Dynamic Channel Access Switching in Unlicensed Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems using unlicensed spectra, User Equipment (UE) faces challenges in determining the appropriate channel access manner for uplink transmissions within Channel Occupancy Time (COT) to ensure fair coexistence with other communication systems, as existing methods lack clear indication and flexibility in switching between different channel access types.

Innovation Solution

The method involves UE receiving indication information from the network device to determine the channel access manner for UL bursts or sidelink bursts within COT, allowing switching between Cat-1, 16µs Cat-2, and 25µs Cat-2 LBT types based on the provided information, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and optimizing channel usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UE uses fixed channel access manner for UL transmission in COT, then implementation is simple, but adaptability to different channel conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different channel conditionsVSAvoidchannel access determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UE to dynamically switch between different channel access manners (Cat-1 LBT, 16µs Cat-2 LBT, 25µs Cat-2 LBT) based on network device indications. The channel access manner is no longer fixed but adapts to different transmission scenarios within the COT, allowing the system to respond to changing channel conditions while maintaining clear determination rules through network control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If UE performs channel detection before every UL transmission, then channel access reliability is improved, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel access approach by dividing the COT into different transmission occasions with distinct channel access requirements. For example, the first UL transmission may require 25µs Cat-2 LBT for reliable channel assessment, while subsequent transmissions within the same COT may use Cat-1 LBT (no channel detection) or 16µs Cat-2 LBT, reducing delay while maintaining reliability where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network device performs preliminary action by providing advance indications to the UE about the required channel access manner for upcoming UL transmissions. This allows the UE to prepare appropriately without performing unnecessary channel detection, reducing delay while ensuring reliability through network-coordinated channel access strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple channel access manners are supported, then flexibility in channel access is improved, but determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in channel accessVSAvoidchannel access determination ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the determination process for the UE. Instead of the UE independently deciding among multiple channel access manners, the network device provides clear indications (e.g., via DCI or MAC CE) specifying which manner to use. This maintains flexibility in supporting multiple access types while easing the operation burden on the UE through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3876656B1Information transmission method and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3876656B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3876656B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3876656B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

Disclosed is an information transmission method, comprising: a terminal apparatus receiving first indication information sent by a network apparatus, the first indication information being used to determine at least one channel access approach within a channel occupation duration of the network apparatus; and the terminal apparatus determining, according to the first indication information, a first channel access approach for a target transmission opportunity within the channel occupation duration, wherein the target transmission opportunity is used to transmit a target signal or a target channel. Also disclosed are another information transmission method, an electronic apparatus, and a storage medium.