channel managed by dynamic adaptation of transmission according to the radio quality perceived by the receiver after the channel change, and this mechanism Is usually referred to as Link Adaptation (LA) or AMC (Adaptive Modulation and Coding) and Hybrid Automatic Retransmission request (H-ARQ). Furthermore, the present invention can be used for any radio access interface that is shared by different users and provides packet transmission on a packet channel controlled by AMC, H-ARQ and packet scheduling algorithms, eg CDMA, OFDM, TDMA based networks, eg third or It can be applied to the fourth generation (abbreviated names “3G”, “4G”) mobile phone networks. In particular, the present invention relates to multimedia content broadcast / broadcast in a 3G-4G network.

  The mobile phone network (Public Land Mobile Networks, abbreviated as PLMN) was originally designed to enable communication between mobile users in the same way as a wired network (Public Switched Telephone Networks, PSTN). Invented. After the introduction of the second generation mobile phone network, especially the digital mobile phone network such as the network conforming to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard (and its US and Japanese compatible systems) Has achieved remarkable spread. In addition to simple calls, the services offered by these cellular networks are growing rapidly in both quantity and quality, and only a few examples are Short Message Service (SMS) and multimedia messaging. A service (Multimedia Message Service: MMS) and an Internet connection service have been available in the past few years.

  More recently, 3G mobile communication systems such as systems conforming to the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (UMTS) have been developed, and the information exchange speed has increased remarkably, and network operators have provided new services to mobile users. Can be provided. Furthermore, HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) can be used to evolve new services in terms of throughput (14.4 Mbps for downlink, up to 5 Mbps for uplink) and waiting time reduction. New technologies such as HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) have been introduced into the existing 3G standard. A completely new wireless architecture capable of supporting bit rates up to 100 Mbps connected to the new “All IP” core network architecture, further reducing latency and having the mobility managed by the IP protocol. The so-called “LTE” (Long Term Evolution) architecture to be introduced is expected to evolve to 4G.

  Since PLMN was born as a circuit-switched (CS) network, it is more suitable for calls than the exchange of relatively large amounts of data. Data communication is better achieved by adopting a packet-switched (PS) scheme such as a computer network, particularly the Internet. The same can be said for the 3G mobile communication system except that the communication speed performance is high. The UMTS PS domain consists of a core network that evolved the second generation general packet radio service (GPRS) core network and a radio access network called UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network: UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network). Composed. UTRAN compliant with the 1999 standard (so-called “R99”) can support PS transmission up to 384 Kbps to support person-to-person or content / network-to-person communication over a dedicated channel on the radio link. It is.

  Normally, in PLMN, even if the UTRAN infrastructure is established, when a session is started between a user equipment (UE) and a service provider (for example, a server connected to the core network or the Internet) connected to the packet switching network, Information content is transmitted in point-to-point (P-T-P) or unicast mode, and activation of such a session requires setting up logical and physical connections between the server and the UE. In such a P-T-P communication mode, even if two or more users use the same information content at the same time, the radio resources allocated for data exchange between the network and the UE are different numbers of mobile stations that use the service simultaneously. Depends on. For this reason, unless radio resources are made large, the possibility that several users can access available services simultaneously is limited.

  Thus, to save the amount of radio resources allocated, the same service that can be used simultaneously by two or more users based on different point-to-multipoint (PTM) or broadcast / broadcast modes It is desirable to be able to deliver information content related to

  In this regard, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standardization group is GERAN (GSM / EDGE Radio Access Network: radio access network; EDGE is Enhanced Data for GSM Evolved GSM Evolution data type ) And UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network: UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network), a new kind of architecture called MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Service / Multicast Service) Conversion We are considering Rukoto. Basically, MBMS is intended to simultaneously deliver information content (especially multimedia content) from a single serving base station to two or more mobile users via a common radio resource, for example, a short clip of a sports game Are delivered to the UE of the mobile user, or in the case of television channel transmission via the mobile network. In other words, the PLMN operator faces the need for an appropriate mechanism for the network in order to efficiently send the same information content simultaneously to a specific user group.

  One technology currently considered for high data rate transmission is HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access), which is considered a “3.5G” system and peaks up to 10-14 Mb / s. Data rates are obtained and are expected to take shape in a few years. HSDPA is described in particular in technical reports TR 25.308 (eg TR 25.308 V. 6.3.0) and TR 25.950 (eg TR 25.950 V. 4.0.1). In general, HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) is a high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH), that is, shared among a plurality of users, for high-speed downlink packet data transmission. It means a data transmission technique for operating a corresponding downlink data channel and its associated control channel in a UMTS communication system. Implementation of HSDPA has many mechanisms (for example, AMC (Adaptive Modulation and Coding), HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Retransmission reQuest), high-speed packet scheduling (Fast Packet). Scheduling)).

AMC (Adaptive Modulation and Coding)
In a cellular telephone communication system, the quality of the signal received by the UE depends on a number of factors such as the distance between the desired base station and the disturbing base station, path loss index, lognormal shadowing, short term Rayleigh fading and noise. In order to improve system performance, peak data rate and reception area reliability, a signal sent to and received from a specific user is modulated to take into account signal quality variations by a process commonly referred to as link adaptation. Traditionally, CDMA systems use high speed power control as the preferred method for controlling propagation channel variations. Adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) is an alternative link adaptation method that is expected to improve overall system performance. AMC has the flexibility to adapt the modulation and coding scheme to average channel conditions per user. According to AMC, the output of the transmitted signal is kept constant over the frame interval, and the modulation and coding format is changed to match the current received signal quality or channel conditions. In an AMC system, users close to a base station (BTS or Node B) are generally assigned higher-order modulation as the code rate is higher (for example, 16 quadrature amplitude modulation: QAM, R = 3/4 turbo code). ), But the modulation order and / or code rate decreases as the distance from the BTS / Node B increases. In general, each combination of a modulation technique and an encoding technique is called “MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme)”, and a plurality of MCS levels are defined according to the number of combinations of the modulation technique and the encoding technique.

H-ARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reouest)
H-ARQ can be regarded as an implicit link adaptation technique. AMC uses explicit C / I (effective signal power and noise including interference) measurements or similar measurements to set the modulation and coding format, whereas H-ARQ uses link layer acknowledgments. Used for retransmission decision. As a scheme for realizing H-ARQ, there are a number of schemes such as Chase Combining (CC) and Incremental Redundancy (IR).

  In CC (also known as single redundancy version H-ARQ type III), the transmitting side retransmits the same encoded data packet. The receiving decoder accumulates these multiple copies of the transmitted packet weighted by the received SNR. Accordingly, a diversity (time) gain is obtained. In the multiple redundancy version of H-ARQ type III, a different puncture bit is used for each retransmission.

  IR (also known as H-ARQ type II) does not send a simple copy of the entire encoded packet, but is a specific example of the H-ARQ technique that incrementally sends additional redundant information when decoding fails on the first attempt. Is.

  Combining AMC with H-ARQ provides double-sided benefits, AMC provides coarse data rate selection, and H-ARQ provides data rate fine-tuning based on channel conditions.

