Downlink Control Channel Configuration for Unlicensed Band Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication systems, efficient channel access procedures are necessary for transmitting and receiving control information, especially when operating in unlicensed bands, to ensure reliable data transmission and minimize interference.

Innovation Solution

A method for configuring downlink control channels and monitoring or searching for control channels in wireless communication systems that transmit/receive signals through unlicensed bands, involving the determination of a downlink resource area to be shared by a UE and the request for control channel configuration information from a base station, allowing for optimized channel access and signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If channel access procedure is performed in unlicensed band, then data transmission reliability is improved, but transmission time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing channel access procedure (Listen Before Talk - LBT) before the actual data transmission. The terminal device completes the necessary channel sensing and access preparation in advance, ensuring that the channel is ready for reliable transmission while minimizing the overall time required for the transmission process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If control channel configuration is optimized, then reception efficiency is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the terminal device to autonomously determine its own downlink resource area and configure control channel parameters based on the shared time interval information received from the base station. This self-configuration mechanism improves reception efficiency while avoiding the need for complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If downlink resource area is shared, then channel access efficiency is improved, but interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal device determine the downlink resource area and configure control channel parameters in advance based on the shared time interval. This pre-determination allows for efficient channel access while enabling the system to proactively manage and minimize interference through proper resource allocation and timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3892049B1Methods and apparatuses for transmitting/receiving control information in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3892049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892049B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3892049B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication method and a system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT) are provided. The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving a control channel in a wireless communication system. More specifically, a method for determining a downlink control channel transmission configuration of a base station by providing control channel area configuration information together, which is used when sharing a downlink resource with the base station within a maximum channel occupancy interval acquired by a User Equipment (UE) is provided.