U.S. patent application number 13/568247 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for transmission rate control method, mobile station and radio network controller.
This patent application is currently assigned to NTT DOCOMO, INC.. Invention is credited to Takehiro NAKAMURA, Anil UMESH, Masafumi USUDA.
Application Number | 20120302251 13/568247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37053461 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120302251 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
USUDA; Masafumi ; et
al. |
November 29, 2012 |
TRANSMISSION RATE CONTROL METHOD, MOBILE STATION AND RADIO NETWORK
CONTROLLER
Abstract
The present invention can flexibly adjust trade-off between the
radio network capacity and the radio quality by changing increase
step of uplink user data in accordance with the congestion of
uplink or the uplink user data type. A transmission rate control
method according to the present invention includes the steps of;
notifying, at a radio network controller RNC, an increase pattern
of the transmission rate of the uplink user data to a mobile
station UE, when setting, with the mobile station UE, a user data
channel connection for transmitting the uplink user data and
increasing, at the mobile station UE, the transmission rate of the
uplink user data in accordance with the increase pattern, when
receiving, from a radio base station Node B, a relative rate
control channel RGCH for indicating that the transmission rate of
the uplink user data should be increased.
Inventors: |
USUDA; Masafumi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; UMESH; Anil; (Yokohama-shi, JP) ;
NAKAMURA; Takehiro; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
NTT DOCOMO, INC.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
37053461 |
Appl. No.: |
13/568247 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11910021 |
Nov 26, 2007 |
|
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13568247 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/452.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 28/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/452.2 |
International
Class: |
H04W 72/04 20090101
H04W072/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2005 |
JP |
2005-096540 |
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A radio network controller used in a transmission rate control
method for controlling a transmission rate of uplink user data,
comprising an increasing step notification section configured to
notify, to a mobile station, information for determining an
increasing relative transmission rate step size corresponding to
each transmission rate of the uplink user data, when setting, with
the mobile station, a user data channel connection for transmitting
the uplink user data, wherein an increasing relative transmission
rate step size is a step size of the uplink user data to be changed
based on a relative grant command.
6. The radio network controller according to the claim 5 wherein,
the increasing step notification section configured to notify, to
the base station, information for determining the increasing step
corresponding to each transmission rate of the uplink user data,
when setting a connection with the radio base station.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission rate control
method, mobile station and a radio network controller, which
controls a transmission rate of uplink user data.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a conventional mobile communication system, in an uplink
from a mobile station UE to a radio base elation Node B, a radio
network controller RNC is configured to determine a transmission
rate of a dedicated channel, in consideration of radio resources of
the radio base station Node B, an interference volume in an uplink,
transmission power of the mobile station UE, transmission
processing performance of the mobile station UE, a transmission
rate required for an upper application, and the like, and to notify
the determined transmission rate of the dedicated channel by a
message of a layer-3 (Radio Resource Control Layer) to both of the
mobile station UE and the radio base station Node B.
[0003] Here, the radio network controller RNC is provided at an
upper level of the radio base station Node B, and is an apparatus
configured to control the radio base station Node B and the mobile
station UE.
[0004] In general, data communications often cause burst traffic
compared with voice communications or TV communications. Therefore,
it is preferable that a transmission rate of a channel used for the
data communications is changed fast.
[0005] However, as shown in FIG. 11, the radio network controller
RNC integrally controls a plurality of radio base stations Node B
in general. Therefore, in the conventional mobile communication
system, there has been a problem that it is difficult to perform
fast control for changing of the transmission rate of channel (for
example, per approximately 1 through 100 ms), due to processing
load, processing delay, or the like.
[0006] In addition, in the conventional mobile communication
system, there has been also a problem that coats for implementing
an apparatus and for operating a network ere substantially
increased even if the fast control for changing of the transmission
rate of the channel can be performed.
[0007] Therefore, in the conventional mobile communication system,
control for changing of the transmission rate of the channel is
generally performed on the order from a few hundred ms to a few
seconds.
