Flexible Frame Format Configuration for 5G Radio Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication systems, such as LTE/LTE-A, face limitations in responding to dynamic requirements due to the use of a common frame format, which increases complexity and overhead, making it difficult to efficiently support various use cases and usage scenarios in 5G systems.

Innovation Solution

A base station and terminal apparatus communication method that allows for flexible frame format configuration, enabling dynamic changes in radio access network performance to accommodate different requirements by using multiple frame formats and radio parameters, specifically the first and second frame formats, which can be aggregated in time and frequency domains, and selectively used based on usage scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a common frame format is used in radio communication systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to respond to dynamic requirements and support diverse use cases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to respond to dynamic requirementsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frame format into multiple types (first frame format and second frame format) with different structures and parameters. This allows the system to select appropriate frame formats for different use cases, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through structured segmentation rather than uncontrolled variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic frame format configuration where frame formats can be changed based on communication conditions and requirements. The system can dynamically select between different frame formats and adjust radio parameters, enabling adaptation to varying requirements without permanently increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frame formats are introduced to support diverse use cases, then adaptability improves, but system complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for various use casesVSAvoidframe format complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different frame format characteristics to different use cases and frequency bands. Each frame format is optimized for specific requirements (e.g., first frame format for one type of communication, second frame format for another), allowing the system to support diverse use cases without requiring all possible variations simultaneously, thus managing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If frame format configuration is made flexible to accommodate different requirements, then service efficiency for various use cases improves, but overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio communication efficiencyVSAvoidoverhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes frame format parameters (such as subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, frame structure) based on specific requirements. By adjusting these parameters rather than creating entirely new frame formats, the system achieves flexibility and improved efficiency while minimizing overhead associated with defining and managing numerous distinct formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3410772B1Base station, terminal, and communication method
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 SHARP KK
  • EP3410772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3410772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3410772B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a base station apparatus, a terminal apparatus, and a communication method that achieve a radio access network capable of being flexibly compatible with various requirements. The base station apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a transmission unit configured to generate a transmit signal based on a frame format in which a radio parameter is configurable, and configured to notify the terminal apparatus of information indicating the radio parameter configured in the frame format. The terminal apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit configured to acquire information indicating a radio parameter configured in a frame format, and configured to demodulate a signal generated based on the frame format, based on the radio parameter.