Patent ID: 12261899

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some examples, a wireless communications system may support extended reality (XR) or cloud gaming. In XR or cloud gaming, a UE may transmit multimedia information (e.g., pose information or controller information) to a base station and the base station may relay the multimedia information to a server (e.g., a cloud server). The server may use the multimedia information to render a video frame and transmit the video frame to the UE using the base station as a relay. In some examples, the UE may not have enough uplink grants to transmit packets including the multimedia information to the base station at a desired rate (e.g., one packet every 2 milliseconds). In such case, the UE may queue the packets and transmit the packets according to a first-in-first-out (FIFO) order as the UE receives uplink grants from the base station. That is, the UE may transmit the oldest packet in the queue first (e.g., the packet that was added to the queue first). However, transmitting the oldest packet first may cause the server to render a video frame based on old or stale multimedia information.

In some examples, the UE may transmit multimedia information to the base station according to an uplink packet handling protocol. The uplink packet handling protocol may indicate a set of rules that the UE may follow when transmitting uplink packets including multimedia information to the base station. In one example, the rules may specify for the UE to use a last-in-first-out (LIFO) order when transmitting the uplink packets. Using the LIFO order, the UE may transmit the most recently generated packet (e.g., a packet that is added to the queue last) to the base station first. Additionally or alternatively, the rules may specify for the UE to keep a threshold number of packets in the queue. If a number of packets in the queue exceeds the threshold quantity of packets, the UE may discard the oldest packet (e.g., a packet added to the queue first). Additionally or alternatively, the rules may specify to bundle some of the most recently generated packets (e.g., two or more packets added to the queue last) and transmit the bundled packet to the base station. Using the methods as described herein may allow the server to render video frames using the most recent multimedia information which may increase the accuracy of the video frame rendered by the server.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of timing diagrams and a process flow. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100may include one or more base stations105, one or more UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable communications, low latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

The base stations105may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communications system100and may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. The base stations105and the UEs115may wirelessly communicate via one or more communication links125. Each base station105may provide a coverage area110over which the UEs115and the base station105may establish one or more communication links125. The coverage area110may be an example of a geographic area over which a base station105and a UE115may support the communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

The UEs115may be dispersed throughout a coverage area110of the wireless communications system100, and each UE115may be stationary, or mobile, or both at different times. The UEs115may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. Some example UEs115are illustrated inFIG.1. The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs115, the base stations105, or network equipment (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network equipment), as shown inFIG.1.

In some examples, one or more components of the wireless communications system100may operate as or be referred to as a network node. As used herein, a network node may refer to any UE115, base station105, entity of a core network130, apparatus, device, or computing system configured to perform any techniques described herein. For example, a network node may be a UE115. As another example, a network node may be a base station105. As another example, a first network node may be configured to communicate with a second network node or a third network node. In one aspect of this example, the first network node may be a UE115, the second network node may be a base station105, and the third network node may be a UE115. In another aspect of this example, the first network node may be a UE115, the second network node may be a base station105, and the third network node may be a base station105. In yet other aspects of this example, the first, second, and third network nodes may be different. Similarly, reference to a UE115, a base station105, an apparatus, a device, or a computing system may include disclosure of the UE115, base station105, apparatus, device, or computing system being a network node. For example, disclosure that a UE115is configured to receive information from a base station105also discloses that a first network node is configured to receive information from a second network node. In this example, consistent with this disclosure, the first network node may refer to a first UE115, a first base station105, a first apparatus, a first device, or a first computing system configured to receive the information; and the second network node may refer to a second UE115, a second base station105, a second apparatus, a second device, or a second computing system.

The base stations105may communicate with the core network130, or with one another, or both. For example, the base stations105may interface with the core network130through one or more backhaul links120(e.g., via an S1, N2, N3, or other interface). The base stations105may communicate with one another over the backhaul links120(e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface) either directly (e.g., directly between base stations105), or indirectly (e.g., via core network130), or both. In some examples, the backhaul links120may be or include one or more wireless links.

One or more of the base stations105described herein may include or may be referred to by a person having ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology.

One or more of the network nodes described herein may include or may be referred to as a base station105(e.g., a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an NR base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a 5G NB, a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology). In some examples, a network node (e.g., a base station105) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, standalone) base station architecture, which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single network node (e.g., a single RAN node, such as a base station105). Additionally, the network node may be implemented as a integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, etc.

In some examples, a network node may be implemented in a disaggregated architecture (e.g., a disaggregated base station architecture, a disaggregated RAN architecture), which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more network nodes, such as an IAB network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, a network node may include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) (e.g., a Near-Real Time RIC (Near-RT RIC), a Non-Real Time RIC (Non-RT RIC)), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof. An RU may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmission reception point (TRP). One or more components of the network node in a disaggregated RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network nodes may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entities105of a disaggregated RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., a virtual CU (VCU), a virtual DU (VDU), a virtual RU (VRU)).

A UE115may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. A UE115may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, a UE115may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communications (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, among other examples.

The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs115that may sometimes act as relays as well as the base stations105and the network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, as shown inFIG.1.

The UEs115and the base stations105may wirelessly communicate with one another via one or more communication links125over one or more carriers. The term “carrier” may refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication links125. For example, a carrier used for a communication link125may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) that is operated according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling that coordinates operation for the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communications system100may support communication with a UE115using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. A UE115may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) component carriers.

In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates operations for other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute radio frequency channel number (EARFCN)) and may be positioned according to a channel raster for discovery by the UEs115. A carrier may be operated in a standalone mode where initial acquisition and connection may be conducted by the UEs115via the carrier, or the carrier may be operated in a non-standalone mode where a connection is anchored using a different carrier (e.g., of the same or a different radio access technology).

The communication links125shown in the wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions from a base station105to a UE115. Carriers may carry downlink or uplink communications (e.g., in an FDD mode) or may be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode).

A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a “system bandwidth” of the carrier or the wireless communications system100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a number of determined bandwidths for carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 megahertz (MHz)). Devices of the wireless communications system100(e.g., the base stations105, the UEs115, or both) may have hardware configurations that support communications over a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may include base stations105or UEs115that support simultaneous communications via carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE115may be configured for operating over portions (e.g., a sub-band, a BWP) or all of a carrier bandwidth.

Signal waveforms transmitted over a carrier may be made up of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may include one symbol period (e.g., a duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Thus, the more resource elements that a UE115receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be for the UE115. A wireless communications resource may refer to a combination of a radio frequency spectrum resource, a time resource, and a spatial resource (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate or data integrity for communications with a UE115.

The time intervals for the base stations105or the UEs115may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit which may, for example, refer to a sampling period of Ts=1/(Δfmax·Nf) seconds, where Δfmaxmay represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and Nfmay represent the maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size. Time intervals of a communications resource may be organized according to radio frames each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or slots, and each subframe or slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into a number of slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of slots, and the number of slots may depend on subcarrier spacing. Each slot may include a number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communications systems100, a slot may further be divided into multiple mini-slots containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., Nf) sampling periods. The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation.

A subframe, a slot, a mini-slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communications system100and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system100may be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (STTIs)).

Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. A physical control channel and a physical data channel may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using one or more of time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for a physical control channel may be defined by a number of symbol periods and may extend across the system bandwidth or a subset of the system bandwidth of the carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of the UEs115. For example, one or more of the UEs115may monitor or search control regions for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or multiple control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. An aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to a number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with encoded information for a control information format having a given payload size. Search space sets may include common search space sets configured for sending control information to multiple UEs115and UE-specific search space sets for sending control information to a specific UE115.

In some examples, a base station105may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving geographic coverage area110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas110may be supported by the same base station105. In other examples, the overlapping geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations105. The wireless communications system100may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of the base stations105provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas110using the same or different radio access technologies.

