Flexible Time-Frequency Resource Allocation for Half-Duplex Interference Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks with dense deployments and half-duplex restrictions face challenges in exchanging control information and performing measurements among nodes within a frame, leading to underperformance due to fixed tx/rx assignments and inability to measure interference from transmitting nodes.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first communication node determines the use of a third set of time-frequency resources for communication with a third node, allowing flexible duplex communication, including opposite direction communication for measurement procedures, and interrupting data communication to perform measurements, enabling efficient exchange of control signaling and measurements across nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed tx/rx assignments are used in half-duplex communication, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as nodes cannot exchange control information flexibly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol complexityVSAvoidcontrol information exchange flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the tx/rx direction of the third set of time-frequency resources configurable and adaptable. Instead of fixed assignments, the system dynamically determines communication direction based on measurement needs and control information exchange requirements, allowing nodes to switch between transmission and reception modes within the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is segmented into multiple sets of time-frequency resources with different functions: first set for control information, second set for data information, and third set for flexible measurement and control operations. This segmentation allows each segment to serve its specific purpose while maintaining overall system coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If nodes interrupt data communication to perform measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to communication disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata communication throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by performing measurements during designated third set resources without completely halting communication operations. Data communication in second set resources continues uninterrupted, while measurement activities occur in the dedicated third set, ensuring both measurement precision and communication productivity are maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Communication resources are segmented into dedicated measurement periods (third set) and data transmission periods (second set). This segmentation allows measurements to be performed during specific time-frequency resources without interrupting ongoing data communication, as each segment operates independently for its designated purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If dense network deployments are implemented, then network coverage is improved, but control information exchange becomes more difficult due to half-duplex restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidcontrol signaling exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the control signaling challenge in dense deployments by adding a temporal dimension to resource allocation. The third set of time-frequency resources provides an additional dimension for control information exchange, allowing nodes to communicate control signals during measurement periods without conflicting with data transmission, thus facilitating easier control signaling in dense networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The third set of time-frequency resources serves multiple functions: it enables interference measurements, facilitates control information exchange between nodes, and supports coordination in dense deployments. This multi-functionality allows a single resource set to address multiple challenges simultaneously, improving ease of operation in dense networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3225062B1Transmission and reception in a determined third set of time-frequency resources

Publication Date: 2019.11.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

A method performed by a first communication node (511) in communication with a second communication node (512). The second node (512) is a receiver or transmitter of data in a frame (800). The frame (800) comprises one first set of time-frequency resources (801) reserved for control information, and a second set of time-frequency resources (802) reserved for data. The first node (511) determines that a third set (803) is to be used for communication of information with a third communication node (513). The information is control information, data information, or one or more signals related to one or more measurement procedures. The first node (511) determines a direction of communication in the third set (803), based on the information to be communicated. The first node (511) performs transmission or reception to or from the third node (513) in the determined direction, and in the third set (803).