Title of Invention	COMMUNICATING CONTROL INFORMATION IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Abstract	The present Invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system, by which new control information can be transmitted more quickly. The present invention comprises transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available.

Title of Invention

COMMUNICATING CONTROL INFORMATION IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present Invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system, by which new control information can be transmitted more quickly. The present invention comprises transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available.

Full Text	WO 2006/118428 1 PCT/KR2006/001676 COMMUNICATING CONTROL INFORMATION IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for quickly communicating new control information in a mobile communication system using an automatic repeat request scheme for indicating reception-failure of a packet. . BACKGROUND ART FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network structure of a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS). Referring to FIG 1, a UMTS mainly includes a user equipment (UE), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), and a core network (CN). The UTRAN includes at least one radio network sub-system (hereinafter abbreviated RNS). The RNS includes one radio network controller (RNC) and at least one base station (Node B) managed by the RNC. At least one or more cells exist in one Node B. FIG. 2 is an architectural diagram of a radio interface protocol between the UE (user equipment) and the UTRAN (UMTS terrestrial radio access network). Referring to FIG 2, a radio interface protocol vertically includes a physical layer, a data link layer, and a network layer. Horizontally, the radio interface protocol includes a user plane for data information transfer and a control plane for signaling transfer. The protocol layers in FIG 2 can be divided into a first layer (LI), a second layer (L2), and a third layer (L3) such as the three lower layers of an open. system interconnection (OSI) standard model widely known in the art. The respective layers WO 2006/118428 2 PCT/KR2006/001676 in FIG 2 are explained as follows. A physical layer (PHY) is the first layer and offers an information transfer service to an upper layer using a physical channel. The physical layer (PHY) is connected to a medium access control (MAC) layer located above the physical layer PHY via a transport channel. Data is transferred between the MAC layer and the PHY layer via the transport channel. Moreover, data is transferred between different physical layers, and more particularly, between a physical layer of a transmitting side and a physical layer of a receiving side via the physical channel. The MAC layer of the second layer offers a service to a radio link control (RLC) layer located above the MAC layer via a logical channel. The MAC layer can also be divided into a MAC-b sublayer, a MAC-d sublayer, a MAC-c/sh sublayer, a MAC-hs sublayer and a MAC-e sublayer according to the types of transport channels managed in detail. The MAC-b sublayer takes charge of managing a transport channel such as a broadcast channel (BCH) responsible for broadcasting system information. The MAC- c/sh sublayer manages a shared transport channel, which is shared by other UEs. A forward access channel (FACH) and a downlink shared channel (DSCH) are examples of a shared transport channel. The MAC-d sublayer takes charge of managing a dedicated transport channel such as a DCH (dedicated channel) for a specific UE. The MAC-hs sublayer manages a transport channel such as a high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) for supporting high speed data transfer in downlink and uplink. The MAC-e sublayer manages a transport channel such as an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) for uplink data transfer. FIG 3 is a diagram of a structural example of DCH and E-DCH. Referring to FIG 3, both DCH and E-DCH are transport channels that can be dedicatedly used by one user equipment (UE). In particular, the E-DCH is used by a user equipment to transfer data to a UTRAN in uplink. Compared to the DCH, the E-DCH can transfer WO 2006/118428 3 PCT/KR2006/001676 uplink data faster than the DCH. To transfer data at high speed, the E-DCH adopts a technique such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) and scheduling controlled by a Node B, for example. For E-DCH, the Node B transfers to the UE downlink control information for controlling the UE's E-DCH transfer. The downlink control information includes response information (ACK/NACK) for HARQ, channel quality information for AMC, E-DCH transport rate assignment information, E-DCH transport start time and transport time interval assignment information, and transport block size information, for example. Meanwhile, the UE transfers uplink control information to the Node B. The uplink control information includes E-DCH rate request information for Node B controlled scheduling, UE buffer status information, and UE power status information, for example. The uplink and downlink control information for E-DCH is transferred via a physical control channel such as an enhanced dedicated physical control channel (E-DPCCH). A MAC-d flow is defined between a MAC-d sublayer and a MAC-e sublayer for E-DCH. in this case, a dedicated logical channel is mapped to the MAC-d flow. The MAC-d flow is mapped to a transport channel E-DCH, and the E-DCH is mapped to another physical channel E-DPDCH (enhanced dedicated physical data channel). On the other hand, the dedicated logical channel can be directly mapped to DCH. In this case, the transport channel DCH is mapped to a dedicated physical data channel (DPDCH). The MAC-d sublayer in FIG 3 manages the DCH (dedicated channel) as a dedicated transport channel for a specific user equipment, while the MAC-e sublayer manages the E-DCH (enhanced dedicated channel) as a transport channel used in transferring fast data in uplink. A MAC-d sublayer of a transmitting side configures a MAC-d protocol data unit (PDU) from a MAC-d service data unit (SDU) delivered from an upper layer, i.e., an RLC layer. A MAC-d sublayer of a receiving side facilitates recovery of the MAC-d SDU from the MAC-d PDU received from a lower layer and delivers the recovered WO 2006/118428 4 PCT/KR2006/001676 MAC-d SDU to an upper layer. In doing so, the MAC-d exchanges the MAC-d PDU with a MAC-e sublayer via a MAC-d flow or exchanges the MAC-d PDU with a physical layer via the DCH. The MAC-d sublayer of the receiving side recovers the MAC-d PDU using a MAC-d header attached to the MAC-d PDU prior to delivering the recovered MAC-d SDU to an upper layer. A MAC-e sublayer of a transmitting side configures a MAC-e PDU from a MAC- e SDU corresponding to a MAC-d PDU delivered from an upper layer, i.e., a MAC-d sublayer. The MAC-e sublayer of a receiving side facilitates recovery of the MAC-e SDU from the MAC-e PDU received from a lower layer, i.e., a physical layer and delivers the recovered MAC-e SDU to a higher layer. In doing so, the MAC-e exchanges the MAC-e PDU with the physical layer via the E-DCH. The MAC-e sublayer of the receiving side recovers the MAC-e SDU using a MAC-e header attached to the MAC-e PDU prior to delivering the recovered MAC-e SDU to a higher layer. FIG 4 is a diagram of a protocol for E-DCH. Referring to FIG 4, a MAC-e sublayer supporting E-DCH exists below a MAC-d sublayer of a UTRAN. Furthermore, a MAC-e sublayer supporting E-DCH exists below a MAC-d sublayer of a UE. The MAC-e sublayer of the UTRAN is located at a Node B. The MAC-e sublayer exists in each UE. On the other hand, the MAC-d sublayer of the UTRAN is located at a serving radio network controller (SRNC) in charge of managing a corresponding UE. The MAC-d sublayer exists in each UE. Control information transmission for E-DCH is explained as follows. First of all, a scheduler exists at a Node B for E-DCH. The scheduler facilitates the allocation of an optimal radio resource to each UE existing within one cell to raise transmission efficiency of data in an uplink transfer at a base station from all UEs within each cell. In particular, more radio resources are allocated to a UE having a good channel status in one cell to enable the corresponding UE to transmit more data. Less radio resources are allocated to a UE having a poor channel status to prevent the corresponding UE WO 2006/118428 5 PCT/KR2006/001676 from transmitting interference signals over an uplink radio channel. When allocating radio resources to the corresponding UE, the scheduler does not only consider a radio channel status of a UE. The scheduler also requires control information from UEs. For example, the control information includes a power quantity the UE can use for E-DCH or a quantity of data the UE attempts to transmit. Namely, even if the UE has a better channel status, if there is no spare power the UE can use for E-DCH, or if there is no data the UE will transmit in an uplink direction, a radio resource should not be allocated to the UE. In other words, the scheduler can raise the efficiency of radio resource use within one cell only if a radio resource is allocated to a UE having a spare power for E-DCH and data to he transmitted in the uplink transfer. Accordingly, a UE should send control information to a scheduler of a Node B. The control information can be transmitted in various ways. For instance, a scheduler of a Node B can instruct a UE to report that data to be transmitted in uplink exceeds a specific value or to periodically send control information to the Node B itself. In case a radio resource is allocated to a UE from a scheduler of a Node B, the UE configures a MAC-e PDU within the allocated radio resource and then transmits the MAC-e PDU to a base station via E-DCH. In particular, if there exists data to be transmitted,- a UE sends control infoimation.to a Node B to inform the Node-b that there is data to be transmitted by the UE. A scheduler of the Node B then sends information indicating that a radio resource allocation will be made to the UE based on Hie control information been sent by the UE. In this case, the information indicating the radio resource allocation means a maximum value of power the UE can transmit in uplink, a ratio for a reference channel, etc. The UE configures the MAC-e PDU within a permitted range based on the information indicating the radio resource allocation and transmits the configured MAC-e PDU. However, in the related art method, a UE transmits a MAC-e PDU, which starts a transmission, until receiving an acknowledgement (ACK) from the Node B that the WO 2006/118428 . 6 PCT/KR2006/001676 MAC-e PDU was correctly received by the Node B, or retransmits the MAC-e PDU as many times as a maximum retransmission attempt value allows. Accordingly, when new data arrives at the UE to be transmitted to the Node B, new control information should also be transmitted to the Node B to request a resource allocation for the new data transmission. However, in the related art as shown in FIG 5, the UE must wait until receiving an ACK from the Node B or retransmit an old MAC-e PDU a maximum number of times allowable before transmitting a new or updated MAC-e PDU with the new control information. Accordingly, a time taken for a UE to receive a radio resource allocation is delayed. Furthermore, by considering that information such as power information is frequently changed, wrong or old information is delivered to a Node B under the related art method. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to communicating control information in a mobile communication system. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be. apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.. The objectives and other advantages of the' invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention is embodied in a method for communicating control information in a mobile communication system, the method comprising transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and WO 2006/118428 7 PCT/KR2006/001676 transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available. Preferably, priority is related to a logical channel through which, data is delivered. In one aspect of the invention the method further comprises establishing an automatic repeat request scheme with a receiver for receiving feedback information regarding the transmission of the first and second data block, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. Preferably, the second data block is transmitted independent of receiving feedback information from the receiver for the first data block transmission. Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first data block from the receiver, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiver a maximum number of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the first data block is not received from the receiver, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiver using the . automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the second data block from the receiver, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiver a maximum number of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the second data block is not received from the receiver, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. In another aspect of the invention, the control information comprises scheduling information, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of highest priority logical channel identifier, total E-DCH buffer status, highest priority logical WO 2006/118428 8 PCT/KR2006/001676 channel buffer status, and mobile terminal power headroom. In a further aspect of the invention, the first data block is a MAC-e PDU and the second data block is a MAC-e PDU. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal for communicating control information in a mobile communication system comprises a processor for receiving first and second data from an upper layer and generating a first data and second data block to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and a transmitter controlled by the processor for transmitting the first data block comprising control information for transmitting the first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, wherein the transmitter transmits the second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available. Preferably, priority is related to a logical channel through which data is delivered. In one aspect of the invention, the mobile terminal establishes an automatic repeat request scheme with a receiving side for receiving feedback information regarding the transmission of the first and second data block, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network Preferably, the second data block is transmitted independent of receiving feedback information from the receiving side for the first data block transmission. Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first data block from the receiving side, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum number of times set by the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the first data block is not received from the receiving side, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. WO 2006/118428 9 PCT/KR2006/001676 Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the second data block from the receiving side, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum number of times set by the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the second data block is not received from the receiving side, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. In another aspect of the invention, the control information comprises scheduling information, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of highest priority logical channel identifier, total E-DCH buffer status, highest priority logical channel buffer status, and mobile terminal power headroom. In a further aspect of the invention, the first data block is a MAC-e PDU and the second data block is a MAC-e PDU. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of mis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. FIG 1 is a block diagram of a network structure of a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS). WO 2006/118428 10 PCT/KR2006/001676 FIG 2 is an architectural diagram of a radio interface protocol between a user equipment (UE) and a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN). FIG 3 is a diagram of a structural example of a dedicated channel (DCH) and an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH). FIG 4 is a diagram of a protocol for E-DCH. FIG 5 illustrates a method of communicating control information in a mobile communication system in accordance with the related art. FIG 6A illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG 6B illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG 8 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile communication device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. A transmission method using a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme WO 2006/118428 11 PCT/KR2006/001676 will be explained as follows. First of all, HARQ is used for E-DCH to raise a probability of transmitted data successfully arriving at a receiving side and to reduce the power necessary for the corresponding arrival. Accordingly, under HARQ, raising the probability of transmission success and reducing necessary power is dependent on feedback information sent from the receiving side to a transmitting side. Preferably, the feedback information notifies the transmitting side whether the data transmitted by the transmitting side is correctly received at the receiving side. For instance, if a receiving side correctly receives a packet 1 transmitted by a transmitting side, such as a UE, via a physical channel, the receiving side transmits a reception success signal or acknowledgement (ACK). If the receiving side fails to correctly receive the packet 1, the receiving side transmits a negative acknowledgement (NACK). Thereafter, the transmitting side transmits new data, i.e., a packet 2 in case that the feedback is ACK with reference to the feedback-having been transmitted by the transmitting side. If the feedback is NACK, the transmitting side retransmits the packet 1. In doing so, the transmitting side attempts a transmission using both of the former packet 1 (firstly transmitted) and the latter packet 1 (secondly transmitted). If this succeeds, the receiving side transmits ACK to the transmitting side. If this fails, the receiving side transmits NACK to the transmitting side. When NACK is received the transmitting side, the transmitting side repeats the above process. In this case, the retransmitted packet 1 should be identical to the former packet 1. If not, the receiving WO2006/118428 12 PCT/KR2006/001676 side is unable to recover the data correctly. However, if the UE continues to stay in an area having a poor channel status or if data to be transmitted by the UE is sensitive to delivery delay, the UE is unable to indefinitely perform the above-explained retransmission. Therefore, the receiving side informs a UE of a maximum number of available transmissions or retransmissions. In case of receiving the NACK from the receiving side after having attempted to transmit data as many times as the maximum number of retransmissions, the UE stops attempting the transmission of the corresponding data and attempts a transmission of next data. Hence, even if control information is included in the MAC-e PDU, the UE attempts retransmission of the MAC-e PDU as many times as the maximum number of retransmissions. As previously mentioned, the above-explained retransmission is needed to raise the probability of reception success of the MAC-e PDU in the receiving side. Preferably, contents included in the control information are a maximum priority channel, a maximum priority channel ratio, a total buffer quantity, a margin of power and the like. In this case, the maximum priority channel means a channel having a highest priority among channels having data to be transmitted. As mentioned in the foregoing description, in the HARQ system, a transmitting side transmits data, waits for a feedback from a receiving side and then decides whether to perform a retransmission according to the contents of the feedback. However, a WO 2006/118428 13 PCT/KR2006/001676 long time elapses until a response from the receiving side arrives at the transmitting side after the data is transmitted by the transmitting side. While awaiting the response, the UE may receive various new data from a user, in such a case, the maximum priority channel may be changed, or other information such as the total buffer quantity, the margin of power and the like may be changed as well. In particular, the maximum priority channel information is important. This is because a Node B preferentially allocates radio resources to UEs having higher priorities when considering all UEs within a corresponding cell during the allocation of radio resources. Accordingly, if a maximum priority channel included in the control information firstly transmitted by a UE is a channel having a very low priority, and if data later arrives at the UE from a channel having a higher priority, the UE should inform the Node B of this information immediately. For example, the UE may inform the Node B at a time when the UE receives NACK from the Node B. FIG 6A illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 6A, a first data packet (MAC-e PDU 1) comprising first control information for first data is transmitted from a UE to a receiving side, wherein the receiving side may be a network or a mobile terminal, for example. Preferably, the first control information requests a resource allocation for the transmission of the first data. Subsequently, new data arrives at the UE to be transmitted to the receiving side. In order to transmit the new WO 2006/118428 14 PCT/KR2006/001676 data, the UE requests a data transmission resource allocation from the receiving side by transmitting control information related to the new data (new control information) to the receiving side via a new or updated data packet (MAC-e PDU 2). As shown in FIG 6A, the UE preferably does not wait until receiving an ACK from the receiving side for the first data packet, or until the maximum number of first data packet retransmissions is attained prior to transmitting the new control information to the receiving side. Rather, the UE waits to receive a NACK for the first data packet Upon receiving the NACK, the UE configures a new data packet or updates the first data packet to include the new control information. Thereafter, the new or updated data packet is transmitted to the receiving side. FIG 6B illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG 6B, new data to be transmitted arrives at the UE at a time when a NACK is received from a receiving side for a first data packet transmission. When the NACK is received, the UE configures a new data packet or updates the first data packet to include new control information related to the new data. Thereafter, the new or updated data packet is transmitted to the receiving side. FIG 7 illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 7, the UE does not wait to receive any feedback information from the receiving side for a previously- WO 2006/118428 15. PCT/KR2006/001676 transmitted data packet prior to transmitting new control information. Thus, once new data arrives at the UE to be transmitted to the receiving side, the UE immediately configures a new data packet comprising new control information related to the new data for requesting a data transmission resource allocation. Once configured, the new data packet is transmitted to the receiving side independent of receiving feedback information for the previously-transmitted data packet. Hence, the present invention enables a UE using E-DCH to receive a service of proper quality. For this, the present invention discloses a method of enabling a UE to transmit control information to a base station effectively. Preferably, if the contents of the control information to be transmitted are changed while a UE performs HARQ retransmission, new control information of the UE is transmitted to the Node B. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, when a UE transmits a MAC-e PDU containing control information to a base station (Node B) and waits for a response (feedback information) from the base station for the MAC-e PDU, if the response instructs that the UE should retransmit the MAC-e PDU, the UE stops a retransmission of the MAC-e PDU, re-configures the MAC-e PDU with the latest control information to be transmitted, and transmits the re-configured MAC-e PDU. If control information is included in the MAC-e PDU only and if control information of the UE is changed while the UE receives the corresponding response, the UE stops a retransmission of the MAC-e PDU, re-configures the MAC-e PDU with the latest WO 2006/118428 16 PCT/KR2006/001676 control information to be transmitted, and then transmits the re-configured MAC-e PDU. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the UE includes control information in a MAC-e PDU and transmits the MAC-e PDU to a base station. The UE then waits for a response (feedback information) from the base station for the MAC-e PDU. If the UE receives a command instructing the UE to retransmit the MAC-e PDU, and if the MAC-e PDU includes only the control information, and if the control information of the UE is changed while the UE having transmitted the MAC-e PDU receives a corresponding response, the UE can ignore a maximum number of retransmissions. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, when a UE transmits a MAC-e PDU containing control information to a base station, if the MAC-e PDU includes only the control information, the present invention discloses that a maximum number of retransmissions of the MAC-e PDU is construed as zero. Preferably, the UE decides not to perform the retransmission when the MAC-e PDU includes only the control information. When receiving a response indicating that a reception of the MAC-e PDU including only the control information fails, the UE ignores the previous MAC-e PDU, configures a MAC-e PDU by updating the control information and transmits the configured MAC-e PDU. The UE attempts this process until receiving a response indicating a successful reception of the MAC-e PDU and continues performing this process until a number of retransmissions does not exceed a WO 2006/118428 17 PCT/KR2006/001676 maximum number of retransmissions. Notably, if an initial MAC-e PDU transmission is included in the retransmission number in this process, the UE may construe the maximum number of retransmissions as 1. Preferably, the control information described above comprises scheduling information such as a UE's marginal power quantity (mobile terminal power headroom), a total quantity of data possessed by the UE (total E-DCH buffer status), a channel having a highest priority among channels having data to be transmitted (highest priority logical channel identifier), or a ratio of data quantity corresponding to a channel having a highest priority over total data. in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, when the UE receives a response instructing that a retransmission is necessary after having transmitted a MAC-e PDU including only control information, and if data arrives at a channel having a priority higher than that of a channel having a highest -priority instructed by the control information, the UE stops a retransmission of the MAC-e PDU, includes updated control information in a new MAC-e PDU and transmits the new MAC-e PDU to the base station. Preferably, after the UE has transmitted the MAC-e PDU including the control information only, if the UE receives a response requesting a retransmission of the MAC- e PDU, and if the control information the UE is to transmit is to be updated, and if a number of retransmissions is smaller than a maximum number of retransmissions, the WO 2006/118428 18 PCT/KR2006/001676 UE retransmits the previously transmitted MAC-e PDU. Otherwise, the UE stops the retransmission. Preferably, the response requesting the retransmission comprises a signal indicating that a receiving side fails to receive data from a transmitting side correctly. A NACK signal is an example of such a signal. Preferably, if another user data is included in the UE-transmitting MAC-ePDU including the control information, the UE continues to perform the retransmission for the previous MAC-e PDU. Preferably, if a channel status is poor, the UE preferably continues to transmit the previously transmitted MAC-e PDU for a more concrete reception at a Node B. For this, if the control information is changed for the MAC-e PDU containing the control information only, the UTRAN informs the UE whether to keep performing the retransmission of the previous MAC-e PDU or to configure and send a new MAC-e PDU with the latest control information. Accordingly, this may be accomplished utilizing a setup indicator. Accordingly, the present invention enables new control information to be quickly transmitted to a base station in a mobile communication system utilizing an automatic repeat request scheme. Referring to FIG 8, a block diagram of a mobile communication device 400 of the present invention is illustrated, for example a mobile phone for performing the methods of the present invention. The mobile communication device 400 includes a WO 2006/118428 19 PCT/KR2006/001676 processing unit 410 such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor, an RF module 435, a power management module 406, an antenna 440, a battery 455, a display 415, a keypad 420, a storage unit 430 such as flash memory, ROM or SRAM, a speaker 445 and a microphone 450. A user enters instructional information, such as a telephone number, for example, by pushing the buttons of a keypad 420 or by voice activation using the microphone 450. The processing unit 410 receives and processes the instructional information to perform the appropriate function, such as to dial the telephone number. Operational data may be retrieved from the storage unit 430 to perform the function. Furthermore, the processing unit 410 may display the instructional and operational information on the display 415 for the user's reference and convenience. The processing unit 410 issues instructional information to the RF module 435 to initiate communication, for example, transmits radio signals comprising voice- communication data. The RF module 435 comprises a receiver and a transmitter to receive and transmit radio signals. The antenna 440 facilitates the transmission and reception of radio signals. Upon receiving radio signals, the RF module 435 may forward and convert the signals to baseband frequency for processing by the processing unit 410. The processed signals would be transformed into audible or readable information outputted via the speaker 445, for example. The processing unit 410 is adapted to receive first and second data from an upper WO 2006/118428 20 PCT/KR2006/001676 layer and generate a first and second data block comprising information related to the first and second data to be transmitted to a network. The processing unit 410 is also adapted to control a transmitter of the RF module 435 to transmit the first and second data block to the network. A receiver of the RF module 435 is adapted to receive signals from the network. Although the present invention is described in the context of mobile commimication, the present invention may also be used in any wireless communication systems using mobile devices, such as PDAs and laptop computers equipped with wireless communication capabilities. Moreover, the use of certain terms to describe the present invention should not limit the scope of the present invention to certain type of wireless communication system, such as UMTS. The present invention is also applicable to other wireless commimication systems using different air interfaces and/or physical layers, for example, TDMA, CDMA, FDMA; WCDMA, etc. The preferred embodiments may be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein refers to code or logic implemented in hardware logic (e.g., an integrated circuit chip, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.) or a computer readable medium (e.g., magnetic storage medium (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, etc.), optical storage (CD- WO 2006/118428 21 PCT/KR2006/001676 ROMs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs, ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, firmware, programmable logic, etc.). Code in the computer readable medium is accessed and executed by a processor. The code in which preferred embodiments are implemented may further be accessible through a transmission media or from a file server over a network. In such cases, the article of manufacture in which the code is implemented may comprise a transmission media, such as a network transmission line, wireless transmission media, signals propagating through space, radio waves, infrared signals, etc. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the article of manufacture may comprise any information bearing medium known in the art. The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be eonstrued as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structure described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY WO 2006/118428 22 PCT/KR2006/001676 The present teaching can be readily applied to all types of apparatuses including a mobile terminal and base station. WO 2006/118428 PCT/KR2006/001676 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: l.A method for communicating control information in a mobile communication system, the method comprising: transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available; receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data; and transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein priority is related to a logical channel through which data is delivered. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing an automatic repeat request scheme with a receiver for receiving feedback information regarding the transmission of the first and second data block. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. WO 2006/118428 ^ PCT/KR2006/001676 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the second data block is transmitted independent of receiving feedback information from the receiver for the first data block transmission. . t 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first data block is retransmitted to the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first data block from the receiver. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the first data block is retransmitted to the receiver a maximum number of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the first data block is not received from the receiver. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile . t terminal and a network. 10. The method of claim 3, wherein the second data block is retransmitted to the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the WO 2006/118428 25 PCT/KR2006/001676 second data block from the receiver. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 12. The method of claim 3, wherein the second data block is retransmitted to the receiver a maximum number of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the second data block is not received from the receiver. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the control information comprises scheduling information. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of: highest priority logical channel identifier, total B-DCH buffer status; WO 2006/118428 26 PCT/KR2006/001676 highest priority logical channel buffer status; and mobile terminal power headroom. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data block is a MAC-e PDU and the second data block is a MAC-e PDU, 17. A mobile terminal for communicating control information in a mobile communication system, the mobile terminal comprising: a processor for receiving first and second data from an upper layer and generating a first data and second data block to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data; and a transmitter controlled by the processor for transmitting the first data block comprising control information for transmitting the first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available; wherein the transmitter transmits the second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available. 18. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein priority is related to a logical channel through, which data is delivered. WO2006/118428 27 PCT/KR2006/001676 19. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein the mobile terminal establishes an automatic repeat request scheme with a receiving side for receiving feedback information regarding the transmission of the first and second data block. 20. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 21. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein me second data block is transmitted independent of receiving feedback information from the receiving side for the first data block transmission. 22. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the first data block is retransmitted to the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first data block from the receiving side. 23. The mobile terminal of claim 22, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 24. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the first data block is retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum number of times set by the receiving side WO 2006/118428 28 PCT/KR2006/00167 using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the first data block is not received from the receiving side. 25. The mobile terminal of claim 24, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 26. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the second data block is retransmitted to the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the second data block from the receiving side. 27. The mobile terminal of claim 26, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. 28. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the second data block is retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum number of times set by the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the second data block is not received from the receiving side. 29. The mobile terminal of claim 28, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network. WO 2006/118428 29 PCT/KR2006/001676 3 0. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein the control information comprises scheduling information. 31. The mobile terminal of claim 30, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of: highest priority logical channel identifier; total E-DCH buffer status; highest priority logical channel buffer status; and mobile terminal power headroom. 32. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein the first data block is a MAC-e PDU and the second data block is a MAC-e PDU. The present Invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system, by which new control information can be transmitted more quickly. The present invention comprises transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first and second data are available.