Some UEs115may be configured to employ operating modes that reduce power consumption, such as half-duplex communications (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not transmission and reception simultaneously). In some examples, half-duplex communications may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power conservation techniques for the UEs115include entering a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaging in active communications, operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrow band communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UEs115may be configured for operation using a narrow band protocol type that is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., set of subcarriers or resource blocks (RBs)) within a carrier, within a guard-band of a carrier, or outside of a carrier.

The wireless communications system100may be configured to support ultra-reliable communications or low-latency communications, or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communications system100may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The UEs115may be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communications may include private communication or group communication and may be supported by one or more services such as push-to-talk, video, or data. Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritization of services, and such services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

In some examples, a UE115may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs115over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link135(e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UEs115utilizing D2D communications may be within the geographic coverage area110of a base station105. Other UEs115in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area110of a base station105or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station105. In some examples, groups of the UEs115communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE115transmits to every other UE115in the group. In some examples, a base station105facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out between the UEs115without the involvement of a base station105.

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network130may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) and at least one user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for the UEs115served by the base stations105associated with the core network130. User IP packets may be transferred through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to IP services150for one or more network operators. The IP services150may include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched Streaming Service.

Some of the network devices, such as a base station105, may include subcomponents such as an access network entity140, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity140may communicate with the UEs115through one or more other access network transmission entities145, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission/reception points (TRPs). Each access network transmission entity145may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity140or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

The wireless communications system100may operate using one or more frequency bands, for example in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. The UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for a macro cell to provide service to the UEs115located indoors. The transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

The wireless communications system100may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communications system100may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, devices such as the base stations105and the UEs115may employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among other examples.

A base station105or a UE115may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of a base station105or a UE115may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station105may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station105may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station105may use to support beamforming of communications with a UE115. Likewise, a UE115may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, an antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for a signal transmitted via an antenna port.

Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station105, a UE115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining the signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating at particular orientations with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals communicated via the antenna elements may include a transmitting device or a receiving device applying amplitude offsets, phase offsets, or both to signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to the antenna array of the transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

The wireless communications system100may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmissions at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE115and a base station105or a core network130supporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

In some examples, the UE115may implement an uplink packet handling protocol for packets including multimedia information. The uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE115to discard a packet in a queue and transmit a different packet in the queue that was added to the queue after the discarded packet. In one example, the UE115may generate a set of packets in the following order: a first uplink packet, a second uplink packet, and a third uplink packet and add the set of packets to the queue according to the same order. Using the uplink packet handling protocol, the UE115may discard the first uplink packet and one or both of the second uplink packet or the third uplink packet to a remote server. The methods as described herein may allow the UE115to transmit the latest multimedia information to the remote server first which may allow the server to generate video frames based on the most recent multimedia information.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the wireless communications system200may implement aspects of a wireless communications system100. For example, the wireless communications system200may include a base station105-aand a UE115-awhich may be examples of a base station105and a UE115as described with reference toFIG.1.

In some examples, the UE115-amay operate in accordance to a communication model (e.g., an open system interconnection (OSI) model). The communication model may be described as conceptual model that represents the flow of data transfer in a wireless communications system and may be broken down into multiple layers. Examples of the layers may be an application layer210, a presentation layer, a session layer, a transport layer, a network layer, a data link layer, and a physical layer215. The application layer210is the layer that is closest to the end user. The function of the application layer210may be to facilitate communication through the lower layers (e.g., the physical layer215) in order to establish connections with applications. Additionally, the application layer210may include application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow for resource sharing and remote file access. The physical layer215may be the lower most layer and may be responsible for the transmission and reception of data using a physical medium (e.g., a channel). In some examples, the application layer210may indicate policies to the physical layer215and the physical layer215may operate in accordance to these policies.

In some examples, the wireless communications system200may support cloud gaming or extended reality (XR). Cloud gaming may be described as a type of online gaming in which a video game may be run from a server205and streamed to a device (e.g., the UE115-a). To support cloud gaming, the UE115-amay transmit controller information (e.g., user input data) to the server205and in response to the controller information, the server205may transmit a video frame to the UE115-a. XR, on the other hand, may allow a user to be immersed in a virtual environment (e.g., virtual reality (VR)), augment or add to the user's surrounding (e.g., augmented reality (AR)), or both (e.g., mixed reality (MR)). Examples of XR devices may be VR headsets or AR glasses and in some examples, the UE115-amay be an example of an XR device. To support XR, the UE115-amay transmit pose information (e.g., a location of the UE115-aor an orientation of the UE115-a) as well as controller information to the server205and in response to the pose information and the controller information, the server205may transmit a video frame to the UE115-a.

In some examples, the UE115-amay not have a direct communication link with the server205and may use the base station105-ato communicate with the server205. For example, the UE115-amay transmit a packet220(e.g., including the controller information or the pose information) to the base station105-aand the base station105-amay relay the packets220to the server205. The server205may generate a video frame225based on the packet220and send the video frame225to the base station105-a, where the base station105-amay relay the video frame225to the UE115-a. In some examples, downlink traffic (e.g., traffic coming from the base station105-ato the UE115-a) may be quasi-periodic with a burst every frame at1/frame per second. For example, the base station105-amay transmit 100 or more kilobytes to the UE115-aat 45 frames per second, 60 frames per second, 75 frames per second, or 90 frames per second. That is, the base station105-amay transmit 100 or more kilobytes to the UE115-aevery 11, 13, 16, or 22 milliseconds. The frequency of the uplink traffic may be higher than the downlink traffic. For example, unlike in the example of downlink traffic, the UE115-amay transmit 100 bytes every 2 milliseconds (e.g., 500 hertz) to the base station105-a.

In some examples, the UE115-amay be unable to transmit the packet220to the base station every 2 milliseconds. Such scenario may occur if the base station105-adoes not provide the UE115-awith enough uplink grants to transmit the packet220every 2 millisecond. If the UE115-ais unable to transmit the packet220every 2 milliseconds, the UE115-amay start queuing the packets220. In the example ofFIG.2, the application layer210may generate a packet220-afollowed by a packet220-bfollowed by a packet220-cand transmit the packets220to the physical layer215one at a time. At the physical layer215, if the UE115-adoes not have enough uplink grants to transmit a packet220every 2 milliseconds, the packets220may be added to a queue. In some examples, the UE115-amay add the packets220to the queue according to an order in which the packets220were generated or when the packets arrived at the physical layer215. For example, the physical layer215may add the packet220-ato the queue followed by the packet220-bfollowed by the packet220-c. This may result in the packet220-abeing the first packet220in the queue, the packet220-abeing the second packet220in the queue, and the packet220-cbeing the last packet in the queue. The last packet in the queue may include the most recent pose information or controller information.

Using other techniques, the physical layer215may transmit packets220to the base station105-ausing a first-in-first-out (FIFO). That is, the physical layer215may transmit the oldest packet in the queue first. In the example ofFIG.2, using the FIFO policy, the physical layer215may transmit the packet220-afollowed by the packet220-bfollowed by the packet220-c. As described above, the server205may use the packet220to generate the video frame225. But if the physical layer215transmits queued packets220using the FIFO policy, the server205may not generate a video frame225using the most recent controller information or pose information (e.g., the packet220-c), but instead, the server205may generate the video frame225using old pose information or controller information (e.g., the packet220-a). The old pose information or controller information may no longer be applicable to the UE115-aand therefore, the video frame225generated using the old pose information or controller information may be inaccurate.