  In order to limit the complexity of the retransmission process, 3GPP has selected a stop and wait (SAW) scheme for H-ARQ implementation. SAW H-ARQ increases channel utilization efficiency by continuously transmitting a plurality of data packets before receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) for previous packet data. If n channels, each identified by time or number of channels, are set up between UE and Node B, other while one channel is waiting for ACK or NACK (Negative ACK) (N-1) channels continue to be transmitted.

Fast Packet Scheduling Examples of schedulers proposed for HSDPA include round robin (RR) and maximum C / I (Maximum C / I).

  The RR scheduler operates by scheduling users based on their position in a first-in-first-out (FIFO) queue. This scheduler minimizes operational complexity and maximizes user-to-user fairness, but does not consider UE channel conditions. As a result, the user may be scheduled during a destructive fade and the packet may be corrupted.

  Alternatively, the maximum C / I algorithm schedules users when their instantaneous signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) is highest for all users at each base station. Since this scheduling algorithm can be transmitted to all users on incremental fades, the percentage of successful transmissions is high. In addition, the highest possible MCS level is used during each transmission, thus maximizing throughput and spectral efficiency. However, there is a disadvantage of lack of fairness among users in the sector.

  Regarding the HS-DSCH transport channel, 3GPP has added two types of architecture to the research items: RNC (Radio Network Controller) architecture that matches R99 architecture and scheduling Node B architecture. Moving scheduling to Node B allows the scheduler to function with the latest channel information, thereby enabling more efficient implementation of scheduling. The scheduler can adapt the modulation to better fit the current channel conditions and fading environment. Furthermore, the scheduler can instantiate the algorithm to take advantage of multi-user diversity by scheduling only users in incremental fade states. Therefore, it was decided to terminate the HS-DSCH channel directly at Node B. In particular, new functions of H-ARQ and HS-DSCH scheduling are added to the MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, and UTRAN adds these functions to a new entity called MAC-hs arranged in the Node B.

  The basic downlink HS-DSCH channel configuration consists of one or several HS-PDSCH (High Speed Physical Downlink Shared Channel :) and a number of separate shared physical control channels (Shared physical Control Channel). HS-SCCH). A set of shared physical control channels assigned to a UE at a given time is called an HS-SCCH set. According to TR 25.308, the number of HS-SCCHs in one HS-SCCH set from the viewpoint of the UE is a minimum of 1 HS-SCCH to a maximum of 4 HS-SCCHs. The UE must continuously monitor all HS-SCCHs in the assigned set.

The HS-SCCH is used to notify the user when to transmit and to provide the user with information necessary for the HS-PDSCH decoding process. There is a certain time lag between the start of HS-SCCH information and the start of the corresponding HS-PDSCH subframe. For each HS-DSCH TTI (Transmission Time Interval), each HS-SCCH carries one UE-related HS-DSCH related downlink signal. The following information is carried on the HS-SCCH.
-Transport Format and Resource Indicator (TFRI) carrying information about the dynamic part of the HS-DSCH transport format including transport block set size and modulation scheme. The TFRI also includes information (channelization code) on a physical channel set mapped by the HS-DSCH TTI corresponding to the HS-DSCH.
-H-ARQ protocol related information of the corresponding HS-DSCH TTI and H-ARQ related information (H-ARQ information) including information on retransmission / redundancy version.

In addition, the HS-SCCH carries a UE identifier (UE Id Mask or simply UE ID) that identifies to which UE it will carry the information necessary to decode the HS-PDSCH.
In particular, the first part of the HS-SCCH includes a channelization code set and modulation scheme for HS-DSCH allocation, and the second part includes transport block size and H-ARQ related information. More specifically, the HS-SCCH is organized so that each TTI is subdivided into three time slot subframes having the same length of the HS-DSCH subframe, and the first part of the HS-SCCH information ( MCS and channelization code set) are sent in the first time slot, and the second part of HS-SCCH information (transport block size and H-ARQ information) is sent in the third time slot.

US Patent Application 2003 / 0035403A1 addresses the problem of providing a method for transmitting information shared by all UEs that support the same HSDPA service so that the UE can simultaneously receive information in an HSDPA communication system. According to US 2003/0035403 A1, such a problem is that, after the creation of the common information, the control information including the common ID information specifying the common information is transmitted on the shared control channel (SHCCH); the control information is transmitted This method is solved by a method including a step of transmitting common information by SHCCH at TTI (Transmission Time Interval) after TTI.
US Patent Application 2003 / 0035403A1

  Applicants have addressed the problem of managing long time (eg, minutes or hours) high data rate content transmission (eg, multimedia content transmission) over a mobile network, particularly a cellular network. A typical long-term high-speed data rate transmission service includes the transmission of one or more television channels over a mobile network that can be enjoyed by multiple users simultaneously.

  Applicants can use HSDPA to support high data rate transmissions, but at the same time, UEs that support HSDPA can use HS-SCCH to obtain possible control information for decoding transmitted data. It has been found that it is difficult to apply the current equipment for enjoying the HSPDA service to the transmission for a long time because it is configured for continuous access. Continuous access has a strong impact on the UE battery, and especially when the HS-SCCH is continuously accessed for a long time, an undesirable rapid battery discharge can occur in the UE.

  If the applicant can change the length of the data part transmitted in the downlink channel to a high value in some cases (compared to the length of 1 TTI), the scheme used in HSDPA (ie for data transmission) A scheme of providing a downlink channel and providing at least one associated control channel for transmission of control information including information related to availability of a portion of transmission data on the downlink channel by a current UE) We have found that a similar scheme can be adapted for long-time high data rate transmission. The UE enjoying the service is informed of the length of the current available data part in an appropriately defined field transmitted as control information on the associated control channel. Advantageously, the impact on the terminal battery can be significantly reduced because the UE does not monitor the associated control channel during “long-term” decoding of the data portion.

  In particular, according to the applicant, it may be appropriate to apply the scheme described in the previous paragraph to ptm transmission with HSDPA and to leave the current scheme of HSDPA for ptp transmission. .

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for transmitting information content to at least one user of a mobile communication network, wherein the at least one user has a respective user device. This method
Providing at least one downlink channel for transmission of the information content;
Associating at least one control channel with the at least one downlink channel;
Transmitting at least one control channel first control information configured to notify at least one user equipment of the availability of a part of the information content on the downlink channel;
Transmitting on the at least one control channel second control information including a timing parameter configured to notify the at least one user equipment about the length of at least the portion of the information content;
-Transmitting the part of the information content on the at least one downlink channel.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a mobile communication network including an access network subsystem (eg, UTRAN) constructed to implement the method of the first aspect.
In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for receiving information content at a user device of a user of a mobile communication network. This method
At least provided for transmission of control information related to a downlink channel provided for transmission of the information content and configured to allow decoding of information content transmitted on the downlink channel Monitoring one control channel;
Receiving, via the at least one control channel, first control information configured to notify a user equipment of the availability of a portion of the information content on the downlink channel;
Receiving, via the at least one control channel, second control information including a timing parameter configured to notify the user equipment about the length of at least the portion of information content;
• decoding the portion of the information content with the at least one downlink channel by accessing the downlink channel based on the first control information for a time equal to the timing parameter.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a mobile communication network user equipment constructed to perform the method of the third aspect.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 schematically shows a UMTS network adapted for MBMS transmission. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an HSDPA mobile terminal according to an aspect of the present invention. Figure 8 schematically illustrates HSDPA MBMS transmissions in different operational sub-modes according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 8 schematically illustrates HSDPA MBMS transmissions in different operational sub-modes according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 8 schematically illustrates HSDPA MBMS transmissions in different operational sub-modes according to various aspects of the present invention. Fig. 6 schematically shows another exemplary HSDPA MBMS transmission operation submode.

