Channel Occupancy Time Signaling for Overlapping COT Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambiguities arise in radio communication due to overlapping channel occupancy times (COT) initiated by both radio devices and network nodes, particularly in unlicensed spectrum, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in 3GPP radio communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method and device are provided to determine and manage channel occupancy times (COT) for radio devices and network nodes, ensuring clear selection and interaction between UE-initiated and gNB-initiated COTs, aligning with 3GPP Release 17 specifications, and supporting QoS management for sidelink communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both UE-initiated COT and gNB-initiated COT are allowed in 3GPP Release 17, then radio communication flexibility and device autonomy are improved, but ambiguities and confusion in protocol operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the COT operation by introducing distinct initialization procedures and identification mechanisms for UE-initiated and gNB-initiated COTs. Each type of COT is handled through separate signaling paths and resource allocation procedures, dividing the complex overlapping operation into manageable discrete cases that can be independently managed and resolved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary signaling elements such as COT indication fields, initialization messages, and resource allocation signals that act as mediators between the UE and gNB. These intermediaries carry explicit information about which entity initiated the COT and what resources are available, resolving ambiguities without requiring complex interpretation logic at the receiving end.
2Productivity
If COT overlap between UE and gNB is permitted, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but determination of which COT to use becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs distinct signaling indicators and identification markers (analogous to color changes) that explicitly differentiate between UE-initiated and gNB-initiated COTs. These visual-like distinctions in the signaling domain allow receiving parties to immediately identify the COT origin and appropriate usage rights without confusion, even when time resources overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary COT initialization signaling and resource indication before actual data transmission begins. By establishing the COT ownership and resource allocation in advance through explicit signaling, the system prevents ambiguity during the actual transmission phase, ensuring that both UE and gNB know which COT rules apply before conflicts can arise.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of radio communicating between a radio device and a network node of a radio access network, RAN, using a temporal radio resource associated with a channel occupancy time, COT. The method is performed by the radio device or initiated by the radio device by at least one of: determining if a first COT is initiated by the radio device; determining if a second COT is initiated by the network node; and radio communicating with the network node in the temporal radio resource associated with the first COT or the second COT depending on the determinations, wherein determinations are based on information in a DCI message.