As described herein, the UE115-amay utilize an uplink packet handling protocol that may replace the FIFO policy when transmitting packets220that include multimedia information (e.g., pose information or controller information). In some examples, the uplink packet handling protocol may be implemented or facilitated by the application layer210. For example, the application layer210may instruct the physical layer215to apply the uplink handling protocol to packets220stored in the queue. Moreover, the application layer210may indicate which packets220to apply the uplink packet handling protocol to. For example, the application layer210may indicate to apply the uplink packet handling protocol to packets220that have a same source and destination IP address, a same user datagram protocol (UDP) port, or a same differentiated services code point (DSCP) marking.

In some examples, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to discard a packet220in the queue and transmit a different packet220that was added to the queue at a later time. As one example, operating in accordance to the uplink packet handling policy, the physical layer215may discard the packet220-aand transmit the packet220-bor the packet220-c. In some examples, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to transmit queued packets220according to a last-in-first-out (LIFO) policy. Using the LIFO policy, the physical layer215may transmit a last packet220in queue to the base station105-abefore the other packets220in the queue. For example, the physical layer215may transmit the packet220-cto the base station105-a. In some examples, the physical layer215may discard the other packets220in the queue. For example, the physical layer215may discard the packet220-aand the packet220-b. Such techniques may improve latency by enabling the server205to render video frames225using the latest multimedia information.

In some examples, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate a quantity of packets220to keep in the queue. As one example, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to keep two packets in the queue. When the quantity of packets220in the queue exceeds the quantity indicated by the uplink packet handling protocol, the physical layer215may discard the oldest packet220and move the most recently generated packet220to the head of line in the queue. As one example, the UE115-amay add the packet220-afollowed by the packet220-b, followed by the packet220-cto the queue. If the maximum quantity of packets220indicated by the uplink packet handling protocol is two, the physical layer215may discard the packet220-aand transmit the packet220-cbefore the packet220-b. In some examples, the quantity of packets220indicated by the uplink packet handling protocol may be based on a rate of change of the multimedia information (e.g., the pose information or the controller information). As the rate of change of the multimedia information increases, the quantity of packets220kept in the queue may increase. Using such techniques may allow the server205to render video frames using the latest pose information. In addition, such techniques may provide for an efficient use of resources because storing a lower quantity of packets220in the queue may consume less resources.

Alternatively, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to combine a quantity of packets220and transmit the combined packet to the base station105. In some examples, the packet combining may occur at the application layer210. The application layer210may generate the packets220and combine a last quantity of generated packets220before sending the combined packet to the physical layer215. As one example, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to combine the last two packets220. In such example, the application layer210, may combine the packet220-band the packet220-cand send the combined packet to the physical layer215. The physical layer215may then transmit the combined packet to the base station105-a. In some example, the packets220not involved in the combining may be discarded. For example, the packet220-amay be discarded. In some examples, the application layer210may determine whether packet combining may be useful to the server205. Additionally or alternatively, the physical layer215may recommend to the application layer210whether or not to use packet combining. In some example, the physical layer215may recommend packet combining based on a condition of a communication link between the base station105-aand the UE115-a. If the physical layer215determines that the communication link can handle the combined packets and if the link is reliable (e.g., has a corresponding signal strength value above a threshold), the physical layer215may recommend packet combining at the application layer210. Once the application layer210receives the recommendation for packet combining from the physical layer215, the application layer210may combine the last quantity of generated packets220. In some examples, the server205may utilize the combined packet to predict multimedia information at the time of rendering the video frame225. That is, the server205may use the combined packet to determine a pattern or rate of change of the multimedia information and render the video frame225accordingly. Using such techniques, the server305may improve latency by using the latest multimedia information to render video frames225.

FIGS.3A,3B, and3Cillustrate examples of a timing diagram300(e.g., a timing diagram300-a, a timing diagram300-b, and a timing diagram300-c) that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the timing diagram300-a, the timing diagram300-b, and the timing diagram300-cmay implement or be implemented by aspects of a wireless communications system100and a wireless communications system200. For example, the timing diagram300-a, the timing diagram300-b, and the timing diagram300-cmay be implemented by a UE115and a server205as described as described with reference toFIGS.1and2.

As described herein, a UE may operate in accordance to an uplink packet handling protocol. The uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE on how to transmit multimedia packets to a base station. In some examples, the UE may utilize the uplink packet handing protocol in scenarios where the UE does not receive enough uplink grants to transmit the multimedia packets at a desired rate (e.g., one packet every 2 milliseconds) and thus, queues the multimedia packets. As one example, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate for the UE to discard at least one packet stored in the queue and transmit, to the base station, one or more packets stored in the queue that were generated at a later time than the at least one packet. In some examples, the UE may receive the uplink packet handling protocol from the base station. In other example, the UE may be preconfigured with the uplink packet handling protocol. Examples of information included in the multimedia packet may be pose information or controller information associated with the UE. An example of pose information may be information obtained from motion capture systems or information obtained from various sensors (e.g., inertial measurement units (IMUs), a pressure sensor pad, a depth sensor, etc.). Motion capture systems may use markers and an array of cameras to determine a position of person's joints. An example of controller information may be inputs or commands from the user (e.g., physical inputs, auditory inputs, etc.)

In the timing diagram300-a, the UE may generate a first multimedia packet at to, a second multimedia packet at t1, and a third multimedia packet at t2. In some scenarios, the UE may be unable to transmit multimedia packets at a desired rate due to a lack of uplink grants received from the base station and as such, may add the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet to a queue. When the UE receives a grant, the UE may identify a multimedia packet from the queue and transmit the identified multimedia packet to the base station. In some examples, the UE may identify the multimedia packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. For example, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to transmit the queued multimedia packets according to a LIFO order. In such example, the UE may transmit the third multimedia packet to the base station at t3. Additionally, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE to discard all other multimedia packets in the queue with the exception of the most recently generated uplink packet. As such, the UE may discard the first multimedia packet and the second multimedia packet.

At t4, the server may render a video frame based on the third multimedia packet and at t5, the base station may transmit the video frame to the UE. From t7to t13, the UE may repeat the same process as preformed from t0to t6. In some examples, the base station may transmit a video frame every 16.66 milliseconds. As such, the time between t5and t12may be 16.66 milliseconds. In some examples, the UE may enter a sleep mode to decrease power consumption. In sleep mode, the UE may shut down transceiver components (e.g., components used to transmit and receive signals). Because the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to transmit the most recently generated uplink packet first, the UE may enter the sleep mode after receiving the video frame at to until it transmits the multimedia packet at t10. Additionally, the UE may enter the sleep mode while the server is generating the video frame (e.g., from t4to t5and t11to t12).

In the timing diagram300-b, the UE may generate a first multimedia packet at to, a second multimedia packet at t1, and a third multimedia packet at t2, where the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet are the last multimedia packets generated at the UE before the server renders a video frame at t3. In some scenarios, the UE may receive enough uplink grants to transmit the multimedia packets at a desired rate. As one example, the UE may obtain enough uplink grants to transmit a multimedia packet every 2 milliseconds. If the UE obtains enough grants to transmit the multimedia packets at the desired rate, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to transmit the last few multimedia packets generated before the server starts video frame rendering (e.g., at t3). For example, as shown in timing diagram300-b, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE to transmit the last three multimedia packets generated. As such, in response to the uplink packet handling protocol, the UE may transmit the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet to the base station at the desired rate (e.g., every 2 milliseconds). Additionally, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE to discard all other multimedia packets generated before the last three multimedia packets (e.g., before to or before).

