Multi-Band Communication Scheduling with Common RB Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face high control resource overheads due to the need for multiple pieces of scheduling information when a terminal device is covered by multiple component carriers, leading to inefficient use of air interface resources.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that configures at least two frequency bands for a terminal device, allowing a single piece of scheduling information to schedule data transmission across both bands by establishing a common resource block deviation and alignment, thereby reducing control resource overheads and improving data transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pieces of scheduling information are transmitted to schedule data transmission on multiple frequency bands, then data transmission coverage is improved, but control resource overheads increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission coverageVSAvoidcontrol resource overheads
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple scheduling information pieces into a single scheduling information structure that can simultaneously indicate resource blocks on multiple frequency bands. This merging approach allows the terminal device to receive scheduling information for both first and second frequency bands through one piece of scheduling information, thereby reducing control resource overheads while maintaining comprehensive data transmission coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling information is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The single scheduling information structure can indicate resource blocks on both the first frequency band and the second frequency band, making it a universal scheduling mechanism that eliminates the need for separate scheduling information for each frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple pieces of scheduling information are used for multiple frequency bands, then transmission reliability is improved, but air interface resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidair interface resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple scheduling information pieces into a single unified scheduling information structure that maintains transmission reliability across multiple frequency bands. This single scheduling information indicates resource blocks on both frequency bands, ensuring reliable data transmission while eliminating the waste of air interface resources that would occur with multiple separate scheduling information pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If frequency bands are aligned for common resource block scheduling, then control resource overheads are reduced, but scheduling flexibility is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol resource overheadsVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic offset parameters that allow the resource block alignment to be flexible rather than fixed. The offset between the first frequency band and second frequency band can be dynamically adjusted based on actual scheduling needs, maintaining scheduling flexibility while still enabling common resource block scheduling to reduce control resource overheads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the alignment parameter from a fixed relationship to a dynamic offset-based relationship. By introducing offset parameters that can vary, the system maintains the benefits of aligned scheduling for reduced overheads while preserving the flexibility to adapt to different frequency band configurations and scheduling requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4171141B1Communication method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4171141B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(a)
  • EP4171141B1 patent drawingFigure 2(b)
  • EP4171141B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and provides a communication method and apparatus, to reduce control resource overheads. The method includes: A terminal device receives configuration information from a network device. The configuration information is used to configure at least two frequency bands for the terminal device, and the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The terminal device receives first scheduling information from the network device. The first scheduling information indicates a target resource block RB for data transmission. The terminal device performs data transmission with the network device on a same symbol by using a first RB on the first frequency band and a second RB on the second frequency band. There is a first common resource block CRB deviation between the first RB and the second RB, and the target RB includes the first RB or the second RB.