Skipped Uplink Grant Occasions for Sidelink Resource Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face inefficiencies in resource utilization due to the fixed allocation of uplink-configured grants, leading to suboptimal use of resources when uplink transmissions are skipped, which can be addressed by reallocating these resources for sidelink communications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to skip uplink transmissions associated with an uplink-configured grant and utilize those resources for sidelink communications, enabling other UEs to monitor these resources for sidelink transmissions, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uplink-configured grant resources are fixed and allocated, then uplink transmission reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates when uplink transmissions are skipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the configured grant resources dynamic by allowing UEs to indicate skipped uplink transmissions and enabling other UEs to dynamically use these resources for sidelink transmissions. The resources transition from static fixed allocation to dynamic shared allocation based on actual uplink transmission needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables configured grant resources to serve multiple functions: primary uplink transmissions when needed, and fallback sidelink transmissions when uplink is skipped. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same resources adaptable to different communication needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uplink-configured grant resources are continuously allocated, then uplink communication availability is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of configured grant resources by receiving UEs, but allows them to skip monitoring when uplink transmissions are skipped. This periodic yet conditional monitoring reduces power consumption while maintaining uplink communication availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows UEs to autonomously determine when to skip uplink transmissions and when receiving UEs can autonomously use skipped resources for sidelink communications. This self-service mechanism reduces unnecessary transmissions and power consumption without centralized control.
3Productivity
If configured grant resources are skipped for uplink, then resource utilization is improved, but sidelink transmission reliability may deteriorate without proper coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary indication of skipped uplink transmissions by transmitting UEs before other UEs can use the resources for sidelink communications. This advance notification ensures reliable coordination and prevents conflicts, maintaining sidelink transmission reliability while enabling resource reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where transmitting UEs indicate skipped transmissions and receiving UEs provide acknowledgments or coordination information. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable sidelink transmissions on reused resources through proper coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects presented herein may enable a UE with an UL-CG to use resources associated with one or more UL transmissions for sidelink communications. In one aspect, a first UE transmits an indication of an UL-CG configuration including a set of periodic resources, where the UL-CG configuration corresponds to at least one allocated UL transmission for the first UE to a network node, where the indication is transmitted to at least one second UE. The first UE skips at least one UL transmission associated with the UL-CG configuration, where the skipped at least one UL transmission corresponds to a subset of the set of periodic resources. The first UE transmits a SL transmission to the at least one second UE using at least the subset of the set of periodic resources corresponding to the skipped at least one UL transmission associated with the UL-CG configuration.