[0008] Accordingly, in the conventional mobile communication
system, when burst data transmission is performed as shown in FIG.
12(a), the data are transmitted by accepting low-speed, high-delay,
and low-transmission efficiency as shown in FIG. 12(b), or, as
shown in FIG. 12(c), by reserving radio resources for high-speed
communications to accept that radio bandwidth resources in an
unoccupied state and hardware resources in the radio base station
Node B are wasted.
[0009] It should be noted that both of the above-described radio
bandwidth resources and hardware resources are applied to the
vertical radio resources in FIG. 12.
[0010] Therefore, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and
the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), which are
international standardization organizations of the third generation
mobile communication system, have discussed a method for
controlling radio resources at high speed in a layer-1 and a media
access control (MAC) sub-layer (a layer-2) between the radio base
station Node B and the mobile station UE, so as to utilize the
radio resources effectively. Such discussions or discussed
functions will be hereinafter referred to as "Enhanced Uplink
(EUL)".
[0011] As shown in the non-patent document 1, a conventional mobile
communication system using "EUL" is configured to; increase a
transmission rate of uplink user data by adding a predetermined
value to the transmission rate of uplink user data currently in
use, when the mobile station UE has received a Relative rate
Control Channel (RGCH) from the radio base station Node B, the RGCH
indicating that the transmission rate of uplink user date should be
increased (indicating "Up").
[0012] However, in the conventional mobile communication system
using "EUL", the transmission rate of uplink user data is decreased
at a fixed increase step, even when many uplink user date are
transmitted in the uplink, or when the uplink user data type does
not require very precipitous increase in the transmission rate, and
the like. Therefore, there has been a problem that the transmission
rate of the uplink user data is unnecessary increased.
[0013] In addition, in the conventional mobile communication system
using the transmission rate of uplink user data is increased at a
fixed increase step, even when the uplink is unoccupied, or when
the uplink user data type requires increase in the transmission
rate, and the like. Therefore, there has been a problem that the
level of increase in the transmission rate is insufficient.
[0014] (Non-patent Document 1) 3GPP TSG-RAN TS-26.309 v8.2.0
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention has been made considering the
above-described problems, and its object is to provide a
transmission rate control method, a mobile station and a radio
network controller that makes it possible to flexibly adjust
trade-off between the radio network capacity and the radio quality
by changing increase step of uplink user data in accordance with
the congestion of uplink or the uplink user data type.
[0016] A first aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
transmission rate control method for controlling a transmission
rate of uplink user data, including: notifying, at a radio network
controller, an increase pattern of the transmission rate of the
uplink user data to a mobile station, when setting, with the mobile
station, a user data channel connection for transmitting the uplink
user data; and increasing, at the mobile station, the transmission
rate of the uplink user data in accordance with the increase
pattern, when receiving, from a radio base station, a relative rate
control channel for indicating that the transmission rate of the
uplink user data should be increased.
[0017] In the first aspect, the radio network controller may
include; notifying, at the radio network controller, en increase
pattern of the transmission rate of the uplink user data to the
radio base station, when setting a connection with the radio base
station; and allocating, at the radio base station, a reception
process resource of the uplink user data, on the assumption that
the mobile station increases the transmission rate of the uplink
user data in accordance with the increase pattern.
[0018] A second aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile station for transmitting uplink user date, including: an
increase pattern receiving section configured to receive, from a
radio network controller, an increase pattern of a transmission
rate of the uplink user data, when setting, with the radio network
controller, a user data channel connection for transmitting the
uplink user data; and a transmission rate control section
configured to increase the transmission rate of the uplink user
data in accordance with increase pattern, when receiving, from a
radio base station, a relative rate control channel for indicating
that the transmission rate of the uplink user data should be
increased.