  A 3G PLMN, especially a UMTS network, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, includes a number of logical elements each having a defined function. In the standard, network elements are defined at the logical level, but since many open interfaces are defined in detail so that each manufacturer can provide an end-point physical device, it generally has a similar physical implementation. It becomes. The advanced system architecture of the UMTS network is functionally classified into (i) UTRAN 101 that performs all radio related functions, and (ii) CN (Core Network: Core Network) that is involved in switching and routing of calls and data connections with external networks. can do. The UTRAN 101 includes an RNC (Radio Network Controller) 103 that controls one or more radio transceiver stations or Node B (for example, Node B 105 in the drawing) (in particular, the RNC 103 is a Node B control RNC (Controlling RNC: Each Node B 105 is involved in radio transmission within a predetermined area (referred to as a “cell”). To complete the system, a UE (eg, UE 107) connects with a user and a radio network interface. The UE 107 can be composed of, for example, a mobile phone or a personal computer connection card. The UE 107 is generally equipped with a UMTS subscriber identity module (USIM). A mobile phone is used as a wireless terminal for wireless communication, and a USIM is a smart card that generally records subscriber information, executes an authentication algorithm for a subscriber in a network, and stores an authentication / encryption key. The design of both UE and UTRAN is based on the specificity of WCDMA radio technology, while the structure of CN is similar to the structure of second generation PLMN such as GSM / GPRS / EDGE network, especially for PS data communication In a UMTS network, the CN includes a number of network elements that are substantially similar to the network elements that make up the GPRS / EDGE infrastructure, in particular one or more SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) 109, and Includes one or more GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) 110. The UMTS network of FIG. 1 supports HSDPA for transmission of high data rate content (eg, multimedia content).

  In addition to UTRAN, the network architecture of FIG. 1 can also include GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access Network: GSM EDGE Radio Access Network) 121 to accommodate mobile stations (eg MS 137 in the drawing), and GERAN 121 is similar to UTRAN 101. In the GSM / GPRS / EDGE context, the RNC function is implemented by a network function called BSC (Base Station Controllers) 123 in the GSM / GPRS / EDGE context, and a device involved in radio communication in a specific cell is generally a BTS (Base It is called Transceiver Stations (base transceiver station) 124.

  FIG. 1 also shows interfaces Uu, Um, Iu, Gb, Gn, Gp, Gmb, and Gi between various functional entities of the network. Such an “open” interface allows network operators to reduce compatibility issues and build networks with devices manufactured by different manufacturers.

  The UMTS network of FIG. 1 is configured to support MBMS. MBMS is a service that transmits data from a single entity or source to multiple recipients. When the same data is transmitted to a plurality of recipients, network resources can be shared among different users, and thus saving can be achieved. MBMS is realized by adding a number of new functions to existing function entities of the 3GPP architecture and adding a number of new function entities. In order to provide an MBMS bearer service, certain functional entities of the UMTS network, in particular GGSN 110, SGSN 107, and RNC 103 (also BSC 123, as well) to perform several MBMS related functions and procedures, including those specific to MBMS. ) And other PS domain entities. In HSDPA, the function of Node B 105 can also be modified to accommodate MBMS transmissions in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. A specific functional entity such as a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 120 may also be arranged in the UMTS network to provide an MBMS service.

  More specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the BM-SC 120 provides a set of functions for MBMS service provision and distribution. It can function as an input point for MBMS transmission of information content provided by an information content source such as a content provider (CP) 125 in the network. In general, the BM-SC 120 is also used to approve and initiate MBMS bearer services within the PLMN and can be used to schedule and deliver MBMS transmissions. Further, in the figure, the BM-SC 120 includes one or more external content providers / broadcast / multicast services (Broadcast Multicast Servers) that provide information content to be transmitted to the UE (for example, UE 107) and the MS (for example, MS 137) via MBMS. CP / BM-S) (eg CP / BM-S 130) can be connected via a packet-domain network (PDN) (eg Internet).

  The BM-SC 120 can provide information content to the UE (and / or MS) using the MBMS delivery service, schedule MBMS session transmissions, and identify each MBMS so that the UE / MS can identify the MBMS session transmissions. Sessions can be labeled with an MBMS session identifier. A broadcast and broadcast MBMS user service service announcement and a media description (e.g., video and audio coding types) that identify the media to be delivered as part of the MBMS user service can also be provided by the BM-SC. In addition, the BM-SC provides the UE / MS with an MBMS session description (or MBMS service information) (eg, broadcast service identification, addressing, transmission time, etc.) that identifies the MBMS session to be delivered as part of the MBMS user service. You can also

  General UE 107 supports HSDPA to receive high data rate transmission information content. More specifically, the UE 107 is configured to receive MBMS information content transmitted according to a procedure described in detail below. Further, the general UE 107 corresponds to the start / stop function of the MBMS distribution service. Once the specific MBMS distribution service is activated, the explicit user request should not request the reception of MBMS data, but the user can be notified that the data transfer will start soon. Furthermore, the UE can receive MBMS distribution service announcements, paging information, or support simultaneous services according to terminal performance. For example, a user can place or receive a call or send and receive messages while receiving MBMS video content. The general MS performs the same or the same function.

  The UTRAN 101 and the GERAN 121 have a role of efficiently delivering MBMS information content (data) to UEs and MSs entering the designated MBMS service area, respectively. MBMS data is transmitted in a single copy to all mobile users who have requested the service. In addition, UTRAN 101 and GERAN 121 can send MBMS user service announcements and paging information, so that users with appropriate device capabilities can make and receive calls or send and receive messages while receiving MBMS information content. In parallel, other services can be handled. More specifically, UTRAN 101 (particularly Node B 105) is configured to transmit MBMS information content to UE 107 using HSDPA according to the procedure described below.

  SGSN 109 performs MBMS delivery service control functions specific to the user and provides MBMS transmissions to UTRAN 101 (and GERAN 121). The SGSN 109 can also create billing data by the mutual broadcast MBMS distribution service. The SGSN 109 can set up Iu and Gn bearers that are shared on demand by multiple users when MBMS data should be sent to the users. This can be implemented by notification from the GGSN 110. Similarly, the SGSN 109 can release these Iu and Gn bearers by notification from the GGSN 110 when data becomes unavailable.

