NR Sidelink SCI Resource Indication Across Coverage Scenarios

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 3GPP NR sidelink communication systems face challenges in efficiently determining the frequency domain resource assignment indication field in sidelink control information (SCI) for optimal resource allocation in various coverage scenarios, including out-of-coverage, in-coverage, and partial-coverage conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method for NR sidelink user equipment to determine the value of the frequency domain resource assignment indication field in sidelink control information (SCI) based on received scheduling information from the base station, utilizing DCI format 3_0 and RRC signaling, to optimize resource allocation in different coverage scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the maximum number of sidelink resources reserved for one sidelink transmission is increased to support more resources, then the resource allocation flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency domain resource assignment indication field is segmented into multiple parts: a first indication information indicating the number of sidelink resources, and second indication information indicating the frequency domain resources. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently represent a larger number of resources without proportionally increasing the total signaling overhead, as the first part compresses the resource count information while the second part provides detailed frequency assignments only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a two-dimensional resource indication approach: the first indication information operates in the dimension of resource quantity (how many resources), while the second indication information operates in the dimension of resource identity (which specific resources). This dimensional separation allows efficient encoding of large resource spaces by breaking down a single complex indication into two simpler, more manageable indications.

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

2Reliability

If the frequency domain resource assignment indication field is optimized for out-of-coverage scenarios, then the communication reliability is improved, but the adaptability to in-coverage and partial-coverage scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidscenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal frequency domain resource assignment indication mechanism that functions across all coverage scenarios (out-of-coverage, in-coverage, and partial-coverage). The same field structure with first and second indication information can be interpreted and utilized differently depending on the coverage scenario, allowing a single mechanism to serve multiple functions and scenarios without requiring scenario-specific optimizations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic interpretation of the frequency domain resource assignment indication field based on the coverage scenario. In out-of-coverage scenarios, the field is optimized for autonomous resource selection with enhanced reliability features. In in-coverage scenarios, the same field structure can be interpreted with network coordination. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to adjust the meaning and processing of the indication field according to the operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4132166B1Method executed by user equipment, and user equipment
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SHARP KK
  • EP4132166B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4132166B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4132166B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided in the present invention are a method performed by user equipment, and user equipment. The method includes: determining the maximum number Nmax of sidelink resources reserved for one sidelink transmission; receiving sidelink scheduling information transmitted by a base station; determining an index or number f2 of a lowest sub-channel of a second sidelink resource, and the number m of sub-channels in a sidelink frequency domain resource assignment, and/or an index f3 of a lowest sub-channel of a third sidelink resource; and determining a value r' of a frequency domain resource indication field in a sidelink control information (SCI) format 0-1.