After receiving the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet, the server may render the video frame. In some examples, the server may use the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet to predict multimedia information associated with the UE at the time that the video frame is to be transmitted. In some examples, the UE may continue to generate multimedia packets after generating the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet. For example, the UE may generate a fourth multimedia packet at t4and a fifth multimedia packet at t5. The fifth multimedia may include the most accurate multimedia information. Using the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet, the server may predict multimedia information comparable to the multimedia information included in the fifth multimedia packet that the UE generates at t5. In some examples, the multimedia information may follow some sort of pattern. For example, it may be reasonable to assume that a UE moving in one direction for a prolonged period of time would continue to move in the same direction in a similar manner. The server may deduce the pattern from the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet and estimate the future multimedia information (e.g., the multimedia information included in the fifth multimedia packet) from this pattern.

After generating the video frame, the server may transmit the video frame to the base station and the base station may transmit the video frame to the UE. From t7to t13, the UE may repeat the same process as preformed from t0to t6. In some examples, the base station may transmit a video frame every 16.66 milliseconds. As such, the time between transmitting the video frames shown in timing diagram300-bmay be 16.66 milliseconds. In some examples, the UE may enter a sleep mode to decrease power consumption. In sleep mode, the UE may shut down transceiver components (e.g., components used to transmit and receive signals). Because the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to transmit a few of the last generated packets, the UE may enter the sleep mode after receiving the video frame at to until it transmits the multimedia packet generated at t7. Additionally, the UE may enter the sleep mode while the server is generating the video frame.

In the timing diagram300-c, the UE may generate a first multimedia packet at to, a second multimedia packet at t1, and a third multimedia packet at t2, where the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet are the last multimedia packets generated at the UE before the server renders a video frame at t3. In some scenarios, the UE may be unable to transmit multimedia packets at a desired rate due to a lack of uplink grants received from the base station and as such, may add the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet to a queue. If the UE is unable to transmit the multimedia packets at the desired rate, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to combine the last few multimedia packets generated before the server starts video frame rendering at t3. For example, as shown in timing diagram300-c, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE to combine the last three multimedia packet generated. As such, in response to the uplink packet handling protocol, the UE may combine the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet and transmit the combined packet to the base station. Additionally, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE to discard all other multimedia packets generated before the last three multimedia packets (e.g., before to or before t7). In some examples, the UE may determine whether to implement the uplink packet handling protocol based on one or more conditions being satisfied. For example, the UE may determine to implement the uplink packet handling protocol if a link condition link between the UE and the base station satisfies a threshold (e.g., an reference signal received power (RSRP) value associated with the link is above a threshold). If the one or more conditions are not met, the UE may not implement the uplink packet handling protocol. That is, the UE may not perform multimedia packet combining.

After receiving the combined packet, the server may render the video frame. In some examples, the server may use the combined packet to predict multimedia information associated with the UE at the time that the video frame is to be transmitted. In some examples, the UE may continue to generate multimedia packets after generating the first multimedia packet, the second multimedia packet, and the third multimedia packet. For example, the UE may generate a fourth multimedia packet at t4and a fifth multimedia packet at t5. The fifth multimedia packet may include the most accurate multimedia information. Using the combined packet, the server may predict multimedia information comparable to the multimedia information included in the fifth multimedia packet that the UE generates at t5. In some examples, the multimedia information may follow some sort of pattern. For example, it may be reasonable to assume that a UE moving in one direction for a prolonged period of time would continue to move in that the same direction in a similar manner. The server may deduce the pattern from the combined multimedia packet and estimate the future multimedia information (e.g., the multimedia information included in the fifth multimedia packet) from this pattern.

After generating the video frame, the server may transmit the video frame to the base station and the base station may transmit the video frame to the UE. From t7to t13, the UE may repeat the same process as preformed from t0to t6. In some examples, the base station may transmit a video frame every 16.66 milliseconds. As such, the time between the video frames shown in timing diagram300-cmay be 16.66 milliseconds. In some examples, the UE may enter a sleep mode to decrease power consumption. In sleep mode, the UE may shut down transceiver components (e.g., components used to transmit and receive signals). Because the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to transmit the combined multimedia packet, the UE may enter the sleep mode after receiving the video frame at to until the UE transmits the next combined multimedia packet. Additionally, the UE may enter the sleep mode while the server is generating the video frame. Using the methods as described herein may reduce latency associated with multimedia traffic as well as enhance over the air (OTA) efficiency.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a process flow400that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the process flow400may implement or be implemented by aspects of a wireless communications system100and a wireless communications system200. For example, the process flow400may include a server405, a base station105-b, and a UE115-awhich may be examples of a server205, a base station105, and a UE115as described inFIGS.1and2. Alternative examples of the following may be implemented, where some steps are performed in a different order than described or are not performed at all. In some cases, steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or further steps may be added.

At410, the UE115-bmay generate multiple uplink packets including multimedia information. The multiple uplink packets may include at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets. The first set of uplink packets may include at least a first uplink packet, a second uplink packet, and a third uplink packet. The UE115-bmay generate the first uplink packet before the second uplink packet and the second uplink packet before the third uplink packet. Examples of the multimedia information included in the uplink packets may be one or both of pose information (e.g., a location of the UE115-bor an orientation of the UE115-b) or controller information (e.g., user input data). In some examples, the uplink packets included in the first set of uplink packets (e.g., the first uplink packet, the second uplink packet, and the third uplink packet) may correspond to a same source IP address, destination IP address, user datagram protocol port, or differentiated services code point marking. Additionally, the uplink packets included in the second set of uplink packets may correspond to a same source IP address, destination IP address, user datagram protocol port, or differentiated services code point marking.

At415, the UE115-bmay add the multiple uplink packets to a queue. The UE115-bmay add the multiple uplink packets to the queue because the UE115-bmay not have enough uplink resource grants to transmit the multiple uplink packets to the base station105-bat a desired rate (e.g., one packet every 2 milliseconds). In some examples, the UE115-bmay add the multiple uplink packets to the queue according to an order in which the uplink packets are generated. For example, in the example of the first set of uplink packets, the UE115-bmay add the first uplink packet to the queue followed by the second uplink packet and followed by the third uplink packet.

At420, the UE115-bmay apply an uplink packet handling protocol to the multiple uplink packets. In some examples, the UE115-bmay apply the uplink packet handling protocol to a particular set of uplink packets, For example, the UE115-bmay apply the uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. That is, the UE115-bmay apply the uplink packet handling protocol to a set of uplink packets that correspond to a same source IP address, destination IP address, UDP port, or DSCP point marking. In some examples, the UE115-bmay receive signaling from the base station105-bindicating the packet handling protocol. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115-bmay receive signaling from the base station105-bindicating which set of uplink packets to apply the uplink packet handling protocol to. As an example, the base station105-bmay transmit signaling indicating a destination IP address, a source IP address, a UDP port, or a DSCP marking and the UE115-bmay apply the uplink packet handling protocol that correspond to the indicated destination IP address, source IP address, UDP port, or DSCP marking.

At425, based on the uplink packet handling protocol, the UE115-bmay discard at least one uplink packet in the queue and transmit, to the base station105-b, one or more packets in the queue that were generated before the at least one uplink packet. In some examples, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate which uplink packet or packets in the queue are to be transmitted and which uplink packet or packets in the queue are to be discarded. As one example, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE115-bto transmit the uplink packets in the queue according to a LIFO order. Using the LIFO order, the UE115-bmay transmit the last uplink packet in the queue first (e.g., the third uplink packet) and, in some examples, discard one or more other uplink packets in the queue (e.g., one or both of the second uplink packet or the first uplink packet).

Additionally or alternatively, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate a quantity of uplink packet for the UE115-bto maintain in the queue. If the queue exceeds quantity of uplink packets, the UE115-bmay discard the oldest uplink packet in the queue and move the last uplink packet added to the queue to the head of line in the queue. For example, if the uplink packet handling protocol indicates to maintain two uplink packets in the queue, the UE115-bmay discard the first uplink packet and move the third uplink packet to the head of the line in the queue. In some examples, the UE115-bor the base station105-bmay determine the quantity of uplink packets to maintain in the queue based on a rate of change of the multimedia information. Additionally, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE115-bto discard the one or more other uplink packets in the queue. As an example, the UE115-bmay discard oldest uplink packet in the queue (e.g., the first uplink packet).

