Guard Time Indication for Frequency Domain Resource Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation wireless communications systems, the complexity of implementing guard times for frequency domain resource adjustments is increased due to varying subcarrier spacings and different bandwidth parts, leading to potential communication errors during radio frequency retuning.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow a network device to flexibly indicate guard times to terminal devices, enabling them to adjust frequency domain resources efficiently by providing information about the guard time, thereby reducing system implementation complexity and preventing communication errors during frequency domain resource adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the base station configures multiple BWPs for the UE and instructs the UE to communicate on different BWPs based on scheduling requirements, then the system can provide higher data transmission rates and more flexible resource allocation, but the BWP adjustment causes radio frequency retuning that requires guard time and increases system implementation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidsystem implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the guard time duration based on the specific BWP adjustment scenario. The network device determines the guard time length according to factors such as subcarrier spacing, BWP frequency position, and adjustment direction, transforming a fixed guard time approach into a flexible, parameter-adaptive mechanism that reduces complexity while maintaining high data transmission rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the guard time configuration adaptive and variable rather than static. The guard time is dynamically determined based on real-time communication conditions, including the specific BWP transition being performed, allowing the system to optimize performance for each adjustment scenario while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a predefined guard time manner from eMTC is used in the NR system, then the implementation is simpler in terms of guard time definition, but the system implementation complexity is increased due to varying subcarrier spacings and different BWP configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of guard time definitionVSAvoidsystem implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the guard time configuration to specific local conditions of each BWP adjustment scenario. Rather than using a universal predefined guard time, the network device determines appropriate guard time parameters based on the specific subcarrier spacing, frequency position, and adjustment characteristics of each BWP transition, ensuring optimal performance for each local context while managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the guard time is not properly managed during BWP adjustment, then the system can operate continuously without interruptions, but communication errors occur due to inconsistent understanding of guard time between the base station and the UE

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing consistent guard time understanding between the network device and UE through explicit signaling. The network device determines and communicates the guard time configuration to the UE, ensuring both parties have identical understanding of when and how long the guard time should be applied, preventing communication errors while maintaining continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining and notifying the UE of the guard time configuration before the BWP adjustment occurs. This advance notification ensures the UE is prepared for the upcoming adjustment with the correct guard time parameters, preventing communication errors and ensuring seamless transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3661294B1Method, apparatus and system for adjusting frequency domain resource and sending indication information
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3661294B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3661294B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3661294B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A frequency domain resource adjustment and apparatus, and an indication information sending method and apparatus, and a system relate to the field of communications technologies. The method includes: determining, by a network device, to adjust a frequency domain resource of a terminal device from a first frequency domain resource to a second frequency domain resource; sending information about a guard time to the terminal device; after receiving the information about the guard time that is sent by the base station, determining, by the terminal device, the guard time based on the information about the guard time; and adjusting, by the terminal device, the first frequency domain resource to the second frequency domain resource within the guard time. In the embodiments of this application, the information about the guard time is introduced, so that the network device can flexibly indicate the guard time to the terminal device in different cases, thereby reducing system implementation complexity.