Network Device Time-Domain Resource Determination for Unlicensed Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of long-term evolution-based licensed-assisted access (LAA-LTE) and new radio (NR) technologies, determining time-domain resources for data transmission on unlicensed spectra is challenging, especially for ensuring correct data communication between network and terminal devices.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network device determines and communicates time-domain resource information to a terminal device using specific subcarrier spacings, allowing agreement on resource positions for both downlink and uplink transmission bursts, enabling efficient data communication by indicating starting and ending positions, channel occupancy durations, or slot formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LBT principle is applied on unlicensed spectrum, then channel access reliability is improved, but data transmission continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs LBT detection before data transmission to determine channel availability in advance. By performing this preliminary action, the system ensures reliable channel access while the preconfigured resource allocation patterns prepare the transmission framework ahead of time, reducing the impact of potential transmission interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where time-domain resources are flexibly adjusted based on LBT outcomes. The network device can dynamically modify transmission parameters such as starting positions, durations, and slot formats according to real-time channel conditions, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining reliability through LBT and preserving continuity through flexible resource reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subcarrier spacings are supported in NR technology, then transmission adaptability is improved, but resource position determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission adaptabilityVSAvoidresource position determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically selecting different subcarrier spacings based on service requirements and channel conditions. The network device configures specific subcarrier spacing values for different transmission scenarios, allowing flexible adaptation to various bandwidth and latency requirements while managing complexity through standardized parameter sets defined in the protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the unlicensed spectrum into multiple subbands, with each subband potentially using different subcarrier spacings. This segmentation allows independent optimization of resource allocation in each subband, reducing overall determination complexity by breaking down the complex multi-parameter problem into manageable sub-problems that can be handled separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If opportunistic data transmission is implemented, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but communication synchronization difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication synchronization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device and terminal device exchange information about successful LBT outcomes and actual transmission resource usage. This feedback loop allows both parties to synchronize their understanding of available resources and adjust future transmission plans accordingly, maintaining synchronization despite the opportunistic nature of unlicensed spectrum access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network device acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the opportunistic LBT-based transmission opportunities and the terminal device's expectations. By controlling and announcing resource allocations through downlink control information, the network device mediates the synchronization between the stochastic nature of LBT success and the deterministic requirements of data communication, ensuring both parties operate with consistent resource knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4037404B1Information transmission method and device
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4037404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4037404B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4037404B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide an information transmission method and device. The method comprises: a network device determines a first time-domain resource available on a first carrier, the first time-domain resource being a time-domain resource in a first downlink transmission opportunity; and the network device sends first information to a terminal device by means of the first time-domain resource on the first carrier, the first information being used for indicating that time-domain resource information of the first transmission opportunity is determined according to a first carrier interval.