  The GGSN 110 functions as an input point for data traffic including broadcast traffic such as MBMS data. With the notification from the BM-SC 120, the GGSN 110 can request the setting of a bearer toward the SGSN for broadcast or broadcast MBMS transmission. Furthermore, the GGSN 110 can release the set bearer by notification from the BM-SC 120. In particular, broadcast service bearer configuration is performed toward the SGSN 109 that has requested to receive transmissions for a specific broadcast MBMS bearer service. GGSN 110 (regardless of whether it is from BM-SC 120 or from other information content sources within the network (eg, Broadcast / Multicast Source-BM-S-140)) Can be routed to the correct GTP (GPRS Tunnel Protocol) tunnel setup as part of the MBMS bearer service.

  MBMS information content distributed in broadcast mode is typically received in a sequence of procedures including the application phase, service announcement phase, subscription phase, session start phase, MBMS notification phase, data transfer phase, session stop phase, and withdrawal phase in order. validate. The application, subscription and withdrawal phases are performed individually for each user. The other phases are performed for the entire MBMS service, i.e. for all users involved in this service. The phase sequence can be repeated, for example, in response to a data transfer request. Furthermore, the subscription, subscription, withdrawal, service announcement and MBMS notification phases can be performed in parallel with other phases for other users who wish to benefit from the MBMS service.

  In the subscription phase, a relationship is established between the user and the service provider so that the user can receive the relevant MBMS broadcast service. In this phase, the user agrees to receive a specific MBMS service provided and made available by the mobile phone network operator. Application information is recorded in the appropriate database of the operator's network.

  In the service announcement phase, the MBMS user service announcement / discovery mechanism allows the user to request or be notified of the range of available MBMS user services, such as (for example, by BM-S140 inside the network). Network operator specific MBMS user services (provided) and services from content providers (eg, content provider 130) external to the PLMN. Service announcements are used to deliver to the user information related to the service, parameters required for service activation (eg IP broadcast address) and possibly other service related parameters (eg service start time). Depending on standard mechanisms such as SMS and terminal performance, several types of service discovery mechanisms including applications that facilitate user inquiries can be employed.

Note that the service application phase and the service announcement phase are not mutually linked in time, and the service application phase can be implemented at any time before and after the service announcement phase.
In the subscription phase (ie activation of MBMS broadcast mode reception by the user), the subscriber subscribes to the broadcast group (ie becomes a member thereof) and the user wants to receive broadcast mode data related to a specific MBMS bearer service. Tell the network what you want.

  When the BM-SC 120 is ready to transmit data related to the specific MBMS service, the session start is performed, but the session start is independent from the service activation (subscription) by the user, that is, the general user starts the related session start. The MBMS service can be activated either before or after. Session start triggers the setting of MBMS data distribution resources.

  The service announcement may include a session start time schedule and may be sent a predetermined time before the scheduled service start time. Therefore, the time from service announcement to session start can be several hours, days or weeks. In particular, a given MBMS distribution service can be “always on”, in which case the subscription phase can be implemented immediately after service announcement or possibly hours before or after the start of the session. In other cases, if the session start time is known, the subscription can be performed immediately before or after the session starts. For these services, the service announcement may include some indication of a time period during which the user should select when to subscribe to the MBMS bearer service.

In the MBMS notification phase, the UE is notified of the next (or already in progress) MBMS broadcast data delivery.
Data transfer is a phase in which MBMS data is transferred or delivered to the UE. With regard to the time from the start of the session to the arrival of the first data, the start of the session indicates that transmission will start soon, and the time delay from the start of session indication to the actual arrival of data is necessary for the start of the session for radio bearer setup. It should be long enough for network operations (eg provision of service information to UTRAN 101) to be performed. Session initiation can be triggered by explicit notification from the BM-SC 120.

  When the BM-SC 120 confirms that there is no data to transmit over a predetermined time period (long enough to justify the removal of the data delivery resources associated with the session), the session stop is implemented. As a result of the session stop, the MBMS distribution resource is released.

  User withdrawal or MBMS broadcast suspension is the process by which a subscriber withdraws from a broadcast group (i.e. loses membership), i.e. the user no longer wishes to receive broadcast mode data for a particular MBMS service.

  The phases involved in the provision of the broadcast mode MBMS are a subset of the phases described for the broadcast mode MBMS, the application phase, service announcement phase, subscription phase, session start phase, MBMS notification phase, data transfer phase, session stop phase and withdrawal Includes phases. The phase sequence can be repeated, for example, in response to a data transfer request. The service announcement phase and the MBMS notification phase may be performed in parallel with other phases in order to notify UEs that have not yet received the related service.

  Whenever the user wishes to enjoy the MBMS service, he activates the service according to the above procedure. After service activation and session initiation, eligible RNCs (ie RNCs eligible for the area in which the user is currently located, eg RNC 103 in UE 107) are able to communicate via the radio interface to support the delivery of information content related to MBMS services. RAB (Radio Access Bearer) is set up.

  3GPP TS 25.346 According to the details described in 6.4.0, in terms of radio protocol, a general C-RNC controlling one or more network cells in the MBMS service area (eg C-RNC 103 in FIG. 1) An MBMS service context is maintained for each MBMS service. Each C-RNC MBMS service context is associated with an MBMS service identifier.

The MBMS session start and session stop procedures are responsible for setting up and releasing MBMS Iu signaling connections.
In the MBMS session start phase and the MBMS session stop phase, the RNC receives respective requests from the core network. The MBMS session start request includes an MBMS service identifier, an MBMS distribution service type, and an MBMS session attribute (MBMS service area information, QoS parameters, etc.). In response to the MBMS session start request, the RNC notifies the UE that has started the MBMS service for starting the MBMS session. By the MBMS session stop request, the RNC can notify the UE that has started the MBMS service for stopping the MBMS session.

  The MBMS session start procedure and session stop procedure determine the setup and release of the MBMS RAB. In particular, the MBMS session start request includes all information necessary to set up an MBMS RAB. When the general RNC receives the MBMS session start request, the general RNC generally performs MBMS Iu data bearer setup, and notifies the core network node that has transmitted the request regarding the setup result with an MBMS session start response message. When receiving the MBMS session stop request, the general RNC releases the related MBMS RAB resource.