[0019] A third aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
radio network controller used in a transmission rate control method
for controlling a transmission rate of uplink user data, including
an increase pattern notification section configured to notify, to a
mobile station, an increase pattern of the transmission rate of the
uplink user data, when setting, with the mobile station, a user
data channel connection for transmitting the uplink user data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a mobile station of
a mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a baseband signal
processing section in a mobile station of the mobile communication
system according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a MAC-e processing
section of the baseband signal processing section in a mobile
station of the mobile communication system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a radio base station
of the mobile communication system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a baseband signal
processing section in a radio base station of the mobile
communication system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a MAC-e and Layer-1
processing section (configuration for uplink) of the baseband
signal processing section of a radio base station of the mobile
communication system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a MAC-e functional
section of the MAC-e and Layer-1 processing section (configuration
for uplink), in the baseband signal processing section in a radio
base station of the mobile communication system according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a radio network
controller of the mobile communication system according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of an operation of a mobile
communication system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is an example of the transmission rate increase
pattern used in a mobile communication system according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an entire configuration of a
general mobile communication system.
[0031] FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c) are graphs illustrating operations at
the time of burst data transmission in a conventional mobile
communication system.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Mobile Communication System According to First Embodiment of the
Present Invention
[0032] A description will be given of a configuration of a mobile
communication system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
[0033] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 11, the mobile
communication system according to this embodiment is provided with
a plurality of radio base stations Nod B #1 to Node B #5 and a
radio network controller RNC.
[0034] In addition, in the mobile communication system according to
this embodiment, a "High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)" is
used in a downlink, end an "Enhanced Uplink (EUL)" is used in an
uplink.
[0035] It should be noted that in both of the HSDPA and the EUL,
retransmission control (N process stop and wait) shall be performed
by a "Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ)".
[0036] Therefore, an Enhanced Dedicated Physical Channel (E-DPCH),
configured of an Enhanced Dedicated Physical Data Channel (E-DPDCH)
and an Enhanced Dedicated Physical Control Channel (E-DPCCH), and a
Dedicated Physical Channel (DPCH), configured of a Dedicated
Physical Data Channel (DPDCH: Dedicated Physical Data Channel) and
a Dedicated Physical Control Channel (DPCCH: Dedicated Physical
Control Channel), are used in the uplink.
[0037] Here, the E-DPCCH transmits control data for the EUL such as
a transmission format number for defining a transmission format
(transmission block size, or the like) of the E-DPDCH, HARD related
information (the number of retransmission, or the like), and
scheduling related information (transmission power, buffer
residence-volume, or the like in the mobile station UE).
[0038] In addition, the E-DPDCH is paired with the E-DPCCH, and
transmits user data for the mobile station UE based on the control
data for the EUL transmitted through the E-DPCCH.
[0039] The DPCCH transmits control data such as a pilot symbol that
is used for RAKE combining, SIR measurement, or the like, a
Transport Format Combination Indicator (TFCI) for identifying a
transmission format of uplink DPDCH, and a transmission power
control bit in a downlink.
[0040] In addition, the DPDCH is paired with the DPCCH, and
transmits user data for the mobile station UE based on the control
data transmitted through the DPCCH. However, if user data that
should be transmitted does not exist in the mobile station UE, the
DPDCH can be configured not to be transmitted.
[0041] In addition, in the uplink, a "High Speed Dedicated Physical
Control Channel (HS-DPCCH)" and a "Random Access Channel (RACH)",
which are needed when the HSPDA is applied, are also used.
[0042] The HS-DPCCH transmits a Channel Quality indicator (CQI) in
a downlink and an acknowledge signal (Ack or Nack) for the
HS-DPCCH.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile station UE according to this
embodiment is provided with a bus interface 31, a call processing
section 32, a baseband processing section 33, a radio frequency
(RF) section 34, and a transmission-reception antenna 35.
[0044] However, these functions can be independently present as
hardware, and can be partly or entirely integrated, or can be
configured through a process of software.
[0045] The bus interface 31 is configured to forward user data
output from the call processing section 32 to another functional
section (for example, an application related functional section).
In addition, the bus interface 31 is configured to forward user
data transmitted from another functional section (for example, the
application related functional section) to the cell processing
section 32.
