Extendable BWP Configuration for Licensed-Unlicensed Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR networks, the coarse granularity of resource control in unlicensed bands hinders flexible configuration and effective use of resources, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission due to strong resource contention and interference from technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Innovation Solution

A method that configures an extendable Band Width Part (BWP) combining resources from both licensed and unlicensed bands, allowing UE to transmit data using both bands, with trigger conditions such as traffic thresholds, service types, and power consumption considerations to optimize resource allocation and minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If resource control in unlicensed bands is implemented with coarse granularity, then device complexity is reduced, but resource allocation flexibility and transmission efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource control complexityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the unlicensed band resource control into two segments: coarse granularity for overall resource allocation (maintaining low complexity) and fine granularity for specific transmission resources (improving efficiency). The base station determines both coarse resource blocks and fine resource units, enabling flexible allocation without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a two-dimensional resource control structure with coarse granularity in one dimension (resource blocks for overall allocation) and fine granularity in another dimension (resource units for precise transmission). This dimensional approach resolves the contradiction by operating at different granularities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If uplink scheduling information is transmitted over the unlicensed band, then resource utilization is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to strong resource contention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidinformation transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the licensed band as an intermediary channel to transmit uplink scheduling information reliably. The licensed band acts as a mediator that guarantees delivery of critical scheduling data, while the unlicensed band is used for actual data transmission, separating control plane and user plane functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of transmitting all information over the unlicensed band with a hybrid approach where critical scheduling information is transmitted over the licensed band. This substitution ensures reliable delivery of control information while maximizing unlicensed band utilization for data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple technologies share the unlicensed band, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station continuously monitors unlicensed band conditions and adjusts resource block assignments in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing interference conditions from coexisting technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, maintaining efficient spectrum utilization while managing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including resource block size, resource unit allocation, and transmission timing based on detected interference levels. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes spectrum utilization while mitigating the harmful effects of multi-technology coexistence in the unlicensed band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3755084B1Information transmission method and device, base station, and user equipment
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3755084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3755084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3755084B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an information transmission method and device, a base station, and user equipment. Said method comprises: determining system control information of an extendable band width part (BWP), the system control information being used to inform target user equipment of configuration information of the extendable BWP in a licensed spectrum and an unlicensed spectrum respectively; sending the system control information of the extendable BWP to the target user equipment; and according to the system control information, scheduling, on the extendable BWP and, the target user equipment to transmit information. The information transmission method provided by the present disclosure can be used to improve the configuration flexibility and effective utilization rate of the unlicensed spectrum resources.