COT Sharing via Received Signal Strength Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G NR and LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing frequency resource sharing among multiple user equipment (UE) devices, leading to potential interference and reduced spectral efficiency, especially in unlicensed frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A method where a UE determines whether to transmit a signal in a frequency band during a channel occupancy time (COT) based on the received signal strength of an acquisition signal from another UE, allowing for efficient sharing of the frequency band while minimizing interference with non-CV2X devices by adjusting signal strength thresholds for FDM and TDM styles of COT sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple UEs share frequency resources in unlicensed bands, then spectral efficiency is improved, but interference between devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmit power levels and channel occupancy time durations based on channel conditions and interference measurements. UEs modify transmission parameters such as power spectral density, time duration of transmission, and frequency resource allocation to optimize spectral efficiency while maintaining interference below threshold levels that would disrupt non-CV2X devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through adaptive channel access mechanisms where UEs continuously monitor channel conditions and adjust their transmission behavior in real-time. The system dynamically determines channel occupancy time lengths, transmit power levels, and resource allocation strategies based on current channel state information, enabling flexible sharing of frequency resources while responding to changing interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If UEs acquire channel occupancy time for frequency band, then transmission reliability is improved, but latency increases due to channel access procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action through advance channel sensing and reservation mechanisms. UEs perform clear channel assessment procedures before transmission and may reserve channel occupancy time in advance based on predicted traffic patterns. This preliminary preparation ensures that when data needs to be transmitted, the channel is already cleared and ready, reducing actual transmission latency while maintaining reliability through pre-validated channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through autonomous channel access decision-making at each UE. Devices independently perform channel sensing, determine appropriate transmit power levels, and select transmission parameters without requiring centralized coordination. This self-service approach eliminates signaling overhead and coordination delays, allowing UEs to quickly access the channel when conditions are favorable, thereby reducing latency while maintaining transmission reliability through distributed channel management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If signal strength threshold is lowered to allow more UEs to transmit, then network accessibility is improved, but interference with non-CV2X devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork accessibilityVSAvoidinterference with non-CV2X devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by implementing multiple signal strength thresholds differentiated by device type and service category. Instead of a single threshold, the system uses adjusted thresholds for different UE categories, allowing lower thresholds for certain devices to improve accessibility while maintaining higher thresholds for others to protect non-CV2X devices. Transmission power spectral density and channel occupancy duration are also dynamically adjusted based on the detected signal strength and device characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying different signal strength thresholds and transmission parameters to different spatial locations, device types, and service categories. The system determines appropriate thresholds based on local channel conditions, device capabilities, and proximity to non-CV2X devices. This localized approach allows the network to accommodate diverse device requirements and improve overall accessibility while maintaining protection for vulnerable receivers through location-specific parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4173423B1Channel occupancy time sharing based on received signal strength
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4173423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4173423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4173423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for unlicensed channel occupancy time sharing based on received signal strength. A method that may be performed by a first user equipment (UE) includes receiving a first transmission from a second UE, the first transmission indicating the second UE has acquired a frequency band for a channel occupancy time (COT). The method may also include transmitting a signal within the frequency band during the COT in response to a signal strength of the first transmission as received by the first UE being greater than at least one threshold.