5G NR Self-Contained Slot Configuration for Low-Latency UE Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G NR systems lack the flexibility to dynamically configure self-contained slots and slot durations, which affects power consumption and latency in wireless communications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a user equipment device (UE) to dynamically indicate preferences for self-contained slots and slot durations in 5G NR systems, allowing for dynamic adjustment of slot configurations based on traffic type and processing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional slot configurations are used in 5G NR systems, then flexibility in time resource allocation is limited, but dynamic configuration of self-contained slots and slot durations can reduce power consumption and latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in time resource allocationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic slot configuration where the UE can indicate preference for self-contained slots and slot durations based on current traffic conditions and processing capabilities. The base station adjusts slot configurations dynamically rather than using fixed traditional slot structures, allowing the system to adapt time resource allocation to actual needs and reduce power consumption during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of slot duration and slot structure type based on UE indication. The UE reports its processing capability and traffic characteristics, and the base station modifies slot configuration parameters (self-contained vs. traditional, slot duration lengths) to optimize power consumption while meeting latency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If self-contained slots are configured to reduce latency, then control messages and payload transmissions are consolidated, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control messages, payload transmissions, and acknowledgment messages into a single self-contained slot structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate traditional slot configurations for different message types, reducing latency by allowing immediate transmission and acknowledgment within the same slot while managing complexity through unified configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously determines its processing capability and traffic characteristics, then indicates preference for self-contained slot configuration to the base station. This self-service approach allows the UE to optimize its own latency performance based on its capabilities, reducing the need for complex centralized control while achieving low-latency communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If dynamic slot configuration is implemented to optimize power usage, then communication efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE reports its processing capability and traffic characteristics to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to determine appropriate self-contained slot configurations, optimizing communication efficiency while managing device complexity through information-based decision-making rather than complex real-time control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4271094B1Self-contained slot and slot duration configuration in NR systems
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 APPLE INC
  • EP4271094B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4271094B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4271094B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods to dynamically indicate preference for self-contained slots and slot duration by a user equipment device (UE) in communication with a base station (e.g., a gNB) using a 5G NR radio access technology. A UE may determine to send an indication to a gNB indicating a preference for self-contained slots and slot duration for downlink and/or uplink communications utilizing one or more of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and/or acknowledgement messaging (ACK/NACK) for downlink communications, and utilizing one or more of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), the PDCCH, and/or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for uplink communications. The configuration of self-contained slots and slot duration for uplink and/or downlink may be based on one or more of average packet size, average packet rate, traffic type and UE processing capabilities.