The present invention provides MBMS RAB using HSDPA technology. In general, during a ptp HSDPA session, a dedicated channel DPCH (both downlink and uplink) corresponding to the shared downlink HS-DSCH is assigned to each HSDPA user. The scheduling algorithm at Node B monitors the traffic capacity of each HSDPA user, and for each TTI the algorithm selects a predetermined number of codes for transmission towards one or more terminals. The transmission mechanism with the shared HS-DSCH channel is based on the HS-SCCH control channel. According to the HSDPA standard, this channel is transmitted continuously and monitored by HSDPA terminals (“continuously” means that each terminal monitors the HS-SCCH every TTI or every predetermined number of TTIs, eg every 2 TTIs. Means to do). In the subframe preceding the packet data transmission subframe, the Node B transmits the following information to the HS-SCCH.
A mobile identifier UE Id to which a code is assigned for data transmitted in the next subframe; the mobile identifier is composed of 16 bits, is uniquely defined by the MAC in the cell, and is an HS-DSCH radio network terminal identifier (Radio Network) Termed Terminal Identifier (H-RNTI);
Modulation used; specified by 1 bit (MS: Modulation Scheme: modulation scheme QPSK or 16-QAM);
The number and location of OVSF (Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor) codes to be demodulated; encoded in a 7-bit CCS (Channelization Code Set) field;
A radio block size (transport block) that defines the channel coding scheme used; the size of the data block is specified by 6 bits (TBS, Transport Block Size);
Information about the H-ARQ process (HARQ information, 7 bits): 1 bit indicates whether retransmission is performed or new transmission is performed, 3 bits indicate the puncturing scheme used, 3 bits Fig. 4 shows the configuration of an H-ARQ process to which a retransmission belongs.

  The HS-SCCH is composed of subframes of 3 time slots (corresponding to 2 ms) having the same length of the HS-DSCH subframe, uses an SF (Spreading Factor) 128 OVSF code, and each HS-SCCH Since one user can be addressed per TTI, to send data to multiple terminals with each code group within the same TTI, a number of HS-SCCHs equal to the number of users to be addressed with the same TTI. It is necessary to construct one cell. As already expected, according to the HSDPA standard, the maximum number of HS-SCCHs that can be constructed in one cell is 4 with 4 codes of SF128, and the code assigned to HS-SCCH is the system in the cell. Specified in information broadcasting. The modulation scheme is generally QPSK.

  With the HS-SCCH structure, all information (MS and CCS) necessary for decoding HS-DSCH symbols in subsequent subframes can be accessed in the first time slot, which allows the shared channel and the shared traffic to be accessed. The channel time relationship can be optimized by reducing it to 2 time slots (2/3 of the subframe), which is the expected value required during transmission of the HS-SCCH and the corresponding HS-DSCH subframe.

More specifically, according to the HSDPA standard, the sequence of operations performed by the terminal is as follows.
1) The UE receives the bits transmitted on the HS-SCCH, performs the decoding of only the first part of the HS-SCCH after removing the masking with its own UE ID (first time slot), and the UE If there is no correspondence between Id and UE ID information, the UE understands that the information is addressed to another user.
2) If the UE ID sequence obtained in the decoding of the first part matches its own UE ID, the UE uses information about the code group and modulation coding scheme and is transmitted on the HS-DSCH. Access and receive data. The computation time required to derive the modulation scheme and code group is equal to one time slot (second time slot).
3) In parallel with the reception of the data transmitted in the HS-DSCH subframe, the UE decodes the second part of the information transmitted on the HS-SCCH in order to calculate the H-ARQ scheme used. Verify the consistency of the CRC calculated based on the two parts transmitted on the HS-SCCH;
4) After proper verification of the CRC, the UE can decode the data blocks on the HS-DSCH.

  Due to the time relationship between the information encoding scheme and the channel, the time axis management is very efficient. Advantageously, the same scheme can be used for MBMS transmissions, especially for ptm RAB setup. In particular, each MBMS channel to be transmitted is associated with an MBMS ID, which is an identifier that can be transmitted on the HS-SCCH channel, and the field provided in the UE ID can be used for transmitting the MBMS ID. Since the HS-SCCH set can contain up to 4 parallel HS-SCCHs, 4 different MBMS channels can be transmitted simultaneously, or the same in 4 different transmission formats (with respect to the modulation and coding scheme). MBMS channels can be transmitted, or any suitable combination thereof. The MBMS ID can be broadcast with system information, or the UTRAN can receive the MBMS ID, the MBMS session ID when received from the core network, and the pt-tm of the corresponding MBMS service so as to be consistent with the 3GPP MBMS architecture. By adding radio bearer information, MBMS ID can be transmitted on the MBMS control channel (MCCH) as MBMS service information and / or MBMS radio bearer information.

  If HSDPA can also be used for MBMS transmission, very high efficiency can be achieved, but the UE continuously monitors at least one HS-SCCH channel and the first time slot of this channel every 3 time slot subframes. Applicants have noticed that the fact of decrypting the data has a very strong impact on the battery of the HSDPA UE, especially in the case of long-time content transmission.

  In order to solve this problem, according to the present invention, the UE does not continuously monitor at least one HS-SCCH channel and does not continuously decode the first time slot of this channel every subframe. This method of operation can be advantageously implemented for MBMS transmission. The HSDPA operation of MBMS according to the present invention is referred to as “HSDPA MBMS mode” in the following description. When in HSDPA MBMS mode, the HS-SCCH is discontinuously monitored by the UE. More specifically, the HS-SCCH channel is first monitored by the UE that requested a specific MBMS service, and on the HS-SCCH, the UE starts from the next TTI and is the length of the MBMS content part transmitted on the HS-DSCH. You will be notified. The length of the MBMS content part is referred to as “MBMS cycle” in the following description. During the MBMS period, the UE can avoid monitoring and decoding HS-SCCH information. This operation method can reduce the impact on the battery of the HSDPA terminal.

  FIG. 2 shows a flowchart according to a possible mode of operation of a UE that has been enabled for HSDPA MBMS. The UE monitors the HS-SCCH and receives the next available 3-timeslot subframe (block 201). After decoding the ID contained in the first time slot of the HS-SCCH subframe (block 202), the UE determines whether the retrieved ID matches the previously assigned UE ID and / or MBMS ID. A check is made (decision block 203). If no (decision block 203, egress branch "N"), the UE again monitors the next HS-SCCH subframe (block 201). If yes (decision block 203, exit branch “Y”), the UE determines whether the retrieved ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the MBMS channel, ie whether the retrieved ID is an MBMS ID. Check (decision block 204). If no (decision block 204, egress branch “N”), the UE receives the next three time slot subframes on the HS-DSCH (block 205), ie operates according to the HSDPA standard. If yes (decision block 204, egress branch “Y”), the UE searches for the MBMS period contained in the HS-SCCH subframe (block 206) and is transmitted on the HS-DSCH for a time equal to the MBMS period. Information is received (block 207). After receiving the MBMS information part, the UE again monitors the next available HS-SCCH subframe (block 201) and restarts the decoding process.

  In a preferred aspect, the MBMS period is defined as the number of TTIs (or a fixed multiple of TTI, eg 2 TTIs) that can be received without monitoring the HS-SCCH when the UE has joined the transmitting MBMS channel. For example, the MBMS period can take a value in the time range of 0 to 30 ms with an incremental step granularity of 2 ms (corresponding to 1 TTI) and / or a granularity of 4 ms (corresponding to 2 TTI).

