5G Terminal Occupancy Time Detection Using SFI and COT
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, terminals face challenges in accurately determining the occupancy duration of unlicensed frequency bands due to discrepancies between occupancy durations indicated by slot format indicators and channel occupancy time indications, leading to inconsistencies in using unlicensed frequency bands for communication.
Innovation Solution
A method for a terminal to determine occupancy duration by combining time domain unit format indication information and channel occupancy time indication information, using a second occupancy duration as a criterion when first and second durations overlap, and adjusting detection modes based on duration differences to ensure accurate and timely use of unlicensed frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the terminal determines occupancy duration according to slot format indicator (SFI) in public control information, then the terminal can obtain occupancy duration information from time domain unit format indication, but the determined occupancy duration may differ from the actual occupancy duration indicated by channel occupancy time information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the terminal receive both SFI and COT indication information from the base station, compare the two occupancy duration values, and use the COT indication (which reflects actual base station occupancy intent) to correct or override the SFI-based determination. This feedback mechanism ensures the terminal accurately determines occupancy duration by resolving discrepancies between the two information sources.
2Ease of operation
If the terminal uses SFI to determine occupancy duration, then the determination process is simple, but the terminal cannot timely determine which occupancy duration to use when both methods yield different results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station transmit both SFI and COT indication information in the public control information before the terminal needs to determine occupancy duration. This allows the terminal to prepare and compare both occupancy duration values in advance, resolving any discrepancies before actual communication begins, thus avoiding time loss during occupancy duration determination.
3Productivity
If the base station occupies unlicensed frequency band for extended duration, then communication opportunities increase, but the likelihood of other devices occupying the band increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the terminal to flexibly determine occupancy duration based on real-time comparison between SFI and COT indication information. The terminal can adapt its occupancy duration determination to match the base station's actual intent, allowing dynamic adjustment of communication timing to maximize opportunities while avoiding conflicts with other devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an occupancy time determination method, comprising: receiving, on an unlicensed frequency band, public control information sent by a base station, wherein the public control information comprises time domain unit format indicator information and channel occupancy time indicator information; determining a first occupancy time of the base station with respect to the unlicensed frequency band according to the time domain unit format indicator information, and determining a second occupancy time of the base station with respect to the unlicensed frequency band according to the channel occupancy time indicator information; and if the first occupancy time and the second occupancy time are different from each other and overlap, determining, according to the second occupancy time, the length of time during which the base station occupies the unlicensed frequency band. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first occupancy time and the second occupancy time are different from each other and overlap, the second occupancy time is used as a reference to determine the length of time during which the base station occupies the unlicensed frequency band, such that a terminal can determine the occupancy time of the base station with respect to the unlicensed frequency band as soon as possible so as to perform subsequent operations according to the determined occupancy time.