Additionally or alternatively, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE115-bto combine the last two or more uplink packets added to the queue and transmit the combined packet to the base station105-a. As one example, the uplink packet handling protocol may indicate to combine the last two uplink packets in the queue. In such example, the UE115-bmay combine the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet and transmit the combined packet. In some examples, the UE115-bmay determine whether to implement the uplink packet handling protocol based on one or more conditions being met. In one example, the UE115-bmay implement the uplink packet handling protocol if a link between the base station105-band the UE115-bcan accommodate the combined packet and if the link is reliable. The link may be deemed reliable if a signal strength value (e.g., a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value, an RSRP value, or a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) value) associated with the link satisfies a threshold (e.g., is above the threshold). Additionally, the uplink packet handling protocol may instruct the UE115-bto discard the one or more other uplink packets in the queue. As an example, the UE115-bmay discard oldest uplink packet in the queue (e.g., the first uplink packet).

At430, the UE115-bmay transmit an uplink packet to the base station105-baccording to the uplink packet handling protocol. In some examples, the UE115-bmay transmit the last uplink packet added to the queue (e.g., the third uplink packet). In another example, the UE115-bmay transmit a bundled packet (e.g., a super packet) to the base station105-b. The bundled packet may include the multimedia information included in the last two or more uplink packets in the queue. As an example, the bundled packet may include multimedia information included in the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet.

At435, the base station105-bmay forward or transmit the uplink packet to the server405and at440, the server405may render a video frame using the multimedia information included in the uplink packet received from the base station105-b. In some examples, the server may estimate future multimedia information based on the multimedia information included in the uplink packet and use the estimated future multimedia information to render the video frame. After rendering the video frame, the server405may transmit the video frame to the base station105-bat445and the base station105-bmay forward or transmit the video frame to the UE115-bat450.

FIG.5shows a block diagram500of a device505that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device505may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described herein. The device505may include a receiver510, a transmitter515, and a communications manager520. The device505may also include one or more processors, memory coupled with the one or more processors, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the one or more processors to enable the one or more processors to perform multimedia uplink packet handling. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver510may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). Information may be passed on to other components of the device505. The receiver510may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter515may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device505. For example, the transmitter515may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). In some examples, the transmitter515may be co-located with a receiver510in a transceiver module. The transmitter515may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

In some examples, the communications manager520may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver510, the transmitter515, or both. For example, the communications manager520may receive information from the receiver510, send information to the transmitter515, or be integrated in combination with the receiver510, the transmitter515, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager520may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet including the multimedia information based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet.

By including or configuring the communications manager520in accordance with examples as described herein, the device505(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver510, the transmitter515, the communications manager520, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for reduced power consumption and more efficient utilization of communication resources. The method as described herein may allow a device505to power down transceiver components during periods of time when the device505is not transmitting multimedia packets and while a server is rendering a video frame which may reduce power consumption at the device505. In addition, the methods as described herein may allow the device505to reduce a quantity of packets stored in a queue which may free up or reduce resources allocated to the queue.

FIG.6shows a block diagram600of a device605that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device605may be an example of aspects of a device505or a UE115as described herein. The device605may include a receiver610, a transmitter615, and a communications manager620. The device605may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver610may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). Information may be passed on to other components of the device605. The receiver610may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter615may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device605. For example, the transmitter615may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). In some examples, the transmitter615may be co-located with a receiver610in a transceiver module. The transmitter615may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The device605, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager620may include a packet generator625, a queue component630, a UE packet protocol component635, a discard component640, a packet transmitter645, a video frame receiver650, or any combination thereof. The communications manager620may be an example of aspects of a communications manager520as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager620, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver610, the transmitter615, or both. For example, the communications manager620may receive information from the receiver610, send information to the transmitter615, or be integrated in combination with the receiver610, the transmitter615, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager620may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet generator625may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The queue component630may be configured as or otherwise support a means for adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The UE packet protocol component635may be configured as or otherwise support a means for applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The discard component640may be configured as or otherwise support a means for discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The packet transmitter645may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet including the multimedia information based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The video frame receiver650may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet.

In some cases, the packet generator625, the queue component630, the UE packet protocol component635, the discard component640, the packet transmitter645, and the video frame receiver650may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the packet generator625, the queue component630, the UE packet protocol component635, the discard component640, the packet transmitter645, and the video frame receiver650discussed herein. A transceiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transceiver of the device. A radio processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a radio (e.g., an NR radio, an LTE radio, a Wi-Fi radio) of the device. A transmitter processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transmitter of the device. A receiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a receiver of the device.

FIG.7shows a block diagram700of a communications manager720that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager720may be an example of aspects of a communications manager520, a communications manager620, or both, as described herein. The communications manager720, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager720may include a packet generator725, a queue component730, a UE packet protocol component735, a discard component740, a packet transmitter745, a video frame receiver750, a UE threshold component755, a power component760, a UE bundling component765, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager720may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet generator725may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The queue component730may be configured as or otherwise support a means for adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The UE packet protocol component735may be configured as or otherwise support a means for applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The discard component740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The packet transmitter745may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet including the multimedia information based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The video frame receiver750may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet.

In some examples, the UE operates in accordance to a communication model, and the UE packet protocol component735may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting signaling indicating the uplink packet handling protocol from the application to the physical layer.

In some examples, the UE packet protocol component735may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the network node, signaling indicating the uplink packet handling protocol.

In some examples, the first set of uplink packet includes uplink packets that correspond to one or more of a same source IP address, destination IP address, UDP port, or DSCP marking. In some examples, the second uplink packet is a last uplink packet added to the queue.

In some examples, the UE threshold component755may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying a threshold quantity of the first set of uplink packets that can be kept in the queue based on the uplink packet handling protocol, where discarding the first uplink packet is in response to a quantity corresponding to the first set of uplink packets exceeding the threshold quantity of uplink packets.

In some examples, the threshold quantity of the first set of uplink packets is based on a rate of change of the multimedia information. In some examples, the first set of uplink packets further includes a third uplink packet, the third uplink packet generated after the second uplink packet.

In some examples, the UE bundling component765may be configured as or otherwise support a means for bundling the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet based on a link quality of a link between the UE and the network node satisfying a threshold, where transmitting the second uplink packet includes transmitting the bundled uplink packet to the network node. In some examples, the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet are the last two uplink packets of the first set of uplink packets to be added to the queue.

In some examples, the power component760may be configured as or otherwise support a means for powering off one or more transceiver components at the UE for a duration, the duration including a time between transmitting the second uplink packet and receiving the video frame or a time between receiving a second video frame and transmitting the second uplink packet, where the second video frame is received before the video frame. In some examples, the multimedia information includes a location of the UE, an orientation of the UE, a set of user inputs, or a combination thereof.

In some cases, the packet generator725, the queue component730, the UE packet protocol component735, the discard component740, the packet transmitter745, the video frame receiver750, the UE threshold component755, the power component760, and the UE bundling component765may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the packet generator725, the queue component730, the UE packet protocol component735, the discard component740, the packet transmitter745, the video frame receiver750, the UE threshold component755, the power component760, and the UE bundling component765discussed herein.

FIG.8shows a diagram of a system800including a device805that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device805may be an example of or include the components of a device505, a device605, or a UE115as described herein. The device805may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations105(or network nodes), UEs115, or any combination thereof. The device805may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager820, an input/output (I/O) controller810, a transceiver815, an antenna825, a memory830, code835, and a processor840. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus845).