  In order to add an MBMS period, it is necessary to define an appropriate field in the HS-SCCH information. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the field for adding H-ARQ information to the standard ptp HSDPA mode may be a field for adding an MBMS period to the HSDPA MBMS mode. According to the HSDPA standard, the H-ARQ field is composed of 7 bits, 1 bit indicates whether the part transmitted on the HS-DSCH represents new transmission or retransmission, and 3 bits are used for retransmission. The puncturing scheme is shown, and the remaining 3 bits indicate the H-ARQ process to which the retransmission belongs. In the HSDPA MBMS mode, at least a part of the bits of the H-ARQ field can be used to notify a UE that subscribes to a predetermined MBMS channel having an MBMS period length of the MBMS information content portion to be transmitted next. For example, 4 bits can be used to add an MBMS period defined as a TTI number (or a fixed multiple of TTI).

  When using the H-ARQ field to add an MBMS period, it is noted that the meaning of this field according to the HSDPA standard should be changed at least partly when operating in HSDPA MBMS mode. In particular, the preferred embodiment uses one bit (eg, the first one bit) of the H-ARQ field to distinguish between MBMS transmissions under the activation of the retransmission procedure (acknowledgment mode) or under the non-activation of the retransmission procedure (negative acknowledgment mode). Can be configured for use. In the case of negative response HSDPA MBMS mode, to identify the various submodes of operation in HSDPA MBMS mode corresponding respectively to the predetermined tuning of MBMS transmission that can be related to the radio channel conditions received by UEs that subscribe to the predetermined MBMS service The remaining bits of the H-ARQ field (considering bits devoted to the MBMS period can also be used). To tune the MBMS transmission, a statistical algorithm can be implemented at the Node B. More specifically, in a preferred aspect, MBMS HSDPA modes can be classified into different HSDPA MBMS submodes, each identified by a predefined bit configuration of the H-ARQ field.

  Hereinafter, a typical non-limiting configuration of the H-ARQ field will be described in detail. In this exemplary configuration, the first bit of the H-ARQ field is used to distinguish between acknowledgment mode and negative mode transmission. In the negative response mode, 4 bits of the H-ARQ field can be used for the MBMS period, and the remaining 2 bits can define 4 different HSDPA MBMS transmission submodes (differentiated based on the AMC scheme used). . In the acknowledgment mode, the meaning of the remaining 6 bits of H-ARQ is maintained as in the HSDPA standard, so that the MBMS period is not transmitted to the UE. As explained below, in this typical configuration, after initiating acknowledgment mode only when strictly necessary, the network attempts to use negative acknowledgment mode, in which case it was previously in negative acknowledgment mode. Scheduling based on the MBMS period notified to the joining UE in the network can be maintained by the network and used by the UE during the acknowledgment transmission mode.

  In more detail, Table 1 below shows the configuration that the H-ARQ field transmitted on the HS-SCCH takes according to this example. “Std” in the remaining 6 bits of the H-ARQ field in the bottom row of Table 1 refers to the fact that such bits are used in their standard meaning, that is, as defined in the HSDPA standard (see above). Show.

Submode 1a: Single class MBMS AMC mode In this mode of operation, UTRAN associates a single HS-SCCH with a shared HS-DSCH (or more precisely the associated physical shared channel HS-PDSCH), so it joins the MBMS channel. All UEs receive the same MBMS period in one HS-SCCH subframe. The Modulation Coding (AMC) (QPSK or QAM) used for MBMS channel transmission does not change over time during the MBMS period. On the other hand, the MBMS period and / or channelization code set can be varied based on CQI feedback from the subscriber terminal. FIG. 3a schematically illustrates HSDPA MBMS transmission in this operational submode. As is apparent from the figure, the transmission of the first HS-SCCH subframe on the control channel HS-SCCH # 1 requires 3 time slots and has an MBMS period of 9 time slots (ie, 3 TTI to 6 ms MBMS period). Inform that a part of the information content will be transmitted on HS- (P) DSCH # 1 soon. Similar to the HSDPA standard, the transmission on HS- (P) DSCH # 1 partially overlaps the transmission on HS-SCCH # 1 (the last time slot of the HS-SCCH # 1 subframe is HS- ( P) At the same time as the first time slot of the DSCH # 1 subframe). During the time interval corresponding to the MBMS period, the UE does not monitor HS-SCCH # 1. After the MBMS period, another HS-SCCH subframe is transmitted on HS-SCCH # 1, possibly informing the UE of the new MBMS period and / or modulation coding and / or channelization code set.

Sub-mode 1b: Multi-class MBMS AMC mode In this mode of operation, the UTRAN has a first HS-SCCH carrying control information related to QPSK coding and a second HS-SCCH carrying control information related to QAM conditions. Associate two HS-SCCHs with a shared HS-DSCH (or more precisely the associated physical shared channel HS-PDSCH). The UE corresponding to each modulation / coding that has joined the MBMS channel receives the same MBMS period in one HS-SCCH subframe. The modulation (QPSK or QAM) used for transmission of the MBMS channel does not change over time for each HS-SCCH. On the other hand, in the next HS-SCCH subframe, the MBMS period, modulation coding and / or channelization code set can be varied independently based on, for example, CQI feedback from a subscriber terminal in two HS-SCCHs. . In this operation mode, it is possible to allocate resources that actually use the maximum capacity of all UEs. FIG. 3b schematically illustrates HSDPA MBMS transmission in this operational submode. As is apparent from the figure, the transmission of the first HS-SCCH subframe on the control channels HS-SCCH # 1 and HS-SCCH # 2 requires 3 time slots, 9 times for both QPSK and QAM coding. Inform that a part of MBMS information content with a slot length (ie 3TTI to 6ms MBMS period) will be transmitted on HS- (P) DSCH # 1 soon. The bandwidth of HS- (P) DSCH is divided into the two types of AMC used. Transmissions on HS- (P) DSCH # 1 partially overlap with transmissions on HS-SCCH # 1 and HS-SCCH # 2. During the time interval corresponding to the MBMS period, the UE does not monitor either HS-SCCH # 1 or HS-SCCH # 2. After the MBMS period, another HS-SCCH subframe is transmitted on HS-SCCH # 1 and HS-SCCH # 2, possibly with a new MBMS period and / or modulation coding and / or channelization code set to the UE. To inform.

Sub mode 1a ': Single class MBMS AMC mode This operation mode has the same characteristics as the above sub mode 1a and is used to notify the UE that it will soon be switched to the retransmission sub mode (2a), as will be described later. be able to.

Sub mode 1b ': Multi-class alternating MBMS AMC mode This operation mode is the same as the above mode (sub-mode 1b, multi-class MBMA AMC mode). In order to transmit control information assigned to each AMC used in HS- (P) DSCH, two control channels HS-SCCH # 1 and HS-SCCH # 2 are set up by UTRAN. On the other hand, in this case, the information transmitted by the QAM (or information for controlling the transmission) and the information transmitted by the QPSK (or information for controlling the transmission) are alternately changed, so that the HS Schedule transmission on both SCCH and HS- (P) DSCH. This mode of operation may be useful when a portion of the UE supports an inter-TTI distance of two TTIs. In this case, it is possible to change the modulation coding and / or channelization code set in each MBMS period. On the other hand, the MBMS period of HS-SCCH # 1 and HS-SCCH # 2 should be the same. FIG. 3c schematically shows HSDPA MBMS transmission in this mode of operation. As is clear from the figure, the transmissions on the control channels HS-SCCH # 1 and HS-SCCH # 2 are alternating, i.e. for example decoding a part of the MBMS information content transmitted using QAM. Transmission of sub-frames on HS-SCCH # 1 (which carries information for) and HS-SCCH # 2 (which carries information for decoding part of the MBMS information content transmitted using eg QPSK) The upper subframes are transmitted alternately. The transmissions on the HS- (P) DSCH are also alternating, i.e. the first TTI is allocated for transmissions implemented using QAM and the second TTI is allocated for transmissions implemented using QPSK. The MBMS period notified to the UE in the case shown in FIG. 3 is 2 TTI (or 4 ms).

