Cross-Slot Scheduling Offset Interpretation for Wireless Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and scheduling for user equipment (UE) operating with different numerologies, leading to ambiguity in interpreting minimum scheduling offsets.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that uses a minimum scheduling offset to enhance cross-slot scheduling, allowing the UE to determine the first slot on a shared channel that can be scheduled by a grant transmitted on a downlink control channel, and to operate in a low power state or communicate data based on the scheduling grant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If cross-slot scheduling is implemented with different numerologies, then power saving is improved by extending low power state duration, but ambiguity in interpreting minimum scheduling offsets increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidambiguity in minimum scheduling offset interpretation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the minimum scheduling offset parameter based on the numerology type. When the numerology indicates cross-slot scheduling, the minimum scheduling offset is set to a value greater than zero, thereby resolving the ambiguity while enabling extended power saving modes. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain clear scheduling definitions across different numerologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If minimum scheduling offset is increased for cross-slot scheduling, then power saving mode duration is extended, but scheduling flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower saving mode durationVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the minimum scheduling offset value adaptive rather than fixed. The offset is dynamically adjusted based on the numerology configuration and slot timing requirements. This allows the system to extend power saving duration when appropriate while maintaining scheduling flexibility when rapid resource allocation is needed, resolving the contradiction between duration extension and flexibility preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If cross numerology scheduling is supported, then system versatility is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross numerology scheduling supportVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing numerology-specific processing rules rather than a universal complex algorithm. The minimum scheduling offset interpretation is tailored to each numerology type, with specific rules for cross-slot versus same-slot scheduling. This localized approach enables cross numerology support while keeping processing complexity manageable by avoiding a one-size-fits-all complex solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3977658B1Cross-slot scheduling for cross numerology
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3977658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3977658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3977658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may identify a scheduling offset threshold corresponding to a cross-slot grant. The UE may monitor a control channel in a first slot for the cross-slot grant, the control channel having a first numerology that is different than a second numerology of a shared channel and determine a beginning slot defined in the second numerology based on interpreting the scheduling offset threshold as being defined in the first numerology or the second numerology. The UE may then enter a low power state, or communicating a data transmission, during the beginning slot based on whether the cross-slot grant is detected.