Sidelink COT Sharing with Priority-Based Transmission Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing channel occupancy time (COT) sharing for sidelink communications in unlicensed spectrum, particularly in aligning transmissions across multiple user equipment (UEs) and determining optimal transmission starting points based on priority.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where UEs receive and transmit COT sharing indications to align sidelink transmissions based on channel access types, either through a common starting point for all UEs or prioritized starting points based on individual UE priorities, enabling efficient utilization of COT.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If UEs use individual prioritized transmission starting points, then transmission efficiency is improved, but transmission alignment and coordination deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two channel access types: Type 1 provides static alignment with a common transmission starting point for all UEs, while Type 2 provides dynamic prioritization allowing UEs to select starting points based on their priority levels. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize for either alignment or efficiency depending on current conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of transmission starting point selection from a fixed approach to a variable approach. By introducing a channel access type indicator that can take different values (Type 1 or Type 2), the system can adjust the transmission behavior parameter to match different operational requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If UEs align transmissions at a common starting point, then coordination is improved, but transmission flexibility and priority handling deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission coordinationVSAvoidpriority handling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between Type 1 (common starting point) and Type 2 (prioritized starting points) channel access modes. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain coordination when needed while providing flexibility for priority handling when required, resolving the contradiction between these two features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The channel access mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in Type 1 mode for coordinated transmissions and in Type 2 mode for prioritized transmissions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address both coordination and flexibility requirements, resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If COT sharing is implemented without channel access type indication, then spectral utilization is improved, but transmission alignment and priority management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral utilizationVSAvoidtransmission management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel access type indicator serves as an intermediary element that enables efficient COT sharing while maintaining proper alignment and priority management. This indicator carries essential information that allows UEs to correctly interpret and execute transmission procedures, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing the channel access type indicator parameter, the system transforms the COT sharing mechanism from a simple uncoordinated approach to a controlled approach that maintains both efficiency and proper management. The parameter enables the system to adapt its behavior based on the indicated type, resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260059552A1Sensing structures and prioritization in channel occupancy time sharing for sidelink in unlicensed spectrum

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first user equipment (UE) may receive a channel occupancy time (COT) sharing indication from a second UE. The first UE may determine whether the COT is associated with a first channel access type or a second channel access type, wherein the first channel access type is associated with aligning sidelink transmissions across a group of UEs and the second channel access type is associated with determining a transmission starting point for a sidelink communication based at least in part on a priority associated with the first UE. The first UE may attempt to transmit a sidelink communication at the transmission starting point. Numerous other aspects are described.