The I/O controller810may manage input and output signals for the device805. The I/O controller810may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device805. In some cases, the I/O controller810may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controller810may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, the I/O controller810may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controller810may be implemented as part of a processor, such as the processor840. In some cases, a user may interact with the device805via the I/O controller810or via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller810.

In some cases, the device805may include a single antenna825. However, in some other cases, the device805may have more than one antenna825, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver815may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas825, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver815may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver815may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas825for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas825. The transceiver815, or the transceiver815and one or more antennas825, may be an example of a transmitter515, a transmitter615, a receiver510, a receiver610, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

The memory830may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory830may store computer-readable, computer-executable code835including instructions that, when executed by the processor840, cause the device805to perform various functions described herein. The code835may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code835may not be directly executable by the processor840but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memory830may contain, among other things, a basic I/O system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor840may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor840may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor840. The processor840may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory830) to cause the device805to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). For example, the device805or a component of the device805may include a processor840and memory830coupled with or to the processor840, the processor840and memory830configured to perform various functions described herein.

The communications manager820may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet including the multimedia information based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet.

By including or configuring the communications manager820in accordance with examples as described herein, the device805may support techniques for reduced power consumption, more efficient utilization of communication resources, and improved coordination between devices.

In some examples, the communications manager820may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver815, the one or more antennas825, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager820is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications manager820may be supported by or performed by the processor840, the memory830, the code835, or any combination thereof. For example, the code835may include instructions executable by the processor840to cause the device805to perform various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein, or the processor840and the memory830may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a device905that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device905may be an example of aspects of a base station105(or a network node) as described herein. The device905may include a receiver910, a transmitter915, and a communications manager920. The device905may also include one or more processors, memory coupled with the one or more processors, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the one or more processors to enable the one or more processors to perform multimedia uplink packet handling. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver910may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). Information may be passed on to other components of the device905. The receiver910may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter915may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device905. For example, the transmitter915may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). In some examples, the transmitter915may be co-located with a receiver910in a transceiver module. The transmitter915may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The communications manager920, the receiver910, the transmitter915, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager920, the receiver910, the transmitter915, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communications manager920, the receiver910, the transmitter915, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager920, the receiver910, the transmitter915, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager920, the receiver910, the transmitter915, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

In some examples, the communications manager920may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver910, the transmitter915, or both. For example, the communications manager920may receive information from the receiver910, send information to the transmitter915, or be integrated in combination with the receiver910, the transmitter915, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager920may support wireless communications at a network node in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager920may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The communications manager920may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink packet including the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol. The communications manager920may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet.

By including or configuring the communications manager920in accordance with examples as described herein, the device905(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver910, the transmitter915, the communications manager920, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for more efficient utilization of communication resources.

FIG.10shows a block diagram1000of a device1005that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1005may be an example of aspects of a device905or a base station105(or a network node) as described herein. The device1005may include a receiver1010, a transmitter1015, and a communications manager1020. The device1005may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1010may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1005. The receiver1010may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter1015may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device1005. For example, the transmitter1015may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). In some examples, the transmitter1015may be co-located with a receiver1010in a transceiver module. The transmitter1015may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The device1005, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager1020may include a packet protocol component1025, a packet receiver1030, a video frame relay component1035, or any combination thereof. The communications manager1020may be an example of aspects of a communications manager920as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager1020, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver1010, the transmitter1015, or both. For example, the communications manager1020may receive information from the receiver1010, send information to the transmitter1015, or be integrated in combination with the receiver1010, the transmitter1015, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager1020may support wireless communications at a network node in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet protocol component1025may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The packet receiver1030may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink packet including the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol. The video frame relay component1035may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet.

In some cases, the packet protocol component1025, the packet receiver1030, and the video frame relay component1035may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the packet protocol component1025, the packet receiver1030, and the video frame relay component1035discussed herein. A transceiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transceiver of the device. A radio processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a radio (e.g., an NR radio, an LTE radio, a Wi-Fi radio) of the device. A transmitter processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transmitter of the device. A receiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a receiver of the device.

FIG.11shows a block diagram1100of a communications manager1120that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1120may be an example of aspects of a communications manager920, a communications manager1020, or both, as described herein. The communications manager1120, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager1120may include a packet protocol component1125, a packet receiver1130, a video frame relay component1135, a threshold component1140, a bundling component1145, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager1120may support wireless communications at a network node in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet protocol component1125may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The packet receiver1130may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink packet including the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol. The video frame relay component1135may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet. In some examples, the first set of uplink packets includes uplink packets that correspond to one or more of a same source IP address, destination IP address, UDP port, or DSCP marking.

In some examples, the threshold component1140may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting signaling indicating a threshold quantity of uplink packets of the first set of uplink packet that can be kept in a queue. In some examples, the threshold quantity of uplink packets is based on a rate of change of the multimedia information.

In some examples, to support receiving the second uplink packet, the bundling component1145may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink packet bundled with a third uplink packet, where the first set of uplink packets further includes the third uplink packet. In some examples, the multimedia information includes a location of the UE, an orientation of the UE, a set of user inputs, or a combination thereof.

In some cases, the packet protocol component1125, the packet receiver1130, the video frame relay component1135, the threshold component1140, and the bundling component1145may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the packet protocol component1125, the packet receiver1130, the video frame relay component1135, the threshold component1140, and the bundling component1145discussed herein.

FIG.12shows a diagram of a system1200including a device1205that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1205may be an example of or include the components of a device905, a device1005, or a base station105(or a network node) as described herein. The device1205may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations105, UEs115, or any combination thereof. The device1205may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager1220, a network communications manager1210, a transceiver1215, an antenna1225, a memory1230, code1235, a processor1240, and an inter-station communications manager1245. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus1250).

The network communications manager1210may manage communications with a core network130(e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager1210may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

In some cases, the device1205may include a single antenna1225. However, in some other cases the device1205may have more than one antenna1225, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver1215may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas1225, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver1215may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1215may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas1225for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas1225. The transceiver1215, or the transceiver1215and one or more antennas1225, may be an example of a transmitter915, a transmitter1015, a receiver910, a receiver1010, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

The memory1230may include RAM and ROM. The memory1230may store computer-readable, computer-executable code1235including instructions that, when executed by the processor1240, cause the device1205to perform various functions described herein. The code1235may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code1235may not be directly executable by the processor1240but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1230may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor1240may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor1240may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor1240. The processor1240may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1230) to cause the device1205to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). For example, the device1205or a component of the device1205may include a processor1240and memory1230coupled with or to the processor1240, the processor1240and memory1230configured to perform various functions described herein.

The inter-station communications manager1245may manage communications with other base stations105, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115in cooperation with other base stations105. For example, the inter-station communications manager1245may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager1245may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communications network technology to provide communication between base stations105.

The communications manager1220may support wireless communications at a network node in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager1220may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The communications manager1220may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink packet including the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol. The communications manager1220may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet.

By including or configuring the communications manager1220in accordance with examples as described herein, the device1205may support techniques for more efficient utilization of communication resources and improved coordination between devices.

