Unlicensed Sidelink Multi-Slot Scheduling Under COT Conflicts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies are limited to single-slot sidelink (SL) transmissions and lack the capability to efficiently manage multiple consecutive slot SL-U communications, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and interference management in unlicensed spectrum scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution enables the selection, indication, and allocation of SL resources for multiple consecutive slots using DCI and SCI, incorporating higher layer parameters such as candidate SL resource slots, sub-channels, and data priority, allowing UEs to communicate directly in both mode 1 and mode 2 scenarios, even when resources conflict or overlap with channel occupancy times (COTs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-slot SL transmissions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is worsened due to repeated listen-before-talk procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing listen-before-talk procedures once at the beginning of a multi-slot transmission sequence rather than before each individual slot. The gNB schedules multiple consecutive slots in advance, and the UE performs channel access once to secure the entire sequence, thereby eliminating repeated LBT procedures and improving transmission efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized scheduling control
2Productivity
If multiple consecutive slot SL-U communications are enabled, then productivity is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to resource allocation management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the gNB as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of resource allocation for multi-slot transmissions. The gNB performs the complex task of selecting and scheduling multiple consecutive slots, managing channel access, and coordinating with the UE. This mediator approach allows the UE to benefit from improved productivity through efficient multi-slot communication while the gNB handles the resource allocation complexity, effectively distributing the complexity burden to the network side
3Reliability
If multiple consecutive slots are allocated, then reliability is improved, but resource allocation complexity is worsened due to conflict management with COTs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors channel occupancy times and provides scheduling decisions based on real-time channel conditions. The gNB receives feedback about COT status and uses this information to make informed scheduling decisions for multi-slot allocations, adjusting resource allocation dynamically to avoid conflicts. This feedback-driven approach ensures reliable communication by adapting to changing channel conditions while managing conflict complexity through centralized intelligent control
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques for enabling the indication, selection, allocation, and use of sidelink (SL) resources for SL communications using an unlicensed wireless spectrum (SL-U communications) and multiple, consecutive slots. One or more of these techniques may be applicable to scenarios in which SL resources are allocated by a base station and/or scenarios in which SL resources are allocated by use equipment (UEs). The SL resources may include a frequency domain, time domain, number of consecutive slots, etc., may be selected from a pool of SL-U resources, and may be indicated using downlink control information (DCI) and/or sidelink control information (SCI). The techniques may include allocating SL-U resources using additional or higher layer parameters, such as candidate SL resource slots, sub-channels, data priority values, a reference signal received power (RSRP), and more. The techniques may involve scenarios in which allocated SL resource conflict or overlap with a channel occupancy time (COT).