[0046] The call processing section 32 is configured to perform a
call control processing for transmitting and receiving user
data.
[0047] The baseband signal processing section 33 is configured to
transmit, to the call processing section 32, the user data acquired
by performing, against the baseband signals transmitted from the RF
section 34, a Layer 1 processing including a despreading
processing, a RAKE combining processing, and an "Forward Error
Correction (FEC)" decode processing, a "Media Access Control (MAC)"
processing including a MAC-e processing and a MAC-d processing, and
a "Radio Link Control (RLC)" processing.
[0048] In addition, the baseband signal processing section 33 is
configured to generate the baseband signals by performing the RLC
processing, the MAC processing, or the layer-1 processing against
the user data transmitted from the call processing section 32 so as
to transmit the baseband signals to the RF section 34.
[0049] Detailed description of the functions of the baseband signal
processing section 33 will be given later.
[0050] The RF section 34 is configured to generate baseband signals
by performing the detection processing, the filtering processing,
the quantization processing, or the like against radio frequency
signals received through the transmission-reception antenna 35, so
as to transmit the generated baseband signals to the baseband
signal processing section 33.
[0051] In addition, the RF section 34 is configured to convert the
baseband signals transmitted from the baseband signal processing
section 33 to the radio frequency signals.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the baseband signal processing section
33 is provided with a RLC processing section 33a, a MAC-d
processing section 33b, a MAC-e processing section 33c, and a
layer-1 processing section 33d.
[0053] The RLC processing section 33a is configured to transmit, to
the MAC-d processing section 33b, the user data transmitted from
the call processing section 32 by performing a processing (RLC
processing) in an upper layer of a layer-2 against the user
data.
[0054] The MAC-d processing section 33b is configured to grant a
channel identifier header, end to create a transmission format in
the uplink based on the limitation of transmission power.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the MAC-e processing section 33c is
provided with an Enhanced Transport Format Combination (E-TFC)
selecting section 33c1 and an HARQ processing section 33c2.
[0056] The E-TFC selecting section 33c1 is configured to determine
a transmission format (E-TFC) of the E-DPDCH and the E-DPCCH, based
on scheduling signals (for example, an RGCH) transmitted from the
radio base station Node B.
[0057] In addition, the E-TFC selecting section 33c1 is configured
to transmit transmission format information on the determined
transmission format (that is, a transmission data block size, an
transmission power ratio between the E-DPDCH and the DPCCH, or the
like) to the layer-1 processing section 33d, end also to transmit
the determined transmission format information to the HARQ
processing section 33c2.
[0058] For example, the E-TFC selecting section 33c1 is configured
to receive, from the radio network controller RNC, an increase
pattern of the transmission rate of the uplink user data, when
setting, with the radio network controller RNC, a user data channel
connection for transmitting the uplink user data.
[0059] In addition, the E-TFC selecting section 33c1 is configured
to increase the transmission rate of the uplink user data in
accordance with the above-described increase pattern, when the
E-TFC selecting section 33c1 has received, from the radio base
station Node B, the RGCH for indicating that the transmission rate
of uplink user data should be increased (Indicating "Up").
[0060] Such scheduling signals are information that is notified in
the call where the mobile station UE is located, and includes
control information for all the mobile stations located in the
cell, ore specific group of the mobile stations located in the
cell.
[0061] The HARQ processing section 33c2 is configured to perform
process control for the "stop-and-wait of N-process", so as to
transmit the user data in the uplink based on an acknowledge signal
(Ack/Nack for uplink data) transmitted from the radio base station
Node B.
[0062] Specifically, the HARQ processing section 33c2 is configured
to determine whether or not the receive processing of downlink user
data has been successful based on the result of the "Cyclic
Redundancy Check (CRC)" entered from the layer-1 processing section
33d.
[0063] Then, the HARQ processing section 33c2 is configured to
generate an acknowledge signal (Ack/Nack for downlink user data)
based on the determined result, so as to transmit the acknowledge
signal to the layer-1 processing section 33d.