Full Text

WO 2006/118428 1 PCT/KR2006/001676
COMMUNICATING CONTROL INFORMATION IN MOBILE
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile
communication system. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of
applications, it is particularly suitable for quickly communicating new control
information in a mobile communication system using an automatic repeat request
scheme for indicating reception-failure of a packet. .
BACKGROUND ART
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network structure of a universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS). Referring to FIG 1, a UMTS mainly includes a
user equipment (UE), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), and a core
network (CN).
The UTRAN includes at least one radio network sub-system (hereinafter
abbreviated RNS). The RNS includes one radio network controller (RNC) and at least
one base station (Node B) managed by the RNC. At least one or more cells exist in
one Node B.
FIG. 2 is an architectural diagram of a radio interface protocol between the UE
(user equipment) and the UTRAN (UMTS terrestrial radio access network). Referring
to FIG 2, a radio interface protocol vertically includes a physical layer, a data link layer,
and a network layer. Horizontally, the radio interface protocol includes a user plane
for data information transfer and a control plane for signaling transfer.
The protocol layers in FIG 2 can be divided into a first layer (LI), a second layer
(L2), and a third layer (L3) such as the three lower layers of an open. system
interconnection (OSI) standard model widely known in the art. The respective layers

WO 2006/118428 2 PCT/KR2006/001676
in FIG 2 are explained as follows.
A physical layer (PHY) is the first layer and offers an information transfer service
to an upper layer using a physical channel. The physical layer (PHY) is connected to a
medium access control (MAC) layer located above the physical layer PHY via a
transport channel. Data is transferred between the MAC layer and the PHY layer via
the transport channel. Moreover, data is transferred between different physical layers,
and more particularly, between a physical layer of a transmitting side and a physical
layer of a receiving side via the physical channel.
The MAC layer of the second layer offers a service to a radio link control (RLC)
layer located above the MAC layer via a logical channel. The MAC layer can also be
divided into a MAC-b sublayer, a MAC-d sublayer, a MAC-c/sh sublayer, a MAC-hs
sublayer and a MAC-e sublayer according to the types of transport channels managed in
detail.
The MAC-b sublayer takes charge of managing a transport channel such as a
broadcast channel (BCH) responsible for broadcasting system information. The MAC-
c/sh sublayer manages a shared transport channel, which is shared by other UEs. A
forward access channel (FACH) and a downlink shared channel (DSCH) are examples
of a shared transport channel. The MAC-d sublayer takes charge of managing a
dedicated transport channel such as a DCH (dedicated channel) for a specific UE. The
MAC-hs sublayer manages a transport channel such as a high speed downlink shared
channel (HS-DSCH) for supporting high speed data transfer in downlink and uplink.
The MAC-e sublayer manages a transport channel such as an enhanced dedicated
channel (E-DCH) for uplink data transfer.
FIG 3 is a diagram of a structural example of DCH and E-DCH. Referring to
FIG 3, both DCH and E-DCH are transport channels that can be dedicatedly used by
one user equipment (UE). In particular, the E-DCH is used by a user equipment to
transfer data to a UTRAN in uplink. Compared to the DCH, the E-DCH can transfer

