NR Sidelink-Unlicensed Resource Indication for Non-Consecutive Subchannels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing frequency domain resource indication methods for sidelink unlicensed (SL-U) systems in NR Rel-16/17 are inflexible, leading to inefficient utilization of resources due to limitations in indicating available and non-consecutive subchannels.

Innovation Solution

A two-part indication method is introduced, where the first indication information includes subchannel information, and the second indication information provides additional frequency domain details, allowing flexible resource allocation by indicating the starting location and number of subchannels, as well as the resource mapping and index numbering manner, using bit quantization or bitmap for efficient resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an indication method based on consecutive subchannel indexes is used in SL-U systems, then the resource allocation follows the conventional NR Rel-16/17 approach, but the resources cannot be used flexibly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidindication method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency domain resource indication is segmented into two independent parts: first indication information (Type A) indicating the starting subchannel index and number of subchannels, and second indication information (Type B) indicating resource mapping and index numbering manners. This segmentation allows flexible combination of different indication types to accommodate various resource allocation scenarios including consecutive and non-consecutive subchannels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching between different indication methods. The second indication information can dynamically indicate different resource mapping manners (e.g., interlace-based, contiguous RB-based) and index numbering manners, allowing the system to adapt to different transmission scenarios and requirements in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional frequency domain resource indication is used, then the indication structure is simple, but non-consecutive subchannels cannot be indicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubchannel indication capabilityVSAvoidfrequency domain resource information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to resource indication by introducing a second type of indication information that operates alongside the traditional first indication information. This additional dimension provides resource mapping manner and index numbering manner, enabling the system to indicate both consecutive and non-consecutive subchannels without losing frequency domain resource information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a single indication method is used for all scenarios, then the system is simple to operate, but resource utilization efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidindication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal indication system where the first indication information (Type A) and second indication information (Type B) can be combined in different ways to serve multiple functions. The same indication structure can indicate consecutive subchannels, non-consecutive subchannels, interlace-based resources, or contiguous RB-based resources, making the system multi-functional and highly adaptable to different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4611454A1Resource indication method, first node, second node, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ZTE CORP
  • EP4611454A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4611454A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4611454A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are a resource indication method, a first node, a second node, and a storage medium. The resource indication method is applied to the first node. The method includes determining first indication information of a physical transmission resource and second indication information of the physical transmission resource, where the first indication information includes subchannel information of a frequency domain of the physical transmission resource, and the second indication information includes other frequency domain indication information of the physical transmission resource other than the first indication information in the frequency domain; transmitting control information including the first indication information and the second indication information.