In some examples, the communications manager1220may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver1215, the one or more antennas1225, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager1220is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications manager1220may be supported by or performed by the processor1240, the memory1230, the code1235, or any combination thereof. For example, the code1235may include instructions executable by the processor1240to cause the device1205to perform various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein, or the processor1240and the memory1230may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

FIG.13shows a block diagram1300of a device1305that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1305may be an example of aspects of a server205as described herein. The device1305may include a receiver1310, a transmitter1315, and a communications manager1320. The device1305may also include one or more processors, memory coupled with the one or more processors, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the one or more processors to enable the one or more processors to perform multimedia uplink packet handling. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1310may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1305. The receiver1310may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter1315may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device1305. For example, the transmitter1315may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). In some examples, the transmitter1315may be co-located with a receiver1310in a transceiver module. The transmitter1315may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The communications manager1320, the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager1320, the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communications manager1320, the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager1320, the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager1320, the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

In some examples, the communications manager1320may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or both. For example, the communications manager1320may receive information from the receiver1310, send information to the transmitter1315, or be integrated in combination with the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager1320may support wireless communication at a server in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager1320may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE via a network node, a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packet including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The communications manager1320may be configured as or otherwise support a means for estimating future multimedia information associated with the UE based on the first uplink packet and the second uplink packet. The communications manager1320may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a video frame based on the estimated future multimedia information. The communications manager1320may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE via the network node, the video frame.

By including or configuring the communications manager1320in accordance with examples as described herein, the device1305(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver1310, the transmitter1315, the communications manager1320, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for more efficient utilization of communication resources.

FIG.14shows a block diagram1400of a device1405that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1405may be an example of aspects of a device1305or a server205as described herein. The device1405may include a receiver1410, a transmitter1415, and a communications manager1420. The device1405may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1410may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1405. The receiver1410may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter1415may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device1405. For example, the transmitter1415may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). In some examples, the transmitter1415may be co-located with a receiver1410in a transceiver module. The transmitter1415may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The device1405, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager1420may include a packet receiver1425, a multimedia estimation component1430, a video frame generator1435, a video frame transmitter1440, or any combination thereof. The communications manager1420may be an example of aspects of a communications manager1320as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager1420, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver1410, the transmitter1415, or both. For example, the communications manager1420may receive information from the receiver1410, send information to the transmitter1415, or be integrated in combination with the receiver1410, the transmitter1415, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager1420may support wireless communication at a server in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet receiver1425may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE via a network node, a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packet including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The multimedia estimation component1430may be configured as or otherwise support a means for estimating future multimedia information associated with the UE based on the first uplink packet and the second uplink packet. The video frame generator1435may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a video frame based on the estimated future multimedia information. The video frame transmitter1440may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE via the network node, the video frame.

In some cases, the packet receiver1425, the multimedia estimation component1430, the video frame generator1435, and the video frame transmitter1440may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the packet receiver1425, the multimedia estimation component1430, the video frame generator1435, and the video frame transmitter1440discussed herein. A transceiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transceiver of the device. A radio processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a radio (e.g., an NR radio, an LTE radio, a Wi-Fi radio) of the device. A transmitter processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transmitter of the device. A receiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a receiver of the device.

FIG.15shows a block diagram1500of a communications manager1520that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1520may be an example of aspects of a communications manager1320, a communications manager1420, or both, as described herein. The communications manager1520, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein. For example, the communications manager1520may include a packet receiver1525, a multimedia estimation component1530, a video frame generator1535, a video frame transmitter1540, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager1520may support wireless communication at a server in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet receiver1525may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE via a network node, a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packet including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The multimedia estimation component1530may be configured as or otherwise support a means for estimating future multimedia information associated with the UE based on the first uplink packet and the second uplink packet. The video frame generator1535may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a video frame based on the estimated future multimedia information. The video frame transmitter1540may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE via the network node, the video frame.

In some cases, the packet receiver1525, the multimedia estimation component1530, the video frame generator1535, and the video frame transmitter1540may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the packet receiver1525, the multimedia estimation component1530, the video frame generator1535, and the video frame transmitter1540discussed herein.

FIG.16shows a diagram of a system1600including a device1605that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1605may be an example of or include the components of a device1305, a device1405, or a server as described herein. The device1605may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager1620, a network communications manager1610, a transceiver1615, an antenna1625, a memory1630, code1635, a processor1640, and an inter-station communications manager1645. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus1650).

The network communications manager1610may manage communications with a core network130(e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager1610may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

In some cases, the device1605may include a single antenna1625. However, in some other cases the device1605may have more than one antenna1625, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver1615may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas1625, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver1615may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1615may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas1625for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas1625. The transceiver1615, or the transceiver1615and one or more antennas1625, may be an example of a transmitter1315, a transmitter1415, a receiver1310, a receiver1410, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

The memory1630may include RAM and ROM. The memory1630may store computer-readable, computer-executable code1635including instructions that, when executed by the processor1640, cause the device1605to perform various functions described herein. The code1635may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code1635may not be directly executable by the processor1640but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1630may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor1640may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor1640may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor1640. The processor1640may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1630) to cause the device1605to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling). For example, the device1605or a component of the device1605may include a processor1640and memory1630coupled to the processor1640, the processor1640and memory1630configured to perform various functions described herein.

The inter-station communications manager1645may manage communications with other base stations105(or network nodes), and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115in cooperation with other base stations105. For example, the inter-station communications manager1645may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager1645may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communications network technology to provide communication between base stations105.

The communications manager1620may support wireless communication at a server in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager1620may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE via a network node, a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packet including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The communications manager1620may be configured as or otherwise support a means for estimating future multimedia information associated with the UE based on the first uplink packet and the second uplink packet. The communications manager1620may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a video frame based on the estimated future multimedia information. The communications manager1620may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE via the network node, the video frame.

By including or configuring the communications manager1620in accordance with examples as described herein, the device1605may support techniques for reduced latency, more efficient utilization of communication resources, and improved coordination.

In some examples, the communications manager1620may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver1615, the one or more antennas1625, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager1620is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications manager1620may be supported by or performed by the processor1640, the memory1630, the code1635, or any combination thereof. For example, the code1635may include instructions executable by the processor1640to cause the device1605to perform various aspects of techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling as described herein, or the processor1640and the memory1630may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

FIG.17shows a flowchart illustrating a method1700that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1700may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1700may be performed by a UE115as described with reference toFIGS.1through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1705, the method may include generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The operations of1705may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1705may be performed by a packet generator725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1710, the method may include adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The operations of1710may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1710may be performed by a queue component730as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1715, the method may include applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The operations of1715may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1715may be performed by a UE packet protocol component735as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1720, the method may include discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of1720may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1720may be performed by a discard component740as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1725, the method may include transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet including the multimedia information based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of1725may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1725may be performed by a packet transmitter745as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1730, the method may include receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet. The operations of1730may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1730may be performed by a video frame receiver750as described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.18shows a flowchart illustrating a method1800that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1800may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1800may be performed by a UE115as described with reference toFIGS.1through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1805, the method may include generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The operations of1805may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1805may be performed by a packet generator725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1810, the method may include adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The operations of1810may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1810may be performed by a queue component730as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1815, the method may include applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The operations of1815may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1815may be performed by a UE packet protocol component735as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1820, the method may include identifying a threshold quantity of the first set of uplink packets that can be kept in the queue based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of1820may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1820may be performed by a UE threshold component755as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1825, the method may include discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol and in response to a quantity corresponding to the first set of uplink packets exceeding the threshold quantity of uplink packets. The operations of1825may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1825may be performed by a discard component740as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1830, the method may include transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet including the multimedia information based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of1830may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1830may be performed by a packet transmitter745as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1835, the method may include receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet. The operations of1835may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1835may be performed by a video frame receiver750as described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.19shows a flowchart illustrating a method1900that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1900may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1900may be performed by a UE115as described with reference toFIGS.1through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1905, the method may include generating a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, where the first set of uplink packets includes a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and where the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet. The operations of1905may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1905may be performed by a packet generator725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1910, the method may include adding the set of multiple uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the set of multiple uplink packets are generated. The operations of1910may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1910may be performed by a queue component730as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1915, the method may include applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets. The operations of1915may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1915may be performed by a UE packet protocol component735as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1920, the method may include bundling the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet based on a link quality of a link between the UE and the network node satisfying a threshold. The operations of1920may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1920may be performed by a UE bundling component765as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1925, the method may include discarding the first uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of1925may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1925may be performed by a discard component740as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1930, the method may include transmitting, to a network node, the bundled uplink packet based on the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of1930may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1930may be performed by a packet transmitter745as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1935, the method may include receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet. The operations of1935may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1935may be performed by a video frame receiver750as described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.20shows a flowchart illustrating a method2000that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method2000may be implemented by a base station (or a network node) or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method2000may be performed by a base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1through4and9through12. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At2005, the method may include transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The operations of2005may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2005may be performed by a packet protocol component1125as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2010, the method may include receiving the second uplink packet including the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of2010may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2010may be performed by a packet receiver1130as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2015, the method may include transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet. The operations of2015may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2015may be performed by a video frame relay component1135as described with reference toFIG.11.