WO 2006/118428 3 PCT/KR2006/001676
uplink data faster than the DCH. To transfer data at high speed, the E-DCH adopts a
technique such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), adaptive modulation and
coding (AMC) and scheduling controlled by a Node B, for example.
For E-DCH, the Node B transfers to the UE downlink control information for
controlling the UE's E-DCH transfer. The downlink control information includes
response information (ACK/NACK) for HARQ, channel quality information for AMC,
E-DCH transport rate assignment information, E-DCH transport start time and transport
time interval assignment information, and transport block size information, for example.
Meanwhile, the UE transfers uplink control information to the Node B. The uplink
control information includes E-DCH rate request information for Node B controlled
scheduling, UE buffer status information, and UE power status information, for example.
The uplink and downlink control information for E-DCH is transferred via a physical
control channel such as an enhanced dedicated physical control channel (E-DPCCH).
A MAC-d flow is defined between a MAC-d sublayer and a MAC-e sublayer for
E-DCH. in this case, a dedicated logical channel is mapped to the MAC-d flow. The
MAC-d flow is mapped to a transport channel E-DCH, and the E-DCH is mapped to
another physical channel E-DPDCH (enhanced dedicated physical data channel). On
the other hand, the dedicated logical channel can be directly mapped to DCH. In this
case, the transport channel DCH is mapped to a dedicated physical data channel
(DPDCH). The MAC-d sublayer in FIG 3 manages the DCH (dedicated channel) as a
dedicated transport channel for a specific user equipment, while the MAC-e sublayer
manages the E-DCH (enhanced dedicated channel) as a transport channel used in
transferring fast data in uplink.
A MAC-d sublayer of a transmitting side configures a MAC-d protocol data unit
(PDU) from a MAC-d service data unit (SDU) delivered from an upper layer, i.e., an
RLC layer. A MAC-d sublayer of a receiving side facilitates recovery of the MAC-d
SDU from the MAC-d PDU received from a lower layer and delivers the recovered

WO 2006/118428 4 PCT/KR2006/001676
MAC-d SDU to an upper layer. In doing so, the MAC-d exchanges the MAC-d PDU
with a MAC-e sublayer via a MAC-d flow or exchanges the MAC-d PDU with a
physical layer via the DCH. The MAC-d sublayer of the receiving side recovers the
MAC-d PDU using a MAC-d header attached to the MAC-d PDU prior to delivering
the recovered MAC-d SDU to an upper layer.
A MAC-e sublayer of a transmitting side configures a MAC-e PDU from a MAC-
e SDU corresponding to a MAC-d PDU delivered from an upper layer, i.e., a MAC-d
sublayer. The MAC-e sublayer of a receiving side facilitates recovery of the MAC-e
SDU from the MAC-e PDU received from a lower layer, i.e., a physical layer and
delivers the recovered MAC-e SDU to a higher layer. In doing so, the MAC-e
exchanges the MAC-e PDU with the physical layer via the E-DCH. The MAC-e
sublayer of the receiving side recovers the MAC-e SDU using a MAC-e header attached
to the MAC-e PDU prior to delivering the recovered MAC-e SDU to a higher layer.
FIG 4 is a diagram of a protocol for E-DCH. Referring to FIG 4, a MAC-e
sublayer supporting E-DCH exists below a MAC-d sublayer of a UTRAN.
Furthermore, a MAC-e sublayer supporting E-DCH exists below a MAC-d sublayer of a
UE. The MAC-e sublayer of the UTRAN is located at a Node B. The MAC-e
sublayer exists in each UE. On the other hand, the MAC-d sublayer of the UTRAN is
located at a serving radio network controller (SRNC) in charge of managing a
corresponding UE. The MAC-d sublayer exists in each UE.
Control information transmission for E-DCH is explained as follows. First of all,
a scheduler exists at a Node B for E-DCH. The scheduler facilitates the allocation of
an optimal radio resource to each UE existing within one cell to raise transmission
efficiency of data in an uplink transfer at a base station from all UEs within each cell.
In particular, more radio resources are allocated to a UE having a good channel status in
one cell to enable the corresponding UE to transmit more data. Less radio resources
are allocated to a UE having a poor channel status to prevent the corresponding UE

WO 2006/118428 5 PCT/KR2006/001676
from transmitting interference signals over an uplink radio channel.
When allocating radio resources to the corresponding UE, the scheduler does not
only consider a radio channel status of a UE. The scheduler also requires control
information from UEs. For example, the control information includes a power
quantity the UE can use for E-DCH or a quantity of data the UE attempts to transmit.
Namely, even if the UE has a better channel status, if there is no spare power the UE can
use for E-DCH, or if there is no data the UE will transmit in an uplink direction, a radio
resource should not be allocated to the UE. In other words, the scheduler can raise the
efficiency of radio resource use within one cell only if a radio resource is allocated to a
UE having a spare power for E-DCH and data to he transmitted in the uplink transfer.
Accordingly, a UE should send control information to a scheduler of a Node B.
The control information can be transmitted in various ways. For instance, a scheduler
of a Node B can instruct a UE to report that data to be transmitted in uplink exceeds a
specific value or to periodically send control information to the Node B itself.
In case a radio resource is allocated to a UE from a scheduler of a Node B, the UE
configures a MAC-e PDU within the allocated radio resource and then transmits the
MAC-e PDU to a base station via E-DCH. In particular, if there exists data to be
transmitted,- a UE sends control infoimation.to a Node B to inform the Node-b that there
is data to be transmitted by the UE. A scheduler of the Node B then sends information
indicating that a radio resource allocation will be made to the UE based on Hie control
information been sent by the UE. In this case, the information indicating the radio
resource allocation means a maximum value of power the UE can transmit in uplink, a
ratio for a reference channel, etc. The UE configures the MAC-e PDU within a
permitted range based on the information indicating the radio resource allocation and
transmits the configured MAC-e PDU.
However, in the related art method, a UE transmits a MAC-e PDU, which starts a
transmission, until receiving an acknowledgement (ACK) from the Node B that the

WO 2006/118428 . 6 PCT/KR2006/001676
MAC-e PDU was correctly received by the Node B, or retransmits the MAC-e PDU as
many times as a maximum retransmission attempt value allows. Accordingly, when
new data arrives at the UE to be transmitted to the Node B, new control information
should also be transmitted to the Node B to request a resource allocation for the new
data transmission. However, in the related art as shown in FIG 5, the UE must wait
until receiving an ACK from the Node B or retransmit an old MAC-e PDU a maximum
number of times allowable before transmitting a new or updated MAC-e PDU with the
new control information. Accordingly, a time taken for a UE to receive a radio
resource allocation is delayed. Furthermore, by considering that information such as
power information is frequently changed, wrong or old information is delivered to a
Node B under the related art method.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to communicating control information in a
mobile communication system.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be. apparent from the description, or may be
learned by practice of the invention.. The objectives and other advantages of the'
invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the
written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the
present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention is
embodied in a method for communicating control information in a mobile
communication system, the method comprising transmitting a first data block
comprising control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the
transmission of the first data are available, receiving second data from an upper layer to
be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and