[0064] In addition, the HARQ processing section 33c2 is configured
to transmit, to the MAC-d processing 33d, the downlink user data
entered from the layer-1 processing section 33d when the
above-described determination result has been successful.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the radio base station Node B according
to this embodiment is provided with an HWY interface 11, a baseband
signal processing section 12, a call control section 13, at least
one transmitter-receiver section 14, at least one amplifier section
16, and at least one transmission-reception antenna 18.
[0066] The HWY interface 11 is an interface for a radio network
controller RNC. Specifically, the HWY interface 11 is configured to
receive user data transmitted from the radio network controller RNC
to a mobile station UE via a downlink, so as to enter the user data
to the baseband signal processing section 12.
[0067] In addition, the HWY interface 11 is configured to receive
control data for the radio base station Node B from the radio
network controller RNC, so as to enter the received control data to
the call control section 13.
[0068] In addition, the HWY interface 11 is configured to acquire,
from the baseband signal processing section 12, the user data
included in the uplink signals which are received from a mobile
station UE via an uplink, so as to transmit the acquired user data
to the radio network controller RNC.
[0069] Further, the HWY interface 11 is configured to acquire the
control data for the radio network controller RNC from the call
control section 13, so as to transmit the acquired control data to
the radio network controller RNC.
[0070] The baseband signal processing section 12 is configured to
generate baseband signals by performing the RLC processing, the MAC
processing (the MAC-d processing and the MAC-e processing), or the
layer-1 processing against the user data acquired from the HWY
interface 11, so as to forward the generated baseband signals to
the transmitter-receiver section 14.
[0071] Here, the MAC processing in the downlink includes an HARQ
processing, a scheduling processing, a transmission rate control
processing, or the like.
[0072] In addition, the layer-1 processing includes a channel
coding processing of user data, a spreading processing, or the
like.
[0073] In addition, the baseband signal processing section 12 is
configured to extract user data by performing the layer-1
processing, the MAC processing (the MAC-e processing and the MAC-d
processing), or the RLC processing against the baseband signals
acquired from the transmitter-receiver section 14, so as to forward
the extracted user data to the HWY interface 11.
[0074] Here, the MAC processing in the uplink includes the HARQ
processing, the scheduling processing, the transmission rate
control processing, a header disposal processing, or the like.
[0075] In addition, the layer-1 processing in the uplink includes
the despreading processing, the RAKE combining processing, the
error correction decode processing, or the like.
[0076] Detailed description of the functions of the baseband signal
processing section 12 will be given later.
[0077] In addition, the call control section 13 is configured to
perform the call control processing, based on the control data
acquired from the HWY interface 11.
[0078] The transmitter-receiver section 14 is configured to perform
processing of converting baseband signals, which are acquired from
the baseband signal processing section 12, to radio frequency
signals (downlink signals), so as to transmit the converted radio
frequency signals to the amplifier section 15.
[0079] In addition, the transmitter-receiver 14 is configured to
perform processing of converting the radio frequency signals
(uplink signals), which are acquired from the amplifier section 15,
to the baseband signals, so as to transmit the converted baseband
signals to the baseband signal processing section 12.
[0080] The amplifier section 15 is configured to amplify the
downlink signals acquired from the transmitter-receiver section 14,
so as to transmit the amplified downlink signals to the mobile
station UE via the transmission-reception antenna 18.
[0081] In addition, the amplifier 15 is configured to amplify the
uplink signals received by the transmission-reception antenna 18,
so as to transmit the amplified uplink signals to the
transmitter-receiver section 14.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, the baseband signal processing section
12 is provided with a RLC processing section 121, a MAC-d
processing section 122, and a MAC-e and layer-1 processing section
123.
[0083] The MAC-e and layer-1 processing section 123 is configured
to perform, against the baseband signals acquired from the
transmitter-receiver section 14, the despreading processing, the
RAKE combining processing, the error correction decode processing,
the HARQ processing, or the like.
