5G NR Slot Format Indication via Segmented Dynamic Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G New Radio (NR) systems face challenges in effectively indicating the format information of slots to terminals, specifically in determining whether a symbol is for uplink or downlink transmission, which affects efficient resource configuration and transmission processes.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network device generates indication information to specify the type of format information for time units, such as slots, using index values or identifiers, allowing terminals to determine the type of each symbol within those units, enabling efficient resource configuration and reducing blind detection requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If group common PDCCH is used to indicate slot format information, then the indication capability is improved, but the terminal's blind detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot format indication capabilityVSAvoidterminal blind detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the slot format indication by dividing slots into different types (first type slots with semi-static indication, second type slots with dynamic indication). This segmentation allows the terminal to process different slot formats through different mechanisms, reducing overall blind detection complexity while maintaining comprehensive indication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic indication mechanism where the network can flexibly switch between semi-static and dynamic slot format indication based on slot type. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different transmission scenarios, improving indication efficiency while managing terminal complexity through standardized processing rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible slot structure is supported, then transmission flexibility is improved, but resource configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot structure flexibilityVSAvoidresource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments slots into different types with different configuration mechanisms. First type slots use semi-static configuration for stable patterns, while second type slots use dynamic configuration for flexible adjustments. This segmentation maintains transmission flexibility while reducing configuration complexity through standardized type-based processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the indication parameter mechanism based on slot type. Semi-static parameters are used for first type slots to reduce configuration overhead, while dynamic parameters are used for second type slots to maintain flexibility. This parameter change strategy balances flexibility and complexity by matching the indication mechanism to the slot characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3672340B1Resource allocation method, terminal and network device
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3672340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3672340B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application provides a resource configuration method, to resolve a problem how a network device indicates format information of a time unit to a terminal. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal, first indication information sent by a network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate S first time units and T second time units, where when S≠0, the first indication information further indicates an index value or an identifier of format information of the first time unit; and when T≠0, the first indication information further indicates first set information of the second time unit, the first set information indicates a first set, and the first set includes index values or identifiers of at least two types of format information of the second time unit; and determining, by the terminal, the format information of the first time unit based on the index value or the identifier of the format information of the first time unit, or determining the first set based on the first set information.