WO 2006/118428 7 PCT/KR2006/001676
transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for
transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first
and second data are available. Preferably, priority is related to a logical channel
through which, data is delivered.
In one aspect of the invention the method further comprises establishing an
automatic repeat request scheme with a receiver for receiving feedback information
regarding the transmission of the first and second data block, wherein the receiver is one
of a mobile terminal and a network.
Preferably, the second data block is transmitted independent of receiving
feedback information from the receiver for the first data block transmission.
Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiver using the automatic
repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first data block from the receiver,
wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network.
Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiver a maximum number
of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the
first data block is not received from the receiver, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile
terminal and a network.
Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiver using the .
automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the second data block from the
receiver, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile terminal and a network.
Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiver a maximum
number of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK
for the second data block is not received from the receiver, wherein the receiver is one
of a mobile terminal and a network.
In another aspect of the invention, the control information comprises scheduling
information, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of highest
priority logical channel identifier, total E-DCH buffer status, highest priority logical

WO 2006/118428 8 PCT/KR2006/001676
channel buffer status, and mobile terminal power headroom.
In a further aspect of the invention, the first data block is a MAC-e PDU and the
second data block is a MAC-e PDU.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a mobile
terminal for communicating control information in a mobile communication system
comprises a processor for receiving first and second data from an upper layer and
generating a first data and second data block to be transmitted, wherein the second data
has a higher priority than the first data, and a transmitter controlled by the processor for
transmitting the first data block comprising control information for transmitting the first
data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, wherein the
transmitter transmits the second data block comprising updated control information for
transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first
and second data are available.
Preferably, priority is related to a logical channel through which data is delivered.
In one aspect of the invention, the mobile terminal establishes an automatic repeat
request scheme with a receiving side for receiving feedback information regarding the
transmission of the first and second data block, wherein the receiving side is one of a
mobile terminal and a network
Preferably, the second data block is transmitted independent of receiving
feedback information from the receiving side for the first data block transmission.
Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiving side using the
automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first data block from the
receiving side, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network.
Preferably, the first data block is retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum
number of times set by the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme if
ACK for the first data block is not received from the receiving side, wherein the
receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network.

WO 2006/118428 9 PCT/KR2006/001676
Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiving side using the
automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the second data block from the
receiving side, wherein the receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network.
Preferably, the second data block is retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum
number of times set by the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme if
ACK for the second data block is not received from the receiving side, wherein the
receiving side is one of a mobile terminal and a network.
In another aspect of the invention, the control information comprises scheduling
information, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of highest
priority logical channel identifier, total E-DCH buffer status, highest priority logical
channel buffer status, and mobile terminal power headroom.
In a further aspect of the invention, the first data block is a MAC-e PDU and the
second data block is a MAC-e PDU.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of mis
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description
serve to explain the principles of the invention. Features, elements, and aspects of the
invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the
same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or
more embodiments.
FIG 1 is a block diagram of a network structure of a universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS).

WO 2006/118428 10 PCT/KR2006/001676
FIG 2 is an architectural diagram of a radio interface protocol between a user
equipment (UE) and a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN).
FIG 3 is a diagram of a structural example of a dedicated channel (DCH) and an
enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH).
FIG 4 is a diagram of a protocol for E-DCH.
FIG 5 illustrates a method of communicating control information in a mobile
communication system in accordance with the related art.
FIG 6A illustrates a method for communicating control information in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 6B illustrates a method for communicating control information in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 8 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile communication device in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile
communication system.
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever
possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like parts.
A transmission method using a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme

WO 2006/118428 11 PCT/KR2006/001676
will be explained as follows. First of all, HARQ is used for E-DCH to raise a
probability of transmitted data successfully arriving at a receiving side and to reduce the
power necessary for the corresponding arrival. Accordingly, under HARQ, raising the
probability of transmission success and reducing necessary power is dependent on
feedback information sent from the receiving side to a transmitting side. Preferably,
the feedback information notifies the transmitting side whether the data transmitted by
the transmitting side is correctly received at the receiving side.
For instance, if a receiving side correctly receives a packet 1 transmitted by a
transmitting side, such as a UE, via a physical channel, the receiving side transmits a
reception success signal or acknowledgement (ACK). If the receiving side fails to
correctly receive the packet 1, the receiving side transmits a negative acknowledgement
(NACK). Thereafter, the transmitting side transmits new data, i.e., a packet 2 in case
that the feedback is ACK with reference to the feedback-having been transmitted by the
transmitting side. If the feedback is NACK, the transmitting side retransmits the
packet 1. In doing so, the transmitting side attempts a transmission using both of the
former packet 1 (firstly transmitted) and the latter packet 1 (secondly transmitted). If
this succeeds, the receiving side transmits ACK to the transmitting side. If this fails,
the receiving side transmits NACK to the transmitting side. When NACK is received
the transmitting side, the transmitting side repeats the above process. In this case, the
retransmitted packet 1 should be identical to the former packet 1. If not, the receiving

WO2006/118428 12 PCT/KR2006/001676
side is unable to recover the data correctly.
However, if the UE continues to stay in an area having a poor channel status or if
data to be transmitted by the UE is sensitive to delivery delay, the UE is unable to
indefinitely perform the above-explained retransmission. Therefore, the receiving side
informs a UE of a maximum number of available transmissions or retransmissions. In
case of receiving the NACK from the receiving side after having attempted to transmit
data as many times as the maximum number of retransmissions, the UE stops
attempting the transmission of the corresponding data and attempts a transmission of
next data.
Hence, even if control information is included in the MAC-e PDU, the UE
attempts retransmission of the MAC-e PDU as many times as the maximum number of
retransmissions. As previously mentioned, the above-explained retransmission is
needed to raise the probability of reception success of the MAC-e PDU in the receiving
side. Preferably, contents included in the control information are a maximum priority
channel, a maximum priority channel ratio, a total buffer quantity, a margin of power
and the like. In this case, the maximum priority channel means a channel having a
highest priority among channels having data to be transmitted.
As mentioned in the foregoing description, in the HARQ system, a transmitting
side transmits data, waits for a feedback from a receiving side and then decides whether
to perform a retransmission according to the contents of the feedback. However, a

WO 2006/118428 13 PCT/KR2006/001676
long time elapses until a response from the receiving side arrives at the transmitting side
after the data is transmitted by the transmitting side. While awaiting the response, the
UE may receive various new data from a user, in such a case, the maximum priority
channel may be changed, or other information such as the total buffer quantity, the
margin of power and the like may be changed as well.
In particular, the maximum priority channel information is important. This is
because a Node B preferentially allocates radio resources to UEs having higher
priorities when considering all UEs within a corresponding cell during the allocation of
radio resources. Accordingly, if a maximum priority channel included in the control
information firstly transmitted by a UE is a channel having a very low priority, and if
data later arrives at the UE from a channel having a higher priority, the UE should
inform the Node B of this information immediately. For example, the UE may inform
the Node B at a time when the UE receives NACK from the Node B.
FIG 6A illustrates a method for communicating control information in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 6A, a
first data packet (MAC-e PDU 1) comprising first control information for first data is
transmitted from a UE to a receiving side, wherein the receiving side may be a network
or a mobile terminal, for example. Preferably, the first control information requests a
resource allocation for the transmission of the first data. Subsequently, new data
arrives at the UE to be transmitted to the receiving side. In order to transmit the new

