Carrier Indication Method for Full-Duplex Spectrum Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

User equipment (UE) with duplex capability cannot effectively transmit information as it lacks knowledge of the carrier used for uplink and downlink data or signaling in full-duplex systems.

Innovation Solution

A carrier indication method where UE receives information from a base station to determine the appropriate carrier for transmitting uplink or downlink data, using predetermined sets, subframe patterns, or control information to identify the correct carrier for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If full-duplex communication is implemented to improve spectrum utilization, then spectrum utilization rate is improved, but UE cannot determine which carrier to use for transmission leading to communication failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilization rateVSAvoidcarrier indication information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single carrier into multiple carriers (first carrier and second carrier) for different transmission directions. By dividing the communication resources into separate carriers for uplink and downlink transmissions, the system enables full-duplex operation where UE can simultaneously receive and transmit on different carriers, thus improving spectrum utilization while avoiding self-interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary that manages and coordinates the carrier assignments. The base station determines which carrier (first or second) the UE should use for transmission based on communication needs, acting as a mediator that resolves the carrier selection problem and enables seamless full-duplex communication between multiple UEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple carriers are used for full-duplex communication, then bidirectional transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to carrier determination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional transmission capabilityVSAvoidcarrier determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the UE autonomously determines which carrier to use for transmission by monitoring specific downlink carriers and following predetermined rules. The UE can independently identify the appropriate uplink carrier based on downlink carrier observations without requiring complex centralized control, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining bidirectional transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If carrier aggregation technology is used to increase bandwidth, then peak rate is improved, but spectrum resources are consumed faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak rateVSAvoidspectrum resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous useful action by implementing full-duplex communication where both uplink and downlink transmissions occur simultaneously on different carriers. This allows the system to maintain continuous bidirectional data flow without the need to switch between transmission directions, maximizing the utilization of aggregated spectrum resources and improving peak rates while efficiently using available spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3319388B1Carrier indication method, user equipment, and base station
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3319388B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3319388B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3319388B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

This application discloses a carrier indication method, user equipment, and a base station. The method includes: receiving, by user equipment, first information sent by a base station; if the user equipment is capable of transmitting uplink data and downlink data on a carrier, determining, by the user equipment according to the first information, a carrier used for transmitting first-type information; and transmitting, by the user equipment, the first-type information on the determined carrier, where the first-type information includes at least one of the following: uplink data, downlink data, and scheduling information. In this application, user equipment determines, according to first information sent by a base station, a carrier used for transmitting information, and therefore, can normally transmit information.