Shared Channel Sensing Using Slot Format Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently sharing channels for simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions, particularly in flexible frequency division duplexing scenarios, where existing channel sensing methods are inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilizes a slot format indicator to determine the scheduled channel usage for time units, allowing for the selection of appropriate channel sensing types based on the indicated duplexing mode, thereby optimizing channel usage and reducing unnecessary sensing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional channel sensing methods are used for all uplink transmissions on shared channels, then channel access reliability is improved, but channel utilization efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary sensing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the channel sensing operation conditional rather than static. The sensing requirement dynamically changes based on the duplexing mode indicated by the slot format indicator. When the SFI indicates simultaneous uplink and downlink or downlink-only modes, channel sensing is waived or modified, allowing the system to adapt sensing behavior to current transmission conditions, thereby improving channel utilization without compromising reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of channel sensing requirement based on the slot format indicator value. Different SFI values correspond to different duplexing modes, which directly change whether channel sensing is required, the type of sensing required, or the timing of sensing. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize channel access behavior according to the scheduled transmission pattern, resolving the contradiction between reliability and efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If channel sensing is performed before every uplink transmission on shared channels, then interference avoidance is improved, but resource consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing channel sensing only when necessary rather than always. Based on the slot format indicator, the system determines the appropriate level of sensing action - sometimes full sensing is required, sometimes reduced sensing suffices, and sometimes no sensing is needed at all. This partial action approach maintains interference avoidance capability while significantly reducing resource consumption from unnecessary sensing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the slot format indicator information (which already contains scheduling decisions) to self-determine when channel sensing is needed. The apparatus autonomously adjusts its sensing behavior based on the indicated duplexing mode without requiring additional signaling or external control, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining interference avoidance through intelligent self-service
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible frequency division duplexing is implemented on shared channels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to multiple communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified channel access mechanism that works across multiple communication systems (5G NR, LTE, Wi-Fi) operating on shared channels. The slot format indicator-based sensing determination approach is a universal solution that adapts to different duplexing modes and system types, allowing the same apparatus to handle diverse communication scenarios without requiring system-specific complexity for each case
4Reliability
If channel sensing is always performed on shared channels, then transmission reliability is improved, but communication throughput deteriorates due to sensing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the slot format indicator (which is provided in advance as part of the scheduling information) to pre-determine whether channel sensing will be required before the actual uplink transmission occurs. This allows the apparatus to prepare appropriately in advance - either performing sensing early or skipping it entirely based on the predicted transmission mode, thereby avoiding last-minute sensing delays and improving throughput while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving control information including a slot format indicator configured to indicate scheduled channel usage for time units, wherein the slot format indicator includes at least one indicator configured to indicate that simultaneous uplink and downlink communications are scheduled to occur on a shared channel in at least one of the time units; and determining a type of channel sensing to use prior to initiating an uplink transmission on at least a portion of the shared channel based, at least in part, on the control information, wherein determining a type of channel sensing to use comprises analysing the scheduled channel usage for, at least, the time unit in which the uplink transmission is scheduled to be initiated and the time unit before the time unit in which the uplink transmission is scheduled to be initiated.