In operation, during MBMS RAB setup and content transmission, UTRAN can collect performance information from UEs subscribed to / subscribed to a given MBMS service. As such performance information, for example,
-Corresponding modulation (QPSK or QAM),
・ TTI distance,
・ Maximum downlink throughput.

  Starting with the collected UE characteristics, the UTRAN algorithm ensures transmission characteristics that can be supported by all terminals sharing the same HSDPA channel (eg, corresponding modulation, distance between TTIs) to guarantee access to the same MBMS channel. , Maximum downlink throughput) can be set. In other words, starting with the collected UE characteristics, the algorithm sets which HSDPA MBMS operational sub-mode to activate in order to better serve the joining UE.

  For example, if all UEs correspond to an inter-TTI distance of 1 TTI and the number of 16-QAM UEs is less than a configurable threshold (eg set to 30% of the total number of UEs that have requested a given MBMS service) The submode 1a mode can be applied by QPSK modulation. In this case, some UEs capable of 16-QAM modulation share the same resources as terminals that can only perform QPSK modulation and are subscribed to the same service, so these UEs are operated in the QPSK mode. On the other hand, when the number of 16-QAM compatible terminals exceeds the threshold, submode 1b can be applied.

  After the first MBMS period, the UTRAN operates (eg as a function of the number of MBMS services to be provided and / or the number of users of each MBMS service and / or UE performance in terms of inter-TTI distance and / or corresponding modulation scheme, for example) Change at least one type of sub-mode and / or operational sub-mo features used (eg, MBMS period and / or MC and / or channelization code set) and in the next available HS-SCCH sub-frame Such a change can be notified. In order to correctly set at least some of the transmission parameters, it is possible to use CQI feedback from the subscribing UE, which is typically implemented based on 1 TTI scheduling. The CQI includes an explicit indication of the transport format so that the UE can obtain 10% BLER (Block Error Ratio). In particular, when m UEs are subscribed to a predetermined MBMS channel, the radio network collects CQI values of m * "MBMS period" / 2 (TTI is 2 ms) in 1 MBMS period. A statistical algorithm can be implemented in UTRAN to manage the received CQI feedback to determine the mode of operation for HSDPA MBMS transmission. The statistical algorithm implemented should calculate the “best representative CQI” for all UEs (ie, the CQI value representing the total channel quality experienced by all UEs currently served), and based on this value The transmission characteristics used in the mode can be set.

For example, a possible algorithm can collect and monitor the last k CQI values per UE, where k is a configurable threshold of “MBMS period” / 2 or less. For each UE, the algorithm searches for a CQI value that best represents the radio channel quality experienced by the UE. In order to find the best representative CQI (per UE), the algorithm chooses the most likely CQI value out of k values. To select the best representative CQI per UE, a second configurable threshold p smaller than k can be used as follows.
1. When the CQI value having the highest occurrence rate among the k values is generated at least once from the last p values, this is the CQI selected for the specific UE.
2. If the highest occurrence CQI value among the k values does not occur at least once with p values from the end, the network has the second highest occurrence rate in the k TTI observation windows, and from the end Select a CQI that occurs at least once in p TTIs.

Once the set containing the most representative CQI values for each UE involved in MBMS transmission is defined according to the above, another algorithm allows the network to select the best representative CQI among the values collected in the set for each UE. A value can be selected. For example, two types of cases can be considered.
1. The radio access network selects the highest incidence CQI in the set;
2. The radio access network selects the lowest occurrence CQI in the set.

A filter mechanism can also be activated before the first MBMS period to correctly initialize the MCS used.
Returning to Table 1, the operational submode 2a indicates the possibility of triggering transmission in an acknowledgment mode that is somewhat similar to the HDSPA standard. The chase combining method can be used for retransmission in this HSDPA MBMS operation submode. On the other hand, it is noted that IR is a mechanism that requires adaptation of data transmission to a given UE based on its feedback that is difficult to reach in MBMS.

  More specifically, the retransmission HSDPA MBMS acknowledgment mode can provide for the use of a 1a HSDPA MBMS submode that switches to a 2a HSDPA MBMS submode under certain conditions. According to a preferred aspect, the UTRAN and the UE start operation in the 1a negative response mode of operation. In this case, the modulation and coding applied to each MBMS period is determined based on the CQI field according to the above algorithm. In this case, if the MC used in the MBMS cycle is the time induced by the worst CQI transmitted by all UEs during the previous MBMS cycle, for example, the retransmission is not activated. On the other hand, if the above condition is not confirmed, retransmission can be started. To start retransmission, the first bit of the H-ARQ bit is set to 1. In order to inform the UE that it is about to switch to the Acknowledge Operation Submode soon, the UTRAN can switch to the 1a 'operation submode before switching to the 2a operation submode. Correlating with the applied retransmission protocol configuration, n simultaneous H-ARQ processes can be set up. In this mode of operation, the same block is retransmitted at least n times (eg, 3 times), and the UE continues to maintain the MBMS period used in the 1a (or 1a ′) mode of operation sub-mode before the retransmission is activated. In the next MBMS cycle, the acknowledgment mode can be switched to negative acknowledgment 1a mode or sustained in acknowledgment 2a mode depending on the UTRAN decision based on CQI feedback.

The above described invention can achieve a number of advantages.
By informing the UE of the time interval (MBMS period) at which the UE can stop monitoring the HS-SCCH control channel, especially when transmitting information content to the UE for a long time, the substantial impact on the battery of the UE Reduction can be achieved. It is noted that this result can be applied not only to pt-m, especially MBMS transmission, but also to pt-p transmission in principle. On the other hand, it is also noted that the long-term transmission probability can be increased with pt-m, which is a service under consideration by the network operator, particularly with MBMS (for example, mobile TV service).

  As described above, MBMS period insertion can be implemented with HSDPA with little change to the current standard functionality. This allows for quick implementation and may use a different meaning in some cases (for example when using the H-ARQ field to insert MBMS periods as described above), but reuse of existing technologies Will also be possible.

  It is also possible to implement time division multiplexing of different MBMS channels with the same physical resource. Indeed, as shown schematically in FIG. 4, after the MBMS period, the UTRAN can decide to allocate the next MBMS period to another MBMS channel. This can actually be implemented by changing the MBMS identifier in the HS-SCCH MBMS ID field. This operation mode can be applied to any of the above operation submodes.