FIG.21shows a flowchart illustrating a method2100that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method2100may be implemented by a base station (or a network node) or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method2100may be performed by a base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1through4and9through12. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At2105, the method may include transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The operations of2105may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2105may be performed by a packet protocol component1125as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2110, the method may include transmitting signaling indicating a threshold quantity of uplink packets of the first set of uplink packet that can be kept in a queue. The operations of2110may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2110may be performed by a threshold component1140as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2115, the method may include receiving the second uplink packet including the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol. The operations of2115may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2115may be performed by a packet receiver1130as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2120, the method may include transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet. The operations of2120may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2120may be performed by a video frame relay component1135as described with reference toFIG.11.

FIG.22shows a flowchart illustrating a method2200that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method2200may be implemented by a base station (or a network node) or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method2200may be performed by a base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1through4and9through12. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At2205, the method may include transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets including multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The operations of2205may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2205may be performed by a packet protocol component1125as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2210, the method may include receiving the second uplink packet bundled with a third uplink packet, where the first set of uplink packets further includes the third uplink packet. The operations of2210may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2210may be performed by a bundling component1145as described with reference toFIG.11.

At2215, the method may include transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet. The operations of2215may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2215may be performed by a video frame relay component1135as described with reference toFIG.11.

FIG.23shows a flowchart illustrating a method2300that supports techniques for multimedia uplink packet handling in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method2300may be implemented by a server or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method2300may be performed by a server as described with reference toFIGS.1through4and13through16. In some examples, a server may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the server to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the server may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At2305, the method may include receiving, from a UE via a network node, a set of multiple uplink packets including multimedia information, the set of multiple uplink packet including a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet. The operations of2305may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2305may be performed by a packet receiver1525as described with reference toFIG.15.

At2310, the method may include estimating future multimedia information associated with the UE based on the first uplink packet and the second uplink packet. The operations of2310may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2310may be performed by a multimedia estimation component1530as described with reference toFIG.15.

At2315, the method may include generating a video frame based on the estimated future multimedia information. The operations of2315may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2315may be performed by a video frame generator1535as described with reference toFIG.15.

At2320, the method may include transmitting, to the UE via the network node, the video frame. The operations of2320may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of2320may be performed by a video frame transmitter1540as described with reference toFIG.15.

The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: generating a plurality of uplink packets comprising multimedia information, the plurality of uplink packets including at least a first set of uplink packets and a second set of uplink packets, wherein the first set of uplink packets comprises a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet, and wherein the first uplink packet is generated before the second uplink packet; adding the plurality of uplink packets to a queue according to an order in which the plurality of uplink packets are generated; applying an uplink packet handling protocol to the first set of uplink packets; discarding the first uplink packet based at least in part on the uplink packet handling protocol; transmitting, to a network node, the second uplink packet comprising the multimedia information based at least in part on the uplink packet handling protocol; and receiving, from the network node, a video frame in response to transmitting the second uplink packet.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein the UE operates in accordance to a communication model, the communication model comprising at least an application layer and a physical layer, the method further comprising: transmitting signaling indicating the uplink packet handling protocol from the application to the physical layer.

Aspect 3: The method of aspect 1, further comprising: receiving, from the network node, signaling indicating the uplink packet handling protocol.

Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein the first set of uplink packet includes uplink packets that correspond to one or more of a same source IP address, destination IP address, UDP port, or DSCP marking.

Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 1 through 4, wherein the second uplink packet is a last uplink packet added to the queue.

Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 1 through 5, further comprising: identifying a threshold quantity of the first set of uplink packets that can be kept in the queue based at least in part on the uplink packet handling protocol, wherein discarding the first uplink packet is in response to a quantity corresponding to the first set of uplink packets exceeding the threshold quantity of uplink packets.

Aspect 7: The method of aspect 6, wherein the threshold quantity of the first set of uplink packets is based at least in part on a rate of change of the multimedia information.

Aspect 8: The method of any of aspects 1 through 7, wherein the first set of uplink packets further comprises a third uplink packet, the third uplink packet generated after the second uplink packet.

Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, further comprising: bundling the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet based at least in part on a link quality of a link between the UE and the network node satisfying a threshold, wherein transmitting the second uplink packet comprises transmitting the bundled uplink packet to the network node.

Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, wherein the second uplink packet and the third uplink packet are the last two uplink packets of the first set of uplink packets to be added to the queue.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 through 10, further comprising: powering off one or more transceiver components at the UE for a duration, the duration comprising a time between transmitting the second uplink packet and receiving the video frame or a time between receiving a second video frame and transmitting the second uplink packet, wherein the second video frame is received before the video frame.

Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 1 through 11, wherein the multimedia information comprises a location of the UE, an orientation of the UE, a set of user inputs, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 13: A method for wireless communications at a network node, comprising: transmitting signaling indicating an uplink packet handling protocol to apply to a first set of uplink packets comprising multimedia information, the first set of uplink packets comprising a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet; receiving the second uplink packet comprising the multimedia information according to the uplink packet handling protocol; transmitting a video frame in response to receiving the second uplink packet.

Aspect 14: The method of aspect 13, wherein the first set of uplink packets includes uplink packets that correspond to one or more of a same source IP address, destination IP address, UDP port, or DSCP marking.

Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 13 through 14, further comprising: transmitting signaling indicating a threshold quantity of uplink packets of the first set of uplink packet that can be kept in a queue.

Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the threshold quantity of uplink packets is based at least in part on a rate of change of the multimedia information.

Aspect 17: The method of any of aspects 13 through 16, wherein receiving the second uplink packet comprises: receiving the second uplink packet bundled with a third uplink packet, wherein the first set of uplink packets further includes the third uplink packet.

Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 13 through 17, wherein the multimedia information comprises a location of the UE, an orientation of the UE, a set of user inputs, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 19: A method for wireless communication at a server, the method comprising: receiving, from a UE via a network node, a plurality of uplink packets including multimedia information, the plurality of uplink packet comprising a first uplink packet and a second uplink packet; estimating future multimedia information associated with the UE based at least in part on the first uplink packet and the second uplink packet; generating a video frame based at least in part on the estimated future multimedia information; and transmitting, to the UE via the network node, the video frame.

Aspect 20: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 12.

Aspect 21: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 12.

Aspect 22: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 12.

Aspect 23: An apparatus for wireless communications at a network node, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 13 through 18.

Aspect 24: An apparatus for wireless communications at a network node, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 13 through 18.

Aspect 25: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications at a network node, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 13 through 18.

Aspect 26: An apparatus for wireless communication at a server, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 19 through 19.

Aspect 27: An apparatus for wireless communication at a server, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 19 through 19.

Aspect 28: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a server, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 19 through 19.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communications systems such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, as well as other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

The term “determine” or “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and other such similar actions.

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “example” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.