Multi-Time-Unit Data Channel Scheduling for Flexible NR Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing multi-slot scheduling in 5G NR systems imposes strict time slot structure requirements, leading to resource wastage and inflexibility in data transmission, particularly when the same time-frequency resources are used across multiple slots.

Innovation Solution

A flexible resource scheduling method is introduced, allowing data channels to be transmitted across multiple time units without strict adherence to the same time domain location, enabling more efficient use of resources by indicating the link direction and number of time units for transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-slot scheduling is used to transmit the same transmission block across multiple time slots, then transmission reliability is improved and scheduling signaling overhead is reduced, but the time slot structure requirements become overly restrictive and resource flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidtime slot structure flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission resource allocation into two independent parts: (1) DCI indicates the starting time slot and time-domain resource allocation parameters, and (2) RRC configuration provides the time slot structure pattern. This segmentation allows the time slot structure to be independently optimized without being constrained by the scheduling requirements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of resource allocation by allowing different time slot structures in different time slots within the same scheduled resource allocation. Instead of requiring all time slots to have identical structures, the system now supports variable time slot structures across the scheduling period, adding temporal diversity to the resource allocation framework.

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

2Loss of information

If the same time-frequency resources are used for PDSCH transmission in each time slot, then scheduling signaling overhead is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases due to inability to adapt to varying link directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling signaling overheadVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability into the resource allocation system by allowing the time slot structure to vary across different time slots while maintaining a unified scheduling framework. The RRC-configured time slot structure pattern enables the system to dynamically adjust resource allocation to match varying link directions and channel conditions, improving resource utilization without increasing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If strict time slot structure requirements are imposed to ensure PDSCH transmission, then transmission reliability is maintained, but system adaptability to different application requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePDSCH transmission reliabilityVSAvoidapplication requirement adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the reliability-guaranteeing scheduling function (DCI) from the structure-defining configuration function (RRC). The DCI ensures reliable transmission by indicating valid time slot allocations, while the RRC configuration enables diverse time slot structure patterns to match different application requirements. This segmentation allows both reliability and adaptability to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal scheduling framework that can accommodate multiple different time slot structure patterns through RRC configuration. The same DCI-based scheduling mechanism works across various time slot structures (different numbers of downlink symbols, different slot lengths, etc.), making the system universally applicable to different service types and application requirements while maintaining transmission reliability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4132156B1Data transmission method, terminal device, and network device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4132156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP4132156B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~7
  • EP4132156B1 patent drawingFigure 8A~10B

AI summary

The present application relates to a data transmission method, a terminal device, and a network device. The data transmission method comprises: a terminal device obtains first indication information, the first indication information being used to determine information of time domain resources corresponding to a first physical channel; the time domain resources of the first physical channel correspond to a first link direction; the time domain resources comprise time domain resources on N time units, N being an integer greater than 1; and the terminal device transmits the first physical channel by means of time domain resource on the N time units. Using the embodiments of the present application can enable a resource scheduling method to be more flexible.