  Although the present invention has been disclosed particularly with respect to HSDPA, the teachings of the present invention are particularly applicable to adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), fast hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ), and fast scheduling. It is also noted that the present invention can be applied to a mobile communication system using a shared channel that uses short-time transmission as HSDPA. In particular, UTRA LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 4G systems have not yet been defined, but considering the requirement that such systems should be maintained, such systems are Since the features should be used, it is believed that the present disclosure can be applied to these systems.

Claims (38)

A method for distributing information content to at least one user of a mobile communication network, wherein the at least one user has a respective user device, and the communication network is in ptm transmission mode or When operating in pt-p transmission mode and the network operates in the pt-m transmission mode, the method comprises:
Transmitting , by the communication network, first control information to the user equipment on at least one control channel, wherein the at least one control channel is at least one for transmitting the information content In relation to a downlink channel, the first control information includes information representing a coding scheme of the portion of the information content; and
-The second control information is transmitted to the user apparatus through the at least one control channel by the communication network, and the second control information is information indicating the length of the portion of the information content Including stages, and
Transmitting the part of the information content on the at least one downlink channel by the communication network, the part having the length of the information content encoded in the same manner over the part; Stages ,
Stop monitoring the at least one control channel by the at least one user device for the length of the portion of information content ;
Including a method.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one user includes a plurality of users each holding a respective user device, and the downlink channel is configured to be shared by a plurality of user devices.   The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one control channel is configured to be shared by a plurality of user equipments.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein transmission of information content on the at least one downlink channel is scheduled according to a specified time interval.   The method of claim 4, wherein transmission of control information on the at least one control channel is scheduled according to the specified time interval. Transmission of the first control information occurs during a first time interval, and the first control information starts transmission of the portion of information content on the at least one downlink channel at a second time interval. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is configured to notify at least one of the user devices to do, and the second time interval starts after the start of the first time interval.   The method of claim 6, wherein the first and second time intervals partially overlap each other. At least one of the user equipments stops monitoring the control channel during transmission of the portion of the information content on the downlink channel, and based on the length of the portion of the information content, the portion of the portion of the information content 8. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, configured to resume monitoring of the control channel at the end of transmission.   9. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the length of the portion of information content is a multiple of the specified time interval. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising associating a content identifier with the information content by the communication network .   The method according to claim 10, wherein the first control information further includes the content identifier. The method of claim 3, further comprising associating a content identifier with the information content by the communication network , wherein the content identifier is transmitted to the plurality of user devices.   The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the content identifier belongs to a list of defined content identifiers. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising adapting insertion of the length of the portion of information content into the second control information to attribution of the content identifier to the list by the communication network .   Inserting the length of the portion of information content into the second control information by utilizing at least a first portion of the predefined field, and the predefined field includes information related to retransmission of the portion of the information content 15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 configured to be stored. The second control information further includes retransmission activation information, the retransmission activation information is stored in a second part of the defined field, and the portion of the information content to the second control information by the communication network The method of claim 15, further comprising adapting the insertion of the length to a first value of the retransmission activation information. Wherein the communication network, at least one of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 feedback the further comprising the step of receiving from at least one of said user equipment associated with the reception quality of the downlink channel. By the communications network, further comprises receiving from at least one of said user equipment at least one feedback associated with the reception quality of the downlink channel,
Setting, by the communication network, the retransmission activation information to a second value based on the at least one feedback ;
Replacing the length of the portion of information content in the second control information with information related to retransmission of the portion of information content by the communication network ;
- by the communications network, The method of claim 16, wherein the portion of information content, further comprising the <br/> the step of retransmitting at least once said at least one downlink channel. In order to adapt to the second value of the retransmission activation information,
Scheduling by said communication network transmission on said at least one control channel of control information relating to transmission of another part of information content on said downlink channel according to said length of said part of information content; ,
Setting, by the communication network, the length of the other part of the information content to be equal to the length of the part of the information content ;
- by the communications network, The method of claim 18, further comprising a <br/> for transmitting said further portion of information content on said downlink channel. A method for receiving information content at a user device of a user of a mobile communication network, wherein the mobile communication network can operate in a ptm transmission mode or a ptp transmission mode, When the network operates in the ptm transmission mode, the method comprises:
Starting monitoring at least one control channel associated with a downlink channel provided for transmission of the information content ;
Receiving and decoding first control information on the monitored at least one control channel, wherein the first control information includes information representing a coding scheme of the information content portion; Including, stages ,
Receiving and decoding second control information on the monitored at least one control channel, wherein the second control information includes information representing a length of the portion of the information content; Stages ,
Decoding the portion of information content with the at least one downlink channel by accessing the downlink channel based on the first control information over the length of the portion of information content; The portion of the information content having the length is encoded in the same manner across the portion;
And information between the length of the portion of the content, and a step of stopping the monitoring of the at least one control channel.   The method according to claim 20, wherein the downlink channel is configured to be shared by a plurality of user apparatuses.   The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one control channel is configured to be shared by a plurality of user equipments.   23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein transmission of information content on the downlink channel is scheduled according to a specified time interval.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein transmission of control information on the at least one control channel is scheduled according to the specified time interval.   The transmission of the first control information is performed during a first time interval, and the first control information indicates that the transmission of the portion of information content on the downlink channel starts at a second time interval. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method is configured to notify a user device and the second time interval begins after the start of the first time interval.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first and second time intervals partially overlap each other. Stopping monitoring of the control channel during transmission of the portion of information content on the downlink channel, and the control at the end of the transmission of the portion of information content based on the length of the portion of information content the method according to any one of the monitor channel from claim 24 further comprising the resuming step 26.   28. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the length of the portion of information content is a multiple of the specified time interval.   29. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein a content identifier is associated with the information content.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first control information further includes the content identifier.   31. A method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the content identifier belongs to a list of predefined content identifiers.   32. The method of claim 31, further comprising adapting the downlink channel access over the length of the portion of information content to attribution of the content identifier to the list.   Inserting the length of the portion of information content into the second control information by utilizing at least a first portion of the predefined field, and the predefined field includes information related to retransmission of the portion of the information content 33. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 32 configured to be stored.   The second control information further includes retransmission activation information, the retransmission activation information is stored in a second part of the defined field, and the downlink channel access over the length of the part of information content is retransmitted. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising adapting to the first value of activation information.   35. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 34, further comprising transmitting at least one feedback related to reception quality of the downlink channel. In order to adapt to the second value of the retransmission activation information,
Receiving control information related to transmission of another part of the information content on the downlink channel scheduled according to the length of the part of the information content on the at least one control channel ;
· Information method of claim 34, said further portion of information content over the length of said portion further comprising a <br/> the step of receiving in the downlink channel content. Mobile communication network including the constructed access network subsystem and the user equipment as a method to implement according to any one of claims 1 to 19.   37. A user equipment for a mobile communication network constructed to perform the method according to any one of claims 20 to 36, wherein the mobile communication network is in ptm transmission mode or pt. -P User equipment capable of operating in transmission mode.

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