WO 2006/118428 14 PCT/KR2006/001676
data, the UE requests a data transmission resource allocation from the receiving side by
transmitting control information related to the new data (new control information) to the
receiving side via a new or updated data packet (MAC-e PDU 2).
As shown in FIG 6A, the UE preferably does not wait until receiving an ACK
from the receiving side for the first data packet, or until the maximum number of first
data packet retransmissions is attained prior to transmitting the new control information
to the receiving side. Rather, the UE waits to receive a NACK for the first data packet
Upon receiving the NACK, the UE configures a new data packet or updates the first
data packet to include the new control information. Thereafter, the new or updated
data packet is transmitted to the receiving side.
FIG 6B illustrates a method for communicating control information in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG 6B,
new data to be transmitted arrives at the UE at a time when a NACK is received from a
receiving side for a first data packet transmission. When the NACK is received, the
UE configures a new data packet or updates the first data packet to include new control
information related to the new data. Thereafter, the new or updated data packet is
transmitted to the receiving side.
FIG 7 illustrates a method for communicating control information in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 7, the UE does
not wait to receive any feedback information from the receiving side for a previously-

WO 2006/118428 15. PCT/KR2006/001676
transmitted data packet prior to transmitting new control information. Thus, once new
data arrives at the UE to be transmitted to the receiving side, the UE immediately
configures a new data packet comprising new control information related to the new
data for requesting a data transmission resource allocation. Once configured, the new
data packet is transmitted to the receiving side independent of receiving feedback
information for the previously-transmitted data packet.
Hence, the present invention enables a UE using E-DCH to receive a service of
proper quality. For this, the present invention discloses a method of enabling a UE to
transmit control information to a base station effectively. Preferably, if the contents of
the control information to be transmitted are changed while a UE performs HARQ
retransmission, new control information of the UE is transmitted to the Node B.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, when a UE
transmits a MAC-e PDU containing control information to a base station (Node B) and
waits for a response (feedback information) from the base station for the MAC-e PDU,
if the response instructs that the UE should retransmit the MAC-e PDU, the UE stops a
retransmission of the MAC-e PDU, re-configures the MAC-e PDU with the latest
control information to be transmitted, and transmits the re-configured MAC-e PDU. If
control information is included in the MAC-e PDU only and if control information of
the UE is changed while the UE receives the corresponding response, the UE stops a
retransmission of the MAC-e PDU, re-configures the MAC-e PDU with the latest

WO 2006/118428 16 PCT/KR2006/001676
control information to be transmitted, and then transmits the re-configured MAC-e PDU.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the UE includes
control information in a MAC-e PDU and transmits the MAC-e PDU to a base station.
The UE then waits for a response (feedback information) from the base station for the
MAC-e PDU. If the UE receives a command instructing the UE to retransmit the
MAC-e PDU, and if the MAC-e PDU includes only the control information, and if the
control information of the UE is changed while the UE having transmitted the MAC-e
PDU receives a corresponding response, the UE can ignore a maximum number of
retransmissions.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, when a UE
transmits a MAC-e PDU containing control information to a base station, if the MAC-e
PDU includes only the control information, the present invention discloses that a
maximum number of retransmissions of the MAC-e PDU is construed as zero.
Preferably, the UE decides not to perform the retransmission when the MAC-e PDU
includes only the control information. When receiving a response indicating that a
reception of the MAC-e PDU including only the control information fails, the UE
ignores the previous MAC-e PDU, configures a MAC-e PDU by updating the control
information and transmits the configured MAC-e PDU. The UE attempts this process
until receiving a response indicating a successful reception of the MAC-e PDU and
continues performing this process until a number of retransmissions does not exceed a

WO 2006/118428 17 PCT/KR2006/001676
maximum number of retransmissions. Notably, if an initial MAC-e PDU transmission
is included in the retransmission number in this process, the UE may construe the
maximum number of retransmissions as 1.
Preferably, the control information described above comprises scheduling
information such as a UE's marginal power quantity (mobile terminal power headroom),
a total quantity of data possessed by the UE (total E-DCH buffer status), a channel
having a highest priority among channels having data to be transmitted (highest priority
logical channel identifier), or a ratio of data quantity corresponding to a channel having
a highest priority over total data.
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, when the UE
receives a response instructing that a retransmission is necessary after having
transmitted a MAC-e PDU including only control information, and if data arrives at a
channel having a priority higher than that of a channel having a highest -priority
instructed by the control information, the UE stops a retransmission of the MAC-e PDU,
includes updated control information in a new MAC-e PDU and transmits the new
MAC-e PDU to the base station.
Preferably, after the UE has transmitted the MAC-e PDU including the control
information only, if the UE receives a response requesting a retransmission of the MAC-
e PDU, and if the control information the UE is to transmit is to be updated, and if a
number of retransmissions is smaller than a maximum number of retransmissions, the

WO 2006/118428 18 PCT/KR2006/001676
UE retransmits the previously transmitted MAC-e PDU. Otherwise, the UE stops the
retransmission.
Preferably, the response requesting the retransmission comprises a signal
indicating that a receiving side fails to receive data from a transmitting side correctly.
A NACK signal is an example of such a signal. Preferably, if another user data is
included in the UE-transmitting MAC-ePDU including the control information, the UE
continues to perform the retransmission for the previous MAC-e PDU.
Preferably, if a channel status is poor, the UE preferably continues to transmit the
previously transmitted MAC-e PDU for a more concrete reception at a Node B. For
this, if the control information is changed for the MAC-e PDU containing the control
information only, the UTRAN informs the UE whether to keep performing the
retransmission of the previous MAC-e PDU or to configure and send a new MAC-e
PDU with the latest control information. Accordingly, this may be accomplished
utilizing a setup indicator.
Accordingly, the present invention enables new control information to be quickly
transmitted to a base station in a mobile communication system utilizing an automatic
repeat request scheme.
Referring to FIG 8, a block diagram of a mobile communication device 400 of
the present invention is illustrated, for example a mobile phone for performing the
methods of the present invention. The mobile communication device 400 includes a

WO 2006/118428 19 PCT/KR2006/001676
processing unit 410 such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor, an RF module
435, a power management module 406, an antenna 440, a battery 455, a display 415, a
keypad 420, a storage unit 430 such as flash memory, ROM or SRAM, a speaker 445
and a microphone 450.
A user enters instructional information, such as a telephone number, for example,
by pushing the buttons of a keypad 420 or by voice activation using the microphone 450.
The processing unit 410 receives and processes the instructional information to perform
the appropriate function, such as to dial the telephone number. Operational data may
be retrieved from the storage unit 430 to perform the function. Furthermore, the
processing unit 410 may display the instructional and operational information on the
display 415 for the user's reference and convenience.
The processing unit 410 issues instructional information to the RF module 435 to
initiate communication, for example, transmits radio signals comprising voice-
communication data. The RF module 435 comprises a receiver and a transmitter to
receive and transmit radio signals. The antenna 440 facilitates the transmission and
reception of radio signals. Upon receiving radio signals, the RF module 435 may
forward and convert the signals to baseband frequency for processing by the processing
unit 410. The processed signals would be transformed into audible or readable
information outputted via the speaker 445, for example.
The processing unit 410 is adapted to receive first and second data from an upper

