Network Device Grant-Free Uplink Detection and Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communications, the existing methods for a network device to send an uplink grant to a terminal device in a grant-free transmission manner are not adequately resolved, leading to inefficiencies in data reception.

Innovation Solution

The network device detects data transmissions from the terminal device over multiple time units and sends first indication information to indicate a scheduled resource for data transmission, ensuring accurate data reception by allowing multiple detection attempts and adjusting transmission timing based on reference signal information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the network device sends UL grant immediately after detecting failed data reception in grant-free transmission, then the response speed is improved, but the accuracy of indication information may deteriorate due to insufficient detection time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidaccuracy of indication information
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary detection of the terminal device's data transmission before sending the UL grant. By pre-configuring detection resources and performing detection in advance, the network device ensures accurate identification of the terminal device and transmission resources, thereby improving the accuracy of indication information while maintaining response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time buffer between data detection and UL grant transmission. The network device is configured with a detection window and processing time, allowing it to accumulate detection results and prepare accurate indication information before responding, thus cushioning the potential inaccuracy from rushed responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the network device allows multiple detection attempts for data reception, then the accuracy of data reception is improved, but the transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of data receptionVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs periodic detection attempts at pre-configured intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This allows multiple detection opportunities to improve reliability while limiting the total time spent, as the device can stop after a predetermined number of attempts or when detection succeeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device assists the network device by transmitting reference signals and data in a structured manner that facilitates detection. The terminal's cooperative transmission pattern enables the network device to perform efficient periodic detection with fewer attempts needed, reducing overall transmission time while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3657877B1Communication method and network device
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3657877B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657877B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP3657877B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, a terminal device, and a network device. The method includes: detecting, by a network device in a first time unit, a reference signal and/or data that are/is sent by a terminal device to the network device in a second time unit; and sending, by the network device, first indication information in a third time unit after the first time unit, where the first indication information is used to indicate a resource for sending the data by the terminal device. According to the communication method, the terminal device, and the network device provided in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device sends the data to the network device in a grant-free transmission manner. This ensures accuracy of sending the first indication information by the network device, reduces a quantity of times of blind detection of the first indication information by the terminal device, and therefore lowers power consumption of the terminal device.