[0084] The MAC-d processing section 122 is configured to perform a
disposal processing of header against output signals from the MAC-e
and layer-1 processing section 123.
[0085] The RLC processing section 121 is configured to perform,
against the output signals from the MAC-d processing section 122,
the retransmission control processing in the RLC layer or the
reestablishment processing of RLC-Service Data Section (SDU).
[0086] However, these functions are not clearly divided per
hardware, and can be acquired by software.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, the MAC-e and layer-1 processing section
(configuration for the uplink) 123 is provided with a DPCCH RAKE
section 123a, a DPDCH RAKE section 123b, an E-DPCCH RAKE section
123c, an E-DPDCH RAKE section 123d, an HS-DPCCH RAKE section 123e,
a RACH processing section 123f, a Transport Format Combination
Indicator (TFCI) decoder section 123g, buffers 123h and 123m,
re-despreading sections 123i and 123n, FEC decoder sections 123j
and 123p, an E-DPCCH decoder section 123k, a MAC-e functional
section 123l, an HARQ buffer 123o, a MAC-hs functional section
123q.
[0088] The E-DPCCH RAKE section 123c is configured to perform,
against the E-DPCCH in the baseband signals transmitted from the
transmitter-receiver section 14, the despreading processing and the
RAKE combining processing using a pilot symbol included in the
DPCCH.
[0089] The E-DPCCH decoder section 123k is configured to acquire
transmission format number related information, HARQ related
information, scheduling related information, or the like, by
performing the decode processing against the RAKE combining outputs
of the E-DPCCH RAKE section 123c, so as to enter the information to
the MAC-e functional section 123l.
[0090] The E-DPDCH RAKE section 123d is configured to perform,
against the E-DPDCH in the baseband signals transmitted from the
transmitter-receiver section 14, the despreading processing using
the transmission format information (the number of codes)
transmitted from the MAC-e functional section 123l and the RAKE
combining processing using the pilot symbol included in the
DPCCH.
[0091] The buffer 123m is configured to store the RAKE combining
outputs of the E-DPDCH RAKE section 123d based on the transmission
format information (the number of symbols) transmitted from the
MAC-e functional section 123l.
[0092] The re-despreading section 123n is configured to perform the
despreading processing against the RAKE combining outputs of the
E-DPDCH RAKE section 123d stared in the buffer 123m, based on the
transmission format information (spreading factor) transmitted from
the MAC-e functional section 123l.
[0093] The HARQ buffer 123o is configured to store the despreading
processing outputs of the re-despreading section 123n, based on the
transmission format information transmitted from the MAC-e
functional section 123l.
[0094] The FEC decoder section 123p is configured to perform an
error correction decoding processing (the FEC decoding processing)
against the despreading processing outputs of the re-despreading
section 123n, which is stored in the HARQ buffer 123o, based on the
transmission format information (transmission data block size)
transmitted from the MAC-e functional section 123l.
[0095] The MAC-e functional section 123l is configured to calculate
end output the transmission format information (the number of
codes, the number of symbols, spreading factor, transmission data
block size, and the like) based on the transmission format number
related information, the HARQ related information, the scheduling
related information, and the like, which are acquired from the
E-DPCCH decoder section 123k.
[0096] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the MAC-e functional
section 123l is provided with a receive processing command section
123l1, an HARQ processing section 123l2, and a scheduling section
123l3.
[0097] The receive processing command section 123l1 is configured
to transmit the transmission format number related information, the
HARQ related information, and the scheduling related information,
which are entered from the E-DPCCH decoder section 123k, to the
HARQ processing section 123l2.
[0098] In addition, the receive processing command section 123l1 is
configured to transmit, to the scheduling section 123l3, the
scheduling related information entered from the E-DPCCH decoder
123k.
[0099] Further, the receive processing command section 123l1 is
configured to output the transmission format information
corresponding to the transmission format number entered from the
E-DPCCH decoder section 123k.
[0100] The HARQ processing section 123l2 is configured to determine
whether or not the receive processing of uplink user data has been
successful, based on the CRC result entered from the FEC decoder
section 123p.
