Bidirectional Subframe Communication for Bandwidth Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems limit bandwidth utilization by reserving subframes for either uplink or downlink data, reducing available bandwidth for bidirectional communication between base stations and devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing bidirectional subframe communication by transmitting TDD uplink/downlink configurations and indications, allowing subframes to be used in full-duplex mode for simultaneous downlink and uplink data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If subframes are reserved for either uplink or downlink data only, then transmission reliability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidbandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making subframe direction configurable and changeable. Subframes can be dynamically assigned as uplink, downlink, or bidirectional based on traffic conditions. The network device can send indication information to switch subframe directions in real-time, transforming static time-division duplexing into a dynamic system that adapts to varying communication needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and bandwidth utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling subframes to serve multiple purposes. Specifically, subframes can function as uplink subframes, downlink subframes, or bidirectional subframes depending on configuration. This universal design allows the same time-frequency resources to be flexibly allocated for different transmission directions, maximizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining transmission reliability through appropriate direction assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If traditional TDD configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidbandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing configurable parameters for subframe direction and flexible frame structure parameters. Instead of fixed TDD configurations, the system allows modification of subframe direction parameters and time-frequency resource allocation parameters. This enables the network to optimize bandwidth utilization by adjusting these parameters according to traffic patterns, while the configuration management maintains reasonable complexity through standardized indication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3384620B1Bidirectional subframe communication
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 LENOVO INNOVATIONS LTD (HONG KONG)
  • EP3384620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3384620B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3384620B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

For bidirectional subframe communication, a method transmits a set of Time Division Duplex (TDD) uplink/downlink configurations to a communication device. Each TDD uplink/downlink configuration of the set of TDD uplink/downlink configurations includes at least one downlink subframe, at least one uplink subframe, and at least one bidirectional subframe. The method further transmits a TDD indication that indicates one TDD uplink/downlink configuration of the set of TDD uplink/downlink configurations to the communication device.