Unlicensed Sidelink Resource Allocation via Terminal Channel-Access Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems lack a solution for network devices to allocate unlicensed spectrum resources for sidelink communication effectively.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device determines channel access information and sends it to a network device, which uses this information to allocate resources for sidelink communication, improving resource allocation effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the network device allocates unlicensed spectrum resources for sidelink communication, then resource allocation capability is improved, but there is no existing solution or standard for this function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation process into distinct phases: channel access phase (where the terminal performs LBT and determines channel availability) and resource allocation phase (where the network device allocates resources based on channel access results). This segmentation allows the system to handle unlicensed spectrum resources systematically by separating the complex channel access function from the resource allocation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal device reports channel access results (such as LBT success/failure, channel quality indicators) to the network device. The network device uses this feedback information to make informed resource allocation decisions for unlicensed spectrum, thereby improving resource allocation effectiveness while managing system complexity through structured information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the terminal device performs channel access process on unlicensed spectrum resources, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but information about channel access results needs to be transmitted to the network device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidchannel access information transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal device complete the channel access process (including LBT procedures) before resource allocation is finalized. The terminal prepares channel access result information in advance and transmits it to the network device, allowing the network to make timely resource allocation decisions without waiting for additional confirmation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses uplink control information (UCI) and buffer status reports (BSR) as intermediary carriers to transmit channel access result information from the terminal to the network device. These existing communication mechanisms serve as intermediaries that efficiently convey channel access status, reducing the need for dedicated new signaling protocols and minimizing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the network device uses channel access results to allocate resources, then resource allocation effectiveness is improved, but additional signaling overhead is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation effectivenessVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmission of channel access result information with existing uplink control signaling structures (UCI and BSR). Instead of creating separate dedicated signaling messages, the channel access information is combined with regular control information that the terminal already transmits to the network, thereby improving resource allocation effectiveness while minimizing additional signaling overhead through resource-efficient multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4027723B1Communication method and device
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4027723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4027723B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4027723B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A communication method and apparatus are provided. The method includes: A first terminal device determines first information, where the first information includes a result of a channel access process performed on a first resource, and the first resource is used for sidelink communication between the first terminal device and a second terminal device, or is used for communication between the first terminal device and a network device; or the first information includes a resource request message, and the resource request message is used to request a resource for retransmission on a sidelink between the first terminal device and a second terminal device; and the first terminal device sends the first information to the network device.