[0101] Then, the HARQ processing section 123l2 is configured to
generate an acknowledge signal (Ack or Nack), based on the
determination result, so as to transmit the generated acknowledge
signal to the configuration for the downlink of the baseband signal
processing section 12.
[0102] In addition, the HARQ processing section 123l2 is configured
to transmit the uplink user data entered from the FEC decoder
section 123p to the radio network controller RNC, when the above
determination result has been successful.
[0103] In addition, the HARQ processing section 123l2 is configured
to clear soft decision values stored in the HARQ buffer 123o, when
the above determination result has been successful.
[0104] On the other hand, the HARQ processing section 123l2 is
configured to store, in the HARQ buffer 123o, the uplink user data,
when the above determination result has not been successful.
[0105] In addition, the HARQ processing section 123l2 is configured
to forward the above determination result to the receive processing
command section 123l1.
[0106] The receive processing control command section 123l1 is
configured to notify the E-DPDCH RAKE section 123d and the buffer
123m of an hardware resource that should be prepared for the
following transmission time interval (TTI), so as to perform
notification for reserving the resource in the HARQ buffer
123o.
[0107] In addition, when the uplink user data is stored in the
buffer 123m, the receive processing command section 123l1 is
configured to instruct the HARQ buffer 123o and the FEC decoder
section 123p to perform the FEC decoding processing after adding
the uplink user data, which is stored in the HARQ buffer 123o, in a
process corresponding to the TTI and a newly received uplink user
data, per TTI.
[0108] The scheduling section 123l3 is configured to transmit a
scheduling signal (for example, an RGCH) via a configuration for
downlink.
[0109] The radio network controller RNC according to the present
embodiment is an apparatus located on upper level of the radio base
station Node B and configured to control radio communication
between the radio base station Node B and the mobile station
UE.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 8, the radio network controller RNC
according to this embodiment is provided with an exchange interface
51, a Logical Link Control (LLC) layer processing section 52, a MAC
layer processing section 53, a media signal processing section 64,
a radio base station interlace 55, and a call control section
58.
[0111] The exchange interface 51 is an interface with an exchange
1. The exchange interface 51 is configured to forward the downlink
signals transmitted from the exchange 1 to the LLC layer processing
section 52, and to forward the uplink signals transmitted from the
LLC layer processing section 52 to the exchange 1.
[0112] The LLC layer processing section 52 is configured to perform
an LLC sub-layer processing such as a synthesis processing of a
header such as a sequence number or a trailer.
[0113] The LLC layer processing section 52 is also configured to
transmit the uplink signals to the exchange interface 51 and to
transmit the downlink signals to the MAC layer processing section
63, after the LLC sub-layer processing is performed.
[0114] The MAC layer processing section 53 is configured to perform
a MAC layer processing such as a priority control processing or a
header granting processing.
[0115] The MAC layer processing section 53 is also configured to
transmit the uplink signals to the LLC layer processing section 52
and to transmit the downlink signals to the radio base station
interface 55 (or a media signal processing section 54), after the
MAC layer processing is performed.
[0116] The media signal processing section 54 is configured to
perform a media signal processing against voice signals or real
time image signals.
[0117] The media signal processing section 54 is also configured to
transmit the uplink signals to the MAC layer processing section 53
and to transmit the downlink signals to the radio base station
interface 55, after the media signal processing is performed.
[0118] The radio base station interface 55 is an interface with the
radio base station Node B. The radio base station interface 55 is
configured to forward the uplink signals transmitted from the radio
base station Node B to the MAC layer processing section 53 (or the
media signal processing section 54) and to forward the downlink
signals transmitted from the MAC layer processing section 53 (or
the media signal processing section 54) to the radio base station
Node B.
[0119] The call control section 56 is configured to perform a radio
resource control processing, a channel setup and open processing by
the layer-3 signaling, or the like. Here, the radio resource
control processing includes a call admission control processing, a
handover processing, or the like.
