Slot Format Indication for Flexible Duplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in slot format indication and collision handling, particularly in duplexing enhancement scenarios where traditional restrictions on transmission directions per symbol do not apply, leading to complexities in managing frequency resources for both uplink and downlink transmissions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves associating transmission directions with specific frequency resources, allowing User Equipment (UE) to perform corresponding actions based on indicated frequency resources for improved slot format handling and collision management, enabling flexible duplexing operations by distinguishing between first and second frequency resources for scheduling and reception/cancellation decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional slot format indication methods are used, then the system maintains simple structure, but the duplexing efficiency and resource utilization are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduplexing efficiencyVSAvoidslot format indication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency resources into first frequency resources for uplink and second frequency resources for downlink, allowing independent indication and management of each direction's resources. This segmentation enables flexible duplexing operations while maintaining clear resource boundaries, resolving the contradiction between improved duplexing efficiency and increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces frequency resource dimension differentiation by associating transmission directions with specific frequency resources rather than treating all resources uniformly. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions in different frequency regions, improving duplexing efficiency without requiring complex time-division coordination.

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

2Productivity

If frequency resources are not differentiated by transmission direction, then the scheduling is simple, but collision handling between uplink and downlink is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision handling efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning specific frequency resources (first frequency resources for uplink, second frequency resources for downlink) to different transmission directions. This localized resource allocation enables efficient collision handling through frequency-domain isolation, where uplink and downlink transmissions occur in separate frequency regions, reducing interference and simplifying collision resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions are enabled, then the resource utilization improves, but the risk of transmission collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments frequency resources into distinct uplink and downlink regions, allowing simultaneous transmissions in both directions while preventing collisions through frequency isolation. This segmentation maintains high resource utilization by enabling parallel operations while ensuring transmission reliability through clear frequency boundary separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces frequency resource indication as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between uplink and downlink transmissions. By indicating which frequency resources are allocated to each direction, the system enables simultaneous operations while preventing collisions, thus maintaining both high resource utilization and transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4181607A1Method and apparatus for slot format indication in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • EP4181607A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4181607A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4181607A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for slot format indication in a wireless communication system, providing improved efficiency of slot format and collision handling for duplexing enhancement. A User Equipment, UE, can receive indication of one or more first frequency resources from a base station, wherein the one or more first frequency resources are associated with a first transmission direction (1022), and receive indication of, or deriving, one or more second frequency resources, wherein the one or more second frequency resources are associated with a second transmission direction (1024).