BWP Activation Timer for Unlicensed Spectrum Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in using Bandwidth Parts (BWP) on unlicensed frequency bands is the uncertainty of channel availability due to non-continuity and competition with other communication systems, leading to inefficiencies in spectrum utilization and increased waiting times for user equipment.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using timers to control the activation time of BWP on unlicensed frequency bands, allowing for more flexible utilization of BWP and improving spectrum utilization efficiency by reducing waiting times for user equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If BWP is used on unlicensed frequency bands without timer control, then flexibility and compatibility are improved, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates due to uncertainty of channel availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and compatibilityVSAvoidspectrum utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network side device performs preliminary actions by sending timer configuration information to the terminal device before BWP switching occurs. The terminal device starts the timer in advance when switching from active BWP to dormant BWP, allowing proactive management of channel occupancy time and improving spectrum utilization efficiency before channel availability becomes uncertain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If BWP is used on unlicensed frequency bands without timer control, then flexibility and compatibility are improved, but waiting time of user equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and compatibilityVSAvoidwaiting time of user equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device starts the timer in advance when switching to dormant BWP, and the network side device sends timer configuration information beforehand. This preliminary timing mechanism allows the system to proactively manage BWP activation and deactivation, reducing waiting time for user equipment by knowing in advance when channel occupancy will occur or expire

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network side device receives feedback from the terminal device regarding BWP status and channel conditions. Based on this feedback, the network side device can send timer configuration information to adjust BWP timing, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waiting time by adapting to real-time channel availability conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4243536B1Electronic device and method for wireless communication, and computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

The present invention provides an electronic device and method for wireless communication, and a computer readable storage medium. The electronic device comprises a processing circuit configured to: set a first timer used for counting the activation time of a current bandwidth part (BWP) for a user equipment on an unlicensed frequency band; and switch, when the first timer times out, the user equipment onto another BWP on the unlicensed frequency band.