WO 2006/118428 20 PCT/KR2006/001676
layer and generate a first and second data block comprising information related to the
first and second data to be transmitted to a network. The processing unit 410 is also
adapted to control a transmitter of the RF module 435 to transmit the first and second
data block to the network. A receiver of the RF module 435 is adapted to receive
signals from the network.
Although the present invention is described in the context of mobile
commimication, the present invention may also be used in any wireless communication
systems using mobile devices, such as PDAs and laptop computers equipped with
wireless communication capabilities. Moreover, the use of certain terms to describe
the present invention should not limit the scope of the present invention to certain type
of wireless communication system, such as UMTS. The present invention is also
applicable to other wireless commimication systems using different air interfaces and/or
physical layers, for example, TDMA, CDMA, FDMA; WCDMA, etc.
The preferred embodiments may be implemented as a method, apparatus or
article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to
produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The term "article
of manufacture" as used herein refers to code or logic implemented in hardware logic
(e.g., an integrated circuit chip, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Application
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.) or a computer readable medium (e.g., magnetic
storage medium (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, etc.), optical storage (CD-

WO 2006/118428 21 PCT/KR2006/001676
ROMs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs,
ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, firmware, programmable logic, etc.).
Code in the computer readable medium is accessed and executed by a processor.
The code in which preferred embodiments are implemented may further be accessible
through a transmission media or from a file server over a network. In such cases, the
article of manufacture in which the code is implemented may comprise a transmission
media, such as a network transmission line, wireless transmission media, signals
propagating through space, radio waves, infrared signals, etc. Of course, those skilled
in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the article of
manufacture may comprise any information bearing medium known in the art.
The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to
be eonstrued as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily
applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is
intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structure described herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent
structures.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

WO 2006/118428 22 PCT/KR2006/001676
The present teaching can be readily applied to all types of apparatuses including a
mobile terminal and base station.

WO 2006/118428 PCT/KR2006/001676
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
l.A method for communicating control information in a mobile communication
system, the method comprising:
transmitting a first data block comprising control information for transmitting
first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available;
receiving second data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second
data has a higher priority than the first data; and
transmitting a second data block comprising updated control information for
transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission of the first
and second data are available.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein priority is related to a logical channel
through which data is delivered.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing an automatic
repeat request scheme with a receiver for receiving feedback information regarding the
transmission of the first and second data block.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile
terminal and a network.

WO 2006/118428 ^ PCT/KR2006/001676
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the second data block is transmitted
independent of receiving feedback information from the receiver for the first data block
transmission.
. t
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first data block is retransmitted to
the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the first
data block from the receiver.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile
terminal and a network.
8. The method of claim 3, wherein the first data block is retransmitted to
the receiver a maximum number of times set by the receiver using the automatic repeat
request scheme if ACK for the first data block is not received from the receiver.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile
. t
terminal and a network.
10. The method of claim 3, wherein the second data block is retransmitted
to the receiver using the automatic repeat request scheme until receiving ACK for the

WO 2006/118428 25 PCT/KR2006/001676
second data block from the receiver.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile
terminal and a network.
12. The method of claim 3, wherein the second data block is retransmitted
to the receiver a maximum number of times set by the receiver using the automatic
repeat request scheme if ACK for the second data block is not received from the
receiver.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiver is one of a mobile
terminal and a network.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the control information comprises
scheduling information.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the scheduling information comprises
at least one of:
highest priority logical channel identifier,
total B-DCH buffer status;

WO 2006/118428 26 PCT/KR2006/001676
highest priority logical channel buffer status; and
mobile terminal power headroom.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data block is a MAC-e PDU
and the second data block is a MAC-e PDU,
17. A mobile terminal for communicating control information in a mobile
communication system, the mobile terminal comprising:
a processor for receiving first and second data from an upper layer and generating
a first data and second data block to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a
higher priority than the first data; and
a transmitter controlled by the processor for transmitting the first data block
comprising control information for transmitting the first data when no resources for the
transmission of the first data are available;
wherein the transmitter transmits the second data block comprising updated
control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the
transmission of the first and second data are available.
18. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein priority is related to a logical
channel through, which data is delivered.

WO2006/118428 27 PCT/KR2006/001676
19. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein the mobile terminal
establishes an automatic repeat request scheme with a receiving side for receiving
feedback information regarding the transmission of the first and second data block.
20. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the receiving side is one of a
mobile terminal and a network.
21. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein me second data block is
transmitted independent of receiving feedback information from the receiving side for
the first data block transmission.
22. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the first data block is
retransmitted to the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme until
receiving ACK for the first data block from the receiving side.
23. The mobile terminal of claim 22, wherein the receiving side is one of a
mobile terminal and a network.
24. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the first data block is
retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum number of times set by the receiving side

WO 2006/118428 28 PCT/KR2006/00167
using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the first data block is not received
from the receiving side.
25. The mobile terminal of claim 24, wherein the receiving side is one of a
mobile terminal and a network.
26. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the second data block is
retransmitted to the receiving side using the automatic repeat request scheme until
receiving ACK for the second data block from the receiving side.
27. The mobile terminal of claim 26, wherein the receiving side is one of
a mobile terminal and a network.
28. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the second data block is
retransmitted to the receiving side a maximum number of times set by the receiving side
using the automatic repeat request scheme if ACK for the second data block is not
received from the receiving side.
29. The mobile terminal of claim 28, wherein the receiving side is one of a
mobile terminal and a network.

WO 2006/118428 29 PCT/KR2006/001676
3 0. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein the control information
comprises scheduling information.
31. The mobile terminal of claim 30, wherein the scheduling information
comprises at least one of:
highest priority logical channel identifier;
total E-DCH buffer status;
highest priority logical channel buffer status; and
mobile terminal power headroom.
32. The mobile terminal of claim 17, wherein the first data block is a
MAC-e PDU and the second data block is a MAC-e PDU.

The present Invention relates to communicating control information in a mobile communication system, by which
new control information can be transmitted more quickly. The present invention comprises transmitting a first data block comprising
control information for transmitting first data when no resources for the transmission of the first data are available, receiving second
data from an upper layer to be transmitted, wherein the second data has a higher priority than the first data, and transmitting a second
data block comprising updated control information for transmitting the first and second data when no resources for the transmission
of the first and second data are available.

Documents:

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Patent Number

269691

Indian Patent Application Number

4225/KOLNP/2007

PG Journal Number

45/2015

Publication Date

06-Nov-2015

Grant Date

31-Oct-2015

Date of Filing

02-Nov-2007

Name of Patentee

LG ELECTRONICS INC.

Applicant Address

20, YOIDO-DONG, YOUNGDUNGPO-GU, SEOUL

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	CHUN SUNG DUCK	601-1007, SAETBYEOL HANYANG APT., DARAN-DONG, DONGAN-GU, ANYANG-SI, GYEONGGI-DO 431-719
2	LEE YOUNG DAE	370-43, DEOKPUNG 2-DONG, HANAM-SI, GYEONGGI-DO 465-804
3	JUNG MYUNG CHEUL	2/2, 358-36, SANGDO 2-DONG, DONGJAK-GU, SEOUL 156-832

PCT International Classification Number

H04Q 7/38, H04L 1/18

PCT International Application Number

PCT/KR2006/001676

PCT International Filing date

2006-05-03

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	102005-0037307	2005-05-03	Republic of Korea