[0120] The call control section 55 is configured to notify an
increase pattern of a transmission rate of uplink user data to the
mobile station UE, when setting, with the mobile station UE, a user
data channel connection for transmitting uplink user data.
[0121] Further, the call control section 56 may be configured to
notify an increase pattern of the transmission rate of the uplink
user data to the radio base station Node B, when setting a
connection with the radio base station Node B.
[0122] With reference to FIG. 9, the operation of the mobile
communication system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Here, in FIG. 9, although the
example is given to a case where the mobile station UE originates a
call to the radio network controller RNC, the present invention is
also applicable to a case where the mobile station receives a
call.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S1001, the mobile station UE
starts transmission in order to request the communication setup
(setting a user data channel connection) by using the E-DPCH to the
radio network controller RNC.
[0124] In step S1002, the radio network controller RNC requests the
radio base station Node B to set connection for the E-DPCH. Here,
the mobile station UE is located on lower level of the radio base
station Node B.
[0125] In step S1003, when the radio base station Node B has
completed setting of the connection, the radio base station Node B
transmits the connection setting response indicating that the
connection has set, to the radio network controller RNC.
[0126] In step S1004, the radio network controller RNC transmits
control channel connection setting request to the mobile station
UE. The control channel connection setting request is a request for
setting a control channel connection for transmitting or receiving
the information such as a user data type, a release number of the
mobile station, or a transmittable/receivable transmission
rate.
[0127] In step S1005, when the mobile station UE has completed
setting of the control channel connection, the mobile station UE
transmits the control channel connection setting response to the
radio network controller RNC. The control channel connection
setting response indicates that the connection setting has been
completed.
[0128] In step S1008, each parameter relating to the E-DPCH (for
example, a transmission wave amplitude ratio in each transmission
format) is transferred between the mobile station UE and the radio
network controller RNC. Thus, the user data channel connection is
set.
[0129] In step S1007, a communication between the mobile station UE
and the radio network controller RNC is performed by using the user
data channel connection (for example, an E-DPDCH) which has set in
step S1008.
[0130] Further, in step S1002, the radio network controller
notifies an increase pattern of the transmission rate of the uplink
user data (corresponding to the E-RGCH) to the radio base station
Node B.
[0131] Then, the radio base station Node B allocates reception
process resource of the uplink user data on the assumption that the
mobile station UE increases the transmission rate of the uplink
user data in accordance with the notified increase pattern.
[0132] In addition, in transmitting or receiving each parameter in
step S1008, the radio network controller RNC notifies the increase
pattern of the transmission rate of the uplink user data
(corresponding to the E-RGCH) to the mobile station UE.
[0133] FIG. 10 shows an example of the increase pattern of the
transmission rate of the uplink user data. For example, the radio
network controller RNC notifies the increase pattern B when many
uplink user data are transmitted in the uplink, so as to reduce
fluctuation of interference caused by precipitous increase in the
transmission rate of the uplink user data. It should be noted that
the radio network controller RNC comprises a plurality of the
increase pattern, and may be configured to notify the increase
pattern selected based on a predetermined standard. Further, the
radio network controller RNC may be configured to calculate the
slope of time function of the increase pattern and to notify the
calculated inclination of time function.
[0134] In addition, in step S1007, when the RGCH indicating "Up"
has been received from the radio base station Node B, the mobile
station UE increases the transmission rate of the uplink user data
in accordance with the increase pattern corresponding to the
E-RGCH.
[0135] Although the present invention has been described in detail
above with the embodiment, it is apparent to those skilled in the
art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment
described in the present application. The present invention can be
implemented as altered and modified embodiments without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the description of claims. Therefore, the description of the
present application is for illustrative purposes and is not
intended to limit the present invention in any way.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0136] As described above, the present invention can provide a
transmission rate control method, a mobile station and a radio
network controller that makes it possible to flexibly adjust
trade-off between the radio network capacity and the radio quality
by changing increase step of uplink user data in accordance with
the congestion of uplink or the uplink user data type.
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