5G Scheduling Mode Switching via DCI Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing 5G systems, switching between self-scheduling and cross-carrier scheduling in new and old technologies deployed in the same spectrum is slow due to reliance on high-level signaling like RRC, which hinders adaptability to link quality and load changes and inefficient resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and apparatuses that allow terminals and base stations to switch scheduling modes based on Downlink Control Information (DCI) indications, enabling fast transitions between self-scheduling and cross-carrier scheduling without increasing blind detection complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high-level signaling like RRC is used for switching scheduling modes, then switching between self-scheduling and cross-carrier scheduling can be achieved, but the switching speed is slow and adaptability to link quality and load changes is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling mode switching speedVSAvoidsignaling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces DCI as an intermediary signaling mechanism between the base station and terminal for scheduling mode switching. Instead of using high-level RRC signaling directly, the base station embeds scheduling mode indication information in DCI messages, which are then decoded by the terminal to trigger mode switching. This intermediary approach enables faster switching while maintaining manageable complexity at both ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signaling parameter level from high-level RRC parameters to lower-level DCI parameters for scheduling mode indication. By embedding the scheduling mode indicator within existing DCI structures rather than using separate RRC messages, the system achieves faster response time while utilizing the more frequent and granular DCI signaling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If fast switching between scheduling modes is implemented using DCI, then adaptability to link quality and load changes is improved, but blind detection complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to link quality and load changesVSAvoidblind detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scheduling mode indication function with existing DCI structures. Instead of creating separate signaling messages for mode switching, the indication information is combined with regular scheduling DCI messages. This allows the terminal to decode mode information during its existing blind detection process for scheduling assignments, avoiding additional blind detection overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DCI structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both scheduling information and scheduling mode indication. By making the DCI universal for both purposes, the system achieves fast adaptability without requiring dedicated signaling resources or increasing blind detection complexity, as the same DCI decoding process extracts both types of information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12446023B2Method and apparatus for switching scheduling mode

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

Switching scheduling mode methods and apparatuses are provided, which relate to the field of mobile communication technologies. The solution is: switching a scheduling mode based on acquired first DCI, where the first DCI includes an indication of a target scheduling mode adopted by a terminal.