Channel Occupancy Time Sensing for Multi-Beam Unlicensed Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, channel occupancy time sensing is inefficient, leading to suboptimal transmission strategies, especially in unlicensed channels beyond 52.6 GHz.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving configuration information for a single channel occupancy time (COT) in unlicensed channels, and performing sensing techniques such as omni-directional sensing, directional sensing on multiple beams, or time domain multiplexing before each transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional channel occupancy time sensing is used in unlicensed channels, then the sensing process is simpler, but transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel occupancy time sensing into multiple beam-specific sensing operations. Instead of a single omnidirectional sensing, the system performs directional sensing on multiple beams (e.g., beam 1, beam 2, beam 3) within the channel occupancy time. Each beam sensing is performed independently, allowing the system to identify and utilize available channels more efficiently for targeted transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam selection based on real-time channel conditions. The system adapts which beams to use for transmission by performing sensing on multiple beams and selecting the best available beam(s) based on the sensing results. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize transmission efficiency according to the actual channel state rather than using a fixed sensing pattern.
2Reliability
If omnidirectional sensing is performed, then channel awareness is improved, but directional transmission optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges omnidirectional sensing with directional beam sensing by performing both types of sensing within the channel occupancy time. The system first performs omnidirectional sensing to get overall channel awareness, then supplements this with directional sensing on specific beams. This combination allows the system to maintain comprehensive channel awareness while also optimizing for directional transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a directional dimension to the traditional omnidirectional sensing approach. Instead of only sensing in all directions simultaneously (omnidirectional), the system introduces beam-specific directional sensing as an additional dimension. This allows the system to maintain the broad channel awareness of omnidirectional sensing while adding the capability to optimize for specific directional transmissions.
3Productivity
If multiple beam sensing is performed, then transmission direction optimization is improved, but sensing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by performing beam sensing operations within the channel occupancy time rather than before it. The sensing operations are integrated into the existing channel occupancy period, ensuring that the sensing activity is continuous and productive rather than adding separate time overhead. This allows the system to optimize transmissions without extending the total time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial sensing by selecting and sensing only on the most promising beams rather than exhaustively sensing all possible directions. The system performs directional sensing on a subset of beams that are most likely to be useful for transmission, based on prior knowledge or quick assessment. This partial approach reduces the total sensing time while still achieving effective transmission optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for performing channel occupancy time sensing. One method includes receiving information configuring a single channel occupancy time for multi-beam transmission in an unlicensed channel. The method includes performing sensing for the single channel occupancy time. The sensing includes: omni-directional sensing at a beginning of the single channel occupancy time; directional sensing on a plurality of beams at the beginning of the single channel occupancy time; directional sensing on the plurality of beams in a time domain multiplexing manner before each transmission based on a time gap between transmissions; or some combination thereof.