Cross-Carrier Scheduling for Dynamic PCell Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G and beyond communication systems, cross-carrier scheduling during primary cell (PCell) dynamic switching faces limitations in scheduling flexibility, leading to increased network energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A cross-carrier scheduling method that allows for dynamic switching of PCells by determining a parameter set associated with each cell, enabling adaptable PDCCH monitoring and scheduling to accommodate different PCell configurations, thereby maintaining scheduling flexibility and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cross-carrier scheduling is performed during PCell dynamic switching, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but network energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of PCell configuration dynamically by introducing multiple parameter sets (first parameter set and second parameter set) that can be switched based on scheduling requirements. This allows the system to adapt scheduling parameters without permanently reconfiguring the PCell, reducing energy consumption while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different PCell parameter sets and scheduling configurations. The network device can dynamically adjust which PCell serves as the scheduling cell and which parameter set is applied, enabling flexible scheduling while avoiding continuous operation at maximum energy consumption levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameter sets are configured for scheduled cell, then adaptability to different PCell configurations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to PCell configurationsVSAvoidparameter set management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parameter configuration into multiple distinct parameter sets (first parameter set, second parameter set), each optimized for specific PCell configurations. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing parameters into discrete, switchable units rather than managing a single complex configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces indication information as an intermediary mechanism that signals which parameter set should be activated. This intermediary simplifies the management complexity by providing a clear selection mechanism between parameter sets, reducing the burden on devices to autonomously manage multiple complex configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If PCell switching is implemented, then network energy saving is improved, but scheduling flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares multiple parameter sets in advance (first parameter set, second parameter set) corresponding to different PCell configurations. This preliminary preparation allows the system to switch between configurations without energy-intensive reconfiguration processes, achieving both energy saving and scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal parameter set structure that can serve multiple PCell configurations. Each parameter set is designed to be broadly applicable to different PCell scenarios, allowing the system to maintain scheduling flexibility across various configurations while using a standardized, energy-efficient switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260006624A1Cross-carrier scheduling method and communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method and an apparatus are provided. In the method, a second communication apparatus sends, to a first communication apparatus, indication information used to determine one cell of a plurality of cells as a PCell or a scheduling cell; and sends DCI in one cell of the plurality of cells based on a 1st parameter set, and the first communication apparatus monitors the PDCCH in one cell of the plurality of cells based on the 1st parameter set, where the 1st parameter set is a parameter set that is in a plurality of parameter sets of a scheduled cell and that has an association relationship with one cell of the plurality of cells, parameters in the plurality of parameter sets of the scheduled cell are parameters in a search space set, and the plurality of parameter sets of the scheduled cell have an association relationship with the plurality of cells.